Auto Shipping in Columbia MO

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Columbia, 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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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, MO.

Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Columbia? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you comprehend the transport procedure every step of the way. 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. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Before jumping into the Columbia auto shipping providers, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Columbia

If you’ve never had your car shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the differences between an auto broker and auto carrier in Columbia. Even though both options will end with the same result of getting your car moved from one location to another, it’s always good to realize the process before choosing a service.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and client. They offer a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Columbia negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the best rates for the consumer. This is one of the advantages of using a broker logistics management firm. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

Finding the Best Auto Hauler

When you choose to seek out a Columbia auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. 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 designated routes because this would mean sluggish service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the perfect rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. In fact, carriers often times aren’t easy to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

Auto carriers are prohibited from moving anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Columbia cannot transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal belongings or other goods. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your vehicle are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

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

Since your vehicle will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on fuel. Also, your vehicle may be positioned at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning fuel could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline level is too low it may not be able to start. Conversely, make sure 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.

Before shipping your car, always check it for damages.

It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dirt 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 confusion at the time of its delivery.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once your Columbia auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an assessment to determine the condition of your vehicle. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which commonly includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The document will confirm auto carrier is taking your vehicle for transport. It also verifies 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 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 safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

Each time you do business with a Columbia auto hauler you should check to make certain they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their rates. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of issues that could occur. These auto carriers usually have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Columbia

To make sure you’re acquiring the best car shipping service in Columbia there are a few details you should acquire regarding your auto transport company. Every qualified auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (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 clients are saying.

Difference Between Columbia Auto Transports and Enclosed Vehicle Carriers

Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier solution is often the most inexpensive and common. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them numerous times on the highway. The variety of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the cheap price tag. In general, this will be the most affordable method of transporting your vehicle. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain performance. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Columbia

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in secured conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping method. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Columbia auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the ideal choice for every situation. Do a little bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final location.