Missouri Auto Transport: A Complete Guide

Transporting a vehicle can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Understanding Missouri auto transport is crucial, which is why this guide aims to provide vehicle owners with essential information about auto transport in Missouri, including options, costs, and tips for a smooth experience.

What is Missouri Auto Transport?

Missouri auto transport means transporting vehicles within or outside the state from one location to another by a carrier. In Missouri, auto transportation service is provided by many auto transportation companies across the state.

Types of Auto Transport Services

Due to different types of vehicles and the need for transportation, many auto transportation companies offer various shipping methods and services to fulfill customer’s requirements. There are many services available to choose from, and each one serves differently. Some of the most popular shipping services are mentioned here.

• Open Transport: In this mode of transport, the vehicle would be towed on an entirely open-air trailer, which is completely exposed to elements. However, open car shipping is the most common and cheapest mode, though exposed to adverse weather conditions.
• Closed Transport: In this transport, a fully closed trailer with solid walls and ceilings is used. It offers the highest protection and security to the vehicle. It proves to be costly compared to an open-car transport. Enclosed car transport is very suitable for premium and antique vehicles.
• Door to Door Auto Shipping: The transport company sends the trailer directly to the doorstep of the customer’s address to pick up the vehicle and then deliver it to the given address. This additional door to door auto shipping service is more costlier but provides the most comfort.
• Terminal to Terminal Auto Shipping: This is the most affordable service available. Terminal to terminal auto shipping transports your vehicles from one terminal to another. The customer should drop off the car at the terminal and come to collect it.

How to Find a Reliable Transport Company in Missouri?

Choosing the right auto transport company is crucial for the safety of the vehicle and a hassle-free experience. This is why some of the tips are mentioned here to find out the best service and companies for transporting your vehicles.

• Reputation: Ensure your chosen auto transport company has a good reputation through positive reviews and testimonials. This can give you an idea of a company’s reliability.
• Insurance Coverage: Make sure that the auto transport company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle in case anything happens during transit.
• Experience: Select an experienced car hauling firm engaged in car transportation in Missouri. Companies that have experience would be conversant with local regulations as well as routes.
• Price: Get quotes from a number of companies to compare prices, but beware of quotations much lower in comparison because this may indicate an unreadable service being offered.

Cost of Missouri Auto Shipping

Approximately interstate transport would cost you $600 to $1,200. For example, local transport in Missouri may not be so pricey, and it averages $300 to $700. The actual cost of transporting automobiles in Missouri depends on several factors that might affect the cost. Some of the major factors are mentioned here:

• Distance: The farther the distance, the higher the cost.
• Type of Transport: Open transport is relatively cheaper than enclosed transport.
• Size and Weight of Vehicle: The larger and heavier the vehicle, the more money you pay for transport.
• Seasonality: Summer and holidays incur higher prices as people increase demand for transport.
• Vehicle Condition: Non-operational vehicles require additional equipment and handling which also cost more.
• Fuel Cost: The higher the fuel cost more costlier the transportation.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipment?

Preparation can go a long way in ensuring that transport will go off without a problem. Some tips are mentioned here; consider the following to prepare the vehicle for the shipment:

• Make Your Vehicle Clean: A clean vehicle means easy identification of any existing damage.
• Remove Your Personal Items: The companies are not normally allowed to carry personal belongings in the vehicle; hence remove them from the vehicle.
• Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues: Inspect your vehicle and check if there are fluid leaks or any mechanical issues that might be an issue in transport.
• Alarm Systems: If your vehicle has an alarm system, disable it to avoid the unwanted ringing of that alarm during its transportation.
• Remove or Deactivate Toll Tags: The vehicle is shipped on a permitted carrier, so you won’t need your toll tags. Deactivate it to save unnecessary charges.
• Document the Condition: Click a photo or a detailed video of the vehicle to ensure the after-delivery condition.

What to Expect During Transport?

After your vehicle is picked up, you will see it being driven onto a trailer and tied up. You are likely to receive updates on the transport status; however, you must be prepared for some waiting due to bad weather or even the road conditions.

Once your vehicle arrives at the destination, inspect it before signing for delivery only if all is okay. If not, document the problems and notify the transport company immediately.