Vehicle Shipping in Bellingham MN

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Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Bellingham? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you comprehend the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the very best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will supply “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Before jumping into the Bellingham 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.

What is the Difference Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Bellingham?

Employing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and understanding how the business works prior to making a decision. It may seem like a complicated process, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

An automotive transport broker is simply the professional chosen by you, the shipper, who aids in the process of acquiring an auto transport company in Bellingham. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but rather will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s situation. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each customers, which means they can offer a greater variety of rates and options. They’ll find an automobile carrier who journeys the route and is within reasonable mileage to your location, so it can end up making the entire shipping process quicker. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is delivered to its destination.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Bellingham

If you choose to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working with the person or people who own the trucks relocating your vehicle. The auto shipping carriers are the owners of the trailers that are used in transporting the cars and are the owners of the company. Most auto transport carriers in Bellingham have to be licensed and insured, but a client should still do their homework to validate this. These car carriers will serve a certain number of routes and locations in order to provide reliable service and remain profitable. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be challenging, as many carriers employ brokers who will connect them with the correct customers. You’ll end up paying about the same rate whether you go with a carrier or broker, however, as charges are based largely on fuel rates at the time. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and most auto carriers offer a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. For this reason, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a good bargain.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

No car hauler in Bellingham is permitted to transport household goods, as per rules put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes common items you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s encouraged to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Although your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be required during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make sure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a lot of weight to your vehicle during shipment.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

To make certain you have evidence of the condition of your vehicle prior to using a Bellingham auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. Washing your car first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.

Understand your Bill of Lading.

When the Bellingham car carrier comes to pick up your car you will be given a Bill of Lading. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport agreement and will verify that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. At this time, both the consumer and driver of the auto carrier should do an assessment of the vehicle in order to document any existing damages. So the client and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any misunderstandings once the vehicle is delivered. The client will receive one more Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again examine the condition of your vehicle. If any new damages occur, they can be addressed at this time.

Your vehicle should be insured against damages.

Although the Bellingham 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 moving your vehicle. Typically, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any additional costs involved. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could occur. These auto carriers usually have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.

Ensure You Choose the Right Car Shipping Provider in Bellingham

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any company that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are plenty of auto transporters in Bellingham to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining 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. Finally, 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 little bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Bellingham

Bellingham auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided 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 familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is generally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. Your vehicle will be open 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 automobile you’re shipping.

Selecting The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Bellingham

Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. When first browsing auto transport companies in Bellingham you should get various quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the best choice. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.