Vehicle Transportation in Houtzdale PA
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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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Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Houtzdale, 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 Houtzdale, PA.
Moving a motor vehicle is not a very challenging process, although it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve never done it before. In order to move a car, truck or motorcycle it’s really just a matter of having the best information and phoning the right Houtzdale auto transport service to deal with the job. Sometimes, you’ll end up getting in touch with 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 merely arranges the transport while a carrier essentially supplies the transportation. No matter where in the country you’re shipping your automobile, the process is fundamentally the same. The main information you’ll need prior to shipping is your vehicle’s make, model and year. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a particular date it has to arrive by. Initially, as a consumer 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 Houtzdale Auto Carriers and Brokers
Choosing an auto transport company requires some due diligence and knowing how the industry works before making a decision. It may seem like a challenging procedure, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. 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.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
A person or group acting as an auto transport broker will not own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the best auto carrier depending on routes, your location and the kind of service you require. The advantage of using a broker instead of a carrier is that you have much more options because of their active network of auto carriers. If you work directly with an auto transport carrier, they may not have the necessary 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 rate by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Houtzdale
An auto transport carrier is the firm that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the labor of transporting a motor vehicle. One advantage of using a carrier is that you are dealing directly with the company who will be transporting your vehicle, essentially eliminating the middle man. A customer would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Houtzdale auto transporter, or several 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 multiple drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.
Things to Consider Before Shipping Your Car
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Auto shippers in Houtzdale are not allowed by the Department of Transportation to transport anything that would be considered a “household good”. This consists of things like personal GPS devices, external DVD players, DVDs, CDs or any common household item that you’ve stashed in your vehicle. It’s recommended to clear away these items from your vehicle prior to pickup to prevent any delays.
Do not overfill your gas tank.
Even though 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 gasoline could move from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the fuel level is too low it may not be able to start. Make sure to not have a full gas tank, however, as it can add substantial weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping issues.
Document any body damage on your vehicle
It’s a good idea to wash your car prior to shipping and make sure there is no dust or mud stuck on it. This will allow you to plainly see if there are any dents, dings or scratches that are already present on your vehicle’s body, which means you won’t incorrectly believe the damage occurred during shipping. It’s easy to document them by taking photos, which will also prove the condition of your car in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.
Learning about your Bill of Lading.
You will receive what’s called a Bill of Lading once your Houtzdale car carrier arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading consists of the details of your vehicle transport contract and will verify that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an assessment of the vehicle at this time to document any damages that are on the body. So the client and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any misunderstandings once the vehicle is delivered. The client will receive yet another Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again examine the condition of your vehicle. If any new damages occur, they can be resolved at this time.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Inquire about your auto transport carrier’s insurance liability coverage prior to shipping, which each and every carrier should already have. Your chosen Houtzdale car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The total 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 take place during the shipping process.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Houtzdale
It’s usually a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Houtzdale to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? The first thing you’ll want to do is obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. By obtaining these numbers you’ll be able to look up the auto hauler on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out more details about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. This way you’ll have a basic knowledge about how auto transporting functions.
Houtzdale Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not shielded from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust and even birds. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use particularly if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the reverse of an open car carrier shipping option. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the open air. Enclosed carriers generally can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five cars.
Selecting The Best Auto Transport Service in Houtzdale
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much security your vehicle will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an ordinary or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your demands just fine. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Houtzdale auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can guarantee you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the perfect service.