Vehicle Transportation in Thomaston ME

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Thomaston, 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 searching for the absolute best Thomaston auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the very best choice. 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 safely. For the most part, auto shippers will provide “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 Thomaston auto shipping services, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

What is an Auto Broker in Thomaston?

If you’ve never had your car shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the distinctions between an auto broker and auto carrier in Thomaston. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car relocated from one place to another, it’s always good to understand the process before choosing a service.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will transport vehicles. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the type of service you require. The advantage of using a broker as opposed to a carrier is that you have much more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the job of getting in touch with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

Finding a Car Carrier in Thomaston

An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move numerous vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. The driver may be the proprietor of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Sometimes a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find a different driver who can do the work. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be getting a better rate, but that’s not necessarily true with Thomaston auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the perfect choice for their clients.

Car Shipping Tips

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Thomaston from hauling vehicles with personal belongings in them. Typical household items that might be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

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

Keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to transporting with a Thomaston car carrier. It’s advised to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. The vehicle will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping trailer. On the other hand, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline either. A full tank will add considerable weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in difficulties.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

Always perform an in-depth assessment of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Thomaston car hauler. The best way to do this is by cleaning your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will ensure you are conscious of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage occurred during the transporting process. Document 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 Thomaston auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. 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. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking temporary possession of your vehicle. 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 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. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

You really should check with your auto insurance provider to find out if they provide any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. However, any auto transport Thomaston service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which usually 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 provided by an outside business that the car hauler does business with. Typically, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company as well.

Make Certain You Select the Ideal Car Shipping Business in Thomaston

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by performing some online research. There are tons of auto transporters in Thomaston 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 solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are expressing about them. Lastly, 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. This way you’ll have a general knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

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

Going with a Thomaston 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. While most auto transport businesses will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. This type of truck is usually 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 open to the elements at all times.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Thomaston

It’s a good practice to think about what type of protection your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would commonly be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping option might be better for your vehicle. When first exploring auto transport companies in Thomaston you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the most effective choice for every scenario. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.