Auto Transportation in Highland MD

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Highland, 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 Highland, MD.

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Highland? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, 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 possible and make sure your vehicle makes it from one place to another properly. 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 essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

How to Tell the Difference Between Highland Auto Carriers and Brokers

Employing an auto transport company demands some due diligence and understanding how the business works before making a decision. It may seem like a tricky procedure, but we’ll help make it less complicated for everyone. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying customers with transport services.

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 provide the particular 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 best one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, possess the necessary equipment or the appropriate licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of getting in touch with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul automobiles. The driver may be the operator 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. Some larger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to an additional carrier. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing 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 necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Highland. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport needs.

Car Shipping Tips

Take any personal items out of your car.

No auto shipper is permitted to transfer any item that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Highland will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.

Do not ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

Even though your vehicle will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be needed during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it may not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add significant weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping complications.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always perform an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Highland car hauler. A fairly easy way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to identify dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Record any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

When the Highland auto transport arrives to begin the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also ensure 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 new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. So this process essentially safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Even though the Highland auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Usually, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any extra costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could occur. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Highland for Your Needs

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Highland that you’ve chosen. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to verify their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Ensure 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 critiques of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Highland

Highland auto transport companies make it possible to have your automobile shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. While most auto transport organizations will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. 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. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Deciding on The Right Auto Transport Service in Highland

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of safety your car will require while being shipped across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. 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 various quotes from Highland auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal 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 perfect deal. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.