Vehicle Transport in Stephenson MI
Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice
Do you have questions such as what size auto carrier do I need or how much does this cost? Call us now to get all of your questions answered.
Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Stephenson, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.
Dependable Service
On time delivery and pickup
Don’t settle for slow response or late deliveries. For over 10 years we have shipped vehicles on time, when and where our customers need them. Call today to see why we’re the best budget auto transport company in Stephenson, MI.
Are you searching for the absolute best Stephenson auto transport? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you comprehend the transport process every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one place to another properly. Almost all shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another location of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Stephenson auto shipping services, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.
Stephenson Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport
You’ll essentially have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Stephenson. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options
An auto shipping broker is essentially the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of existing market conditions in order to offer the most reasonable rates. A car transporter in Stephenson will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to connect clients with their solutions. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management firm. These brokers also stay in touch with the client throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Stephenson
An auto transport carrier is the company that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the work of transporting a motor vehicle. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be difficult to find the best carrier since many of them depend on brokers to connect them with customers. The client will be responsible for locating a company that handles auto transport in Stephenson, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the best price. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. Not every auto shipper will necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Car Shipping Tips
Secure your personal items outside your car.
Auto shippers in Stephenson are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of common things you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s well-advised to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
Since your automobile will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could result in shipping troubles.
Take note of any existing damage on your car.
In order to record the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Stephenson auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to identify any dents or damage. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. This way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the auto transport process.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Stephenson auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your vehicle on their truck. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the operater of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help prevent mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Verify your insurance coverage.
Even though the Stephenson auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could come up. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Stephenson
You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for your needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a sound decision on which auto transport Stephenson service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a highly regarded company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their standing. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you understand the process a little better.
Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Stephenson
The cars moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can generally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.
Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Stephenson
Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always cheaper, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Stephenson you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. By doing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.