Car Transport in Stratford CT

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Friendly straight forward advice

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 Stratford, 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 Stratford, CT.

Are you searching for the absolute best Stratford auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it works and how to make the best choice. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. 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. Prior to jumping into the Stratford auto shipping services, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Stratford

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Stratford, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the ideal trucking service for you based on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. The advantage of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary 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.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Stratford

When you choose to seek out a Stratford auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the most effective price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Car Shipping Advice

Secure your personal items outside your car.

All Stratford auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be deemed “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You really should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gasoline could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the fuel level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make certain you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle during shipment.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to document the condition of your vehicle prior to turning it over to a Stratford auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing before to shipping. Washing your vehicle first will make it less difficult to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed later on. This way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

When the Stratford car carrier comes to pick up your car you will be given a Bill of Lading. This Bill of Lading consists of the details of your vehicle transport contract and will validate that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an assessment of the vehicle at this time to document any damages that are on the body. So the consumer and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any confusion once the vehicle is delivered. The client will receive one more Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again inspect the condition of your vehicle. If any new damages occur, they can be addressed at this time.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

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. Your chosen Stratford car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. 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 deliver your vehicle. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Stratford

There are several ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Stratford car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The customer 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 better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. A small bit of investigation as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Difference Between Stratford Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

Going with a Stratford auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport companies will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the choice 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 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 typically 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.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Stratford

Always think about 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 options are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. When first exploring auto transport companies in Stratford you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final location.