Car Transport in Dumfries VA

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

Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Dumfries? In fact, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one place to another for a customer. This practice can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most common option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most affordable for standard vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Dumfries?

If you’ve never had your car shipped before, then chances are you’re not aware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Dumfries. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final choice on which provider to do business with.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. The advantage of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the proper licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

Finding a Car Carrier in Dumfries

A car 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 moving vehicles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker provider. Typically 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 Dumfries. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the ideal choice for their clients.

Car Shipping Advice

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto carriers are banned from moving anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Dumfries cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas 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 lead to shipping troubles.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

In order to better identify any scratches or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse 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 simple to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as the auto carrier in Dumfries arrives to obtain your vehicle for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is hauling your vehicle and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your car 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.

Verify your insurance coverage.

Although the Dumfries auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could come up. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Dumfries

There are a couple of ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Dumfries that you’ve chosen. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Ensure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the overall auto transport process. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Dumfries

Dumfries auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative 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 firm says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. 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. 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 depending on the value of the car you’re shipping.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Dumfries

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. As always, 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 researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Dumfries that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.