Auto Transport in Elk Horn IA

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Elk Horn, 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 Elk Horn, IA.

Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Elk Horn? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your automobile makes it from one place to another securely. 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. Before jumping into the Elk Horn auto shipping services, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

What is an Auto Broker in Elk Horn?

You’ll basically have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in Elk Horn. 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. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

Brokers are basically the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and client. A broker will track market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they acquire. A car transporter in Elk Horn will be in contact with these brokers and rely on them to connect customers with their services. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management business. These brokers also stay in touch with the client throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

Finding the Best Auto Hauler

An auto transport carrier is the company that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the labor of transporting a motor vehicle. Working directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be challenging to find the best carrier since many of them depend on brokers to connect them with customers. A consumer would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Elk Horn auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s significant 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. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

No auto shipper is authorized to transport any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Elk Horn will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal items inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.

Do not ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

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 gasoline. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may 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 shipping.

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

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. Merely taking photos or a video of the condition of your car prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The client will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Elk Horn auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and come to an agreement on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

It’s a good idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Elk Horn car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Elk Horn for Your Needs

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Elk Horn service to go with. First, you can get 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 reliable company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their standing. In many cases it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you understand the process a little better.

Difference Between Elk Horn Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement solution. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the way most people travel. This very same concept can apply to choosing 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 firm to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most cost effective way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Elk Horn

It’s a good practice to consider what type of protection your vehicle will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always cheaper, 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 vehicles that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Elk Horn auto transporters. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the most effective choice for every situation. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.