Auto Shipping in California MD

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Are you trying to figure out the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another using an auto transporter in California? In essence, auto shipping involves a car carrier company relocating the vehicle from one location to another for a customer. This process can be taken care of by utilizing an open carrier, which is the most well-known option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be subjected to the open air. An open carrier is the most common, which also means it’s the most reasonably priced for typical vehicle transport needs. However, first you should recognize the difference between an auto transport broker and an auto carrier. In short, brokers facilitate the shipping procedure by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier actually performs the job. Below, we’ll review the distinction between a broker and carrier, as well as other suggestions that will help you make the most effective auto transport choice.

California Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

One of the most important distinctions to understand is the distinction between an auto transport broker and a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in California it’s important to have a good understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the business works. The process is much less complicated than you might think, and we’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

When you’re looking for car transport in California chances are you’ll end up calling 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 motor vehicle. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most efficient shipping solution for their customers. They’ll find an automobile carrier who travels the route and is within realistic mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Basically, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Hauler

If you decide to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working 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 vehicles all over the country. Every car carrier in California has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a good plan to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a certain number of routes and locations in order to provide reliable service and remain successful. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be tricky, as many carriers make use of brokers who will connect them with the ideal customers. You’ll end up having to pay about the same amount whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based largely on fuel rates at the time. There is competition among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers offer you a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. Therefore, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great deal.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

No car hauler in California is permitted 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 common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to avoid any delays.

Don’t ship your vehicle with a full tank of gas.

When employing a California auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s highly recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle just to be on the safe side. The car will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh significantly more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.

Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.

It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t mistakenly believe the damage occurred during shipping. Just taking pictures or a video of the condition of your car prior to shipping can help prevent any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once the auto carrier in California shows up to obtain your vehicle for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will confirm that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. It’s a wise course of action to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any California car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Ensure You Select the Best Car Shipping Business in California

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping demands. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport California service to go with. Initially, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a highly regarded company. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. Lastly, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in California

California auto transport businesses make it possible to have your car shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. While most auto transport organizations will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the alternative to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are acquainted with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. 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.

Selecting The Perfect Auto Transport Service in California

Prior to deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an satisfactory rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the California auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the perfect service.