If you need to utilize the services of an auto shipping company, there are some basics you should understand before choosing a company. The first is which type of company to use. You have 2 options, car shipping carrier or a vehicle shipping broker? Both can get your car from one place to another, but there are some distinct differences you should know before you settle on a vehicle transport company.
The car transport carriers will literally move your car; they are the ones that have trucks, carry insurance and have the authority to move your car. The typical auto shipping company may not do a lot of advertising and can be difficult to find directly. This is because the typical vehicle transport company has been around a few years and has an existing base of auto shipping customers. These companies usually rely on their base for the bulk of their car shipping freight and use internet based dispatch boards and to fill space on their trucks.
The auto transport brokers do not have trucks and use a network of car transport carriers to move cars for them. So they just “sell” the customers on their ability to facilitate and oversee the vehicle transport and use auto shipping carriers to physically move the car. Typically, when you are looking on the internet for an auto shipping company, you will find a broker because they invest more into advertising and the car shipping carrier has no choice but to invests their money into fuel, insurance and other operational cost. The reality in this business is…many of the car shipping companies that you find on the internet are brokers who can do a great job of moving your car but will not be the ones that do the work. So you are paying a “middle man” to find the company that will move your car.
In nearly all cases, auto transport brokers will never meet you face to face or even see or touch your vehicle. They are simply middlemen who make it all happen and take a cut off the top. Many car transport brokers will require a nonrefundable deposit; this is usually their “cut” and is either a percentage of the entire vehicle transport fee (which can be as high as 50%) or a flat rate. The auto shipping broker flat rate can start as low as $50 per car up and go as high as $300 or more. The more exotic type of car shipping you need, the higher the fee. These vehicle shipping brokers usually get their cut off the top (which is why they require a deposit) than you pay the balance to the company who will move your car. You should know that this is how many brokers work, but not all.
There is actually another type of auto transport company. This type is a hybrid of a car transport broker and carrier. They have the trucks to move your car but are also authorized to be a “middle man” on your behalf. This is the type of company that Door to Door is, we are a full service vehicle transport company. We have trucks and are more than willing to use our trucks to get where you need to go. In some cases, when our vehicle shipping trucks are not accessible or on the other side of the country, we use our extensive database of car shipping carriers to move your car; to us, this is a perfect world because we can evaluate what is truly best for you, the auto shipping customer.
· With car transport carriers, you deal directly with the company that moves your car.
· You may pay less dealing directly with the carriers because there may not be a “middleman” fee.
· Should there be damage to your car, you will deal directly with the vehicle transport company and their insurance (not the auto shipping broker who had nothing to do with the damage).
· There are many great auto transport companies out there willing to work hard and earn your business.
· Because vehicle shipping companies are only authorized to operate in certain states, they may not be able to transport your car.
· If you are in a hurry and their auto transport trucks are not in your area, it may take longer to move your car. In this case, an auto transport broker is not restricted by location and time.
· There are some companies that you will want to stay away from, the challenge is that in most cases, there is no way to know until its too late.
· Have large networks of car transport carriers at their disposal and know exactly how to tap into that network to move your car.
· Not limited to location (where their vehicle transport trucks are).
· Because auto shipping is so competitive the prices are usually in the same ballpark and negotiable. Like anything, there are “high end” brokers that you will pay more for, but this may or may not come with matching service.
· There are great car shipping brokers out there that will do what they say and work hard at earning and keeping your business.
· There are some vehicle shipping brokers out there that do not have your best interest. They want your fee and that is it. The shady ones will list your car as low as possible to try to make more money.
· You may overpay for the same service you would have received had you used an auto transport carrier directly.
· Once your car is picked up by the car transport carrier, you will not be dealing with them anymore and may not hear from them again. They are OK with that because they already have your money.
· They don’t have to carry vehicle transport insurance and will tell you to speak with the auto shipping carrier company if there was an issue.
· Typically, moving your car goes off with out any problems and both the car shipping carrier and the vehicle shipping broker can move your car for you. It is like any industry; so long as everyone does what they say, life is grand. The issue arises when promises are vacated and service is sub par.
· At Door to Door, we feel that because we are both a carrier and a broker, we offer a significant competitive advantage over just a carrier or just a broker. No matter who you use, we challenge you to research the company and make sure their track record is that of a safe and reliable car shipping company! Call us today to speak with our team about fulfilling all your auto shipping needs!
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At Door to Door Transport, we take the stress out of auto shipping so you can focus on what matters most. As a family-owned and operated business with 25 years of experience in the trucking and Auto Transportation industry, we understand the importance of reliable and hassle-free vehicle transport. Our legacy in the auto transport industry spans generations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence in every service we provide.
We treat each vehicle as if it were our own, ensuring the utmost care and attention throughout the entire shipping process. With dedicated customer support available 24/7, we're here to assist you and provide updates on the status of your shipment. Experience the convenience of our door-to-door service, where we pick up and deliver your vehicle directly from and to the locations you specify. Trust Door to Door Transport for your auto shipping needs.
Get immediate and accurate quotes for your auto shipping needs from our extensive network of 60,000+ vetted car carriers covering every corner of the United States.
Experience reliable and efficient door-to-door transport services that cater to your specific needs, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
For extra protection, choose our enclosed car shipping option, safeguarding your valuable vehicles from the elements during transit.
Making vehicle shipping hassle-free and convenient with our straightforward 3-step process:
Schedule Your Vehicle Shipment
At Door To Door Transport, we make scheduling your vehicle shipments a breeze. Our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience.
Enter Locations
Provide us with your car pickup and delivery zip codes, allowing us to plan your auto transport seamlessly.
Vehicle Details
Select your vehicle type and size, enabling us to tailor our services to your specific needs.
Open or Enclosed
Choose between our open or enclosed auto transport options, ensuring the ideal level of protection for your vehicle.
Enter Locations
Provide us with your car pickup and delivery zip codes, allowing us to plan your auto transport seamlessly.
Vehicle Pickup and Transport Begins Once you've scheduled your shipment, our experienced team takes charge, and your vehicle transport journey commences.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Get your vehicle ready for car hauling by giving it a thorough cleaning, inside and out.
Be Ready for Transport
Ensure to remove all personal items, disable alarms, and maintain a quarter to half tank of gas in your vehicle.
Professional Inspection
A skilled Door To Door Transport driver will carefully inspect your vehicle before it's on its way.
Your Vehicle Reaches Its Destination With Door To Door Transport, your vehicle reaches its destination safe and sound, thanks to our dedicated car hauling service.
Flexible Payment Options
You can choose to pay the vehicle shipment balance upon arrival, making the process more convenient for you.
Final Vehicle Inspection
Your driver will conduct a final vehicle inspection with you, ensuring everything is in order.
Effortless Conclusion
Simply sign off on a Bill of Lading, and your vehicle shipping process with us is complete!
Experience a seamless vehicle shipping journey with Door To Door Transport!
Preparing your car for shipping is essential to ensure a smooth and safe transportation process. Follow these steps to get your vehicle ready:
● Clean Your Car
Wash your car thoroughly, including the exterior and interior, to ensure a clear inspection.
● Remove Personal Items
Remove all personal belongings from your car. These items are not covered by insurance during transport.
● Disable Alarms
Deactivate any car alarms or anti-theft systems to avoid unnecessary disruptions during shipping.
● Check for Leaks
Inspect your vehicle for any leaks and fix them before shipping.
● Quarter to Half Tank of Gas
Keep your fuel level between a quarter to half a tank for weight considerations
● Document Condition
Take photos of your car from different angles before shipping for insurance purposes
