Car Transportation in Graterford PA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Graterford, 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 Graterford, PA.

The auto transport market can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a little bit of investigation you can make the best decision possible for hauling your automobile. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the right information and calling the right Graterford auto transport service to manage the job. Often times when you reach out to a transport company you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather then the transporter themselves. They both offer 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 shipping your motor vehicle, the process is basically the same. The main data you’ll need prior to transport is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a rigid timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it must arrive by. Initially, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping organization that is the owner of the trucks.

How to Tell the Difference Between Graterford Auto Carriers and Brokers

One of the most crucial distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Graterford you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the process might seem confusing, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

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 type of service you require. Brokers already have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more choices and a better chance to find the best one for them. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of contacting carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Graterford

When you work directly with an auto transport professional that usually means you will be dealing with the actual person or firm that will be moving your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship autos all over the country. Most auto transport carriers in Graterford have to be licensed and insured, but a client should still do their research to confirm this. These car carriers will serve a certain number of routes and locations in order to provide reliable service and remain profitable. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be tricky, as many carriers utilize brokers who will connect them with the correct customers. You’ll end up having to pay about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as expenses are based mostly on fuel rates at the time. There is competition among auto carriers today and most auto carriers offer you a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. For this reason, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a good deal.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

Each and every Graterford auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be regarded as a “household item” due to rules from the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

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

Although your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car 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 gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Make certain to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add significant weight to your vehicle which could result in shipping complications.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

It’s a good plan 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 present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage took place during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

When the Graterford auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It will also ensure 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. So this process essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

It’s a wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Graterford car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Ensure You Select the Ideal Car Shipping Provider in Graterford

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by performing some online research. There are plenty of auto transporters in Graterford to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re getting and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Graterford Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

Graterford auto transport companies make it possible to have your automobile shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the choice to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping firm says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. This type of truck is typically between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Graterford

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much protection your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps 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 vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Graterford that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.