Car Shipping in Chicago IL

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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 Chicago, IL.

Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in Chicago? Simply put, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. This procedure can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the outdoors. An open carrier is the most popular, which also means it’s the most cost-effective for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should recognize the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they behave as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. In this article, we’ll review the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some suggestions to help make your auto transport experience better.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Chicago

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Chicago, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. 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.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will transport vehicles. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. The benefit of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, possess the necessary equipment or the proper licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of locating a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Getting the Best Auto Hauler

When you deal specifically with an auto transport professional that usually means you will be interacting with the actual individual or company that will be moving your automobile. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship vehicles all over the country. Most auto transport carriers in Chicago have to be licensed and insured, but a customer should still do their homework to confirm this. Most auto carriers serve a certain number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Finding a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your vehicle transported may be difficult, as many carriers make use of brokers who will connect them with the ideal customers. You’ll end up having to pay about the same rate whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair quantity of competition between different auto carriers, so occasionally you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. As a result, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a great deal.

Car Shipping Advice

Take any personal items out of your car.

You might not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Chicago from moving vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a Chicago car carrier. It’s suggested to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping trailer. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of fuel either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh considerably more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

To make sure you have evidence of the condition of your car prior to using a Chicago auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your vehicle first will make it easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to provide proof of its condition if needed later on. By doing this you have records of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the auto transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

The client will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Chicago comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will confirm that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also verify its condition prior to shipping. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. After the inspection is complete, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. 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 the shipping process.

Your car should be insured against damages.

You really should check with your auto insurance company to find out if they supply any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Chicago companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which typically covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is provided by an outside firm that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the typical vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top end or collector’s car.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Chicago

There are a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be hard to choose which one is the best for your needs. You can even do a bit of research on the auto transport Chicago service that you’re thinking about going with. First, 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 reputable 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. Ultimately, 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.

Chicago Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trucks

Usually, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The abundance of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the inexpensive price tag. So, generally, this is the most affordable way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain effectiveness. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Chicago

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, think about how much security your vehicle will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Chicago that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.