Vehicle Shipping in Maple Plain 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Maple Plain, 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 Maple Plain, MN.

What is included in transferring your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Maple Plain? In essence, auto shipping consists of a car carrier company moving the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. This practice can be taken care of by making use of an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most economical for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should learn the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other recommendations that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Maple Plain

Employing an auto transport company demands some due diligence and understanding how the industry works prior to making a decision. It may seem like a tricky process, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of transporting a vehicle.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will transport vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the particular services requested. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Dealing 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 required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Finding a Car Carrier in Maple Plain

An auto carrier typically employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. The driver may be the proprietor of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Occasionally a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some situations you go through a broker provider. Normally 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 Maple Plain. A broker shops multiple auto transporters and is already organized 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.

Auto shippers in Maple Plain are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to transport anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

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

Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Maple Plain auto hauler you should examine your gas level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. Some gasoline is required to start your vehicle and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your vehicle because of the extra weight it adds.

Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.

In order to document the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Maple Plain auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed later on. That way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

When the Maple Plain auto transport arrives to start the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which normally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

It’s a great idea to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any Maple Plain 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 normally uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Maple Plain for Your Needs

To make certain you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Maple Plain there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. Finally, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past consumers are saying about the auto haulers services.

Maple Plain Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Maple Plain auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the choice 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 distinctions.

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 normally 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. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Maple Plain

Prior to making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an satisfactory rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Maple Plain 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 best deal, but also the perfect service.