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Vehicle Transportation in Downey CA

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Friendly straight forward advice

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 Downey, 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 Downey, CA.

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 vehicle transport industry can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a tiny bit of investigation you can make the best selection possible for moving your automobile. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the proper information and contacting the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transportation company in Downey. More often than not when you reach out to a transport firm you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, rather then the transporter themselves. They both provide the same options, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your vehicle, the process is fundamentally the same. You’ll want to make sure you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also important to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. One of the most important distinctions to realize is the difference and commonalities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

Downey Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Downey, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick up your vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. The benefit of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, possess the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of communicating with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your vehicle. Interacting directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be difficult to find the best carrier since many of them count on brokers to connect them with customers. A customer would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Downey auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. 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 depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with numerous drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Car Shipping Tips

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

All Downey auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You really 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.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Before shipping your vehicle with a Downey car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, generally only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your vehicle because of the extra weight it adds.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Downey auto carrier, it’s a wise course of action to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed afterwards. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

When the Downey auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. So this process basically safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

You should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they offer any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Downey companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which usually covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to spend 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.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Downey

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Downey service that you’re thinking about going with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make sure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reputable company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. Finally, 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.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Downey

Downey auto transport companies make it possible to have your automobile shipped to practically 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 usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are generally around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Downey auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the very best service.