Auto Transportation in Lafayette LA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Lafayette, 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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Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Lafayette? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport procedure every step of the way. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one location to another properly. Most shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Lafayette auto shipping providers, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your particular auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Occasionally a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.
What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Lafayette?
Before choosing an car hauling service you should have a basic understanding of the industry and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or where to get accurate information. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in providing customers with transport services.
Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers
When you’re shopping for car transport in Lafayette odds are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your automobile. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can provide a better variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping progression until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.
How to Locate a Car Carrier in Lafayette
An auto transport carrier is the enterprise that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the work of transporting a 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 rely on brokers to connect them with customers. A consumer would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Lafayette auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be necessary in this case, but you may find your choices constrained. It’s important 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. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Car Shipping Tips
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
No car hauler in Lafayette is authorized to transport household goods, as per restrictions put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve stored in your vehicle. It’s recommended to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
Be certain to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Lafayette auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer 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 mindful not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when transporting it. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your vehicle, which could result in complications during the shipping process.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
When using a Lafayette car hauler you should always perform a quick inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A fairly 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 much easier to discover dents and dings. This will make sure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the transporting process. Record any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition prior to transporting it.
Learning about your Bill of Lading.
When the Lafayette auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, 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 verifies the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any current 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.
Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.
It’s a wise course of action to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Any Lafayette car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler typically uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Lafayette
You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by carrying out some online research. There are loads of auto transporters in Lafayette 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. Finally, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Distinction Between Lafayette Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers
A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement alternative. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the most common way for people to take a flight. The same can be said about 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 economical way possible. Open carriers will be more economical than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.
Know Your Auto Transport Solutions in Lafayette
Always consider 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 alternatives are probably okay for you. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Lafayette auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final destination.