Auto Transport in Ottumwa IA

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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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, IA.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one location to another by using an auto transport business in Ottumwa? In fact, auto shipping involves a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one place to another for a client. Clients have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most common, or an enclosed carrier that better safeguards your vehicle. Typically, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced 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 review the difference between a broker and carrier, as well as other strategies that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Ottumwa?

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Ottumwa, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

When you’re shopping for car transport in Ottumwa chances are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but instead will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most effective shipping solution for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Fundamentally, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your motor vehicle. Dealing directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be tough to find the best carrier since many of them depend on brokers to connect them with customers. The customer will be responsible for finding a company that handles auto transport in Ottumwa, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the very best price. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices limited. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination based on the states they must go through. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with many trucks.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

No car hauler in Ottumwa is allowed to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This consists of common objects you might have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s advised to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Ahead of shipping your vehicle with a Ottumwa car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The transporting process will require a small amount of driving, generally only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a full tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

When using a Ottumwa car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making certain there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to recognize dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. It’s most effective to record the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

Once your Ottumwa auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the client will be given a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary control of your vehicle. It also verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, 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. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can happen in the auto hauling process. Even so, any auto transport Ottumwa service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which commonly covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is supplied 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.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Ottumwa for Your Needs

To ensure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Ottumwa there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. Every qualified 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. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Ottumwa

Generally, 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. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the costs involved in shipping. So, generally, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Choosing The Right Auto Transport Service in Ottumwa

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping alternative might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Ottumwa you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best choice for every scenario. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.