Vehicle Shipping in Alexandria SD

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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 Alexandria, SD.

Hauling a car or truck is not a very complicated practice, though it may seem that way from the outside, especially if you’ve hardly ever done it before. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of finding the right information and contacting the perfect people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Alexandria. Sometimes, you’ll end up contacting what’s called a broker rather than an actual auto carrier. They both offer the same solutions, which is to facilitate the transportation 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 delivering your vehicle, the process is fundamentally the same. You’ll want to ensure you have your vehicle’s details handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. You should also plan ahead if you have a strict timeframe you need your vehicle shipped in or a certain date it has to arrive by. Initially, as a client you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping company that owns the trucks.

Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Alexandria

Selecting an auto transport company demands some due diligence and knowing how the business works prior to making a decision. It may seem like a tricky process, but we’ll help make it easier for everyone. This article will cover the basics and the role that shippers, carriers, and brokers play in the process of moving a vehicle.

What Is An Auto Transport Broker?

An auto shipping broker is basically the logistics management portion of the auto carrier. They provide a platform for communication and keep track of current market conditions in order to offer the most realistic rates. Auto shipping brokers in Alexandria negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. These broker companies 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 call them. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of options when it comes to car haulers. They will also coordinate with the auto transport vendor throughout the shipping process and keep the customer current as to its progress.

Locating a Car Carrier in Alexandria

An auto transport carrier is the enterprise that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the work of transporting a 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 client would be responsible for finding and dealing with the Alexandria 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 various drivers and a fleet of auto shipping trucks.

Car Shipping Tips

Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.

No auto shipper is allowed to transfer any object that would be categorized as “household goods”, as per Department of Transportation Code. This means auto transport in Alexandria will not be allowed to send vehicles with your personal objects inside of them. Some good examples of household goods that might be in your vehicle are DVD players, GPS systems or car seats.

Do not overfill your gas tank.

When using a Alexandria auto transport company you should keep an eye on your fuel gauge prior to the time of shipping. Just to be safe, make sure your gas level isn’t too low and keep only about a quarter of a tank in your car. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to leave your gas level way too low. On the other hand, you don’t want to fill your gas tank too much either. A vehicle with a full tank of gas will weigh considerably more than one with only a quarter tank full, which could present difficulties with the auto transport process.

Before shipping your car, examine it for damages.

Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Alexandria 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 problems and can accurately determine if any new damage happened 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 difficulties during transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The customer will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Alexandria auto transport arrives to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. The Bill of Lading also records any damage that was already present on your vehicle. Both the car’s owner and the driver of the auto transport truck should do a walk-around of the car and concur on any damage that is already present. In this case, both parties can come to an agreement on the condition of your vehicle prior to it being shipped, which will help prevent mistakes from happening when it’s delivered. When your current vehicle shows up at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Evaluate your insurance coverage options.

You should check with your auto insurance provider to find out if they offer any coverage for your vehicle in case it is damaged during the hauling process. Auto transport Alexandria companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which usually covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The client won’t have to shell out extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s prices. Typically, this is enough to cover any issues that could occur during the transportation process, but it’s a good idea to verify with your insurance company as well.

Locating the Best Auto Carrier in Alexandria for Your Needs

You will find a vast array of auto transport businesses out there and it can be difficult 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 Alexandria service to go with. First, you can get the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reputable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You’ll also be able to look up any reports on the service with the Better Business Bureau to see what previous clients 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.

Alexandria Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Alexandria auto transport businesses make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to virtually any major city in the United States, but how the vehicles are actually transported depends on the services provided by the car shipping company. You’ll have the alternative to choose between an open-air carrier or an enclosed trailer, both of which are typically transported via a tractor trailer rig. While both approaches use a truck for transport, they do have their differences.

Most people are familiar with the open carriers you’ll often see on the highway while traveling, which is the most common type of car shipping. This type of truck is normally between 75 and 80 feet in length and it hauls a two-level trailer with a row of cars on the top and a shorter row of cars on the bottom. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Alexandria

It’s a good practice to consider what type of safety your car 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. If you have a collector’s car or antique vehicle, then an enclosed shipping solution might be better for your vehicle. As a customer, it’s a good plan to get multiple quotes from Alexandria auto transporters. This way you’ll know the general rates, but the cheapest is not always the best choice. By performing some study on the auto transport industry and the companies you’re planning on dealing with, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. When you finally make your decision, you’ll be comfortable that your vehicle is being transported carefully and securely to its final destination.