Car Shipping in Elk Grove CA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Elk Grove, 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 Elk Grove, CA.
Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Elk Grove? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it works and how to make the best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one location to another securely. The majority of shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.
What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Elk Grove?
Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the industry and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific details. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in providing clients with transport services.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
An automotive transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Elk Grove. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your automobile. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into consideration price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.
How to Identify an Auto Transporter
If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working with the person or persons who own the trucks moving your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the proprietors of the trailers that are used in shipping the cars and are the owners of the business. Every car carrier in Elk Grove must be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Locating a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers employ brokers who will connect them with the right customers. You’ll end up having to pay about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as fees are based mostly on fuel rates at the time. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers offer a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. Therefore, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a good bargain.
Car Shipping Tips
Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.
Every Elk Grove auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be considered a “household item” due to polices from the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your vehicle before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Elk Grove auto hauler you should examine your gas level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. Some fuel is necessary to start your car and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your automobile because of the additional weight it adds.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
To ensure you have proof of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Elk Grove auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed afterwards. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.
Keep track of your Bill of Lading.
As soon as your Elk Grove auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It will also guarantee that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Elk Grove car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.
Ensure You Choose the Proper Car Shipping Firm in Elk Grove
You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Elk Grove service to go with. First, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A trustworthy auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. In many cases it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you realize the process a little better.
Difference Between Elk Grove Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping service. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open solution.
Selecting The Best Auto Transport Service in Elk Grove
It’s a good practice to think about what type of protection your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always cheaper, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Elk Grove auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the most effective choice for every circumstance. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working 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.