Car Transportation in Wilmington NC

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC.

Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Wilmington? 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 best auto shipping rates and the best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. For the most part, auto shippers will offer “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. In short, a broker will seek out the ideal carrier for your particular auto shipping needs, 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 details in the following paragraphs.

Wilmington Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport

Before choosing an car hauling service you should have a basic understanding of the business and how it works. The process can be challenging if you don’t know where to start or where to get accurate details. This article will include the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options

Auto transport brokers don’t have their own transport carriers and typically are not the companies that will transport vehicles. Brokers facilitate auto transportation by hooking up customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that offer the specific services requested. Brokers already have an established community of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more options and a far better chance to find the best one for them. If you deal directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have 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. Basically, a broker does the leg work of finding a carrier that meets these requirements and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Wilmington

A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. It is driven by a professional CDL driver trained in loading, unloading and moving vehicles. The driver may be the operator of the auto transport truck who decides on their routes to provide the most productive service. These drivers are the ones who are considered auto carriers and will be responsible for picking up and delivering your car or truck. Some bigger carrier companies are registered brokers as well which gives them the chance to broker out your order to an additional carrier. So even if you think you’re dealing directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Normally you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to auto carriers in Wilmington. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the best choice for their customers.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Remove all household goods you’re your vehicle.

Most people are not aware of a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits auto transport services in Wilmington from shipping personal items included in vehicles. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck comes to pick it up.

Leave a quarter of a tank of fuel in your car.

You should always make sure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Wilmington auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a sharp angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. But, you don’t want to overfill your tank or leave your vehicle with a full tank of gasoline during transporting. A full tank would add lots of weight to your car, which could result in complications during the transporting process.

Document any body damage on your vehicle

Always perform an in-depth evaluation of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a Wilmington 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 ensure you are aware of any existing damages and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition before transporting it.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

You will be given a Bill of Lading when your chosen Wilmington auto transport arrives and begins the process of loading your vehicle on their trailer. This document is an acknowledgment form that proves the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already existing on your vehicle. The driver and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s present condition. This way, both parties acknowledge existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your current vehicle arrives at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Knowing insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Ask about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage before shipping, which every carrier should already have. Any Wilmington 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 utilize a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to deliver your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company offers this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.

Getting the Best Auto Transport Service in Wilmington

You’ll have a wide range of auto transporters to pick from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping needs. Thankfully, you can do a little bit of research on your end before making a sound decision on which auto transport Wilmington service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. Always make certain that the car carrier service is the company’s insured and licensed, that way you know you’re doing business with a trustworthy 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 realize the process a little better.

Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Wilmington

The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not safeguarded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect direct exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An closed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers usually can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five motor vehicles.

Getting the Best Deals on Auto Transport in Wilmington

It’s a good practice to think about what type of safety your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is suitable, and almost always less expensive, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would generally be exposed to the outdoors on a regular 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 method. As a customer, it’s a good idea to get various quotes from Wilmington auto transporters. This way you’ll understand the general prices, but the lowest priced is not always the ideal choice. Do a little bit of analysis on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. When you ultimately make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported properly and securely to its final location.