Cars can move by themselves, but what happens when cars need to be transported?
Today we’ll look at all the ways vehicles are transported and how to spot a good vehicle transport company from a bad one.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started.
5 Ways Vehicles Are Shipped
1. Big Rigs
The most common method of shipping vehicles domestically is by typical big rig trucks. What is important to note though is that there are two types of car shipping available, enclosed and open trailers.
Open trailers are what you’ll often see along the highway, with as many as 12 cars being transported. What’s great about open trailers is that it makes it much more economical and the most common way of transporting vehicles domestically.
Enclosed trailers are just that, closed. They’re a bit more expensive than open trailer counterparts, but often you’ll find that the most luxurious vehicles are transported in this manner. The reason it costs more is that less vehicles fit in an enclosed trailer (sometimes maximum of 3), so compare that to hauling 12 vehicles at once and you have your answer.
2. Cargo Shipment
Another way vehicles are shipped is by a cargo ship. It’s common to see these enormous ships near ports in major cities carrying many containers, and often inside of these containers are cars.
The downside of cargo shipping is that it takes a long time to receive your vehicle. If you’re shipping overseas, the ship itself has to stop at many different areas and it takes time to load and unload all the containers.
If you’re ok waiting a long time for your vehicle, then cargo shipping can be a great method of transportation. The upside is that it will be enclosed and protected from the environment, and most carriers offer insurance or additional purchases of insurance to fully cover any vehicle cost.
3. Air
Air shipping is uncommon because of how expensive it can be. Although pricey, many companies often use air shipping, like F1 or NASCAR teams. Sometimes races are in different parts of the world and timely shipping is required for the races to be held on time.
Without a car there is no race, and often these teams rely on expensive air shipping to get their vehicles to their destination in one piece. Air is also great because you can overnight a vehicle to your destination, but unless you’re mega-rich, these types of services can cost upwards of many thousands.
4. Roll on/Roll off ships
Roll on/roll off ships or “ro/ro” ships are ships that you can directly drive the vehicle onto. This is how manufacturers ship most of their vehicles, as it’s the most efficient way, without any loading necessary by crane.
All the vehicles must be driven on and off the ship, which is normally done by a team of people who often have to unload hundreds if not thousands of vehicles at once. It’s a sure fire bet to transport most vehicles and is economical compared to load/load off shipping.
5. Load on/Load off ships
Load on/load off or “lo/lo” ships are ships that load the vehicles (or other items) onto it by crane. This can be a logistical nightmare and time consuming, so this type of transport is often more expensive than roll on/roll off ships.
Lo/lo ships are great for cars that are either broken, or require much more care (think supercar) where the owner doesn’t want any damage being done to the vehicle. To find out what the prices of this type of shipping would be, you can go to A1 Auto Transport cost to ship page and get a free quote at any time.
How to Choose the Best Transport Company?
Joe Webster from A1 Auto Transport states: “Finding a good transport company is like finding a needle in a haystack. Many companies opt to utilize shady tactics like bait and switch and are essentially fly by night(mares) businesses that prey on vulnerable consumers.
Always check the reviews online, call up your transport company and always double check the terms before signing any contract or handing off a deposit. Bait and switch scams are common, so protect yourself by vetting the right type of transportation company.
Deconstructing the world of vehicle transportation has shed light on the diverse and intricate ways cars are transported when they can’t drive themselves to their destinations. From the domestic big rigs to the intricate workings of cargo ships, each mode of transportation serves a specific purpose, catering to varying needs and budgets.
For the everyday car owner, open trailers might be the go-to for domestic shipping, while luxury car aficionados might prefer the security of enclosed trailers.
International buyers, manufacturers, and even race car teams have their specific preferences, be it the lengthy but secure cargo ships or the efficient yet expensive air shipping. Each mode, whether ro/ro or lo/lo ships, offers its unique advantages.
However, as with any industry, the realm of vehicle transport has its pitfalls. The key is to navigate this world with caution and informed decisions. Companies that don’t uphold their promises or engage in deceptive practices tarnish the reputation of the industry, making it essential for consumers to be vigilant.
As Joe Webster from A1 Auto Transport aptly pointed out, ensuring a smooth and safe vehicle transport experience is contingent on thoroughly vetting potential transport companies.