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:
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I am actually a driver for Hauling Crew LLC. From a transporters perspective, they are quick to answer the phone, always available. And fast at taking care of things to have the vehicle readily available for transport. This is very important to get your vehicle delivered to you the fastest and safest way possible. If you ever want to know how well a Shipping Broker is, just try calling their dispatch line. If some companies don't answer the phone, we'll then most likely they ain't answer my call either. Bold Auto Transport is there to help and get it delivered. 5 stars!
My story starts in Los Angeles, Mechanic says I was good to go on an across country move. Car packed up and I set out on the road. Welp I'm writing this review because about 10 miles south of Beaver Utah my check engine light came on and my car started smoking. I felt stuck, well because I was stuck in Beaver Utah. I asked around to get the car packed with my life fixed. After several quotes on money and time, I decided to just ship it home. I had never done this before so I luckily found this company. I called on a Saturday and by Tuesday my car was picked up directly from the hotel. I started the process of flying home and to my amazement, my car beat me home. This company is amazing and handled everything with care. My car was just as I left it when it arrived at my chosen destination. I hope I don't have to ship a car again, but if I do I know who I am calling!!
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.