Auto Shipping in Utica MI

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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Utica, 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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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 Utica, MI.

Are you looking for the absolute best Utica auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your automobile makes it from one place to another safely. 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. Prior to jumping into the Utica auto shipping providers, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Utica

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 Utica it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the variations between the two, as well as how the business works. If you’ve never used an auto transport service before, the procedure might seem confusing, but in this article we’ll give you all the details you need to make an educated decision.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

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 kind of service you require. Brokers actually have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more options and a far better chance to find the best one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you need, have the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

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 vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to travel. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. At times a carrier may also act as a broker, so if they’re not able to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the job. This means that even when you think you are working with a carrier in some instances you go through a broker provider. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Utica. A broker shops various auto transporters and is already organized to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport requirements.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Utica are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to transport 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 stashed in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to sweep your vehicle for any of these products and get rid of them prior to pickup.

Do not ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

Be sure to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Utica auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your car with a full tank of gas during transporting. A full tank would add lots of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the transporting process.

Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.

To make sure you have evidence of the condition of your car prior to using a Utica auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. 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 document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. That way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

The customer will be offered what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Utica auto transport gets there to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The driver and customer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help prevent 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.

Review your insurance coverage options.

It’s a good 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 Utica car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Make Sure You Select the Correct Car Shipping Firm in Utica

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Utica 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. By getting these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more information 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 investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Utica

Usually, 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 probably seen them numerous times on the highway. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the costs involved in shipping. In general, this will be the most inexpensive method of transporting your vehicle. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain performance. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Utica

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your car 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. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would probably be a good fit for you. As always, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being billed an adequate rate. By putting in a bit of time to research the Utica auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the best service.