Car Shipping in Roanoke 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

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

Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Roanoke? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one place to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will provide “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another 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 distinction 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 information in the following paragraphs.

Roanoke Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

You’ll essentially have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in Roanoke. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your automobile needs to go. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will transport vehicles. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the particular services requested. The benefit of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Roanoke

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the owner 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 are not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker service. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Roanoke. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport needs.

Car Shipping Advice

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Roanoke from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Common household items that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

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

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Roanoke car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gasoline is needed to start your vehicle and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. You don’t want to have a maximum tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to document the condition of your car before turning it over to a Roanoke auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. Cleaning your vehicle first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed later on. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the auto transport process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Roanoke auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your automobile on their trailer. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. 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 current vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Roanoke car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Roanoke for Your Needs

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be hard to choose which one is the best for your needs. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a sound decision on which auto transport Roanoke service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reputable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous consumers 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.

Difference Between Roanoke Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

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

When a car shipping firm says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Roanoke

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably fine for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Roanoke auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.