Auto Transport in Bridgeton MO

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Are you searching for the absolute best Bridgeton auto transport? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best choice. 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. Almost all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Bridgeton auto shipping companies, you should first know the difference 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. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.

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

When in search of car transport and car shipping companies in Bridgeton, there are basically two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. The broker will find the best trucking service for you depending on where you are and where your vehicle needs to go. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier based upon 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 provide the customer more choices and a far better chance to find the ideal one for them. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not currently have the required equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these set of guidelines and can sometimes get a more competitive rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

Selecting a Qualified Car Carrier

An auto transport carrier is the business that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the work of transporting a motor vehicle. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are dealing 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 Bridgeton auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. In this case, the customer assumes the role of the broker and deals with the auto transport directly. It’s important to keep in mind that some carriers may not be able to transport a vehicle since licensing and legal requirements vary from state to state. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Auto shippers in Bridgeton are not allowed by the Department of Transportation to move 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 stored in your vehicle. It’s well-advised to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.

Don’t ship your car with a full tank of gas.

Even though your car or truck will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be required during the loading and unloading process. Also, your car 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 might not be able to start. Make certain to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could result in shipping problems.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

In order to document the condition of your car ahead of turning it over to a Bridgeton auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage existing prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to identify any dents or damage. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your vehicle, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. Using this method you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the auto transport process.

Understanding your Bill of Lading.

You will be given what’s known as a Bill of Lading once your Bridgeton car carrier arrives to obtain your vehicle for transport. 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 customer and driver of the auto carrier should do an examination of the vehicle in order to document any existing damages. This way both the customer and driver are in agreement on the vehicle’s condition at the time of pickup. Another Bill of Lading will be given to the customer once the car arrives at its destination, which will verify the condition of the vehicle matches what it was when it was picked up. If any new damages occur, they can be resolved at this time.

Understand your insurance coverage.

Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Any Bridgeton 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. Auto shippers will utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Bridgeton for Your Needs

There are several ways you can ensure you’re getting the absolute best service from your selected Bridgeton car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The customer can also use the auto transporter’s MC number or USDOT number. These numbers can then be used to look up the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a great idea to quickly evaluate the terms and conditions of the service agreement so that you have a general idea of what in entails. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.

Knowing the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Bridgeton

Going with a Bridgeton auto transport service you’ll be able to ship your vehicle just about anywhere in the country, and you’ll also be able to pick how your vehicle is shipped. While most auto transport organizations will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the company you choose, you may have the alternative 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 company says it uses open-air trucks, it uses the type of car carrier that most people relate to car transport. This type of truck is typically 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 account based upon on the value of the vehicle you’re shipping.

Researching Auto Transport Companies in Bridgeton

It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your car will require while being shipped across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. When first browsing auto transport companies in Bridgeton you should get a few quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the ideal choice for every scenario. By doing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the perfect deal. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.