Car Transport in Washington MI
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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.
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Washington, 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.
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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 Washington, MI.
The car shipping business can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a little bit of research you can make the best selection possible for hauling your automobile. In order to transport a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the best information and contacting the right Washington auto transport service to take care of the job. More often than not when you reach out to a transport company you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather then the transporter themselves. They both provide the same options, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. The process is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s details handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a certain date it has to arrive by. One of the most important distinctions to realize is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.
Washington Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
One of the most crucial distinctions to understand is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Washington it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the industry works. The process is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an educated decision.
Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry
A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. The advantage of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it will increase competition.
How to Find a Car Carrier in Washington
When you work specifically with an auto transport professional that means you will be interacting with the actual individual or company that will be moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. Most auto transport carriers in Washington have to be licensed and insured, but a client should still do their research to validate this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport motor vehicles to. Finding a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be difficult, as many carriers employ brokers who will connect them with the correct customers. You’ll end up having to pay about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as fees are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair quantity of competition between different auto carriers, so at times you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. As a result, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great price.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle
Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Auto shippers in Washington are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve stored in your vehicle. It’s a great idea to sweep your vehicle for any of these items and get rid of them prior to pickup.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
Prior to shipping your vehicle with a Washington car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gasoline is needed to start your vehicle and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your automobile because of the additional weight it adds.
Take photos of any existing damages on your car.
Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Washington car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are conscious of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The customer will be given a Bill of Lading once your chosen auto carrier in Washington comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is transporting your motor vehicle and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be documented in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Although the Washington auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include 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 costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of issues that could arise. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Washington for Your Needs
You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Washington service that you’re considering going with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make sure 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’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients are saying. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.
Washington Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the fees involved in shipping. In general, this will be the most inexpensive method of transporting your vehicle. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficiency. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.
Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Washington
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Washington auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the very best service.