Auto Transportation in Ballston Spa NY
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Ballston Spa, 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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Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in Ballston Spa? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Almost all shippers will offer “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one place 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. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your specific auto shipping needs, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. Some agencies act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.
Ballston Spa Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers
Employing an auto transport company involves some due diligence and understanding how the business works prior to making a decision. The process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or where to get specific information. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of transporting a vehicle.
What Is An Auto Transport Broker?
When you’re looking for car transport in Ballston Spa odds are you’ll end up contacting an auto shipping broker. This means the customer, or shipper, does not actually deal directly with the auto carrier who will be in charge of picking up and delivering your motor vehicle. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each consumers, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. The broker will be in contact with you, the customer, throughout the entire shipping process until your vehicle is delivered at its ultimate location.
Finding a Car Carrier in Ballston Spa
An auto transport carrier is the company that owns the trucks and employs the movers that do the labor of transporting a vehicle. One benefit of using a carrier is that you are interacting directly with the company who will be hauling your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A consumer would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Ballston Spa 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 necessarily be able to handle your auto transport needs, as they require licensing to travel through each state and may not be able to reach your destination depending on the states they must go through. Auto carriers can range anywhere from a one person operation to a company with various drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle
Take any personal items out of your vehicle.
All Ballston Spa auto haulers are prohibited from transporting what would be considered “household goods” by the Department of Transportation. This means you should remove anything that would be considered a “household good” from your motor vehicle 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 truck.
Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your gas tank.
Although your car will not be driven much during the shipping process, it may be needed during the loading and unloading process. Also, your vehicle may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas 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. Alternatively, 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 shipping.
Take photos of any existing damages on your car.
In order to record the condition of your car prior to turning it over to a Ballston Spa auto carrier, it’s a good plan to take pictures of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present prior to shipping. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to recognize any dents or damage. Then, take pictures using your phone or camera to record the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. By doing this you have records of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the vehicle transport process.
Understanding your Bill of Lading.
Once your Ballston Spa auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation 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. This record simply acknowledges that the auto carrier is taking short-term possession of your vehicle. It also confirms the condition of your vehicle, so both the customer and auto transporter can agree on any existing damage. When the car arrives at its intended location, 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 basically safeguards both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no confusion upon delivery.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Ballston Spa 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. Each auto hauler commonly uses a third-party insurance company that handles the liabilities on their end. Also, you can check with your own insurance policy to see if it covers damages that can take place during the shipping process.
Make Certain You Choose the Right Car Shipping Company in Ballston Spa
There are a number of ways you can make sure you’re getting the absolute best service from your chosen Ballston Spa car carrier. First, only do business with an auto hauler who is licensed, bonded and insured. The client 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 review the terms and conditions of the service arrangement so that you have a general idea of what in entails. This way you’ll be able to make the most knowledgeable decision possible.
Main difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Ballston Spa
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If you’re looking for this type of car carrier transport, you need to be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will moved in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Since these carriers have an enclosure, they can normally carry a lower amount of vehicles than an open alternative.
Know Your Auto Transport Options in Ballston Spa
It’s a good practice to consider what type of protection your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. If you’re simply shipping a standard or older vehicle, then open-transport alternatives are probably okay for you. Antique, classic cars and collector’s cars that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. When first browsing auto transport companies in Ballston Spa you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll understand the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. Do a bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport industry in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.