Car Transportation in Columbia CT

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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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, CT.

The auto transport industry can seem overwhelming at first, but by doing a tiny bit of homework you can make the most effective selection possible for transporting your automobile. Shipping a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the proper information and getting in touch with the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Columbia. Often times when you reach out to a transport provider you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, instead of the auto carrier themselves. They both offer you the same solutions, which is to facilitate the moving of your vehicle, but a broker merely arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your automobile, the process is essentially the same. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s info handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also essential to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. First, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping company that owns the trucks.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Columbia

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Before getting into the process of choosing an auto transport service in Columbia you should first know the distinction between an auto shipping broker and a carrier. If you’ve never used an auto transport service before, the process might seem challenging, but in this article we’ll give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Consumers

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and generally are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will offer the customer more possibilities and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states needed to relocate your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these conditions and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Finding a Car Carrier in Columbia

An auto transport carrier is the provider that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the work of hauling a motor vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. The client will be accountable for locating a company that handles auto transport in Columbia, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices limited. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements differ from state to state. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with various drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Columbia are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to move anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of common objects you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s encouraged to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a Columbia car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. 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 too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A full tank will add considerable weight to your vehicle and could throw off the balance of the transport and result in problems.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Columbia auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. Cleaning your vehicle first will make it a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to record the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. This way you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Columbia auto transport arrives to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. The driver and client can do an inspection together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Review your insurance coverage opportunities.

Even though the Columbia auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Typically, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any added costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of issues that could come up. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Columbia for Your Needs

There are several ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Columbia that you’ve chosen. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. Lastly, you can check out third-party reviews online and find out what past clients are expressing about the auto haulers services.

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

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five vehicles.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Columbia

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much security your vehicle will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. 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. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Columbia that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.