Auto Shipping in Cottage Grove MN

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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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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Cottage Grove, 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 Cottage Grove, MN.

The auto transport industry offers a convenient way to move your automobiles across long distances for a relatively low rate. Rather than moving their vehicles long ranges on their own, people hire auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an cost-effective price and in a safe environment. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the perfect hauler and options may seem challenging. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Cottage Grove that will fit your needs and move your car safely. Many car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier options. Usually you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll describe the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Cottage Grove?

First, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Cottage Grove it’s important to have a good understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the business works. The process is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, possess the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Getting the Best Auto Hauler

When you work specifically with an auto transport provider that means you will be dealing with the actual person or firm that will be moving your motor vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship motor vehicles all over the country. All auto transport carriers in Cottage Grove have to be licensed and insured, but a client should still do their homework to validate this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Many carriers actually rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the right customers who will fit the routes they take, which means more productive service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be paying roughly the same price for your auto transport. There is competition among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers offer a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. Therefore, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a great price.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Take any personal items out of your car.

All Cottage Grove 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 regarded as a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For example, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

Don’t ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Cottage Grove auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your car with a full tank of gasoline during transporting. If your gas tank is full, it will end up adding a substantial amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause issues.

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

Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Cottage Grove car hauler. The most effective way to do this is by washing 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 ensure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any difficulties during transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once your Cottage Grove auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an inspection to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also make sure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, 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. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Review your insurance coverage options.

Each time you do business with a Cottage Grove auto hauler you should check to make certain they have their own liability insurance. Your chosen auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Cottage Grove

To ensure you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Cottage Grove there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. 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 acquainted with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Cottage Grove

A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement solution. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. This exact same concept can apply to deciding on 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 inexpensive way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most economical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Cottage Grove

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much protection your vehicle will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Cottage Grove that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.