There are different types of vehicles, and each type requires a specific shipping method. Understanding these methods is the key to ensuring your car gets to its destination safely and on time.
The two main ways to ship a vehicle are by truck or train. However, there are many other options available.
Open Carrier Trailers
Open carrier trailers are one of the most common ways to ship vehicles. Ship car to Florida quickly and affordably or across the country.
The only drawback to using an open trailer is that your vehicle will be exposed to the elements, especially rain or dust. These can cause damage to your car.
If your vehicle is very high-end or a rare collector’s car, choose an enclosed trailer instead. The pros of choosing an enclosed trailer are that it’s more secure and offers more protection.
However, you’ll pay a bit more for using an enclosed trailer. Plus, the driver will be less likely to conduct regular visual inspections of your car during transit. Also, enclosed trailers are typically much smaller than open carriers, so they can only move a few vehicles simultaneously.
Enclosed Carrier Trailers
Enclosed carrier trailers are a type of cargo trailer used to transport items safely and securely. They’re an excellent choice for hauling various goods, including household goods, furniture, construction materials, and machinery.
They’re also helpful for hauling large items, such as snowmobiles and motorcycles. They have adjustable shelves, additional storage compartments, and tie-down rails that keep things secure during transit.
They’re typically more expensive than open carriers, depending on the type of vehicle being shipped and how much protection it needs. They can also be more challenging to maneuver when loading and unloading, resulting in longer delivery times and higher fuel costs. However, this option is significant if you’re shipping a high-end vehicle that requires extra care during transit. Additionally, enclosed carriers often have more experienced drivers familiar with high-end vehicles. It can make for a better experience overall. Plus, weather elements like snow and ice make the trailer less likely to get damaged.
Hotshot Trailers
Hotshot trailers are the smaller-sized cargo trailers that many truckers use to transport their freight. They’re most often used for expedited deliveries where time is of the essence.
These trailers typically have a flat deck with no sides or roof. However, they can also be enclosed for extra protection.
The most common hotshot trailers are gooseneck trailers, and bumper pull trailers. Bumper pull trailers are the cheapest and easiest to get started with.
They’re designed to haul lighter loads and do not require a CDL, but securing one for heavier loads is still best.
In addition to having a high load capacity, these trailers are more stable than bumper pull trailers. It is due to the hitch that attaches to a ball on the bed of a pickup truck.
Truck Trailers
When shipping your vehicle or equipment, select the right trailer. Professional transport specialists can recommend the best trailer for your shipment and deliver it safely to your destination. Truck trailers are a type of trailer used to ship large, heavy loads that can’t fit in other types of trailers. They can accommodate freight that is longer or taller than standard flatbeds and have easy access for a forklift to unload it.
The most common type of truck trailer is the flatbed trailer. These trailers can be backed up to a dock the same height as the dry van floor, allowing workers to quickly load and unload goods with a forklift or pallet jack. Another common type of truck trailer is the drop trailer. This service allows drivers to drop their trailers off at the shipper’s warehouse and pick them up as needed for their trip. It helps to alleviate any delays with loading times, reducing the impact on drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) clock.
