Car Shipping in Saint Albans WV

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Saint Albans, 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 Saint Albans, WV.

Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one place to another utilizing an auto transporter in Saint Albans? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another through some type of car transport method. This process 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 exposed to the open air. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for ordinary vehicle transport needs. However, first you should know the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping process by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually 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.

How to Tell the Difference Between Saint Albans Auto Carriers and Brokers

Chances are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Saint Albans, then you may be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your 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 decision on which provider to do business with.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Solutions

When you’re shopping for car transport in Saint Albans chances are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s situation. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping option for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the client, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

Finding a Car Carrier in Saint Albans

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the freeways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. The driver may be the owner 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. Some larger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to an additional carrier. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some instances 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 necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Saint Albans. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the best choice for their customers.

Car Shipping Advice

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Auto carriers are prohibited from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Saint Albans will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Saint Albans car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, typically only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a full 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.

It’s a wise course of action to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. 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. Just taking photos or a video of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Saint Albans auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing 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 concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Evaluate your insurance coverage opportunities.

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 Saint Albans 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 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 ship your vehicle. Sometimes, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Saint Albans

You’ll have a wide variety 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 Saint Albans service that you’re thinking about going with. Initially, you can obtain 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 reliable company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers 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 Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Saint Albans

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most frequently used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The abundance of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the cheap price tag. So, in general, this is the cheapest way to ship a car. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your destination will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This lowers the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Saint Albans

Before making a decision 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 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 average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Saint Albans that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.