Flatbed auto transport refers to the shipment of cars using a flatbed trailer with an open platform design and no roofing or sides. This category of auto transport comes in handy when shipping oversized, inoperable, or low-ground-clearance vehicles. This is due to its design, which aids in the loading and offloading of vehicles, hence being versatile for different types of vehicles.
Flatbed car shipping is popular among businesses and individuals trying to deliver classic cars, heavy machinery, or just about any other vehicle that may be hard to transport by other means.
Flatbed car haulers move or transport a variety of vehicles, including:
Bold did a good with our car. There was some delay at first getting a carrier lined up, but it was the Thanksgiving week, so that wasn't unexpected. Car was picked up on Sunday and delivered on Wednesday going from Spokane WA to Los Angeles. Driver called an hour before delivery. Price was reasonable (I would never use low ball estimates from other people). I would use Bold again if needed.
I had the absolute best most professional experience from start to finish with Bold auto Transport. From my agent Ted to the dispatcher to my Driver Tamerlan to the follow up representative Eve I was given such peace of mind and I couldn’t have entrusted a better company to handle my family vehicle getting safely from Texas to Arizona. They gave me an honest quote from the beginning, which of course it’s not cheap to get a vehicle safely shipped from one state to another across the country, as the shady companies outthere would lead you to believe but I was told from the beginning what it would cost and exactly when they would pick up my vehicle on time, and nothing worrisome ever arose, even though I was so stressed out entrusting my vehicle with anybody but all of my worries were alleviated as I was able to text and call the agent, the driver excetera with constant updates. They treated my vehicle just like they would their own, and it was shipped in an enclosed trailer with only one other vehicle, and received in the same condition They picked it up in. I literally had to organize this with Bold Auto Transport at the very last minute After dealing with so much uncertainty and unprofessionalism by other companies, especially knowing that this industry is full of fraud, etc. and Bold Auto came through above and beyond better than I could’ve ever expected. I can’t thank you all enough and I hope this review is able to help someone else in the same situation to know with complete certainty that they will be in the best hands out there! Thank you again Bold Auto Transport for everything!
In short: Great service. Fair price. Delivered on their promises. TLDR: Having never shipped a car before I didn't know what to expect. I thought maybe I was falling victim to an internet scam. Bold hasn't been in business that long and only had a few reviews, so I wasn't sure if it was a legitimate company. But, the owner called me and alleviated my concerns. They honored the price I was quoted. The driver was personable and professional. It was an overall great experience! I would use them again. You should too.
There are several configurations of flatbed trailers when you need to transport car on flatbed, all designed for particular types of loads. Knowing these can help you decide on the right option as per your flatbed auto transport needs. Those options include:
Flatbed car transport costs are based on miles, vehicle size, flatbed car haulers, and other special transport requirements. Prices range from:
Distance Category |
Cost Per Mile |
Typical Total Cost |
Short Distances |
$1.00 to $2.50 |
$400 to $2000 |
Long Distances |
$0.60 to $1.50 |
$2000 to $4000 |
Non-Operational Vehicles |
Additional $100 to $300 |
$500 to $5000 |
Seasonal Pricing |
Varies by demand |
Check with carrier for specific quotes |
Comparing quotes from different transport companies would be a great idea to get the best price. Booking in advance is also recommended.
The process to transport car on flatbed involves certain steps, accustoming to the specific needs of oversized or low-clearance vehicles, which may also be non-operational. Such a process ensures smoothness and efficiency in the transport experience:
Delivery time of flatbed car haulers can vary greatly; usually, it runs from 1 to 7 days, depending on some principal parameters. The most important factors are distance and length; shorter ones could be delivered in a day or two, others requiring longer because of distances, sometimes a week or more for cross-country hauls.
The route conditions are very important as well. Weather, traffic, and road conditions can either increase or decrease transport times, and bad weather or heavy traffic may cause delays for flat bed car trailers. For example, in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, flatbed car haulers have to either adjust the speed or change the route to safeguard the vehicle being transported.
Additionally, pickup and delivery locations may influence transit time and it changes among different flatbed car haulers. In general, urban areas introduce more logistics problems, slowing down the process in comparison with rural areas for flatbed vehicle transport. It's very important to communicate with your car hauler with flatbed truck about setting up delivery expectations mostly for customers who have specific timelines. Proper information about the vehicle and preferred delivery dates is quite important in making the transport process quite easier.
Flatbed auto transport is not needed for everyday vehicles that fit within the dimensions of a standard open carrier. Flatbed auto transport will be more expensive in those cases. Also, if your vehicle runs and you can drive it onto a standard carrier, you should consider shipping the traditional way as it might be cheaper. If you can’t decide, contact your auto transport company to get an idea.
Whether you require flatbed auto transport or otherwise depends on the kind, size, and condition of your vehicle. Generally speaking, larger or otherwise irregularly-sized vehicles go better with flatbeds; regular sedans and SUVs are fine with standard carriers.
The average flatbed car transport cost runs from $400 to $2000 for shorter routes and from $2000 to $4000 for longer routes, depending on vehicle size and weight and special transport needs. Always get quotes from multiple companies to ensure that you have a competitive price for a car carrier flatbed. Car shipping cost calculators will help you get an estimated price for your flatbed auto transport.
Flatbed trailers can be used for transporting oversize vehicles, cars that do not run, and specialty equipment that won't fit into the standard carriers. This includes construction equipment, classic cars, or any vehicle with different dimensions.
Loading accessories may include ramps to assist with easier access, straps or chains to keep the vehicle in place, and possibly even winches in the case of cars that are not operable. This loading equipment will ensure that an automobile is loaded and locked down while on board for flatbed car delivery.
Most flat bed car transporters such as Bold Auto Transport insure vehicles during transport, but it's always best to confirm with the carrier regarding specifics. On top of this, customers should verify their own insurance policies and what they offer during transport.
For example, flatbed car transport costs range from $1.00 to $2.50 for shorter distances and from $.060 to $1.50 for the longer ones, all on the type of vehicle used, length of transportation, time of the year, etc.
