Are you going on a vacation? Or Do you need to relocate and you are worried about how you can get your vehicle shipped to your new location? The confusion that comes with deciding the safest means to do this while saving costs is quite understandable.
One of the options on your table is using auto shipping companies. Auto shipping Companies have been the choice of many vehicle owners who need to transport their vehicles. But, this is only an option. It is paramount you have an understanding of what they offer and how they function before you make them your choice.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed guide on what Auto-shipping Companies are about. At the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know about Auto-shipping Companies.
Auto-shipping Companies: What Do They Do?
As their name implies, Auto shipping Companies are usually a government-registered organization that provides you with the helping hand you need to transport your vehicle. This is their primary function. They are responsible for the safety and hassle-free delivery of your vehicle wherever you want it.
You might have been chanced to see large trucks stacked with different cars moving on the highway. What you saw was a shipping company trying to get those cars to their client’s preferred location. Auto shipping Companies often work with car importers, retailers, and also individuals that need to transport their cars to a new location.
How Do They Work?
The first thing you need to know is that most auto-shipping companies that deal directly with individuals do not have their own trucks. In the Auto shipping industry, they are called auto transport brokers. So, how do they work?
Once they get a customer and receive an order, they contact the actual Auto shipping companies to get your vehicle delivered. Well, this shouldn’t bother you. Your vehicle is still in safe hands. If any damage should occur to your vehicle, they will bear the responsibility as long as you are covered by insurance. We’ll talk about what you need to look for in Auto shipping Companies later in this article.
What you get is a quote from auto shipping companies. A quote includes the shipping companies pricing for each preferred destination. This includes the shipping route and estimated time of delivery. Here, you’ll be able to choose the delivery option you want.
What Are The Available Auto Shipping Delivery Options?
The Auto shipping options you’ll get are Door-to-Door and terminal point delivery. You’ll have to decide what’s more convenient for you. Of course, there are differences in both options.
- Door-to-Door Delivery: This option offers doorstep delivery of your vehicle to your preferred location. This option is more expensive. However, it is a price for the convenience it offers. Not all shipping companies offer this.
- Terminal Point Delivery: What you get with this option is that your vehicle is delivered to the nearest terminal to your preferred drop-off location. It is the most common method. It is also less expensive than Door-to-Door Delivery.
Type of Auto Transport
As there are different shipping delivery options, there are different types of auto transport as well. They are Open transport and Enclosed Transport.
- Open Transport: Here, your vehicle is loaded onto a trailer without any form of covering. It is the most common transport option. It is the cheapest as well. However, your vehicle is exposed and subject to the air elements like rain, dust, and road debris.
- Enclosed Transport: Do you have a luxurious car? Or are you just getting a new vehicle? This option is recommended. Why? The enclosed transport offers protection for your vehicle from all external elements and weather changes.
This is because your vehicle is transported in an enclosed trailer. However, as expected, this option is more expensive, and delivery takes a longer time.
Choosing the Best Auto-shipping Companies: What to Look for
There are a lot of Auto shipping Companies available. All offer the same transport service at different prices. Here’s a list of the things you want to look out for and prioritize when choosing an auto shipping company:
Insurance
This is the most important thing to consider before contacting any Auto shipping Company. This guarantees the safety of your vehicle. It also covers and protects you from any mishap that might happen in the course of delivery. It would be best to understand the company’s insurance coverage before ordering their service.
Reviews
This is synonymous with making a judgment based on the experience of others with the company. An auto shipping company with good reviews and recommendations slightly builds your confidence in their ability. With a regular customer service appraisal, You’re assured your vehicle is in safe hands.
Track-record
Auto shipping Companies with long vehicle delivery success show their capabilities. It is another convincing point that shows their expertise in ensuring that your vehicle is delivered successfully.
Price
Of course, you need to consider the prices. However, be wary of extremely cheap quotes and prices. They are often misleading. How they work is that there are usually some hidden fees not displayed initially. In the long run, you’ll probably end up paying more than the initial quote price.
It is recommended that you use companies with locked-in quotes. This means your quote price won’t change once your order has been confirmed.
What To Do Before Submitting Your Vehicle for Shipping
Here is a list of things you need to see before sending your vehicle over to the Auto shipping Companies
- Get it washed. It would be best if you do a thorough cleaning of your vehicle before sending it to the shipping company.
- Perform a visual inspection, and note the marks (if present). Your shipping company might send in an agent to do this with you. This is for both parties to understand the state of the car before transport.
- Take a picture of your car. In case anything happens, these pictures will come in handy in your favor. Pictures don’t lie. They’d be required in order for you to claim insurance as well.
- Remove any important documents and personal items from your car.
Conclusion
Auto shipping companies are often the better choice compared to other vehicle transport means. Shipping companies are often less expensive and offer more protection for your vehicle.
Reading this article, you should be already equipped with everything you need to know about AutoShipping Companies.
