Auto Shipping in Houghton Lake MI

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Houghton Lake, 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 Houghton Lake, MI.

Auto transport firms exist for the sake of convenience. Instead of trying to transport multiple vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job quickly and securely. If you’re not acquainted with the auto carriers in Houghton Lake, then the process might seem complicated at first. In this article we’ll review the choices and facts that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Houghton Lake. Many car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer you a variety of carrier alternatives. Usually you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Houghton Lake?

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Houghton Lake, there are basically two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. The broker will find the best trucking service for you based on where you are and where your automobile needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Market

An auto shipping broker is essentially the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they acquire. A car transporter in Houghton Lake will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to link up consumers with their services. These broker companies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. This is one of the positive aspects of using a broker logistics management business. These brokers also stay in touch with the customer throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.

How to Locate a Car Carrier in Houghton Lake

A car hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are qualified and licensed to haul automobiles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. The truck driver is the person who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some bigger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the chance to broker out your order to an additional carrier. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some situations you go through a broker service. Most of the time when customers deals directly with a company, rather than an intermediary, they think they’ll be gaining a better price, but that’s not necessarily true with Houghton Lake auto transport. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can search multiple options to find the best choice for their clients.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

All Houghton Lake auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be considered a “household good” from your vehicle before it is picked up by an auto transport service. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Do not ship your car with a full gas tank.

Keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to transporting with a Houghton Lake car carrier. 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 gasoline level too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh substantially more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

Always conduct an in-depth inspection of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Houghton Lake car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing 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 problems and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. It’s most effective to record the condition of your car by simply taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Houghton Lake auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your vehicle on their truck. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows 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 operater 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. This way, both parties recognize existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent inspection after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Review your insurance coverage options.

It’s a great idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any Houghton Lake 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 generally 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 occur during the shipping process.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Houghton Lake

You’ll have a wide range 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 sound decision on which auto transport Houghton Lake service to go with. Initially, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a reputable company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous consumers are saying. In many cases it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you realize the process a little better.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Houghton Lake

Going with a Houghton Lake auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are generally transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both methods use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most frequent type of car shipping. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are normally around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Houghton Lake

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 options are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from Houghton Lake auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.