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Auto Shipping in Theodore AL

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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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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Theodore, 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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Dependable Service
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 Theodore, AL.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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The automotive transport industry can seem daunting at first, but by doing a little bit of research you can make the very best decision possible for transporting your car or truck. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of finding the proper information and calling the perfect people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Theodore. Sometimes, you’ll end up contacting what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer you 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. No matter where in the country you’re transporting your motor vehicle, the process is basically the same. The main details you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a specific date it must arrive by. One of the most essential distinctions to realize is the difference and similarities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

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

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Theodore, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you depending on where you are and where your automobile needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional hired by you, the shipper, who assists in the process of procuring an auto transport company in Theodore. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your motor vehicle. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each clients, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Theodore

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 relocating your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the proprietors of the trailers that are used in shipping the cars and are the owners of the enterprise. All auto transport carriers in Theodore have to be licensed and insured, but a customer should still do their homework to confirm this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport motor vehicles to. Many carriers actually rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the right customers who will fit the routes they take, which means more reliable service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay approximately the same rate for your auto transport. There ës a fair amount of competition between various auto carriers, so sometimes you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. Therefore, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a great deal.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

No auto shipper is permitted to transport any object that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Theodore cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal property or other goods. This consists of things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Since your vehicle will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gasoline. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the fuel level is too low it may not be able to start. Alternatively, 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 vehicle during transporting.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

In order to better discover any scuff marks or dents on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before inspecting the body. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s effortless to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Theodore comes to pick up your vehicle. This is simply a document that acknowledges the company is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your car prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your car is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during the shipping process.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Theodore car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Theodore for Your Needs

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Theodore 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. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are expressing 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 little bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Theodore

Shipping your vehicle by utilizing an open carrier option is often the most inexpensive and common. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve most likely seen them numerous times on the highway. The abundance of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the affordable price tag. In general, this will be the most cost-effective method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Theodore

Before deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. 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 usually, 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 Theodore auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.