Vehicle Transportation in Lakeland MN

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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.

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland, MN.

Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Lakeland? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your automobile makes it from one place to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “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 Lakeland auto shipping providers, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will search out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some agencies 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 Lakeland Auto Carriers and Brokers

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Lakeland, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more options and a better chance to find the best one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of acquiring a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Getting the Best Auto Hauler

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your car. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be responsible for locating a company that handles auto transport in Lakeland, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

Auto carriers are banned from moving anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Lakeland cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal belongings or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car.

When using a Lakeland auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge before the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your car. The vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping trailer. However, you don’t want to fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in issues.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

To ensure you have proof of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Lakeland auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. By doing this you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Lakeland auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your car on their truck. This document is an acknowledgment form that shows 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. The driver and client can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. 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 current motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Lakeland car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. 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. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Lakeland for Your Needs

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Lakeland to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Distinction Between Lakeland Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

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 highway 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 particularly if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars 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.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Lakeland

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your vehicle will require. 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 average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs 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. By putting in a bit of time to research the Lakeland auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the best service.