Vehicle Shipping in Decatur AL

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Decatur, 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 Decatur, AL.

Hauling a vehicle is not a very challenging practice, though it may seem that way from the outside, specifically if you’ve hardly ever done it before. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the proper information and getting in touch with the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Decatur. Sometimes, you’ll end up calling what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer the same options, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker merely arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. The method is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s details handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. You should also plan ahead if you have a tight timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it has to arrive by. One of the most important distinctions to realize is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Decatur

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 Decatur you should first know the difference between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the process might seem complicated, but in this article we’ll give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Brokers are essentially the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and consumer. A broker will track market conditions and will have a network of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they receive. Auto shipping brokers in Decatur negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker firms will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. One of the benefits of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of options when it comes to car haulers. These brokers also keep in touch with the customer throughout the shipping process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the freeways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting 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. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. 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 Decatur. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the ideal choice for their customers.

Car Shipping Tips

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Most people are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in Decatur from transporting personal merchandise included in vehicles. Typical household goods 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. So it’s a good option to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

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

Since your automobile will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gas level is too low it might not be able to start. Conversely, make sure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your automobile during shipment.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Decatur car hauler. The best way to do this is by cleaning 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 make certain you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. It’s best to record the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any difficulties during transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your selected Decatur auto transport arrives and starts the process of loading your car on their trailer. This contract is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the operater of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. 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 motor 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.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Although the Decatur auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good idea 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. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price of their services, so there won’t be any additional costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could come up. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Decatur

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in Decatur 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. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details 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.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Decatur

Decatur auto transport businesses 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 offered by the car shipping company. You’ll have the option to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. This type of truck is typically 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 open to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into account based upon on the value of the vehicle you’re shipping.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Decatur

It’s a good practice to consider what type of safety your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Decatur auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the ideal choice for every scenario. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.