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Auto Transport in Potsdam NY

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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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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Potsdam, 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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Dependable Service
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 Potsdam, NY.

Have questions, need a quote, or want to schedule a transport – just give us a call at (888) 654-1785

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The car transport industry can seem daunting at first, but by doing a little bit of homework you can make the very best decision possible for moving your car or truck. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s really just a matter of having the proper information and phoning the right Potsdam auto transport service to manage the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up contacting what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both provide the same options, which is to facilitate the moving of your vehicle, but a broker simply arranges the transport while a carrier actually supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re delivering your vehicle, the process is basically the same. The main information you’ll need prior to transport is your vehicle’s make, model and year. It’s also essential to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle delivered by a certain date. Initially, as a client you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping firm that is the owner of the trucks.

How to Tell the Difference Between Potsdam Auto Carriers and Brokers

Choosing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and knowing 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 accurate 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?

An auto shipping broker is a service that will connect customers to the most effective auto shipper for their requirements. For instance, when you contact a broker, you will be paying them the total cost for transporting your motor vehicle from point A to point B. It’s important to note, the broker doesn’t actually own the trucks, but instead they have set up a network of carriers to hook up customers with. After getting in touch with a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Potsdam who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping needs. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the purchaser until the vehicle is delivered. Basically, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can get in touch with many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

What Is An Auto Transport Carrier?

An auto carrier, as opposed to a broker, is the individual or firm that owns the moving trucks and will be responsible for shipping your car. Working directly with a car carrier will not require a broker, but it may be tough to find the best carrier since many of them rely on brokers to connect them with customers. The client will be responsible for selecting a company that handles auto transport in Potsdam, either a single one or several if you are shopping around for the best price. 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 various drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Take any personal items out of your car.

Auto carriers are forbidden from moving anything considered a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Potsdam will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. Some examples of household goods that might be in your car or truck are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Do not ship your car with a full tank of gas.

Before your vehicle gets loaded up with a Potsdam auto hauler you should check your fuel level to make sure you have around a quarter tank of fuel. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, generally only in the loading and unloading process, so some gas will be necessary. You don’t want to have a maximum tank of fuel either, however, as that can add extra weight to the trailer and complicate the process.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always carry out an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Potsdam car hauler. The most effective way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. It’s best to document the condition of your car by just taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any problems during transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

Once your Potsdam auto transporter arrives to pick up your car, both you and the driver will do an evaluation to determine the condition of your vehicle. During this time you can determine any dents, dings or scratches already on your vehicle’s body. When you’re satisfied with the evaluation, you’ll be presented with what’s called a Bill of Lading. The contract 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 current damage. When the car arrives at its intended destination, the customer will be presented with another Bill of Lading. This new bill will outline if any new damages have taken place during the transporting process. This process ensures that both the customer and auto carrier are in agreement on the condition of the vehicle.

Your car should be insured against damages.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Your chosen Potsdam car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Each auto hauler typically 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 occur during the shipping process.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Potsdam

There are a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be tough to choose which one is the best for your needs. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Potsdam service to go with. Initially, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always ensure that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a highly regarded company. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous customers are saying. In many cases it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your service agreement with the auto transporter just so you comprehend the process a little better.

Understanding the Difference Between Enclosed Transport and Open Transport Solutions in Potsdam

Most people think the open transport auto carrier solution is the always the cheapest. This option can be compared to economy class on a flight. It’s the way most people travel. This very same concept can apply to choosing an open transport. Over 4,000 open auto carriers ship cars throughout the country. Even car dealerships contract a transport company to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Shipping your vehicle by using an open carrier is the most practical way of transportation, rather than using a single flatbed truck only relocating one car or truck at a time.

Know Your Auto Transport Options in Potsdam

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll likely want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average vehicle that you use every day for standard driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. Simply put a little time towards looking into the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Potsdam that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.