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Vehicle Transport in Salem 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.

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

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Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Salem? In this document we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping industry, how it operates and how to make the very best choice. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your automobile makes it from one place to another securely. The majority of shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will search out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

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

If you’ve never had your motor vehicle shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the distinctions between an auto broker and auto carrier in Salem. Basically, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. The benefit of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not possess 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. In short, a broker does the work of contacting 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.

Finding a Car Carrier in Salem

When you choose to seek out a Salem auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a limited number of routes so that their services are cost effective. Usually, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of additional fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when dealing directly with a Salem auto carrier either. 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 contact multiple transporters in order to find the perfect price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t always easy to locate and contact, since many times they count on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

All Salem auto haulers are banned from transporting what would be regarded as “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be considered a “household good” from your automobile before it is picked up by an auto transport service. For instance, car seats, umbrellas and clothing should be removed from your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the trailer.

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

Prior to your vehicle gets loaded up with a Salem auto hauler you should verify your gas level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The transporting process will demand a small amount of driving, usually only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. However, you won’t want to leave more than a quarter of a tank or a full tank of gas in your automobile because of the extra weight it adds.

Take photos of any existing damages on your car.

Always conduct an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Salem car hauler. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and making sure there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to discover dents and dings. This will ensure you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage happened during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition prior to transporting it.

Recognize your Bill of Lading.

When the Salem auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an inspection of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any current damages on your vehicle, which typically 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 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 location, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will describe if any new damages have taken place during the shipping process. 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 wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any Salem car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ 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. Sometimes, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

How to Locate the Best Auto Hauler in Salem

You can find out quite a bit about the auto transporter you’re thinking of using by carrying out some online research. There are tons of auto transporters in Salem to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The very first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. You can also look up their services on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. Finally, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. By doing a little bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.

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

Typically, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most commonly used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. These auto carriers are around in abundance, so it helps keep down the costs involved in shipping. So, generally, this is the least expensive way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficacy. This lowers the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Know Your Auto Transport Choices in Salem

Always take into account how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need during the transport process. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport options are probably fine for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s vehicles that are specifically kept in safeguarded conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping option. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Salem auto transporters. However, the lowest price it not necessarily the best choice for every situation. By performing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the greatest deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.