Vehicle Transportation in Desert Hot Springs CA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Desert Hot Springs, 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 Desert Hot Springs, CA.
Auto transport businesses exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of moving their vehicles long ranges on their own, people seek the services of auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an affordable price and in a safe environment. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the best hauler and options may appear challenging. In this article we’ll review the options and facts that will help prepare you find the ideal auto transport carrier in Desert Hot Springs. The majority of car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer a variety of carrier alternatives. These options may include enclosed or open transport, where you can choose to have your car relocated under the protection of an enclosure. But first, we’ll explain the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.
Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Desert Hot Springs
One of the most important distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Desert Hot Springs it’s important to have a decent understanding of the variations between the two, as well as how the market works. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the process might seem tricky, but in this article we’ll give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.
What Does an Auto Broker Do?
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the type of service you require. The advantage of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states required to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Desert Hot Springs
An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the person or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your motor vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are interacting directly with the company who will be transporting your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A client would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Desert Hot Springs auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. Not every auto shipper will necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to reach your destination based on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with numerous trucks.
Car Shipping Tips
Take any personal items out of your car.
Each and every Desert Hot Springs auto carrier is prohibited from transporting anything that would be regarded as a “household item” due to restrictions from the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.
Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a Desert Hot Springs car carrier. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
In order to better determine any scratches or dents on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before inspecting the body. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage occurred during shipping. It’s very easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your motor vehicle in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.
Understanding your Bill of Lading.
You’ll receive what’s called a Bill of Lading once your Desert Hot Springs car carrier arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading consists of the details of your vehicle transport contract and will verify that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. At this time, both the consumer and driver of the auto carrier should do an inspection of the vehicle in order to document any existing damages. By doing this both the customer and driver are in agreement on the vehicle’s condition at the time of pickup. The customer will receive yet another Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again examine the condition of your vehicle. If any new damages occur, they can be resolved at this time.
Confirm your insurance coverage.
Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can happen in the auto hauling process. However, any auto transport Desert Hot Springs service should already have liability coverage currently built into their prices, which usually covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied by an outside company that the car hauler does business with. Typically, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company as well.
Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Desert Hot Springs for Your Needs
There are a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the best for your needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a sound decision on which auto transport Desert Hot Springs service to go with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a highly regarded company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their track record. Often times it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you comprehend the process a little better.
Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Desert Hot Springs
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An closed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can typically carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open solution.
Getting the Best Deals on Auto Transport in Desert Hot Springs
It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get various quotes from Desert Hot Springs auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported safely and securely to its final location.