Auto Transport in Clayton MO

Answers To Your Questions
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 Clayton, 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.

Dependable Service
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 Clayton, MO.

The auto transport industry offers a convenient way to move your autos across long distances for a fairly cheap rate. Instead of relocating their vehicles long distances on their own, people seek the services of auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an affordable price and in a secure environment. If you’re not acquainted with the auto carriers in Clayton, then the process might seem overwhelming at first. In this article we’ll evaluate the alternatives and facts that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Clayton. Most car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier alternatives. In many cases you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll explain below.

What is an Auto Broker in Clayton?

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

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will carry vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the type of service you require. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required 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 prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Clayton

When you choose to seek out a Clayton auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when working directly with a Clayton auto carrier either. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the most effective rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they count on brokers to connect them with customers.

Car Shipping Advice

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Every Clayton auto carrier is forbidden from transporting anything that would be considered 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. For example, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

When using a Clayton auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s advisable to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.

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. You’ll want to do a detailed inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. Merely taking pictures or a video of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any confusion at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Clayton auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car 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 concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

It’s a great idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Clayton 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.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Clayton for Your Needs

In order to make sure you’re getting the best service from your Clayton 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. You can use these numbers to look up reviews on their services with the BBB. You can also look over the company’s terms and conditions to get a better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.

Distinction Between Clayton Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers

The motor vehicles 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 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 particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use 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 demands just fine. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Clayton that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.