Car Transport in Petersburg VA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Petersburg, 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 Petersburg, VA.
The auto transport market offers a convenient way to move your automobiles across long distances for a relatively cheap rate. Instead of moving their vehicles long distances on their own, people seek the services of auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an cost-effective price and in a secure environment. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the correct hauler and options may appear complicated. In this article we’ll review the options and facts that will help prepare you find the ideal auto transport carrier in Petersburg. The vast majority of auto haulers will supply transportation services anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will give you with various shipping options. Usually 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.
How to Tell the Difference Between Petersburg Auto Carriers and Brokers
First of all, every customer should understand 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 Petersburg you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. The procedure is much easier than you might think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an educated decision.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions
An auto shipping broker is a provider that will connect customers to the most reliable auto shipper for their requirements. For instance, when you contact a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your motor vehicle from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker doesn’t actually own the trucks, but rather they have set up a network of carriers to hook up customers with. They will contact a variety of Petersburg auto shippers and use one of those auto transport services to ship your car or other vehicle. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the consumer all through the shipping process. The auto transport broker will act as a medium between the customer and carriers in order to find the very best rates and most reliable service for them.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Petersburg
An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the highways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul vehicles. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most efficient service. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Occasionally a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker service. 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 Petersburg. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.
Guidelines for Shipping Your Car
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Each and every Petersburg auto carrier is forbidden from transporting something that would be regarded as a “household item” due to restrictions from the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.
Don’t ship your vehicle with a full tank of gas.
Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Petersburg auto hauler you should examine your gasoline level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gas. Some fuel is necessary 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.
Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.
To ensure you have proof of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Petersburg 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 simpler to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed later on. That way you have records of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The consumer will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Petersburg auto transport arrives to retrieve your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. The driver and customer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s current condition. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your current vehicle shows up 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.
Verify your insurance coverage.
Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that may happen in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Petersburg service should already have liability coverage currently built into their prices, which commonly covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s rates. Usually, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.
How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Petersburg
To make certain you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Petersburg there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every experienced auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to verify their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. Lastly, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past clients are stating about the auto haulers services.
Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Petersburg
The cars moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you’re opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements. An closed 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. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can generally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open solution.
You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Petersburg
Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely 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 vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would probably 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 charged an adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Petersburg that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.