Auto Shipping in Chatham VA

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

What is included in transferring your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Chatham? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping method. This process can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the open air. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. The ideal place to start off in your quest for locating an auto transporter is knowing the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers support the shipping procedure by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some suggestions to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Chatham

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

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

In the car shipping market, a broker is a firm that resells your shipping job. For instance, when you contact a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your automobile from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker does not actually own the trucks, but rather they have set up a network of carriers to connect customers with. After communicating with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Chatham who have the abilities to handle the customer’s shipping needs. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the customer until the vehicle is delivered. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to find the very best rates and most reliable service for them.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Chatham

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the person or organization that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your automobile. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be responsible for choosing a company that handles auto transport in Chatham, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to reach your destination based on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your car.

All Chatham auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. 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 car.

You should always ensure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Chatham auto carrier will most likely 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 plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to keep a full tank of gas in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your vehicle, which could result in difficulties during the shipping process.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

When using a Chatham car hauler you should always perform a swift assessment of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The most effective way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The client will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Chatham comes to pick up your vehicle. This is basically a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your car prior to picking it up. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. After the inspection is finished, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during shipping.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Even though the Chatham auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers typically have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Chatham

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Chatham service that you’re thinking about going with. First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reputable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their standing. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.

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

Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier solution is often the most affordable and common. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve most likely seen them numerous times on the highway. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the price involved in shipping. So, in general, this is the most inexpensive way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel steady routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain performance. This lowers the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Chatham

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your car will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for common 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 receiving the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Chatham auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can ensure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.