Vehicle Transport in Houston TX
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Are you on the hunt for efficient auto transport services in Houston? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you understand the transport process every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the best auto shipping rates and the best services, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Nearly all shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one location and deliver it to another place of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Houston auto shipping providers, you should first know the difference between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will seek out the best 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 information in the following paragraphs.
Auto Brokers vs. Auto Carriers in Houston
You’ll essentially have two choices when looking for an auto carrier in Houston. The main difference is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. A carrier, on the other hand, actually owns their trucks and they send one of their trucks to pick-up your vehicle.
What Is An Auto Transport Broker?
A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. A broker acts as an intermediary who will find the very best auto carrier based upon 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. Working with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the suitable licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. Essentially, a broker does the leg work of obtaining a carrier that meets these conditions and can sometimes get a more competitive price by creating competition between carriers on behalf of the shipper.
Finding a Car Carrier in Houston
An auto carrier normally employs a large double deck truck to move multiple vehicles at once, which you’ve likely seen on the highways at times. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul motor vehicles. Sometimes, the operater of the truck is also the owner of the rig, so they decide on their services and which routes to drive. The truck driver is the individual who is actually responsible for picking up and delivering your vehicle. Some larger carrier companies are authorized brokers as well which gives them the opportunity to broker out your order to another carrier. So even if you think you’re working directly with an auto carrier, you might be choosing a different carrier service in the end. Most of the time when customers deals specifically with a company, rather than an intermediary, they believe they’ll be gaining a better rate, but that’s not necessarily true with Houston auto transport. A broker shops numerous auto transporters and is already established to contact all these vendors, so they’ll already know the best option for your auto transport requirements.
Tips for Shipping Your Car
Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.
Auto carriers are banned from relocating anything regarded as a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Houston cannot, transport a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal belongings or other goods. This consists of things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.
Don’t ship your car with a full gas tank.
You should always ensure that there is about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when shipping. Your Houston auto carrier will most likely have to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer 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 car with a full tank of gas during shipping. If your gas tank is full, it will end up adding a significant amount of weight to your vehicle, which could cause issues.
Look at your vehicle for signs of damage before and after shipping.
To make certain you have evidence of the condition of your car prior to using a Houston auto carrier it’s a good idea to search for any dents, scratches or other damage that may already exist. The best way to do this is by thoroughly washing your car first so it will be simpler to recognize any dents or damage. Next, take some pictures of videos of your car in order to deliver proof of its condition if needed afterwards. This way you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents arise during the vehicle transport process.
Keep track of your Bill of Lading.
As soon as the auto carrier in Houston arrives to retrieve your car for transport you should be supplied with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This is merely a document that acknowledges the business is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also show any existing damages to your car prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and customer. Once your automobile is delivered, you’ll be presented with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during shipping.
Review your insurance coverage opportunities.
Even though the Houston auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their service, it’s a good idea to check with your own insurance company as well to see if they would include any damage that occurs as a result of transporting your vehicle. Generally, the auto transport service you’re using will already have insurance built into the price tag of their services, so there won’t be any excess costs involved. The average liability coverage ranges between ,000 and 0,000 in coverage, which would be sufficient for the vast majority of problems that could occur. These auto carriers normally have their coverage through a third-party and is already built into the price you’re paying for shipping.
Make Certain You Choose the Right Car Shipping Supplier in Houston
There are a few ways you can make sure that you’re receiving the best service from the auto carrier in Houston that you’ve chosen. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. You can also obtain their MC number or USDOT number to check their reports with the BBB (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 wise decision to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past customers are saying.
Distinction Between Houston Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers
An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the street yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect 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 especially if you will transport a classic or custom car. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the cars are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers generally can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In the majority of cases up to five motor vehicles.
Getting the Greatest Deals on Auto Transport in Houston
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, consider how much protection your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll perhaps 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 motor vehicle that you use every day for common driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get various quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re getting the most equitable rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Houston auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates included in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the best deal, but also the very best service.