Vehicle Transport in Columbus KS

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Columbus, 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 Columbus, KS.

What is included in transferring your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Columbus? Simply put, it’s the act of relocating a car from one state to another by means of some type of car shipping method. Customers have the option to choose between an open carrier, which is the most popular, or an enclosed carrier that better covers your vehicle. Usually, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are expensive or collector’s automobiles. However, first you should recognize the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. Brokers don’t actually ship the vehicle, but they act as an intermediary between the customer and the service that provides the shipping of the vehicles. Below, we’ll examine the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other ideas that will help you make the best auto transport choice.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Columbus

Odds are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Columbus, then you could possibly be unaware of the distinction between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Even though both choices will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one location to another, it’s always good to realize the process before selecting a service.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and usually are not the companies that will move vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the particular services requested. The advantage of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of communicating with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Columbus

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten vehicles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and transporting vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. So even if you think you’re interacting directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Usually you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Columbus. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Car Shipping Advice

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto carriers are forbidden from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Columbus will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

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

You should always ensure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Columbus auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be careful not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when shipping it. If your gas tank is full, it will end up adding a significant amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause issues.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

It’s a wise course of action 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. Just taking photos or a video of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to shipping can help prevent any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

As soon as your Columbus auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an inspection to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also confirms 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 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. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

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 Columbus car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will make use of 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 occur during the shipping process.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Columbus

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult to choose which one is the most effective for your needs. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a final decision on which auto transport Columbus service to go with. Initially, you can acquire 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. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you comprehend the service you’re getting.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Columbus

The motor vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not safeguarded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can generally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. A good game plan is to get various 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 Columbus auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can ensure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.