Auto Transportation in Hickory NC
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Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Hickory, 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 Hickory, NC.
Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Hickory? Then you’ve come to the right place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport procedure every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the very best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will supply “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Before jumping into the Hickory auto shipping solutions, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your particular auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person providing the truck. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more information in the following paragraphs.
Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Hickory
You’ll basically have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Hickory. In short, an auto shipping broker reaches out to car haulers who will actually perform the moving of your vehicle. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is basically the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.
How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Car Carrier Options
Brokers are basically the logistics management partner to an auto carrier and consumer. A broker will track market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to get in touch with for each customer they receive. A car transporter in Hickory will be in contact with these brokers and depend on them to link up clients with their solutions. These broker agencies will have access to a database of carriers from around the country and can arrange for your vehicle to be picked-up virtually anywhere, sometimes the very same day you contact them. This is one of the benefits of using a broker logistics management firm. 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.
Selecting a Qualified Car Carrier
When you choose to seek out a Hickory auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few conditions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be spending less when dealing directly with a Hickory 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 get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the perfect rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so working directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. In reality, carriers often times aren’t simple to find, as brokers handle that side of their business for them.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Motor Vehicle
Secure your personal items outside your car.
Auto shippers in Hickory are prohibited by the Department of Transportation to transport anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of common objects you may have in your car such as clothing, car seats or external GPS systems. It’s advised to remove these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.
Do not ship your car with a full gas tank.
Prior to shipping your vehicle with a Hickory car hauler you should make sure to leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas in your tank. The shipping process will require a small amount of driving, usually 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.
Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.
Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Hickory car hauler. An easy way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s easier to discover dents and dings. This will make sure you are aware of any existing problems and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. It’s most effective to document the condition of your car by merely taking pictures of it on your cell phone as proof, just in case there are any issues during transporting it.
Find out what’s in your Bill of Lading.
When the Hickory auto transport arrives to begin the shipping process, you and the driver of the carrier can do an assessment of your vehicle’s condition. This inspection will document any existing damages on your vehicle, which generally includes scratches, dents and dings. When you’re satisfied with the assessment, 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 will also guarantee 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 destination, 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. So this process basically protects both the customer and the auto carrier so that there will be no misunderstandings upon delivery.
Review your insurance coverage options.
Each time you do business with a Hickory auto hauler you should check to ensure they have their own liability insurance. Your selected auto transport service should already have liability insurance built into their services and their prices. The typical liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be enough for the vast majority of problems that could occur. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Hickory for Your Needs
To guarantee you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Hickory there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Every competent auto hauler should be licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to check their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re acquainted with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party testimonials of the company to see what past customers are saying.
Hickory Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
A potential misconception about open transport is that it’s some sort of bargain basement option. You could compare this option to flying economy class on an airplane as opposed to first class. It’s the most common way for people to take a flight. The same can be said about open transport. Approximately 4,000 open auto carriers are traveling throughout the country and are available for service. Even car dealerships contract a transport firm to send a car the most cost effective way possible. Open carriers will be more cost effective than just moving one vehicle by itself using flatbed shipping, for example.
You Can Get Great Auto Transport Deals in Hickory
Always consider how much safety and security your vehicle or vehicles will need throughout the transport process. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would typically be exposed to the outdoors on a daily basis anyways. Antique, classic cars and collector’s motor vehicles that are specifically kept in protected conditions would benefit the most from an enclosed shipping solution. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from Hickory auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the ideal choice. By doing some research on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on working with, you can make sure you’re getting the very best deal. That way, you’re guaranteeing your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its destination with ease.