Auto Transportation in Columbia MS

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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 Columbia, MS.

What is included in moving your vehicle from one place to another by using an auto transport business in Columbia? Simply put, it’s the act of transporting a car from one state to another through some type of car shipping process. This process can be taken care of by using an open carrier, which is the most frequent option you’ll see on the road, or an enclosed transport where your vehicle would not be exposed to the open air. Normally, an open carrier is used to transport most vehicles unless they are high-priced or collector’s automobiles. The ideal place to begin in your quest for locating an auto transporter is understanding the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, brokers assist in the shipping procedure by connecting customers with carriers, while the carrier essentially performs the job. In this article, we’ll evaluate the distinctions between brokers and carriers, as well as some suggestions to help make your auto transport experience smoother.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Columbia?

You’ll basically have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Columbia. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

Auto Brokers and Their Purpose in the Auto Transport Market

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. A broker will monitor market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they receive. A car transporter in Columbia will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to connect consumers with their services. These broker firms will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your car to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you call them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a greater variety of options when it comes to auto haulers. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer updated as to its progress.

Deciding on a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto carrier usually employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve probably seen on the highways at times. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and hauling vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. 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 are unable to transport your vehicle, then they will find another driver who can do the work. This means that even when you think you are dealing with a carrier in some instances you go through a broker provider. Usually 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 Columbia. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the ideal option for your auto transport demands.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Auto carriers are prohibited from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Columbia will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

You should always make sure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Columbia auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good idea to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be careful not to leave a full tank of gasoline in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your car, which could result in problems during the shipping process.

Before shipping your car, look at it for damages.

In order to document the condition of your vehicle ahead of turning it over to a Columbia auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. Washing your vehicle first will make it much easier to identify any dents or dings. Then, take pictures 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 incidents arise during the auto transport process.

Fully understand your Bill of Lading.

The client will be given a Bill of Lading once your selected auto carrier in Columbia comes to pick up your vehicle. This is simply a document that acknowledges the business is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your vehicle prior to picking it up. It’s a good idea to examine the vehicle with the driver to make sure you are both conscious of any existing damages. Any current damages will be reported in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and client. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.

Evaluate your insurance coverage opportunities.

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 Columbia 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. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can occur during the shipping process.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Columbia

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by undertaking some online research. There are plenty of auto transporters in Columbia 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. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also find out about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. This way you’ll have a basic knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

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

Going with a Columbia auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about any place in the country, and you’ll also be able to select how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport firms will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their distinctions.

When a car shipping business says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transportation. This type of truck is normally 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. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Selecting The Perfect Auto Transport Service in Columbia

Before making a decision on whether you utilize an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your car really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and utilize 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 requirements just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an satisfactory rate. Merely put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Columbia that you’re considering to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.