Auto Transport in Lathrop CA

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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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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lathrop, 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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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 Lathrop, CA.

Are you looking for the absolute best Lathrop auto transport? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it works and how to make the best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one place to another properly. Nearly all shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Lathrop auto shipping companies, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Some agencies 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 Lathrop?

Odds are if you’ve never utilized an auto transporter in Lathrop, then you may be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle 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.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the specific services requested. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more choices and a better chance to find the best one for them. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have 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 getting in touch with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it will increase competition.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Lathrop

Going with a Lathrop auto carrier means the customer will be working directly with the person or firm that owns the truck which will be transporting your vehicle. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when dealing directly with a Lathrop auto carrier either. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel rates, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a wide range of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they depend on brokers to connect them with clients.

Car Shipping Advice

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Lathrop from shipping personal products included in vehicles. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the inside of your vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.

Don’t ship your car with a full gas tank.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. Also, your car may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the fuel level is too low it might not be able to start. Conversely, ensure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a great deal of weight to your automobile during transporting.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

In order to record the condition of your car before turning it over to a Lathrop auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. Cleaning your vehicle first will make it easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed later on. This way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the auto transport process.

Understand your Bill of Lading.

Once the auto carrier in Lathrop arrives to retrieve your car for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will confirm that the auto shipping is hauling your car and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be recorded in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your automobile 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 happened during shipping.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

You really 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 Lathrop 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 spend extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s fees. Usually, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Lathrop for Your Needs

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Lathrop service that you’re considering going with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain 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 can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. 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.

Difference Between Lathrop Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers

Most people think the open transport auto carrier option is the always the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. The same can be said about open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling all through the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most affordable way possible. Open carriers will be more affordable than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much protection your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely 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 billed an satisfactory rate. Simply put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Lathrop that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.