Car Transportation in West Branch 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.
Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in West Branch, 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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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 West Branch, MI.
Are you searching for the absolute best West Branch auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the best choice. 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 place to another safely. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction 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.
West Branch Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
One of the most crucial distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in West Branch it’s important to have a decent understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the industry works. The procedure is much simpler than you might think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Solutions
Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in West Branch will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to link up consumers with their solutions. These broker firms will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your automobile to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management business. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.
What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?
If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or people who own the trucks moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. Every car carrier in West Branch has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good idea to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a certain number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Many carriers basically rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the ideal customers who will match the routes they take, which means more effective service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay approximately the same rate for your auto transport. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers provide a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. As a result, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a good deal.
Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped
Take any personal items out of your vehicle.
Auto carriers are banned from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in West Branch will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal items inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.
Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.
Since your automobile will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your vehicle may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make sure 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.
Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.
It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t erroneously believe the damage took place during shipping. It’s effortless to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
Once the auto carrier in West Branch shows up to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is hauling your car and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. It’s a wise course of action to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and client. Once your car is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during shipping.
Confirm your insurance coverage.
Even though the West Branch auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, 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. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any further costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.
Make Sure You Select the Proper Car Shipping Company in West Branch
It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in West Branch to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. You can also find out about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Difference Between West Branch Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers
West Branch auto transport businesses make it possible to have your automobile shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. While most auto transport companies will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the alternative to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. 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. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are normally around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service
Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. 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. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. Simply put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in West Branch that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.