Things You Should Know Before Hiring Car Transport Companies?

Whether you’re moving from one state to another or across the country, it can be very stressful and tiring to move your vehicle and get it delivered on time. One way to alleviate some of the stress and focus on other important things is to hire car transport companies. Hiring an auto transport company can save you time and money by taking the pain from the vehicle transportation process.

But the most challenging part of it could be to find a company that’s experienced and reliable. Some will charge exorbitant prices, and others won’t deliver on their promises, making the process more complicated. You should know things before hiring a company to do the job.

Different Types of Car Shipping Options

When it comes to choosing car transportation companies to deliver your vehicle from and to a location, you have three distinct options. Here’s a quick rundown to help you understand each available option. 

Open Auto Transport

The most popular and least expensive method of shipping a car is open auto transport. As the name implies, open transport trucks are just that: open. The experts will load your vehicle onto the truck and secure it for transport, but it will be exposed to the elements like dust and debris during transit. If you’re worried about your car getting dirty or dusty, this might not be the best option. Plus, if you’re transporting a luxury or antique vehicle, you may want to consider enclosed transport to protect your investment.

Enclosed Auto Transport

It is the safest and most secure way to transport your vehicle through car transportation companies. This type of car shipping protects your vehicle from external elements during transit. It is typically more expensive than open trailer transport, but it is worth the extra cost for peace of mind. Especially if you are transporting a luxury or classic car. Enclosed carriers also offer additional security features such as GPS tracking to know where your car is during transport.

Door to Door Shipping

It is the most convenient way to ship your car. The carrier will pick up your vehicle from your home or office and deliver it to your destination. This is an excellent option if you cannot drop off your car at a shipping terminal. Door-to-door service is typically more expensive than terminal shipping, but it can save you time and hassle.  

Different Types of Car Shipping Services You Can Use 

There are many types of shipping services, but not all are relevant to your needs. Check out the listed choices below to pick one that matches your requirement:

1. Expedited car shipping services

When you need to get your car from point A to point B in a hurry, you’ll want to choose shipping companies that provide expedited shipping options. Expedited car shipping generally means that your vehicle will be shipped on an open carrier, either by itself or other vehicles. This is the quickest and most affordable way to ship a car, but it does have some downsides. Your car will be exposed to weather conditions during transit.

2. Dealership Vehicle Shipping

With dealership vehicle shipping, you can track all of your past and present orders and generate quotes for new orders whenever you see fit. You can also book transport orders from your desk using the portal provided, and this makes it easy and convenient for you to get the services you need without worrying about the cost or the hassle.

3. Rental Fleet Shipping

Rental fleet shipping is also known as bulk shipping. This type of shipping generally has a lower cost per unit than partial truckload shipping, making it a more economical option for businesses. It would help if you were sure that the car shipping companies you choose could pick up your shipment promptly and deliver it on time. Many companies offer discounts for bulk shipments, so be sure to compare prices before making your final decision.

4. Individual car shipping

Individual car shipping involves shipping one, two, or three vehicles at a time. This is typically done when individuals or families relocate and need to transport their vehicles. Shipping allows car transportation companies to quote the best possible price for the customer.

What Are Guaranteed And Military Shipping Services?

Shipping companies often provide two popular shipping services, i.e., military and guaranteed. Here’s what each option entails:

Guaranteed Shipping

Guaranteed auto transport service is a type of transportation service that guarantees to ship your vehicle on a specific date. This type of service is often used by people who need to transport their vehicles for business purposes or move to another state. Guaranteed auto transport service is often more expensive than other shipping services, but it provides peace of mind and can save you from having your car stranded in transit.

Military Shipping

Military auto shipping is a service that an auto transport company can provide to military members. You can use this type of shipping to move a personal vehicle from one duty station to another, or you can use it to ship a vehicle to a family member who is stationed overseas. Some special rules and regulations apply to military shipments, so it is essential to choose reputable and experienced car hauling companies like SAKAEM Logistics that are familiar with these rules.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Transport Company

 There are many benefits of hiring car transport companies that you may not have considered. Here are five reasons to use one the next time you need to move a vehicle:

1. They Handle All the Details

When you hire professional shipping companies, they will take care of all the details. This includes everything from loading and unloading your vehicle onto the carrier to making sure it arrives at its destination safely. You can relax and let them do all the work while focusing on other things.

2. They Have Expertise and Experience

Car transport companies have years of experience in shipping vehicles across long distances. They know all the ins and outs of the business, so you can rest assured your car is in good hands. In addition, they have a team of experts who will carefully load and secure your vehicle onto the carrier to prevent any damage during transit.

3. They Offer Affordable Rates

Hiring car shipping companies are often more affordable than driving your vehicle yourself or renting a trailer to tow behind your car. When getting quotes, be sure to ask about any discounts or promotions available to make your move even more affordable.

4. They Provide Peace of Mind

Knowing your vehicle is being transported by professionals who have years of experience can give you peace of mind during a stressful time. You can trust that they will take good care of your vehicle and get them to its destination safely.

5. They Offer Convenience

Hiring a car transport company is also much more convenient than driving long distances yourself or renting/borrowing a trailer.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car through a Car Transport Company?

The time of year you book your shipment, the type of your vehicle, and the distance are factors that affect the overall cost to ship a car through car hauling companies. Below are some of the common factors that determine the shipping cost:

1. Operable Vs. Inoperable

If the car is inoperable and needs a tow service, the price will be significantly higher. This is because tow trucks charge by the distance, and it takes longer to load a non-operational car onto a transport truck. In addition, cars that do not run typically require more care and attention during loading and unloading, which adds to the labor costs associated with shipping them.

2. Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because they take up more space on transport trucks and often weigh more, which requires additional fuel for shipment. Luxury or high-end vehicles also cost more to ship than economy models because they are often worth more money and require special care during handling to avoid damage.

3. The Origin and Destination of Your Shipment

 The further you ship your vehicle, the higher the overall cost because transport companies charge based on the distance traveled.

4. Your Desired Timeline

 If you need your vehicle shipped urgently, you can expect to pay a premium for expedited shipping services. On the other hand, if you have some flexibility in when you need your vehicle delivered, you may get a lower rate by opting for standard shipping services via transport companies. 

5. Any Special Requirements

 If you have any special requirements for your shipment, such as an enclosed trailer, this can also affect the cost. Transport companies typically charge extra for these types of requests.

6. Insurance:

Most transport companies will include some basic insurance coverage in the price of their services. However, if you want additional coverage (or if your vehicle is precious), this can increase the cost of shipping.

How Long Does It Take To Ship a Car?

Several factors can affect the time it takes car transport companies to ship a vehicle. Here are the most common ones:

1. Distance: The further the destination, the longer it will take to get there.

2. Time of year: Some seasons are busier than others for car transport companies, and it may take longer to ship a vehicle during peak seasons such as summer than during off-season like winters.

 3. Weather conditions: Inclement weather can delay shipments by causing delays in transit or even cancellations if conditions are too severe.

4. Shipping method: There are various methods of shipping vehicles, such as an open carrier or enclosed carrier. An open carrier is generally less expensive but takes longer, while an enclosed carrier is more expensive but arrives faster on average.

5 Carriers’ schedules: Auto transport companies have busy and slow periods like any business. Attempting to ship a vehicle during a carrier’s busy period may result in longer wait times.

6. Road conditions – Poor road conditions or construction works can slow down the car transport process and add additional time to your estimated arrival date.

7. Traffic conditions– If there is a lot of traffic on the roads, this can also delay your car’s arrival date.

How Does The Process Of Shipping A Car Work?

 The process of shipping a car can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few steps that you can follow to get your car shipped in the right way. Here’s the process outline so that you can ship your car with confidence via car transportation companies.

1. Understand the Basics of Shipping a Car

 You’ll need to have your vehicle’s title and registration and your driver’s license and insurance information. You’ll also need to choose a shipping method — either an open-air carrier or an enclosed one. Open-air carriers are less expensive, but your car will be more exposed to the elements during transport. Enclosed carriers offer more protection for your vehicle, but they come at a higher cost.

2. Research Different Auto Transport Companies

 Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a decision. Get quotes from multiple companies. You can also generate an instant quote within a few seconds to get a quick idea of the prices. Once you are done and have chosen your company, be sure to get all the details in writing before moving forward with the process.

3. Schedule a Pick-Up Date for Your Vehicle

Most shipping companies will give you a window of time within which they can pick up your car, so be sure to work around your schedule accordingly.

4. Prepare Your Vehicle

Prepare your vehicle for transport by removing all personal belongings from the inside and giving it a thorough cleaning (inside and out). This will make it easier for the driver to load onto the carrier and help protect your belongings from damage during transit.

5. Inspect Your Car

When the driver arrives to pick up your car, inspect it for any preexisting damage. This can include dents, scratches, or cracks in the windshield. If you notice any damage, be sure to point it out to the driver and have them note it on the Bill of Lading (a document that will detail the condition of your vehicle at pick-up).

6. Get a Bill of Lading

Once your vehicle is loaded onto the carrier, get a copy of the Bill of Lading from the driver. This document will list all pertinent information about your car’s transport, including its current condition and any stops made along the way. Be sure to keep this document in a safe place throughout transit.

7. Journey To The Destination

Your car will now begin its journey to its destination! Depending on how far it’s going and what route is being taken, this could take a few days to a week or more. You can check in with the auto transport company periodically to get updates on your car’s progress and location.

8. Inspect Upon Arrival

When your car arrives at its destination, inspect it immediately for any new damage that may have occurred during transit. If you notice anything, be sure to point it out to the driver and have them include it in their delivery report (a document similar to the Bill of Lading but detailing damages that occurred during transport).

9. Complete the Final Paperwork

 Sign off on the delivery report once you’re satisfied with everything listed there — this indicates that you’ve accepted responsibility for any new damages noted and releases the auto transport company from liability. Congrats — your car has successfully been shipped!

Documents You Need To Transport Your Vehicle 

Here are a few key documents car transport companies may require to ship your vehicle:

• Bill of lading:  The bill of lading lists the items being shipped, the addresses of the shipper and recipient, and other important information about the shipment.
• Insurance Terms and Conditions: This document outlines the coverage that a shipping company’s insurance policy provides.  
• Lienholder authorization: This document authorizes the shipping company to act on behalf of the lienholder (the entity that has a financial interest in the vehicle) in case of an accident or other incident during shipment.
• Absent owner authorization: This document authorizes the shipping company to act on behalf of the absent owner.

How to Find the Best Auto Transport Company to Ship a Car?

Finding the right car hauling companies is crucial to ensuring that your car arrives safely and on time. Here are tips to help you find the best company for your needs:

1. Get recommendations – ask friends, family, or co-workers if they have used an auto transport company in the past and if they were satisfied with the service. You can also check online forums and review sites to see what others say about different companies.

2. Compare prices – receive quotes from several companies to compare prices and services offered. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees or surcharges to know precisely how much the total cost.

3. Check licensing and insurance – make sure that the company you choose is licensed by the Department of Transportation and has adequate insurance coverage in case of damage or accident during transit.

4. Read the fine print – before booking with any company, be sure to read all of the terms and conditions so that you understand what is included in the quoted price and any restrictions or limitations on their services.

 5. Review its track record – research the company’s history and track record to see how long they have been in business and its customer satisfaction levels. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints or reviews filed against such auto transport companies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Although the tips above are enough to help you make the right decision, there are chances that you may still have some questions related to the shipping process. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers:

How can I pay for the auto transport service?

Most car transport companies accept cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. For your convenience, they also offer financing options.  

Does The Auto Transport Company Cover Insurance?

Yes, the company does cover insurance for the vehicles being transported. The company has a policy that protects the vehicles from any damages that may occur during transport. This includes accidents, fire, weather damage, and more.  

Can You Keep Personal Items In The Car To Be Transported? 

It would help if you tried to keep the inside of your car as clean as possible before transport. This means removing all trash, valuables, and personal items from the passenger compartment. However, you can keep a few personal items in the trunk of your car if they are necessary and will not add significant weight to the vehicle (less than 100 pounds).

Do I have to be physically present at the pick-up and delivery location?

You are not required to be physically present at the pick-up and delivery location. However, it is recommended that you be available to answer any questions the driver may have.

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