Flatbed Car Haulers
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What is Flatbed Auto Transport?
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.
What Kind of Vehicles Use Flatbed Auto Transport Services?
Flatbed car haulers move or transport a variety of vehicles, including:
- Larger Vehicles: Bigger pickup trucks, buses, and motor homes are usually larger in size than the available carriers. Thus, a flatbed would be the perfect choice for these.
- Inoperable Vehicles: Those which cannot be driven, such as damaged or wrecked vehicles, need loading methods that can be implemented with flatbed auto transport.
- Specialty Vehicles: These include customized or tuned cars, off-road vehicles, and construction equipment that cannot be transported by any of the conventional transporters.
- Heavy Equipment: Flatbed transport is normally used to move heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and forklifts, which call for a strong platform to ensure safety during transportation.
What customers say about shipping a car with Bold Auto Transport
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!!
Nothing but good things to say about my experience. Told me how much, when they would pick up and when they would deliver. Spot on down to the penny and minute. A+
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!
What are the Flatbed Trailer Types?
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:
- Standard Flatbed Trailers: These are the most common of the flatbed trailers. They are used in the general hauling of vehicles and equipment. They are versatile and carry a wide array of sizes and weights.
- Lowboy Trailers: Intended to transport heavy equipment, these low-boy trailers have a lower deck height, giving better stability with easier loading for tall loads. Hence, this type of trailer is perfect for moving construction machinery and any oversized vehicle with flatbed car transport.
- Step Deck Trailers: These step-down trailers take care of taller loads that otherwise wouldn't fit on a standard flatbed; two deck heights assure a lower center of gravity for improved stability during transport to help the flatbed car haulers.
- Gooseneck Trailers: Gooseneck trailers are a type of Towing Trailers that include a hinged front connected to the towing vehicle. In this way, it can achieve a lower deck height and greater stability. They are often used for shipping heavy equipment and larger vehicles.
- Multi-Car Trailers: Some flatbed trailers can move several vehicles simultaneously, proving efficient in shipping multiple cars at the same time. Such trailers can help lower the shipping cost per vehicle drastically.
How Much Does Flatbed Hauling Cost?
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.
How Does Car Shipping on Flatbed Trucks Work?
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:
- Quote Request: The customer will be asked for details regarding the type of vehicle and the distance to which it needs to be delivered in order to obtain the proper quote for flatbed transport. The vehicle details will be asked by your car hauler with flatbed truck.
- Schedule Pickup: Upon booking, our company will schedule a pick-up date. Customers ensure that the vehicle is easily accessible and ready to load onto the truck via ramps, winches, or crane as appropriate.
- Transport: The vehicle is transported to the destination with real-time tracking, updating the customers of any possible delays due to weather and road conditions.
- Delivery: Upon arrival, the vehicle is unloaded and inspected for damage. Customers should be present to verify the condition since, as noted above, this open trailer leaves vehicles exposed to environmental factors.
How Long Does a Flatbed Transport Truck Take?
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.
FAQs
1. When Not to Use Flatbed Auto Transport Services?
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.
2. Do I Need A Flatbed Carrier To Ship My Vehicle?
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.
3. How Much Do Flatbed Carriers Cost?
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.
4. What You Can Ship on Flatbed Trailers?
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.
5. What loading accessories are required for flatbed car transport?
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.
6. Will my car be insured while transported on a flatbed?
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.
7. How much does flatbed transport cost per mile?
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.