Vehicle Shipping in Salem WV
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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 Salem, 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 Salem, WV.
Are you searching for the absolute best Salem auto transport? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport process every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your automobile makes it from one location to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will offer you “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s important to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference 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 details in the following paragraphs.
Salem Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Salem, there are essentially two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. 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 ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your motor vehicle 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 Does an Auto Broker Do?
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. The benefit of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?
A vehicle 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 moving vehicles. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most efficient service. 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 work. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some situations you go through a broker provider. Usually 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 Salem. A broker shops multiple auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport demands.
Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Auto carriers are forbidden from moving anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Salem is unable to move a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal belongings or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.
Don’t ship your vehicle with a full gas tank.
When utilizing a Salem auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s advisable to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Alternatively, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline 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 photos of any existing damages on your car.
When using a Salem car hauler you should always perform a quick examination of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. The most effective way to do this is by cleaning 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 sure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.
Learning about your Bill of Lading.
Once the auto carrier in Salem arrives to retrieve your car for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also verify its condition prior to shipping. It’s a great idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be recorded in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. 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.
Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.
Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can happen in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Salem service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which commonly covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s charges. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the typical vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high-end or collector’s car.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Salem
To ensure you’re getting the best car shipping service in Salem there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Customers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.
Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Salem
Salem 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 firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the alternative to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.
When a car shipping company 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. 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 vehicle you’re shipping.
Choosing The Right Auto Transport Service in Salem
It’s a good practice to consider what type of protection your car will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay 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 multiple quotes from Salem auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general rates, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. By doing 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. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final location.