Vehicle Shipping in Shepherd 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 Shepherd, 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 Shepherd, MI.

Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Shepherd? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the best decision. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the very best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

How to Tell the Difference Between Shepherd Auto Carriers and Brokers

Hiring an auto transport company involves some due diligence and knowing how the industry works before making a decision. It may seem like a tricky process, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. We’ll cover the basics of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying consumers with transport services.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional employed by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Shepherd. 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 automobile. The auto transport broker acts as a liaison between the shipper and carrier, which means they can shop around to find the most reliable shipping solution for their customers. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping progression until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.

Auto Carriers and How They Work in Shepherd

Going with a Shepherd auto carrier implies the customer will be dealing directly with the person or business that owns the truck which will be hauling your vehicle. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost effective. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher rates. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. 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 ideal prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Shepherd from shipping personal merchandise included in vehicles. Common household goods that could be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

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

Prior to shipping your vehicle with a Shepherd car hauler you should make certain to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will demand a small amount of driving, typically only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your car because of the added weight it adds.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Shepherd car hauler. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and making sure there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to identify dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the transporting process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition prior to transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

When the Shepherd auto transport arrives to start the shipping procedure, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It will also ensure that both you and the auto transport carrier are in agreement on any existing damage on your car. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. So this process essentially protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Review your insurance coverage options.

Although the Shepherd auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of hauling your vehicle. Usually, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any excess costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could occur. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Shepherd for Your Needs

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the best for your needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a sound decision on which auto transport Shepherd service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A dependable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. Ultimately, 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.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Shepherd

The motor vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, which means your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers usually can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five motor vehicles.

Getting the Very best Deals on Auto Transport in Shepherd

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average motor vehicle that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Shepherd auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make certain you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the perfect service.