Vehicle Transportation in Lakewood WA

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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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, WA.

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Lakewood? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the very best choice. 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 provide “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Lakewood

Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the industry and how it works. It may seem like a challenging process, but we’ll help make it less complicated for everyone. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying consumers with transport services.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will connect customers to the most reliable auto shipper for their needs. For instance, when you contact a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your vehicle from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker does not actually own the trucks, but rather they have established a network of carriers to connect customers with. They will make contact with a variety of Lakewood auto shippers and use one of those auto transport providers to ship your car or other vehicle. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the client throughout the shipping procedure. In essence, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can contact many providers in order to find the best service for the shipper.

How to Find a Car Carrier in Lakewood

If you decide to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or people who own the trucks moving your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the proprietors of the trailers that are used in transporting the cars and are the owners of the enterprise. Every car carrier in Lakewood must be licensed and insured, but it’s a good idea to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a specific number of routes and locations in order to offer reliable service and remain profitable. Locating a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers employ brokers who will connect them with the ideal customers. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay roughly the same price for your auto transport. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and most auto carriers provide a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. As a result, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great bargain.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

No auto shipper is allowed to transport any item that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Lakewood will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.

Don’t ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Lakewood car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and leave only about a quarter of a tank in your automobile. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to leave your gasoline level too low. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of fuel either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh considerably more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

Always carry out an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Lakewood car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The client will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Lakewood auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests 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 car owner and client can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s current condition. 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 current vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Even though the Lakewood auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Lakewood

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be hard to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a final decision on which auto transport Lakewood service to go with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A dependable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous consumers are saying. Lastly, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.

Lakewood Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement alternative. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane versus first class. It’s the way most people travel. This same exact concept can apply to selecting an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Open carriers will be more cost effective than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Lakewood

It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your car will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Lakewood auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the most effective choice for every circumstance. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.