Vehicle Transport in Elk Rapids MI

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Do you have questions such as what size auto carrier do I need or how much does this cost? Call us now to get all of your questions answered.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Elk Rapids, 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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On time delivery and pickup

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 Elk Rapids, MI.

The auto transport market can seem daunting at first, but by doing a tiny bit of research you can make the most effective choice possible for transporting your automobile. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of obtaining the proper information and contacting the right people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Elk Rapids. Quite often when you reach out to a transport provider you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, in lieu of the transporter themselves. Both of these businesses essentially make sure your vehicle is shipped safety and rapidly to a new location. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your vehicle, the process is essentially the same. You’ll want to make sure you have your vehicle’s details handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also essential to have a general time schedule in mind if you’ll need your vehicle shipped by a certain date. One of the most essential distinctions to understand is the difference and commonalities between an auto transport broker and a carrier.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Elk Rapids?

If you’ve never had your automobile shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Elk Rapids. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

Auto Brokers and Their Role in the Auto Transport Market

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will connect customers to the most useful auto shipper for their requirements. For instance, when you call a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your vehicle from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker doesn’t actually own the trucks, but instead they have established a network of carriers to hook up customers with. After contacting a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Elk Rapids who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping requirements. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the consumer until the vehicle is delivered. Basically, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Elk Rapids

Going with a Elk Rapids auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or company that owns the truck that will be moving your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. 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 clients, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an assortment of carriers that they can contact for the ideal prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they count on brokers to connect them with clients.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your car.

Most people are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in Elk Rapids from transporting personal products included in vehicles. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. Make sure to do a swift inspection of the inside of your motor vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.

Don’t ship your car with a full gas tank.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to shipping with a Elk Rapids car carrier. It’s suggested to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. The automobile 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 fill your gas tank an excessive amount either. A full tank will add significant weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in problems.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

In order to record the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Elk Rapids auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be easier to recognize any dents or damage. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to record the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any damage. This way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the auto transport process.

What is a Bill of Lading?

When the Elk Rapids auto transport arrives to begin the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. The document 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 existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Elk Rapids car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The total 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. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Elk Rapids

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping provider in Elk Rapids there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Clients should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Elk Rapids

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve most likely seen them many times on the highway. The variety of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the inexpensive price tag. In general, this will be the most affordable method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. The most common cars shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get multiple 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 Elk Rapids that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.