Vehicle Transportation in Columbia MO

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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 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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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 Columbia, MO.

Shipping a vehicle is not a really complex practice, though it may seem that way from the outside, particularly if you’ve never done it before. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s actually just a matter of having the proper information and phoning the right Columbia auto transport service to handle the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up calling what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. Both of these businesses fundamentally make sure your vehicle is transported safety and rapidly to a new location. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your motor vehicle, the process is essentially the same. You’ll want to ensure you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also necessary to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle delivered by a certain date. First, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping organization that is the owner of the trucks.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Columbia

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Columbia, there are essentially two different options you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick up your vehicle.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Solutions

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. 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. The advantage of using a broker rather than a carrier is that you have more options because of their existing network of auto carriers. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary equipment when you need it, or may not have licensing in all the states necessary to move your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of getting in contact with carriers in order to find the one who offers the best rates and proper service, which means you might get a much better rate since it increases competition.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Columbia

Going with a Columbia auto carrier implies the customer will be working directly with the person or company that owns the truck that will be hauling your vehicle. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a limited number of routes. They do not divert too far from their chosen routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. All services cost money, particularly with auto shipping due to changing fuel fees, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. Dealing with an auto carrier directly may not change the rate you pay over going with a broker, since the broker has a variety of carriers that they can contact for the best rates and routes. In reality, carriers often times aren’t effortless to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.

Things to Consider Before Transporting Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

All Columbia auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. You should do a quick check of your vehicle and remove these items prior to shipping. Some common items that should be removed from your vehicle include car seats, umbrellas and clothing.

Don’t overfill your gas tank.

Be certain to keep around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to shipping it. Your Columbia auto carrier will most 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 keep a full tank of gas in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your car, which could result in difficulties during the transporting process.

Examine your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.

It’s a good plan to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage took place during shipping. It’s easy to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the transporting process.

Knowing your Bill of Lading.

Once the auto carrier in Columbia shows up to obtain your vehicle for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be reported in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have taken place during shipping.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Each time you do business with a Columbia auto hauler you should check to make sure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could arise. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Columbia

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by performing some online research. There are loads 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 learn 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 works.

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

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your car would be if you were driving it down the highway yourself. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be mindful that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. An closed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can typically carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open option.

You Can Get Excellent Auto Transport Deals in Columbia

Always think about how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more affordable, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a regular basis anyways. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get several quotes from Columbia auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. 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 guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.