Vehicle Transportation in Shepherd TX
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Shepherd, 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 Shepherd, TX.
The vehicle shipping business can seem intimidating at first, but by doing a little bit of research you can make the best decision possible for transporting your vehicle. Transporting a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle is just a matter of discovering the proper information and calling the appropriate people, which is this case is an auto transport company in Shepherd. In many cases when you reach out to a transport firm you’ll be speaking with what’s called an auto transport broker, in lieu of the auto carrier themselves. Both of these businesses fundamentally make sure your vehicle is transported safety and rapidly to a new location. No matter where in the country you’re transporting your automobile, the process is fundamentally the same. You’ll want to make certain you have your vehicle’s information handy, such as the make, model and year, as well as the exact location you wish to ship it to. It’s also important to have a general timeframe in mind if you’ll need your vehicle delivered by a certain date. First, as a consumer you should know the difference between an auto carrier broker and the actual shipping business that owns the trucks.
Shepherd Auto Brokers and Their Role in Auto Transport
You’ll essentially have two alternatives when looking for an auto carrier in Shepherd. 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 merely the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.
How do Auto Transport Brokers Work?
Brokers are essentially the logistics managing partner to an auto carrier and customer. A broker will track market conditions and will have a community of car carriers to contact for each customer they receive. Auto shipping brokers in Shepherd negotiate on a customer’s behalf and make sure customers and carriers are on the same page during shipping. An auto shipping broker will have relationships with carriers around the country and will find one who travels the route and has the ideal prices for the client. One of the advantages of using an auto shipping broker is that they can offer you with a better variety of choices 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.
Choosing a Qualified Car Carrier
A vehicle hauling carrier is usually a double deck truck that can load up to ten automobiles at a time. These vehicles are driven by certified CDL drivers who are trained and licensed to haul vehicles. Sometimes, the driver of the truck is also the proprietor of the rig, so they decide on their solutions and which routes to drive. 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 authorized brokers as well which gives them the chance 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. Usually you’d think dealing directly with a carrier means you’ll get a better price, but that’s not always the case when it comes to auto carriers in Shepherd. On the other hand, a broker already has established a network of carriers, so they can shop multiple options to find the top choice for their clients.
Steps to Take Before Transporting Your Car
Remove all personal items you’re your vehicle.
You may not be aware of this, but there is actually a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Shepherd from transporting vehicles with personal possessions in them. Popular household products that could be in your vehicle such as a car seat, GPS device or an umbrella should be removed prior to your vehicle being shipped. Make sure to do a quick inspection of the inside of your motor vehicle before it gets loaded onto a truck.
Do not ship your automobile with a full gas tank.
Since your automobile will need to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you should make sure your vehicle isn’t super low on gas. Also, your car may be placed at an angle on top of an auto carrier, meaning gas could shift 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 significant weight to your vehicle which could lead to shipping troubles.
Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.
Always carry out an in-depth inspection of the condition of your car prior to shipping it via a Shepherd car hauler. A simple way to do this is by washing your car off and ensuring there’s no dirt left on it so that way it’s much easier to discover dents and dings. This will guarantee you are aware of any existing damages and can accurately determine if any new damage took place during the transporting process. Document any damages by taking pictures with your phone or camera, that way you also have evidence of your vehicle’s condition ahead of transporting it.
Knowing your Bill of Lading.
The client will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Shepherd auto transport arrives to retrieve your car. This document is an acknowledgment form that attests the auto carrier is picking up your vehicle for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The driver and client can do an inspection 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 shows up at its new location, the client will be provided with another Bill of Lading verifying the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.
Your vehicle should be insured against damages.
It’s a great idea to question your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process. Your chosen Shepherd car hauler should have insurance included in the cost of transporting your vehicle that addresses damages. The overall insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will employ 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 provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can generally check your policy prior to shipping.
How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Shepherd
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any business that you’re doing business with prior to making a commitment. There are loads of auto transporters in Shepherd 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. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are saying about them. You can also learn about the auto transport service by simply reviewing the terms and conditions that come along with the service. By doing a little bit of investigation you’ll make sure you’re getting the best deal and service around.
Difference Between Open Transport & Enclosed Carriers in Shepherd
The motor 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 you’re opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be open to all those elements. 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 opposite of an open car carrier shipping option. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in a covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five cars.
Selecting The Right Auto Transport Service in Shepherd
It’s a good practice to take into consideration what type of protection your vehicle will require while being transported across the country. Using an open transport is ideal, and almost always more cost-effective, if you’re shipping a standard vehicle that would generally 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 method. When first browsing auto transport companies in Shepherd you should get several quotes on the price of the transport. This way you’ll know the general costs, but the lowest priced is not always the most effective choice. Do a bit of research on the company you’re thinking of going with and on the auto transport business in general. That way, you’re ensuring your vehicle is shipped safely and makes it to its location with ease.