Need to transport your vehicle between two locations? Sometimes, you just can’t drive it there yourself for whatever reason, and you need to have it shipped. Of course, it’s never easy to let your car out of your sights… But so long as you select a reputable carrier that is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association and Department of Transport, and that has many great reviews online, that’s a good start.
Of course, the longer an auto transport company has been in business, the better. The type of car carrier you choose will have an influence on the outcome. Some types are better suited to certain cars. Before we look at the different types of carriers, it’s important to ensure that your selected carrier can gain access for collection or delivery, especially if your residential area has height or weight restrictions.
4 Types of Car Carriers
Here are the four most common transport options:
Open Car Carriers
Open air car carriers are the most common type. We see them on the road all the time. These trucks usually have two levels on which cars are secured, and almost any type of car can be transported on an open car carrier, including salvage cars, project cars, classics and new cars. Operational vehicles can be driven onto the trailer, or drivers can use a winch to load non-running cars onto the trailer. Only narrow cars can’t always easily be transported on open car carriers, because of the width of the tire tracks.
Enclosed Car Carriers
Enclosed trailers are ideal for transporting high-value cars in a safe and discreet manner. As an added bonus, enclosed trainers provide protection against prying eyes, road debris, and bad weather. Since these trucks have a lower suspension than open carriers, it is much easier to load low-clearance vehicles. A roll-back option is available if it’s not low enough. A roll-back carrier is an enclosed car shipping truck that drops off the chassis and onto the ground.
Multilevel Enclosed Carriers
Similar to a standard enclosed carrier, the multilevel carrier is typically used at events, shows and collectors auctions. This option is the ideal solution for transporting several vehicles of high value simultaneously.
Single Car Haulers
Single car carriers are better known as tow trucks. These vehicles offer are the most cost-effective option for transporting single cars across short distances. Single car haulers are small in size and can be used to conveniently transport a single car down narrow roads or driveways that are inaccessible to larger carriers. From salvage cars to exotic cars and race cars, you can ship them all on a single car hauler. Single car haulers are typically open, which does not offer the privacy and protection of enclosed trailers.
Getting Help With Choosing the Best Carrier
When comparing car shipping Denver quotes, you may want to ask the auto shipping brokers for their recommendations on the safest, most cost effective methods for transporting your car. Remember that accurate information is key to your vehicle’s safety. Your vehicle’s condition and accurate measurements are two of the most crucial aspects of your car shipping quote.
