Vehicle Shipping in Mishawaka IN

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Mishawaka, 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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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 Mishawaka, IN.

Are you looking for the absolute best Mishawaka auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it works and how to make the best choice. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the very best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will supply “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Mishawaka?

Odds are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Mishawaka, then you could possibly be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular 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. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states needed to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of communicating with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Mishawaka

An auto transport carrier is the provider that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the labor of transporting a 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. The customer will be accountable for selecting a company that handles auto transport in Mishawaka, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the best price. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s essential to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Vehicle

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

No car hauler in Mishawaka is allowed to transport household goods, as per regulations put forth by the Department of Transportation. This consists of common things you may 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 reduce any delays.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

When using a Mishawaka auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s advisable to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The motor vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.

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

To make sure you have proof of the condition of your car prior to using a Mishawaka auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the vehicle transport process.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once your Mishawaka auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an inspection to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which typically includes scratches, dents and dings. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It will also make sure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Even though the Mishawaka 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. Generally, 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 problems that could arise. These auto carriers generally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Mishawaka for Your Needs

There are several ways you can ensure you’re getting the absolute best service from your selected Mishawaka car carrier. You should only use an auto transport service that is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the company by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a great idea to quickly evaluate the terms and conditions of the service arrangement so that you have a general idea of what in entails. A small bit of investigation as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.

Mishawaka Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Mishawaka auto transport businesses make it possible to have your car shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the choice 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. This type of truck is normally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

It’s a good practice to consider what type of safety your car will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less expensive, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would usually be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. When first exploring auto transport companies in Mishawaka you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.