Car Shipping
Types of Transport
Car Transport Trailer and Truck Types
Deciding what car transport trailer and truck trype to use is a matter of your timeline, budget, and concern over your vehicle being exposed to the elements. Consult your car transport service if you have any questions on what would work best for your car. Remember to let your auto transporter know of special requirements or concerns; for example, if you are transporting an SUV, your car has a low ground clearance, your vehicle is not running, or it has other mechanical problems, because these things can make some transportation methods better than others.
The two truck types for car transport service
There are two main types of trucks used for car transport service: tractor trailer trucks or a pick-up style truck, called a hotshot. Tractor trailers are usually a better choice for discount auto shipping because they can haul more vehicles at once, but they are slower and have a hard time navigating residential areas. You may need to meet your driver in an open parking lot to load and unload your car from a tractor trailer. Hotshot trucks are more expensive, but can deliver your vehicle faster and have an easier time navigating neighborhood streets.
Enclosed vs. open car transport trailers
Whether you use a tractor trailer or a hotshot truck, you will need to decide on what type of car transport trailer you want. If you want your car protected from weather and road elements, the best way to ship is an enclosed trailer, but enclosed trailers can cost as much as twice as an open trailer.
If you choose to ship your car on an open trailer, there are several types to choose from. Remember, your car will be fully or partially exposed to the elements if you ship on an open trailer.
Multi-car transport trailers
Multi-car trailers are open trailers that can carry as few as three to as many as twelve vehicles at once. Multi-car trailers have the best prices, but will take more time to deliver your car. If you ship on a multi-car trailer, make sure to be on time for your pick up and delivery. Remember, other shippers are relying on you to make sure all the cars on the trailer get to the right spot at the right time. There is some debate about whether having your car on the top or bottom rack is better. If your car is on the bottom, there is the possibility that oil from cars above will drip down. On the other hand, when trucks pull into areas with trees, it is possible a car stored on the top rack will be hit by branches.
Single car trailers: open and flatbed
A single car transport trailer is another type of open trailer. These are typically used when a car needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. Only one car will be picked up and only one delivered. Single car trailers can be as or more expensive than enclosed trailers.
Finally, if your car is oversized or has been modified, you may need to ship it on a flatbed trailer. The cost of a flatbed trailer will depend on how many other items are on the trailer and how big your car is.