Auto Transportation in Alexandria VA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria, VA.

Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Alexandria? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you understand the transport process every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one location to another securely. The majority of shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another location of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Alexandria auto shipping companies, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some companies 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 Alexandria?

Before choosing an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific details. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of transporting a vehicle.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

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 connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. The advantage of using a broker instead of 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 required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to move your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of acquiring a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

How to Identify an Auto Carrier

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul automobiles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to travel. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Normally 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 Alexandria. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the best choice for their customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Each and every Alexandria auto carrier is prohibited from transporting something that would be considered a “household item” due to restrictions from the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your motor vehicle before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before transporting with a Alexandria car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and leave only about a quarter of a tank in your car. 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 gasoline level way too low. Alternatively, 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 difficulties.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

When using a Alexandria car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and making certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to recognize dents and dings. This will make sure you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Record any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Know your Bill of Lading.

You will be given what’s known as a Bill of Lading once your Alexandria car carrier arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport contract and will validate that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an assessment of the vehicle at this time to document any damages that are on the body. This way both the customer and driver are in agreement on the vehicle’s condition at the time of pickup. Another Bill of Lading will be given to the customer once the car arrives at its destination, which will confirm the condition of the vehicle matches what it was when it was picked up. If any new damages occur, they can be addressed at this time.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can take place in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Alexandria service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which typically covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s charges. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the common vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high end or collector’s car.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Alexandria for Your Needs

There are a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Alexandria service that you’re thinking about going with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reputable company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients are saying. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you understand the process a little better.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Alexandria

Alexandria auto transport businesses make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. While most auto transport firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the choice to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is generally 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 exposed to the elements at all times.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much protection your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an adequate rate. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Alexandria that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.