Vehicle Shipping in Affton MO

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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Affton, 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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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 Affton, MO.

The auto transport market delivers a convenient way to move your vehicles across long distances for a relatively low rate. Instead of trying to transport numerous vehicles on your own, you can simply seek the services of a company to handle the job rapidly and securely. However, if you’re not acquainted with the auto carrier practice, then the task of selecting the perfect hauler and options may seem difficult. In this article we’ll review the alternatives and facts that will help prepare you find the perfect auto transport carrier in Affton. Most car haulers will carry anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and offer a variety of carrier alternatives. Often times you’ll have the option of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll explain the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

How an Auto Broker is Distinct From an Auto Carrier in Affton

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

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An auto shipping broker is essentially 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. Auto shipping brokers in Affton negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker agencies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your automobile to be picked-up practically anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a greater variety of choices when it comes to auto haulers. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor in the course of the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Affton

When you choose to seek out a Affton auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting automobiles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher rates. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when dealing directly with a Affton auto carrier either. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room often times. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the price you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the best prices and routes. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since many times they rely on brokers to connect them with customers.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your vehicle.

No auto shipper is permitted to transfer any item that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Affton will not be allowed to ship vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your car are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.

Even though your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be necessary during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gasoline could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the fuel level is too low it may not be able to start. Alternatively, ensure you don’t have a full tank of gas in your car either, since it would add a great deal of weight to your vehicle during transporting.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always perform an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Affton car hauler. The best way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make sure you are conscious of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. It’s ideal to document the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any difficulties during transporting it.

Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.

Once your Affton auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, 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. This process guarantees that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Understand your insurance coverage.

It’s a great idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Affton car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that covers damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler generally uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Affton

There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Affton that you’ve chosen. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Yet another way to check their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the overall auto transport process. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.

Open Auto Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Affton

Shipping your vehicle by utilizing an open carrier solution is often the most affordable and common. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them many times on the highway. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the price involved in shipping. In general, this will be the most cost-effective method of transporting your vehicle. An auto carrier that is going from your area and traveling through to your location will take that vehicle and add it to a group of up to 10 others heading in that same direction. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Affton

Before making a decision on whether you employ 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 use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary 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 adequate rate. Merely put a little time towards researching the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Affton that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.