Vehicle Transport in Columbus MS

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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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, MS.

Moving a motor vehicle is not a really complex process, though it may seem that way from the outside, particularly if you’ve never done it before. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s really just a matter of having the right information and phoning the right Columbus auto transport service to take care of the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in touch with what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both provide the same options, which is to facilitate the moving of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re transporting your motor vehicle, the process is basically the same. The main information you’ll need prior to transport is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a specific date it must arrive by. First, as a customer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping company that is the owner of the trucks.

Columbus Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

Chances are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Columbus, then you might be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one location to another, it’s always good to understand the process before choosing a service.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the best one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, 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 getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

How to Identify an Auto Carrier

When you deal specifically with an auto transport professional that usually means you will be working with the actual individual or company that will be moving your automobile. The auto shipping carriers are the owners of the trailers that are used in transporting the cars and are the owners of the business. Every car carrier in Columbus needs to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a specific number of routes and locations in order to provide reliable service and remain successful. Finding a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers use brokers who will connect them with the right customers. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be paying approximately the same price for your auto transport. There is competition among auto carriers today and most auto carriers offer 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 Transported

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

You might not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Columbus from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Common household products that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the inside of your car before it gets loaded onto a truck.

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

You should always make sure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Columbus 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. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to leave a full tank of gasoline in your car when shipping it. If your gasoline tank is full, it will end up adding a significant amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause problems.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

To make sure you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a Columbus auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Cleaning your vehicle first will make it a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once your Columbus auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation 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 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. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Columbus car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler typically uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Columbus for Your Needs

There are several ways you can ensure you’re getting the absolute greatest service from your chosen Columbus car carrier. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the firm by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. You can also review the company’s terms and conditions to get a far better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most informed decision possible.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Columbus

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the always the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. This same concept can apply to selecting an open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most economical way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most cost efficient way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Selecting The Right Auto Transport Service in Columbus

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Columbus auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the best service.