Auto Shipping in Richmond 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.

Affordable Prices
Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

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

Auto transport firms exist for the sake of convenience. Rather than transferring their vehicles long ranges on their own, people hire auto transporters to safely transfer their vehicles at an inexpensive price and in a safe environment. However, if you’re not acquainted with the auto carrier practice, then the task of selecting the appropriate hauler and options may seem challenging. The good news is, in this guide we’ll help you understand how to pick a car hauler in Richmond that will fit your needs and move your car safely. Many car haulers will transport anywhere in America, from Alaska to Hawaii, and provide a variety of carrier options. Often times you’ll have the choice of whether to ship your car in an enclosed or open manner. But first, we’ll explain the difference between an auto transport broker and an actual carrier who moves the vehicles.

What is an Auto Broker in Richmond?

When looking for car transport and car shipping companies in Richmond, there are basically 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 transport your vehicle from one point to another. A broker will find trucking companies in your area to pick up and deliver your vehicle. An auto shipping carrier is simply the person or company that owns the truck which will pick up and deliver your car.

How an Auto Transport Broker Sets Up Transportation Options

When you’re shopping for car transport in Richmond chances are you’ll end up calling an auto shipping broker. In this case, the customer will not deal directly with the auto carrier, but rather will be setup with the carrier who best fits the customer’s position. An auto shipping broker has an established network of carriers to contact for each consumers, which means they can provide a greater variety of rates and options. They will take into account price and how close the auto carrier is to your location, which can end up expediting the shipping process. Essentially, they will be your point of contact during the entire shipping process until your car is shipped to its destination.

How to Identify an Auto Transporter

If you decide to do business with a car carrier directly then you will be working with the person or persons who own the trucks relocating your vehicle. An auto carrier owns the trucks or trailers that are used to ship autos all over the country. Every car carrier in Richmond has to be licensed and insured, but it’s a great idea to do some research just to make sure. These car carriers will serve a specific number of routes and locations in order to offer efficient service and remain profitable. Obtaining a carrier by yourself that travels the route in which you need your motor vehicle transported may be tricky, as many carriers use brokers who will connect them with the ideal customers. Regardless of which option you choose, a broker or carrier, you’ll be having to pay approximately the same price for your auto transport. There is competitiveness among auto carriers today and the majority of auto carriers offer a number of promotions and discounts to their clients. For this reason, you can take advantage of the situation in order to get a great deal.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Secure your personal items outside your vehicle.

You may not be aware of this, but there is in fact a Department of Transportation Code that prohibits car haulers in Richmond from hauling vehicles with personal possessions in them. Items that should be taken away from your vehicle prior to shipping include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a good plan to check your vehicle and remove any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Leave your gas tank a quarter of the ways full.

Be certain to keep around a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle prior to transporting it. Your Richmond auto carrier will probably have to drive the vehicle on and off the truck during the shipping process, and since it will be at a steep angle it’s a good plan to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in it. However, you’ll want to be cautious not to keep a full tank of gas in your car when shipping it. A full tank would add a great deal of weight to your car, which could result in difficulties during the transporting process.

Take pictures of any existing damages on your car.

In order to document the condition of your vehicle prior to turning it over to a Richmond auto carrier, it’s a good idea to take photos of any scratches, dents, dings or other damage present before to shipping. Washing your vehicle first will make it less difficult to identify any dents or dings. Next, take some photos of videos of your car in order to offer proof of its condition if needed later on. By doing this you have documentation of its condition in the event any incidents occur during the vehicle transport process.

Know your Bill of Lading.

The consumer will be given a Bill of Lading once your chosen auto carrier in Richmond comes to pick up your vehicle. This is basically a document that acknowledges the firm is picking up your vehicle for shipping and will also display any existing damages to your motor vehicle prior to picking it up. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in understanding on its condition. Any current damages will be noted in the Bill of Lading, which is then signed by both the driver and consumer. Once your car is delivered, you’ll be provided with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have happened during shipping.

Understanding insurance liabilities when transporting your car.

Your insurance company may have protection built into your policy that provides for damages that can take place in the auto hauling process. Auto transport Richmond companies should already have liability coverage built into their services, which usually covers anywhere from ,000 to 0,000 worth of damages. The cost of this insurance is built into the overall price of your vehicle transportation and is provided by an outside company that the car hauler does business with. This should be enough to cover anything that could happen to the standard vehicle, unless you’re transporting a top end or collector’s car.

Finding the Best Auto Carrier in Richmond for Your Needs

You’ll have a wide variety of auto transporters to choose from when looking for the best service for your vehicle shipping requirements. Fortunately, you can do a little bit of research on your end prior to making a final decision on which auto transport Richmond service to go with. First, you can acquire the company’s MC number or USDOT number. A reliable auto carrier service should be insured and licensed. You can use these numbers to look up the auto hauler with the Better Business Bureau in order to find out their reputation. Finally, it’s a good idea to review the terms and conditions in your service agreement with the vehicle shipper so you understand the service you’re getting.

Distinction Between Richmond Auto Transports and Enclosed Auto Carriers

Generally, shipping a vehicle via open transport will save you the most money. It is the most frequently used and there are more of these carriers around than any other type. The variety of these carriers and their reputation helps contribute to the cheap price tag. In general, this will be the most affordable method of transporting your vehicle. Auto carriers travel constant routes and will transport up to 10 other vehicles along with yours to maintain efficacy. This decreases the cost of shipping as it is divided by the all the vehicles onboard.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Provider

Prior to making a decision on whether you employ an open trailer or enclosed trailer, first think about how much safety your vehicle really needs. The most common cars 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 needs just fine. As usually, try to get at least three or four quotes for car shipping services so you can be sure you’re being charged an adequate rate. Simply put a little time towards studying the auto shipping process and the car carrier in Richmond that you’re preparing to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.