Car Shipping in Stockton MO
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Stockton, 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 Stockton, MO.
Are you looking for the absolute best Stockton auto transport? In this guide we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it works and how to make the best decision. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the very best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Nearly all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.
How to Tell the Difference Between Stockton Auto Carriers and Brokers
Employing an auto transport company demands some due diligence and knowing how the business works before making a decision. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or where to get correct details. We’ll cover the fundamentals of auto shipping as well as the role that car carriers and auto brokers play in supplying clients with transport services.
Auto Transport Brokers and How They Work With Customers
Brokers are basically 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 Stockton 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 ideal rates for the customer. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can provide you with a better variety of options when it comes to car haulers. These brokers also stay in touch with the customer throughout the delivery process and will keep them posted as to the progress of their car shipping service.
How to Find a Car Carrier in Stockton
An auto transport carrier is the supplier that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the work of transporting a vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are working 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 Stockton 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. Not every auto shipper will automatically be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to achieve your destination depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Car Shipping Tips
Make certain all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
No car hauler in Stockton is allowed to transport household goods, as per regulations put forth by the Department of Transportation. This includes things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any typical household item that you’ve stored in your vehicle. It’s a good plan to sweep your vehicle for any of these items and get rid of them prior to pickup.
Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
Be sure to maintain around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Stockton auto carrier will likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be mindful not to leave a full tank of fuel in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add lots of weight to your vehicle, which could result in problems during the transporting process.
Perform an exam on your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
When using a Stockton car hauler you should always perform a swift inspection of your vehicle’s condition before it gets loaded on the trailer. 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 identify dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage occurred during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.
Learning about your Bill of Lading.
The customer will be provided with what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Stockton auto transport arrives to retrieve your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final destination. When your motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be presented with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.
Although the Stockton auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of moving your vehicle. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price of their services, so there won’t be any added costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be adequate for the vast majority of problems that could arise. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the rate you’re paying for shipping.
Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Stockton
There are several ways you can make sure that you’re getting the best service from the auto carrier in Stockton that you’ve chosen. Every qualified 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 good idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.
Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Options in Stockton
Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. 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 fees involved in shipping. So, in general, this is the most affordable way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel steady routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficacy. This reduces the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.
Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider
It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of safety your car will require while being shipped across the country. 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. When first exploring auto transport companies in Stockton you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. However, the lowest rate it not necessarily the ideal choice for every circumstance. 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 greatest deal. When you eventually make your decision, you’ll be confident that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.