Vehicle Transportation in Marion AL

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What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Marion? To put it simply, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping method. Customers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most prevalent, or an enclosed carrier that better guards your vehicle. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most affordable for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should learn the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll examine the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the ideal auto transport choice.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Marion

One of the most important distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Marion it’s important to have a good understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the market works. The procedure is much simpler than you may think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An auto shipping broker is fundamentally the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they acquire. Auto shipping brokers in Marion negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management firm. These brokers also stay in touch with the customer throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

Going with a Marion auto carrier means the customer will be dealing directly with the person or firm that owns the truck which will be hauling your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, specifically with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. An auto transport broker will already be set up to contact multiple transporters in order to find the perfect price and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they rely on brokers to connect them with clients.

Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Marion is unable to carry a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your vehicle are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

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

Be certain to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Marion auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to keep a full tank of gas in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your vehicle, which could result in difficulties during the transporting process.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to document the condition of your vehicle before turning it over to a Marion auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed later on. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the vehicle transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once the auto carrier in Marion arrives to obtain your car for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is transporting your vehicle and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be recorded and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during the shipping process.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can take place in the auto hauling process. Auto transport Marion companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which usually covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The customer won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s charges. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the common vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high-end or collector’s car.

Make Certain You Choose the Correct Car Shipping Business in Marion

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Marion service that you’re thinking about going with. First, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A trustworthy auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their standing. Ultimately, 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.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Marion

Marion auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered 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 generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is usually 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 car you’re shipping.

Choosing The Right Auto Transport Service in Marion

It’s a good practice to consider what type of safety your car will require while being shipped across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options 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. When first browsing auto transport companies in Marion you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re making sure your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.