You have probably never wondered what types of trailers the car shipping companies use exactly for various shipment types. It is because most of the time our concern is the proper shipment of our vehicles. A big and reputable auto transport company usually has a diverse set of trailers that they utilize for individual car shipments, corporate, or heavy equipment shipment. In this detailed blogpost, we dive into the different types of trailers, how moving trucks with trailers works, different transport options and their levels. Further, we will discuss various types of alternatives, and the advantages of shipping a car in open and enclosed transports.
Car transport companies offer two types of shipping methods; open and Enclosed Car Shipping. There are significant differences between these two shipping methods. In open shipment a vehicle is sent along many other vehicles in an open transport trailer. While in enclosed transport, there are fewer vehicles and the truck is enclosed from all sides.
For people who seek premium services for their cars, companies arrange a dedicated trailer for them because they do not want to risk their vehicle getting scratched or dented with others. Such types of trucks are comparatively smaller in size as they carry only single vehicles.
When you find a company for car shipping services like Bold Auto Transport, you will be given two options; open and enclosed car transport. The car will be shipped either in an open or enclosed truck; as you choose. Open transport is an open trailer like we see on the roads, while an enclosed trailer is a container which is completely closed from all sides.
Open transport offers open trailers where the vehicles are exposed to elements, debris, dust, or scratches. However, this shipping method is fast and quite affordable. It is also preferred by most people for standard car shipments. The benefit of open shipping is that you can get it any time because carriers move vehicles with open trailers on a daily basis. So, it will not force you to keep the dates flexible meaning you can ship on the dates of your choice.
While enclosed car shipping is the protected shipping type. Your vehicle is shipped on an enclosed trailer safe from elements and debris. It is quite expensive and is usually used for exotic, luxury, or high value vehicles. It is also preferred by people who own luxurious cars. However, it is costly as compared to open transport. You may also not find the dates of your choice because companies only move when all the spots are taken. The main reason for this is that high value cars are not as frequently moved as the standard cars. Having said all this, it gives an immense peace of mind when your car is shipped on an enclosed trailer.
This kind of open car carrier trailer uses a dually truck. This means that a pickup truck with two rear wheels on each side. It can pull a gooseneck trailer that is just big enough to carry one car or truck. Usually, a single-vehicle hotshot trailer is utilized by companies for short-distance shipments, but when you need expedited shipping services, it can also handle long distance shipments.
You should also not mix up single vehicle hotshot trailers with tow trucks. Flatbed tow trucks also carry one car at a time and are mainly used for short trips, but they don’t pull a trailer. Instead, they come with a built-in hydraulic flatbed that can easily lift and hold the car.
Whenever you have to move more than one vehicle, there are single-level trailers that are able to carry between two and six cars, trucks, or small RVs. Some of these trailers are multi-car gooseneck or bumper pull trailers that can be towed by a dually truck, while others are larger single-deck trailers which require a semi-truck to pull them. This type of vehicle carrier is bigger than a hotshot trailer but it is still small enough to reach places where the largest carriers can’t, such as tight and narrow city streets. It can also be helpful in shipping to remote locations.
Most car carriers you see on the roads are multi-level trailers that can carry many vehicles at a time. These are the most common types of open shipping methods used in the car shipping industry. If you choose Open Car Shipping, your vehicle will most likely be shipped on this kind of trailer, which is pulled by a semi-truck.
The transport companies use the best trailers for hauling cars in enclosed shipment, they are classified into 3 types of trailers:
This type of enclosed trailer is mostly used by carriers for moving high-value cars or trucks for short distance shipments. It’s often a gooseneck or bumper pull trailer that can be towed by a dually truck.
Some of the enclosed trailers can hold more than one vehicle, usually about three trailers. These are pulled by semi-trucks, and the cars are loaded in a single line inside the trailer, raised above the ground.
This kind of trailer is taller and sits lower to the ground because it can fit two levels of cars, usually six to eight in total. It’s pulled by a strong semi-truck and works like an open carrier, using adjustable deck ramps to load and unload vehicles.
Shipping your car on standard open trailers has many great advantages, as below:
It is the cheapest yet effective car shipping method loved by majority of car owners
It is usually the fastest transport method because too many open trailers are on the roads every day
It consumes very less fuel, making it an environment friendly shipping method
While open transport has its own benefits, the owners of expensive cars want a more premium and secure method to ship their cars, that is enclosed auto shipping:
It protects the exotic and highvalue vehicles from elements and debris
The vehicles arrive in their original condition making them ready for showcasing anywhere
It being a private kind of shipment, no one will be able to touch it.
It keeps you calm while your car is in transit
Is a plane considered a car carrier? What about a train or a cargo ship? Shipping a car by air is something most people don’t think about, and trains are mainly used by manufacturers, not individual owners. Boats are usually used only for international car shipping. All three methods; air, train, and boat, are much more expensive than shipping by truck. Still, air shipping is one of the fastest and safest ways to move a car across the country or overseas but it costs too much. Train shipping is also safe but it is slower, and using a ship only makes sense if you’re shipping your car overseas.
Since there are many ways to ship a car, you should focus on choosing the best auto shipping company for your different needs. The important thing to consider is how much protection your car asks. Regular vehicles like family sedans or SUVs are fine on an open trailer, so you don’t need to pay extra for enclosed auto shipping. But if your car is rare, vintage, or very valuable, spending more for enclosed shipping is worth it for better safety.
So, whatever method you choose, always request quotations from at least three to five auto transport companies. This can help you understand the average cost and find the company that offers the best auto shipping service. But if you are still unsure which one to go with? Look at our list of questions to ask before booking. You can also talk directly to a company is one of the easiest ways to find out how they treat customers; and how they will handle your vehicle.
Auto shipping companies use various types of trailers and trucks to ship your vehicles using open and enclosed auto transport methods. Clients tend to be more concerned about how their shipments will be done rather than thinking about what sort of trailer the company will use. While all kinds of trailers and trucks have certain usage purposes, it is a good thing to ask for the details from your company.
Open car shipping service is about your car being transported on an open trailer, which will be exposed to weather. Enclosed car shipping keeps your car inside a covered trailer, and protects it from dirt, rain, debris, elements, and damage.
A single-vehicle hotshot trailer can carry only one car at a time. It is a great option for quick deliveries, urgent shipments, or when you need special handling or fast transport for your vehicle.
A single-level multi-car trailer has the capability to carry too many cars on one flat level. It is normally used for short-distance shipment, or dealerships use it to deliver multiple cars safely and efficiently.
The main benefits of open auto transport trailers are they are cheaper, easy to find, and perfect for shipping standard vehicles. They move many cars at once, which helps decrease the overall shipping cost.
If your car is luxury, classic, or new and high value that needs extra protection during shipment.
You must choose enclosed trailers to protect your car from bad weather, dust, and road debris.
The best trucks for car hauling are the heavy-duty ones like the Ford F-450 or Ram 5500. They have got a great engine, better towing power, and can carry big trailers safely.
You can ship your car to texas as you like. Open car shipping is low cost, but enclosed trailers are expensive and offer more protection, especially if your car is high value.
