Car Shipping in Clarkston WA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Clarkston, 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 Clarkston, WA.
What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Clarkston? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one place to another for a customer. This procedure can be taken care of by using 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 subjected to the open air. Typically, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should recognize the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll review the differences between brokers and carriers, as well as some suggestions to help make your auto transport experience easier.
Clarkston Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport
You’ll basically have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Clarkston. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick up your vehicle.
What Does an Auto Broker Do?
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. The benefit of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of communicating with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it will increase competition.
Locating the Best Auto Hauler
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 vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. 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 work. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker provider. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be getting a better rate, but that’s not necessarily true with Clarkston auto transport. A broker shops various auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport needs.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
All Clarkston auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should get rid of anything that would be considered a “household good” from your car before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be taken out of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.
Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Clarkston car carrier. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The car 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 ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
When using a Clarkston car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection 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 guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. It’s ideal to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.
Fully understand your Bill of Lading.
You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Clarkston auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your automobile on their trailer. This contract is an acknowledgment form that testifies the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the operater 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. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your current motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Understand your insurance coverage.
It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Clarkston car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. 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 deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.
How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Clarkston
In order to make sure you’re getting the best service from your Clarkston car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The client can also use the auto transporter’s MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. You can also look over the company’s terms and conditions to get a much better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.
Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Clarkston
Clarkston auto transport businesses make it possible to have your automobile shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. While most auto transport companies will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the option 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. 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 open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration based upon on the value of the vehicle you’re shipping.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider
Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely 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 average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Clarkston auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the perfect service.