Vehicle Transportation in Northridge CA
Answers To Your Questions
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.
Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Northridge, 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.
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 Northridge, CA.
The automobile transport industry can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a tiny bit of research you can make the very best selection possible for hauling your automobile. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the right information and contacting the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transportation company in Northridge. Often times when you reach out to a transportation firm you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, in lieu of the auto carrier themselves. Both of these businesses essentially make sure your vehicle is transported safety and speedily to a new location. The process is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. You’ll want to make sure you have your vehicle’s details handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also necessary to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle shipped by a certain date. First, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping business that is the owner of the trucks.
Northridge Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a fundamental understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific details. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in providing customers with transport services.
Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Industry
An auto transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Northridge. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but rather will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s circumstance. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each consumers, which means they can provide a better variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within realistic mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. The broker will be in contact with you, the client, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its final location.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Northridge
An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the freeways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul vehicles. The driver may be the owner of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most efficient service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be obtaining a better rate, but that’s not automatically true with Northridge auto transport. A broker shops multiple auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport needs.
Car Shipping Tips
Secure your personal items outside your car.
No auto shipper is allowed to transport any object that would be classified as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. So auto transport in Northridge cannot transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal belongings or other goods. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
You should always ensure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Northridge auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of fuel during transporting. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the transporting process.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
To make certain you have evidence of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Northridge auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to identify any dents or damage. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to record the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. This way you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The customer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your chosen auto carrier in Northridge comes to pick up your vehicle. This is basically a document that acknowledges the firm is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your vehicle prior to picking it up. 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 reported in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your car 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 taken place during the shipping process.
Your car should be insured against damages.
Although the Northridge auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would cover any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Your chosen auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers typically have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Northridge
In order to make sure you’re getting the best service from your Northridge car carrier you can always do a bit of research on their history first. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The consumer can also use the auto transporter’s 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 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.
Northridge Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks
A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement option. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane versus first class. It’s the way most people travel. This same concept can apply to selecting an 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 economical way possible. Transporting your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most affordable way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.
Researching Auto Transport Companies in Northridge
Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Northridge that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.