Whether you’re relocating to a new state or you just bought your dream car from a faraway dealer, you will need vehicle transport services. To some extent, you will feel relaxed when relying on a professional to deliver your vehicle safely.
However, you may not be able to wrap your head around how vehicle transport companies ferry thousands of vehicles safely and on time to different destinations. You may also wonder how vehicle transporters keep vehicles in pristine condition.
Read on to get all the answers about what goes on in the world of vehicle transportation.
Vehicle Transport Services And How They Work
Vehicle transport services are professionals who transport automobiles between different locations. When you work with vehicle transportation companies, you won’t be stressed about driving your car over long distances.
There are various reasons why you may prefer vehicle transportation services. They are the better option when you need to keep miles off your car and prevent wear and tear related to extensive mileage. The services are also vital when you have no time for road travel.
You will need to agree with your auto transport company on where you want them to deliver your car. You can choose terminal or home delivery. The company will require you to inspect your car before and after transportation.
Types of Vehicles Used To Transport Cars
One question you probably have is what types of vehicles are used to transport cars between different points. Providers of vehicle transport services usually use enclosed or open transport vehicles.
Open/Exposed Transport Vehicles
Open vehicles are the most common means that auto shipping companies use to transport vehicles. You have probably come across open trailers carrying a single car or several cars. If so, you have witnessed the exposed transport vehicles.
In most cases, vehicle transport services will use open vehicles to transport your average family car. The exposed vehicles can carry a single car or more than ten vehicles. It will all depend on the car’s size and weight.
The main advantage of open car shipping is that it is cheap. It is also a safe and efficient method because a single truck can carry more than one vehicle.
However, when you rely on open vehicles to ship your car, there is a risk that it will be exposed to harsh weather conditions. Your car is also likely to accumulate dirt, insects, and oil dripping from other cars.
Enclosed Transport Vehicles
You can opt for enclosed vehicles if the risk of harsh weather scares you. This option is also the best when transporting luxurious vehicles.
It wouldn’t be wise to expose your expensive vehicle to everyone during shipping. Consider it a rare stock car that would draw the attention of potential thieves if it was placed in the back of an open transport hauler.
Enclosed haulers can transport one car. However, some enclosed trailers are designed to transport more than one vehicle at a time. They can carry about eight cars, arranged at different storage levels.
The upside of enclosed transport vehicles is that they are safer than exposed vehicles. The vehicles may also deliver your car quicker because only a few cars are in a single carrier.
The downside is that enclosed transport vehicles may cost you an arm and a leg. The vehicle transport cost will rise further when you request expedited car shipping.
Vehicle Protection During Transport
Vehicle transportation service providers usually ensure that all vehicles get to their destinations safely. It all begins by ensuring that they secure your car to the trailer. This includes ensuring all the straps are fastened properly so that the car does not shift during transportation.
The transportation companies also ensure that they fasten your car using the correct tools. The companies also focus on driving safely for your car to get to its destination in one piece.
However, you also have to play a role in keeping your car safe. You can start by ensuring that nothing scratches or chips your vehicle during transportation.
Open transport may expose your car to all forms of weather damage. Even when you choose enclosed transport, the container or other cars may scrape your car.
One way of keeping your car safe during transportation is by using glueless transport film. This film will protect your car’s exterior surface during enclosed or open transport. You can also remove the film easily without leaving an unpleasant residue on your car.
Modes Of Auto Transport
Vehicle shipping companies can use various methods to transport your car. Common modes of shipping include:
Air Freight
Car shipping companies normally use air freight when transporting high-value vehicles. It is also a preferable choice when you need your vehicle transported as quickly as possible and without much risk.
Transporting a car by air is quite expensive. However, the benefits of this mode will most likely offset the cost.
Ocean Transport
Numerous car-carrying water vessels are built specifically to transport vehicles. These ships can carry over 8,000 vehicles at a go. Car transport companies may prefer this method because it is cost-efficient.
Water transport is also reliable when transporting vehicles over long distances, such as between foreign countries. When a company chooses this mode, it must have a team of drivers at the ports to bring the cars on and off the board.
Rail Transport
In some cases, vehicle transport service providers use rail transport. This method is effective for transporting many cars at once.
In rail transport, transporters use special vessels known as “auto racks.” The auto racks have two or three decks that can ferry more than ten cars. As the world advances, new designs of auto racks have improved vehicle transportation by rail.
Road Transport
You are certainly familiar with this mode of transport. Road transport is common because most vehicles have to travel by truck at some point as they move from the factory to the dealer.
Car shipping companies also prefer road transport because it is flexible. You can choose your desired destination, making it more suitable for home deliveries.
Make An Informed Vehicle Transportation Decision
Now that you understand how vehicles move between various points, you will be more confident when seeking vehicle transportation services. You will decide whether to transport your vehicle in an enclosed or exposed carrier. You will also know what to do to protect your vehicle when in transit.
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