Auto Transport in Strafford MO

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Strafford, 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 Strafford, MO.

Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Strafford? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport process every step of the way. 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 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. Before jumping into the Strafford auto shipping providers, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some companies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Strafford?

You’ll basically have two options when looking for an auto carrier in Strafford. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based 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 Does an Auto Broker Do?

An auto transport broker is simply the professional employed by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Strafford. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your automobile. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can offer a better variety of rates and options. They will take into consideration price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Fundamentally, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the freeways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul vehicles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re interacting 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 always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Strafford. A broker shops multiple auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport demands.

Car Shipping Tips

Secure your personal items outside your car.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Strafford from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Popular household products that might 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 automobile before it gets loaded onto a trailer.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Strafford auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of gas during transporting. If your fuel tank is full, it will end up placing a considerable amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause problems.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

It’s a good plan 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 happened 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 shipping process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Strafford comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will affirm that the auto shipping is hauling your motor vehicle and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have taken place during the shipping process.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Each time you do business with a Strafford auto hauler you should check to make certain they have their own liability insurance. Normally, 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 added costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could come up. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Strafford

To make certain you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Strafford there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to check their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure 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 course of action to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Strafford

Going with a Strafford auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick 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 typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. This type of truck is generally 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. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration depending on the value of the motor vehicle you’re shipping.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

Before making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection 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 utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Strafford that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.