Motor Vehicle Transportation – Who is Really Shipping Your Vehicle?
Many people choose to use motor vehicle transportation to help with personal needs such as moving to another part of the country, sending a child to college, seasonal moving, and job relocation. For most people, automobile transportation services are needed only once and hiring a company is more efficient than driving the vehicle themselves. Various auto transport companies can be found online and through phone directories. Some are actual transport companies while others are simply brokers that set up the service with specific carriers. It is important to know what type of service you are working with for the safety of the vehicle being transported and your wallet.
An auto transport company performs the pickup and delivery of your vehicle themselves. Brokers do the research and gathering for the service needed and then sell the job to a transport carrier. Automobile transportation services have better control when it comes to delivery dates and times. They are more responsible when an accident or damage occurs to your vehicle. Auto transport companies take a longer period of time for pickup and delivery. Brokers have more delivery options and can often offer faster delivery of your vehicle; however, they have less control over how well your vehicle is taken care of during the shipping process and are more reluctant when it comes to assisting with damages.
Checking into each company you are considering will decrease the chances of unsatisfactory service. Research each provider to determine if they are an actual company or a broker. Find out what transport options they offer and how their service works. Go over specifics and tell them what kind of service you expect and how you want your vehicle to be taken care of. Almost all providers have a contract that must be signed stating the owner of the vehicle accepts the terms of the agreement. Read your contract thoroughly and do not sign it if there are any stipulations you do not agree with.
Professional motor vehicle transportation providers, whether a company or a broker, let customers know upfront that only the vehicle can be transported. Personal belongings and anything of value should be removed from the vehicle before it is picked up. They can provide tips on how to prepare the vehicle for shipping. The fuel tank should not be completely filled. Owners are expected to be present at time of pickup and delivery. This allows the car to be thoroughly inspected by both the company employee and the owner before it is loaded or driven to the destination.
To get the best service and overall price, take some time to do a little research. Write down the delivery specifications and service you would prefer. Then choose two to three companies that offer what you need. Ensure that your vehicle will be completely covered while in their hands. Do a thorough comparison to find the best company at the right price. Then be sure the appropriate terms are in the contract before signing. Once all the hard work and research is done, you can relax and feel good knowing you have found a sound and reliable company to ship your vehicle.
