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So how does auto transport in Maine really work?
Well, the USA is very big country with countless amount of highways, roads, cities and small towns. What does that mean? Practically it is impossible for one individual auto carrier to service every possible lane. As a result the industry has grown to depend on a few thousand small auto carrier companies who service their lanes of choice. These drivers can practically be at any location at any given point of time picking up and delivering anywhere from 8-10 cars.
Because the carriers are very busy taking care of pick-ups and deliveries the industry has evolved to depend on car transport brokers. The brokers are the majority of the companies that show up on search engine results. Their sole job, for a small fee, is to arrange the transport of car shippers and those moving across country by locating the closest available drivers.
So when you book your car transport order with a car shipping company, which will most likely be a broker, the shipping company in turn then posts the order on a national load board. Hundreds of licensed auto shipping carriers use these boards to locate cars across country to fill the space on their trucks. So if the price is right for them, the carrier will then contact and book the order from the broker who posted the load. It is important to understand that due to the fact that a few hundred cars can be posted along certain lanes, the carriers of course will book the highest-paying cars first. Therefore price is the single most important factor in determining how quick a car will be shipped.
This is where one’s car shipping experience can quickly become a very negative one. Due to high competition among brokers, some will quote low, meaning far below market rates, in order to book an order but as a result will keep the shipper’s car on the truckers dispatch board for weeks and months while promising otherwise.
There are two types of companies that can ship cars in the USA: brokers and carriers. Brokers are the middlemen who organise the process. prepare all documentation, talk with customers and solve issues. Carriers are the actual companies who perform the transportation.
The driver from the carrier company will show up on the pickup location, load your car and deliver it to the destination point. We’ve prepared the list of Top 5 nationwide car shipping companies you can be safe to work with. You can find the list below.
Company name |
Transportli Score |
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9.8 out of 10 |
A+ |
4.6 stars |
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8.9 out of 10 |
B- |
3.7 stars |
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9.7 out of 10 |
A+ |
4.7 stars |
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9.6 out of 10 |
A+ |
4.6 stars |
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8.9 out of 10 |
A+ |
4.8 stars |
Route |
Most common price |
Average price |
Maine is the most Northeastern city in the US, being on the Canadian border near Quebec. As part of New England, one of the seven regions of North America, this coastal state is home to just over 1.35 million people. Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820 when it was then established as its own state due to a series of riots from the public. Now, the state is one of the most important coastal areas in the US, so keep reading to find out more about this beautiful place.
Augusta, the Capital
Of Maine’s many cities, some of which are more notable than others, Augusta is the designated capital. Situated next to the Kennebec river, this vibrant city is best known as the home of Fort Western, a national landmark which stands proudly as the oldest wooden fort in the country. As the perfect holiday destination, Augusta is packed with historical sites, museums and galleries, as well as hosting many festivals and other celebrations, all of which contribute to the wonderful sense of culture the city conveys.
The Major Tourist Attractions
Other than Augusta, there are several other cities of note spread throughout the state, including the likes of Portland and Lewiston. Although Maine may not be the first state you think of when looking for travel destinations, there are several attractions worth venturing to see.
For one, the state is packed with areas of natural beauty such as Acadia national park, an expansive area of forest with plenty of hiking routes, lakes, mountains and even a few beaches. One such mountain is Cadillac mountain, renowned for having the tallest peak on the East Coast at 1530 feet. Its gorgeous views over the lakes and surrounding forestry are enjoyed by hikers, bikers and campers all year round.
For the lovers of gore and horror films, Stephen King’s house may be the place to visit. As one of the most popular attractions in Bangor, some site-seers may simply take a photo outside the iron gates, whilst others may wish to invest in a tour of the house.
What is Maine Famous For?
Alongside its interesting history and tourist attractions, Maine is also famous for its food, animals and architectural feats. These are just a few things which the people of Maine are proud to call their own:
The infamous Maine lobster – if you’re a lobster-lover then chances are that your meal will have been sourced straight from the coasts of Maine. Most American lobster has been imported from the Northeastern coast.
The lighthouses – Being a coastal state, it’s no surprise that there are over 60 historical lighthouses dotted throughout Maine.
Blueberries – the glacial conditions underground cause the soil in Maine to have the perfect conditions for wild blueberries to grow, and the state now provides a large portion of American fruit.
The moose population – Excluding Alaska, Maine houses more moose than any other US state, with a population of just over 70,000 creatures.
Patrick Dempsey – among some other famous faces, such as Anna Kendrick, Patrick Dempsey was born and raised in Lewiston, Maine.
Open trailers used by vast majority of car shippers in Maine (private and business). It's a low cost, affordable and easy to find way of transportation to or from Maine.
You should consider using enclosed trailer in case you have a classic, luxury or exotic car. While open trailers are safe enough to ship cars in Maine, insurance options are better in enclosed trailer.
How long does it take?
Your vehicle is being loaded on a car carrier along with other cars being delivered to other destinations. Delivery times fluctuate depending on the miles between your beginning and ending destination, the scheduling of car carriers in your area, the proximity to other cars being delivered on the same carrier, weather, and unforeseeable events such as traffic accidents and carrier break downs. Cars moving with enclosed carriers can take longer to deliver due to the supply of enclosed trailers available. Specialty moves that involve transporting your vehicle overseas via boat transportation (i.e. Alaska and Hawaii) may take up to 30 days to deliver. Other overseas deliveries may take longer. Your patience is appreciated with regard to your delivery date.
What kind of truck will it be transported on?
In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an 8 or 10-car open transport hauler; the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars to local dealerships. These trucks are 75 to 80 feet long (that’s nearly twice as long as a conventional freight truck or moving van) and are almost 14 feet high. Therefore, they are very hard to maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind when directing the truck to your home or pickup location. A local location may be used should the hauler/transporter encounter difficulty in reaching your pickup or delivery point. Fully enclosed transport offers enhanced protection for your vehicle by providing custom-made air suspension vans and protection from road debris and the elements. Hydraulic lift gates that keep your vehicle horizontal at all times during the loading process (essentially, an elevator for you car) are available on most units. Lift gate loading minimizes the possibility of undercarriage damage and is strongly recommended for antiques, classics, or exotic vehicles that may have limited ground clearance. Winch loading is also available for inoperable vehicles or at the customer’s request.