The Different Types of Car Carriers Used for Vehicle Transport Services

When using vehicle transport services, it is valuable to understand how your car will make the journey to your destination. The conditions and type of car carrier can vary amongst vehicle transport service providers.

Different Types of Car Carriers Available

Reputable carrier services may have a fleet of trucks including flatbed single level carriers, and multilevel carriers with open and/or enclosed options. Each may have their unique benefits depending on the type of vehicle you are looking to ship. Let us briefly outline the options:

1. Single car trailers are not typically the mode of choice for vehicle transport service companies as they are inefficient. When carriers do volume business, it makes sense that they favour having multiple vehicles on each trailer and therefore fewer runs when journeying over longer distances to economize on fuel and optimize delivery time. Single car trailers are a great solution though if you are looking to transport your car short distances.
2. Single level flatbed carriers with multiple vehicles are sometimes used by vehicle transport companies but again also have limitations on the number of cars that can be shipped in one journey.
3. Multilevel carriers are the most effective and are most used by vehicle transport companies. Vehicles will be transported on an open 9 or 10 car carrier, the same type of trucks used to deliver new vehicles from factories to local dealerships. These are typically open-air transport eighteen wheelers equipped with dual metal treads allowing vehicles to be driven up and off using integrated ramps. These trucks are more readily available and deliver lower transit times and more economical shipping prices. If your vehicle is oversized, you may need to defer to a transport company that uses open air shipping trailers that accommodate taller and wider vehicles.
4. Enclosed boxed trailers are an option typically favoured by those who have high value classic cars. Shipping these vehicles without drawing attention to them while also protecting them from weather elements makes an enclosed option something to consider. These larger enclosed trailers use hydraulics to lift the vehicle until it can be driven into the trailer. Enclosed car carriers have limitations though and if you’re looking to ship oversized vehicles and prefer an enclosed option, you may need costly custom trailers.

Securing your vehicle typically requires chains and straps which are affixed to all vehicles transported using any of the modes and truck types referenced above. This limits movement to mitigate any damage caused by shifting during the long journey.

Trust SAC for Your Vehicle Transport Service Needs

Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) has been helping customers transport their vehicles across Canada and the US for over 25 years. In order to deliver the most affordable and efficient vehicle transport service, SAC has multiple types of car carriers available. Your vehicle can be transported on flat beds, or open 4, 5, 9 or 10 car carriers.

We are reliable, honest, and have a proven secure delivery process that helps provide you with peace of mind every step of the way. Contact SAC today to find out more about our vehicle transport services and to receive your personalized quote.