Car Shipping in Columbia TN

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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 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.

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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 Columbia, TN.

Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Columbia? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport process every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. The majority of shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

Columbia Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

First, every customer should know what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Columbia 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 procedure might seem tricky, 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 Transportation Options

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the type of service you require. 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. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of getting in touch with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it will increase competition.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

When you choose to seek out a Columbia auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. Normally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of extra fuel costs and the travel time it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when dealing directly with a Columbia auto carrier either. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the perfect rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so working directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Columbia from moving vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the inside of your car before it gets loaded onto a truck.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a Columbia car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. The automobile will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping trailer. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in problems.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. 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. Simply taking photos or a video of the condition of your automobile prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Columbia auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your car on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and come to an agreement on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help avoid mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

It’s a wise course of action to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen 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. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Columbia

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Columbia that you’ve chosen. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also get 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 familiar with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Columbia

Going with a Columbia auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to select how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the choice to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are typically around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Columbia

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of safety your car will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Columbia you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final location.