Auto Shipping in Takoma Park MD

Answers To Your Questions
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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Takoma Park, 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 Takoma Park, MD.

Are you trying to figure out the practice of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in Takoma Park? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one place to another for a client. Customers have the possibility to choose between an open carrier, which is the most prevalent, or an enclosed carrier that better protects your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most reasonably priced for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should learn the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping procedure by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll review the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other tips that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

What is an Auto Broker in Takoma Park?

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Takoma Park, then you could possibly be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will hook up customers to the most effective auto shipper for their needs. For instance, when you contact a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your vehicle from point A to point B. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. They will make contact with a variety of Takoma Park auto shippers and use one of those auto transport providers to ship your car or other vehicle. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the consumer throughout the shipping process. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to discover the best rates and most reliable service for them.

Getting the Best Auto Hauler

When you choose to seek out a Takoma Park auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when dealing directly with a Takoma Park auto carrier either. 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 best 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 simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Car Shipping Advice

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No auto shipper is permitted to transfer any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Takoma Park will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Before shipping your vehicle with a Takoma Park car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. Some gas is required to start your car 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.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to record the condition of your car before turning it over to a Takoma Park auto carrier, it’s a wise course of action to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to record the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. This way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

Once your Takoma Park auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can identify 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 temporary possession of your vehicle. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process ensures 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 prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Takoma Park car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler generally uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Sure You Select the Perfect Car Shipping Firm in Takoma Park

There are several ways you can make sure you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Takoma Park car carrier. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the business 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 informed decision possible.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Takoma Park

The cars moved with open auto transport carriers are not safeguarded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. 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 vehicle. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five cars.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Takoma Park

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. Merely put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Takoma Park that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.