Vehicle Shipping in Alabaster AL

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Are you looking for the absolute best Alabaster auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another securely. Nearly all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Before jumping into the Alabaster auto shipping solutions, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Alabaster

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Alabaster you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you might think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more possibilities and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. If you deal 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 relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier

A car 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 hauling vehicles. The driver may be the proprietor 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’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker service. 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 Alabaster. 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 needs.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Alabaster from transporting vehicles with personal belongings in them. Common household goods that could possibly be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the inside of your car before it gets loaded onto a truck.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.

Before shipping your vehicle with a Alabaster car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gasoline is necessary to start your automobile and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. 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.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

In order to record the condition of your car prior to turning it over to a Alabaster auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed afterwards. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

Once your Alabaster auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an inspection to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It will also make sure 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 destination, 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.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

Each time you do business with a Alabaster auto hauler you should check to make sure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of issues that could occur. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Alabaster

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in Alabaster to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are expressing about them. You can also find out about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Difference Between Alabaster Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

Going with a Alabaster auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to choose how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are normally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

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. This type of truck is normally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Selecting The Best Auto Transport Service in Alabaster

It’s a good practice to think about what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. 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 cars that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. When first exploring auto transport companies in Alabaster you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general prices, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.