Auto Transportation in Afton MN

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Afton, 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 Afton, MN.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Afton? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. Consumers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most well-known, or an enclosed carrier that better guards your vehicle. Typically, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should understand the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll review the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

Afton Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Afton, there are basically two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

When you’re searching for car transport in Afton odds are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s situation. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping option for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the client, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its final location.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Afton

When you choose to seek out a Afton auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can get in touch with for the ideal rates and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Car

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

All Afton auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be viewed as a “household good” from your vehicle before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

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

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before transporting with a Afton car carrier. It’s highly 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 keep your gas level way too low. However, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add significant weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in difficulties.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to better determine any scratches or dents on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before inspecting the body. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s very easy to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once your Afton auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which typically includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. So this process essentially protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Review your insurance coverage options.

Each time you do business with a Afton auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of problems that could come up. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Ensure You Select the Perfect Car Shipping Business in Afton

To guarantee you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Afton there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to check their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. It’s also a wise course of action to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Afton

A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement option. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane compared to first class. It’s the way most people travel. This exact same concept can apply to selecting an 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 affordable way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Afton

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. 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 satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Afton that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.