Auto Transport in Watertown MN
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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 Watertown, 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 Watertown, MN.
Auto transport organizations exist for the sake of convenience. Rather than trying to transfer various vehicles on your own, you can simply hire a company to handle the job quickly and securely. However, if you’re not familiar with the auto carrier process, then the task of selecting the right hauler and options may seem difficult. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Watertown that will fit your needs and move your car properly. The majority of auto haulers will offer transportation solutions anywhere in the country from America, from Alaska to Hawaii and will provide you with numerous shipping options. In many cases you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. There is also a difference between auto transport brokers and carriers, which we’ll discuss below.
How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Watertown
Selecting an auto transport company involves some due diligence and knowing how the business works prior to making a decision. It may seem like a complex procedure, but we’ll help make it less complicated for everyone. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of hauling a vehicle.
What Does an Auto Broker Do?
Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will move vehicles. 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. Brokers actually have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will give the customer more choices 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 require, possess the necessary equipment or the correct licensing to transport through the states required 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 rates and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.
Selecting a Qualified Car Carrier
An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or organization that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for transporting your automobile. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A client would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Watertown auto transporter, or several of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be essential in this case, but you may find your choices limited. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a motor vehicle since licensing and legal requirements differ from state to state. A carrier can be a one-man company with one or two trucks, or a big auto transport company with numerous trucks.
Tips for Shipping Your Car
Take any personal items out of your car.
Auto shippers in Watertown 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 common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s encouraged to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to reduce any delays.
Only leave about a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Watertown auto hauler you should look at your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of gasoline. Some gasoline is needed to start your car and drive it so that it can be loaded and unloaded from the auto shipping trailer properly. 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.
Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.
It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. You’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. Simply taking photos or a video of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping can help avoid any misunderstandings at the time of its delivery.
What is a Bill of Lading?
As soon as your Watertown auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It will also make sure 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 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 misunderstandings upon delivery.
Verify your insurance coverage.
Each time you do business with a Watertown auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their costs. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could come up. These auto carriers typically have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Watertown
There are a number of ways you can guarantee you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Watertown car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. You can find out more about the company by getting their MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. You can also look over the company’s terms and conditions to get a much better idea of the type of service you’re getting. A little bit of research as to overall auto transport process goes a long way as well.
Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Watertown
A potential 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. The very same can be said about 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. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service
Before deciding on whether you employ 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 various 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 Watertown 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.