Vehicle Transportation in West Columbia SC

Answers To Your Questions
Friendly straight forward advice

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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in West Columbia, 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.

Dependable Service
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 West Columbia, SC.

Are you searching for the absolute best West Columbia auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the best choice. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Almost all shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

What is an Auto Broker in West Columbia?

Chances are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in West Columbia, then you could possibly be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in West Columbia. 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. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within realistic mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Basically, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to travel. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Occasionally a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Usually 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 Columbia. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the top choice for their customers.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Car

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

No car hauler in West Columbia is authorized to transport household goods, as per regulations put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common things you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s a good idea to sweep your vehicle for any of these goods and remove them prior to pickup.

Do not ship your vehicle with a full gas tank.

When employing a West Columbia auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car 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. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in problems.

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

In order to better determine any scuff marks or blemishes on your vehicle it’s a good idea to clean 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 photos, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

When the West Columbia auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer 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 new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen West Columbia 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. Each auto hauler generally 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 take place during the shipping process.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in West Columbia for Your Needs

There are several ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute greatest service from your chosen West Columbia car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the firm by getting their MC number or USDOT number. You can use these numbers to look up reviews on their solutions with the BBB. You can also review the company’s terms and conditions to get a better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in West Columbia

The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not safeguarded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An closed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five automobiles.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your vehicle will require. The most common cars 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. A good game plan is to get many 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 West Columbia auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.