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Auto Transportation in Cumberland VA

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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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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Cumberland, 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 Cumberland, VA.

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Are you on the quest for reliable auto transport services in Cumberland? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience possible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one place to another securely. For the most part, auto shippers will provide “door-to-door” services, which means they’ll pick it up at your location and take it to another of your choosing. Prior to jumping into the Cumberland auto shipping solutions, you should first know the distinction between a broker and a carrier. In short, a broker will search out the best carrier for your specific auto shipping requirements, while the carrier is the actual person supplying the truck. At times a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.

What is the Distinction Between Auto Carriers and Brokers in Cumberland?

When searching for car transport and car shipping companies in Cumberland, there are essentially two different choices you can choose to book with: a broker, and a carrier. The main distinction is that a broker does not own their trucks that will be used to carry 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.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Solutions

An auto shipping broker is a provider that will hook up customers to the most effective auto shipper for their needs. When you contact a broker, they will manage the process of finding a carrier for your automobile and getting it from one location to another. However, they will not actually carry out the shipping themselves, as they don’t own the trucks that are used in the shipping process. After calling a broker, they will reach out to auto transporters in Cumberland who have the capabilities to handle the customer’s shipping needs. Even though the broker doesn’t own the trucks, they will keep in contact with the customer all through the shipping procedure. Essentially, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can contact many companies in order to find the best service for the shipper.

How to Find an Auto Transport Carrier in Cumberland

When you choose to seek out a Cumberland auto carrier you’ll be interacting with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting motor vehicles. With a few exceptions, most auto transport carriers only serve a minimal number of routes. Generally, they don’t stray too far from these routes because of extra fuel costs and the travel time frame it would take, which would slow down other deliveries. Dealing with a carrier company does not mean customers will pay less. All services cost money, especially with auto shipping due to changing fuel prices, so there isn’t a whole lot of wiggle room in many cases. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the best price and most efficient performance for the customer, so interacting directly with an auto carrier may not make a tremendous difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since many times they count on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Guidelines for Shipping Your Car

Secure your personal items outside your car.

Auto carriers are forbidden from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a rule mandated by the Department of Transportation. This means auto transport in Cumberland will not be allowed to deliver vehicles with your personal goods inside of them. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have put in your vehicle.

Do not ship your car with a full gas tank.

Since your vehicle will have to be driven onto and off of the transport trailer, you ought to 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 fuel could shift from one side of the gas tank to another, and if the gasoline 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 result in shipping issues.

Pay attention to any existing damage on your car.

In order to better identify any scratches or dings on your vehicle it’s a good idea to rinse it before inspecting the body. You’ll want to do a detailed inspection of your vehicle’s body before shipping to make sure you’re aware of any existing damages. It’s very easy to document them by taking pictures, which will also prove the condition of your automobile in the case that damage does occur during the shipping process.

Learning about your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given what’s called a “Bill of Lading” once your Cumberland auto transport gets there to pick up your car. This contract is an acknowledgment form that shows the auto carrier is picking up your car for transport. It will also outline any current damage on your vehicle including dents, scratches or dings. The driver and consumer can do an assessment together so that they agree on the car’s existing condition. This way, both parties identify existing damage and can compare that report to a subsequent examination after the vehicle is delivered to its final location. When your current motor vehicle arrives at its new location, the customer will be provided with another Bill of Lading confirming the delivery and turning over the car back to the owner.

Understand your insurance coverage.

You really should check with your auto insurance provider to find out if they provide any coverage for your vehicle should it be damaged during the hauling process. However, any auto transport Cumberland service should already have liability coverage already built into their prices, which commonly covers anywhere between ,000 and 0,000 worth of damages. The consumer won’t have to pay extra for this insurance, since it should already be built into the auto hauler’s fees. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the common vehicle, unless you’re transporting a high-end or collector’s car.

How to Find the Best Auto Hauler in Cumberland

To make certain you’re getting the best car shipping provider in Cumberland there are a few details you should collect regarding your auto transport company. 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). Be sure to look over the terms and conditions of the shipping agreement and take some time to educate yourself on the general auto transport process. It’s also a wise decision to read any third-party critiques of the company to see what past clients are saying.

Cumberland Transport Options: Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. There are more carriers of this type than an enclosed version, and you’ve probably seen them numerous times on the highway. The abundance of these carriers and their popularity helps contribute to the affordable price tag. So, in general, this is the cheapest way to ship a car. Auto carriers travel consistent routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficacy. This minimizes the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Searching for Auto Transport Companies in Cumberland

Prior to deciding on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much protection your vehicle really needs. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll most likely want to err on the side of caution and use a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. However, if you’re simply transporting an average car that you use every day for typical driving needs, then an open trailer would likely be a good fit for you. A good game plan is to get numerous quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most fair rates. By putting in a bit of time to research the Cumberland auto transport company, the process being auto transporting and the rates involved in your service you can make sure you’re not only getting the very best deal, but also the perfect service.