Auto Transportation in Mason City IA

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 Mason City, 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 Mason City, IA.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Mason City? To put it simply, it’s the act of moving a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. This process can be taken care of by making use of an open carrier, which is the most common option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the open air. Generally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s vehicles. However, first you should learn the distinction between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping process by hooking up customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. Below, we’ll examine the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other recommendations that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Mason City

One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Before choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Mason City it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the distinctions between the two, as well as how the business works. The procedure is much easier than you may think, and we’ll provide all the details you need to make an informed decision.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to quote the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Mason City negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. 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 call them. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management firm. These brokers also keep in touch with the customer throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

Finding the Best Auto Hauler

If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be dealing with the person or persons who own the trucks relocating your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship autos all over the country. Every car carrier in Mason City must be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a specific number of routes and locations in order to offer effective service and remain profitable. Many carriers actually rely on auto shipping brokers to connect them with the right customers who will match the routes they take, which means more reliable service. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be paying approximately the same rate for your auto transport. There is competition among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers provide a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. For this reason, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great bargain.

Car Shipping Advice

Take any personal items out of your car.

All Mason City auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be regarded as a “household good” from your automobile before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a Mason City car carrier. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and leave only about a quarter of a tank in your car. The automobile will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Alternatively, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A full tank will add significant weight to your vehicle and could throw off the balance of the transport and result in problems.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

To ensure you have evidence of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Mason City 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 a lot easier to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed later on. Using this method you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The client will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Mason City auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and agree on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help avoid mistakes from happening when it’s delivered. When your current motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Mason City 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 employ a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver 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.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Mason City

It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Mason City to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a little bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Mason City

Going with a Mason City auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

When a car shipping business 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 generally 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 exposed to the elements at all times.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Mason City

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much security your vehicle will require. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get multiple quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Mason City auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the very best service.