Auto Shipping in Seattle WA
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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA.
Are you on the hunt for reliable auto transport services in Seattle? Then you’ve come to the perfect place and we’ll help you fully understand the transport process every step of the way. In order to be sure you get the finest auto shipping rates and the very best service, it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research first. Almost all shippers will provide “door-to-door” service, meaning they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another location of your choosing. When deciding on an auto carrier service, it’s essential to first know the difference between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary distinction is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Sometimes a company acts as both a broker and a carrier, but you can find out more details in the following paragraphs.
How to Tell the Difference Between Seattle Auto Carriers and Brokers
Chances are if you’ve never used an auto transporter in Seattle, then you could possibly be unaware of the difference between an auto shipping broker and carrier. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your motor vehicle from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final choice on which provider to do business with.
Auto Brokers and Their Role in the Auto Transport Industry
An auto shipping broker is a service that will connect customers to the most efficient auto shipper for their needs. When you contact a broker, they will handle the process of finding a carrier for your car and getting it from one area to another. However, they will not actually perform 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 Seattle who have the capacities to handle the customer’s shipping needs. After the job is passed on to the carrier, the broker will stay in contact with the customer until the vehicle is delivered. Basically, an auto transport broker acts as an intermediary between the customer and the auto transporters that can make contact with many businesses in order to find the best service for the shipper.
Finding a Car Carrier in Seattle
An auto transport carrier is the enterprise that owns the trucks and utilizes the movers that do the labor of hauling a vehicle. One benefit 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 customer would be responsible for locating and dealing with the Seattle auto transporter, or a number of of them if you are shopping around. A broker will not be required in this case, but you may find your choices limited. 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 based 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.
Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped
Make sure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.
Auto carriers are forbidden from relocating anything considered a household good, which is a law mandated by the Department of Transportation. So auto transport in Seattle cannot, move a vehicle that’s loaded up with personal items or other goods. This includes things like GPS systems, DVD players, CDs or other third-party goods that you have placed in your vehicle.
Only leave around a quarter of tank of gas in your car.
You should always make sure that there is always about a quarter tank of gas left in your vehicle when transporting. Your Seattle 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 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. A full tank would add a lot of weight to your car, which could result in complications during the transporting process.
Record any body damage on your vehicle
To make certain you have proof of the condition of your motor vehicle prior to using a Seattle 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 easier to recognize any dents or damage. Then, take photos using your phone or camera to document the condition of your car, even if its body doesn’t have any problems. This way you have documentation of its condition in the event any problems occur during the vehicle transport process.
Keep track of your Bill of Lading.
You’ll be given what’s called a Bill of Lading once your Seattle car carrier arrives to obtain your vehicle for transport. This Bill of Lading contains the details of your vehicle transport contract and will validate that it is being placed in the temporary care of the auto transport company. Both parties can do an examination of the vehicle at this time to record any damages that are on the body. So the customer and driver can come to an agreement as to the vehicle’s condition, and that way there won’t be any misunderstandings once the vehicle is delivered. The customer will receive one more Bill of Lading during the delivery process, which will again examine the condition of your vehicle. Any new harm that may have occurred throughout the transport process, although rare, can be identified easier this way.
Understand your insurance coverage.
Even though the Seattle auto hauler should have liability insurance built into their services, it’s a good plan 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. Typically, 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 additional 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. This coverage is usually provided by a third-party insurer employed by the auto transport service.
Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in Seattle
To make sure you’re getting the best car shipping service in Seattle there are a few details you should gather regarding your auto transport company. Consumers should only do business with transporters who are licensed, bonded and insured. Another way to examine their service record is by obtaining their MC number or USDOT and doing a lookup with the Better Business Bureau. Also, take the time to review the terms and conditions so that you’re familiar with how the service works. It’s also a great idea to read any third-party reviews of the company to see what past clients are saying.
Open Car Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in Seattle
Seattle auto transport companies make it possible to have your vehicle shipped to practically any major city in the United States, but how the cars are actually transported depends on the services offered by the car shipping company. While most auto transport organizations will move the vehicles by way of a tractor trailer, depending on the business you choose, you may have the option to go with either open-air or enclosed transport. 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. Open air auto carriers will feature two rows of cars, one on top and one on bottom, and are usually around 75 feet in length. There are no sides and no roof on the trailer, so the vehicles are open to the elements at all times.
Getting the Very best Deals on Auto Transport in Seattle
In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much security your vehicle will require. The most common vehicles shipped using an enclosed shipping option are antique or classic vehicles. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your requirements just fine. As always, 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. By putting in a bit of time to research the Seattle 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 best service.