Car Transportation in Lake Elmo MN

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 Lake Elmo, 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 Lake Elmo, MN.

The auto transport business provides a practical way to move your vehicles across long distances for a relatively cheap rate. Instead of trying to transfer various vehicles on your own, you can simply hire a company to handle the job swiftly and securely. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the proper hauler and options may appear challenging. The good news is, in this article we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Lake Elmo that will fit your needs and move your car safely. Many car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer you a variety of carrier alternatives. Usually you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a distinction between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll clarify below.

Lake Elmo Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

First of all, every customer should understand what it means to be an auto transport broker versus a carrier. Prior to choosing between an auto broker and an auto transport company in Lake Elmo it’s essential to have a decent understanding of the differences between the two, as well as how the market works. If you’ve never used an auto shipping service before, the process might seem complicated, but in this article we’ll give you all the information you need to make an educated decision.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the type of service you require. The benefit of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, have the necessary equipment or the proper licensing to transport through the states needed to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with carriers in order to locate the one who offers the best prices and proper service, which means you might get a better rate since it increases competition.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Lake Elmo

When you choose to seek out a Lake Elmo auto carrier you’ll be dealing with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be paying less when working directly with a Lake Elmo auto carrier either. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with customers, it all costs money. Dealing with an auto carrier directly might not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has an array of carriers that they can get in touch with for the best prices and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Tips for Shipping Your Car

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

You might not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Lake Elmo from moving vehicles with personal belongings in them. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good option to check your vehicle and get rid of any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

When utilizing a Lake Elmo auto transport company you should keep an eye on your gas gauge prior to the time of shipping. It’s recommended to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. 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 ship your car with a full tank of gas either. A car with a full tank of gas will weigh considerably more than one with simply a quarter tank full, which could complicate the auto transport process.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

In order to better identify any scratches or blemishes on your vehicle it’s a good idea to wash it before examining the body. This will allow you to clearly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already existing on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t erroneously believe the damage happened during shipping. Merely taking pictures or a video of the condition of your car prior to shipping can help prevent any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.

Keep track of your Bill of Lading.

When the Lake Elmo auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an examination of your vehicle’s condition. During this time you can identify any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. Once that process is complete, the customer will be given a Bill of Lading. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term control of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any present damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This will confirm that the vehicle has been delivered and will allow the customer to inspect that vehicle again to determine if any new damage has occurred. So this process essentially protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.

Confirm your insurance coverage.

Even though the Lake Elmo auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea 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. Normally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the cost of their services, so there won’t be any further costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of issues that could occur. This insurance coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Lake Elmo

To guarantee you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Lake Elmo there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every certified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also acquire their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Lake Elmo

A possible misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement option. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the way most people travel. This exact same concept can apply to deciding on an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most affordable way possible. Transporting your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only moving one car or truck at a time.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Lake Elmo

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Lake Elmo 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 very best service.