888-654-1785
Call For A Quote

Auto Transportation in Watervliet MI

transportation checkboxesAnswers 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.

transportation checkboxes

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.

transportation checkboxes

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

picture of auto transporter in Watervliet, MI

What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Watervliet? Simply put, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another through some type of car transport method. Clients have the choice to choose between an open carrier, which is the most well-known, or an enclosed carrier that better safeguards your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most inexpensive for typical vehicle transport needs. The ideal place to start off in your quest for finding an auto transporter is knowing the difference between a broker and a carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll evaluate the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some suggestions to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Watervliet

First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker as opposed to a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Watervliet you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

When you’re shopping for car transport in Watervliet chances are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your automobile. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can offer a better variety of rates and options. They will take into consideration price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Fundamentally, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto transport carrier is the enterprise that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the work of transporting a vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are dealing directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The consumer will be responsible for finding a company that handles auto transport in Watervliet, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices limited. It’s significant to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements differ from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Car Shipping Advice

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Watervliet are not allowed by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car.

Even though your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be required during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car 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 fuel level is too low it might not be able to start. Conversely, make certain you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during shipping.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t erroneously believe the damage took place during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as your Watervliet auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which typically includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. The document will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Watervliet car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Sure You Select the Perfect Car Shipping Provider in Watervliet

There are several ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Watervliet that you’ve chosen. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Watervliet

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement solution. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane compared to first class. It’s the way most people travel. The very same can be said about open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most cost effective way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.

Deciding on The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Watervliet

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less expensive, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would normally be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Watervliet you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general rates, but the cheapest is not always the most effective choice. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.