Car Transport in Tuscaloosa AL

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

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Tuscaloosa? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the very best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Most shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

What is an Auto Broker in Tuscaloosa?

If you’ve never had your automobile shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the distinctions between an auto broker and auto carrier in Tuscaloosa. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Market

Brokers are basically the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and consumer. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. A car transporter in Tuscaloosa will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to connect consumers with their solutions. 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 contact them. This is one of the positive aspects of using a broker logistics management firm. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul automobiles. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Some larger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the chance to broker out your order to an additional carrier. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some circumstances you go through a broker service. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be getting a better rate, but that’s not automatically true with Tuscaloosa auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the best choice for their customers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any item that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Tuscaloosa cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal possessions or other goods. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

When employing a Tuscaloosa auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge before the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep 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 keep your gas level way too low. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A full tank will add substantial weight to your vehicle and could throw off the equilibrium of the transport and result in difficulties.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

When using a Tuscaloosa car hauler you should always perform a quick inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and making certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to recognize dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. It’s most effective to document the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any difficulties during transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once your Tuscaloosa auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The document will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also guarantee that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can happen in the auto hauling process. Auto transport Tuscaloosa companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which normally covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is provided by an outside company that the car hauler does business with. Usually, this is enough to cover any problems that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Tuscaloosa

There are several ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Tuscaloosa car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the company by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. You can also review the company’s terms and conditions to get a much better idea of the type of service you’re receiving. A little bit of research as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Tuscaloosa

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the generally the cheapest. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane versus first class. It’s the way most people travel. This very same concept can apply to deciding on an open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm 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.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Tuscaloosa

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would normally be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. When first exploring auto transport companies in Tuscaloosa you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.