Auto Transport in Wakefield MA
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Moving a vehicle is not a really complex practice, though it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve hardly ever done it before. In order to transport a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the proper information and contacting the right Wakefield auto transport service to take care of the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up contacting what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both provide the same solutions, which is to facilitate the transportation of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. The method is mostly the same regardless of where in America your trying to ship your car to. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also important to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle transported by a certain date. Initially, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping firm that owns the trucks.
Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Wakefield
Before selecting an car hauling service you should have a basic understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin or where to get specific information. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of hauling a vehicle.
What Is An Auto Transport Broker?
A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon on routes, your location and the variety of service you require. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more choices and a better chance to find the best one for them. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. Basically, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these criteria and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
Locating the Best Auto Hauler
When you choose to seek out a Wakefield auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. Normally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of extra fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean customers will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a wide range of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.
Car Shipping Tips
Take any personal items out of your vehicle.
You might not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that forbids car haulers in Wakefield from moving vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.
Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.
When employing a Wakefield auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your vehicle. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to leave your gas level way too low. Alternatively, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh considerably more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.
Record any body damage on your vehicle
In order to record the condition of your vehicle before turning it over to a Wakefield auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to identify any dents or damage. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed later on. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems arise during the auto transport process.
Understanding your Bill of Lading.
The consumer will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Wakefield auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that testifies the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any present damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and come to an agreement on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help avoid mistakes from occurring when it’s delivered. When your current motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Your car should be insured against damages.
Although the Wakefield auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of transporting your vehicle. Your chosen auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.
How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Wakefield
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in Wakefield 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. 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. By doing a bit of research you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Difference Between Wakefield Auto Transports and Enclosed Car Carriers
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. 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 reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can usually carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open option.
Researching Auto Transport Companies in Wakefield
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. 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 demands just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Wakefield that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.