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Vehicle Transportation in Watervliet 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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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Watervliet, 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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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 Watervliet, MI.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Watervliet? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another securely. Nearly all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

Watervliet Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Watervliet, there are basically two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference 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 ideal trucking service for you depending on where you are and where your motor vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Brokers and Their Role in the Auto Transport Industry

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will connect customers to the most useful auto shipper for their requirements. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After communicating with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Watervliet who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the client all through the shipping process. In essence, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Watervliet

When you choose to seek out a Watervliet auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Watervliet auto carrier either. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a wide range of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since many times they count on brokers to connect them with customers.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Watervliet from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

When employing a Watervliet auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to leave your fuel level too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of fuel either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Watervliet auto carrier, it’s a good idea 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 recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed later on. By doing this you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the auto transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once the auto carrier in Watervliet arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is simply a document that acknowledges the firm is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your vehicle prior to picking it up. It’s a wise course of action to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. After the inspection is finished, current damages will be recorded and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. 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 taken place during the shipping process.

Your car should be insured against damages.

It’s a great idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Watervliet car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler normally uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Make Sure You Select the Correct Car Shipping Provider in Watervliet

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Watervliet that you’ve chosen. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the overall auto transport process. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are stating about the auto haulers services.

Difference Between Watervliet Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

Going with a Watervliet auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to choose how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the choice to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

Most people are acquainted with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is normally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. Your vehicle will be open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration based upon on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.

Selecting The Ideal Auto Transport Service in Watervliet

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. Merely put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Watervliet that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.