Auto Transport in Valley Center KS

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Valley Center, 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 Valley Center, KS.

Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one place to another using an auto transporter in Valley Center? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a client. This procedure can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most common option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the outdoors. Usually, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s automobiles. The ideal place to begin in your quest for finding an auto transporter is understanding the distinction between a broker and a carrier. Brokers don’t in fact ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other ideas that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Valley Center

You’ll basically have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Valley Center. The main difference 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 depending on where you are and where your 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 Is An Auto Transport Broker?

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 specific services requested. Brokers actually have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the best one for them. 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 getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier usually employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to drive. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Occasionally 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. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be employing a different carrier service in the end. Typically you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Valley Center. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the top choice for their customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Take any personal items out of your car.

Every Valley Center auto carrier is forbidden from transporting something that would be regarded as a “household item” due to restrictions from the Department of Transportation. You will need to 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.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

You should always ensure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Valley Center auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to keep a full tank of gas in your car when transporting it. If your gasoline tank is full, it will end up adding a considerable amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause problems.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

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. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage occurred during shipping. It’s easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Valley Center auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your vehicle on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present 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 come to an agreement on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Review your insurance coverage options.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Valley Center 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. 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 occur during the shipping process.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Valley Center for Your Needs

In order to make sure you’re receiving the best service from your Valley Center car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the firm by getting their 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 getting. This way you’ll be able to make the most educated decision possible.

Valley Center Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

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 closed 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. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers usually can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five automobiles.

Deciding on The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Valley Center

Always consider 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 alternatives are probably fine for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Valley Center you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the ideal choice for every scenario. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.