Auto Shipping in West Branch MI

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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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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 trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in West Branch? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a consumer. Consumers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most popular, or an enclosed carrier that better guards your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most inexpensive for ordinary vehicle transport needs. The ideal place to begin in your quest for finding an auto transporter is knowing the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. In this article, we’ll review the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some guidelines to help make your auto transport experience better.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in West Branch?

First of all, 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 West Branch you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The process is much simpler than you might think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an informed decision.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

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 best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the variety of service you require. Brokers already have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more possibilities and a better chance to find the ideal one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of contacting carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto carrier typically employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. The driver may be the proprietor of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Typically you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in West Branch. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport needs.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in West Branch from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Typical household objects that could possibly be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a West Branch auto hauler you should look at your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, usually only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your car because of the additional weight it adds.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

When using a West Branch car hauler you should always perform a quick examination of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The best way to do this is by cleaning 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 sure you are conscious of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The consumer will be given a Bill of Lading once your chosen auto carrier in West Branch comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will confirm that the auto shipping is transporting your vehicle and will also verify its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during the shipping process.

Verify your insurance coverage.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can occur in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport West Branch service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which generally covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied by an outside business that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the standard vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top quality or collector’s car.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in West Branch for Your Needs

To make certain you’re getting the best car shipping service in West Branch there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every qualified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get 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 wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in West Branch

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them many times on the highway. The abundance of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the cheap price tag. So, generally, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your destination will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Getting the Very best Deals on Auto Transport in West Branch

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being shipped across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. 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 West Branch you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the best choice for every circumstance. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.