Auto Transport in Portland MI

Answers To Your Questions
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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 Portland, 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.

Dependable Service
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 Portland, MI.

Are you searching for the absolute best Portland auto transport? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer you “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Occasionally a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

Portland Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

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

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

In the car shipping market, a broker is a company that resells your shipping job. When you get in touch with a broker, they will manage the process of finding a carrier for your vehicle and getting it from one area to another. However, they will not actually perform the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After getting in touch with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Portland who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping demands. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the consumer throughout the shipping process. In essence, 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.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

If you decide to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working with the person or people who own the trucks moving your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the proprietors of the trailers that are used in transporting the cars and are the owners of the company. All auto transport carriers in Portland have to be licensed and insured, but a consumer should still do their homework to verify this. Most auto carriers serve a specific number of locations and routes that they can transport cars to. Locating a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your vehicle transported may be difficult, as many carriers employ brokers who will connect them with the suitable customers. You’ll end up paying about the same price whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as costs are based mainly on fuel rates at the time. There ës a fair amount of competition between various auto carriers, so sometimes you can find promotions or discounts they’re offering. Therefore, you can take advantage of the circumstance in order to get a great deal.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Transported

Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Portland are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to carry anything that would be considered a “household good”. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve kept in your vehicle. It’s well-advised to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.

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

When employing a Portland 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. The automobile will need to be driven briefly so that it can be loaded on and off the auto shipping truck. However, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A vehicle 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.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

When using a Portland car hauler you should always perform a swift assessment of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to recognize dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. It’s ideal to document the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be offered a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Portland comes to pick up your vehicle. This document will confirm that the auto shipping is hauling your car and will also confirm its condition prior to shipping. It’s a great idea to inspect the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both aware of any existing damages. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your car 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.

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. Auto transport Portland companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which typically covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to spend extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s charges. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the standard vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high end or collector’s car.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Portland

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by undertaking some online research. There are loads of auto transporters in Portland 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. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. This way you’ll have a basic knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

Difference Between Portland Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers

Portland auto transport businesses make it possible to have your car shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are usually transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches 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. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are typically around 75 feet in length. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements at all times, just as it would if you were driving your car, so that is something to take into consideration based upon on the value of the car you’re shipping.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

Prior to deciding on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your motor vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Portland auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.