Car Carrier: What types of trailers and trucks are used in shipping?

There are various ways to transport a vehicle. Depending on the size of the vehicle and distance to be covered- your shipping company will choose the ideal method to ensure your vehicle reaches the destination safely.  Based on shipping requirements and various types of vehicles available in the market, different types of trailers and trucks are used by auto-transport companies.

Whether you want to ship a small car or big SUVs or other larger auto vehicles, the shipping companies can handle all your needs and requirements with the help of these trailers and trucks. However, not many customers are usually aware of the types of trailers that suit their shipping needs the best. 

In this article, we have covered some interesting car shipping options that you must consider the next time you schedule your car shipping services with auto-transport companies. 

Ship your car with open auto transport 

One of the most common types of shipping services that almost every shipping company has to offer is open auto transport services. It refers to the different types of shipping trucks for cars that will be used by the shipping company to move your vehicle from one location to another. In open auto transport, your car will be exposed to certain elements while in transit including rain, wind, dirt, moisture, sun, and other related elements in the environment. It is the type of trailer or car carrier that is without any sides. 

Despite being an open car carrier this type of trailer is one of the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options commonly practiced in the auto transport industry. This type of trailer for cars can easily carry anything ranging from one to ten vehicles at a time. Along with that, open auto transport is one of the most affordable shipping options available in the market. Therefore if you wish to save some money in your car shipping process you can definitely opt for open auto transport services. 

What are the types of open auto carriers ?

Now let us look at the different types of trailers for cars that will help you find solutions for your “What size trailer do I need to haul a car” concerns while opting for open auto transport services. 

1. Single-vehicle hot-shot trailer 

Single vehicle hot-shot trailers consist of dual rear wheels on each side of the truck. This type of trailer uses a dually truck to pull a large gooseneck trailer that can be used to haul one car or truck at a time. These types of open auto carriers are most preferable for short-distance shipping purposes. It is also important to note that these trailers are not similar to tow trucks. Unlike single-vehicle hot-shot trailers, tow trucks do not pull a trailer for shipment purposes. 

2. Single-level multi-car trailers 

These types of trucks for cars are capable of hauling two to six vehicles at a time. Single-level multi-car trailers are generally larger than the hot-shot trailers and small enough to travel through narrow city streets or areas where large car carriers can not travel. In this type of open auto carrier, there are multi-car gooseneck trailers that can not only be hauled by a dual truck but also by large single deck trailers. 

3. Multi-level, multi-vehicle trailer 

Multi-level multi-vehicle trailers are the standard form open auto transport carriers across the shipping industry. They are used widely by most shipping companies in the market. Therefore if you opt for open car transport services there are chances of your vehicle being shipped on these types of trailers. Multi-level multi-vehicle trailers are generally pulled by a semi-truck carrier. 

Ship your car with enclosed auto carriers 

Another popular type of shipping service that you might come across while booking your car shipment is the enclosed auto transport service. Enclosed auto carriers are most suitable for vehicles that are particularly valuable such as classic cars, luxury cars, antique cars, custom cars, and race cars. In this type of car trailer, your car is transported in a pack and secured environment that provides utmost safety from unwanted road incidents, thefts, harsh climate conditions, and other related factors. 

Therefore if you wish to have your car shipped to your desired location without getting damaged and in a protected environment then enclosed car transport services can be the ultimate option for you. However, the enclosed auto transport service option is one of the most expensive shipping services offered by transport companies. You must make sure to calculate your budget requirements accordingly before opting for enclosed auto transport services.  

What are the types of enclosed auto carriers ?

Here we have listed down the different types of trailers that are used in enclosed auto transport services that you must take into consideration to find out the best size trailer for your car hauling purposes. 

1. Single-level, single-vehicle enclosed trailer 

Single-level single-vehicle enclosed trailers are usually small in size and built to carry valuable cars and trucks to shorter distances. If you wish your car to be transported individually in these trailers then you must consider opting for a single-vehicle enclosed trailer for close distances. In this type of trailer, both gooseneck and bumper pull trailers are commonly used that can be easily pulled by a dually truck. 

2. Single-level, multi-vehicle enclosed trailer 

In single-level multi-vehicle enclosed trailers, customers can enjoy shipping more than one valuable vehicle at a time. This way if you wish to transport more than one vehicle but up to three, then you don’t need to worry about booking separate trailers for each valuable car. All the vehicles in this type of trailer ride in single file, high up off the roadbed and are usually pulled by a semi-truck. 

3. Multi-level, multi-vehicle enclosed trailer 

In a multi-level multi-vehicle enclosed trailer, the carrier can carry two stacked rows of vehicles at a single period of time. These trailers are tall and sit closer to the roadbed and are pulled by powerful semi-trucks. Further, vehicles on these types of trailers can be easily loaded and unloaded similar to an open truck or car carrier with the help of adjustable deck ramps. This way vehicles are completely protected from the outside world and carriers are also built in such a way that they can carry heavy loads for a long period of time. 

Advantages of open auto car carrier 

Open auto car carrier has many advantages and is probably one of the best options for most customers across the nation. Whether you are traveling for long or short distances with help of open auto transport services you can enjoy the following benefits

1. Cheap 

When relocating or shifting to new places you often have to take care of many factors so that you don’t end up spending huge amounts of money. With the help of open car auto transport, you can get your car shipped to your desired locations at an extremely affordable price. 

2. Better availability 

As open car carriers can carry many vehicles at a time, it becomes easier to find slots for open auto transport services. This way if you wish to travel to a different location in a certain time frame you will be able to get the shipping slots for your car. 

3. Fastest delivery 

One of the major benefits of opting for open car transport is that you will be able to enjoy the fastest delivery experience. As the shipping companies can carry multiple vehicles in one auto carrier it becomes extremely easier for them to deliver cars to their destination as quickly as possible. 

4. Stress-free services 

When you opt for open car auto shipping services, your auto company ensures to handle all the shipping requirements on your behalf. This way you can enjoy your journey stress-free and focus on other important factors. 

Advantages of enclosed auto car carrier 

Enclosed auto transportation is one of the most secured forms of transportation available in the market. No matter what type of vehicle you own, if you wish to experience a safe and secured shipping process then you must opt for this shipping method. Here are some enclosed car transport advantages that we have listed below 

1. Safest option 

If you are planning to shift or relocate during uncertain climate conditions then enclosed auto shipping can be the ultimate option for you. Regardless of the climate conditions outside the trailer, your car will be delivered to your location without any damage or missing auto parts. 

2. Specialized services 

When you opt for enclosed car transport services you get access to specialized services. Generally, these types of services are handled by experts who possess years of knowledge and experience in shipping valuable and luxury cars that offer white-glove services to all their customers. 

3. Low clearance vehicles 

In the case of low clearance vehicles, enclosed auto transport can be the best option to avoid any kind of damage to your car. Low clearance vehicles are horizontally loaded inside the truck with the help of lift gates and ramps. 

There are many other carrier options available in the market, however, the different types of trailers for pick-up trucks are probably the most affordable and reliable shipping options. You can contact us today or visit our website to explore various car shipping options at your fingertips.