Flatbed Car Hauling

Difference Between a Flatbed or Car Hauler | Car Haulers Near Me

The decision between a flatbed trailer and a car hauler trailer depends on your needs and preferences. When deciding between the two options, it is essential to take into account the following factors:

Purpose:

Please determine the primary purpose of the trailer. A car hauler trailer would be more appropriate if your primary goal is transporting cars or other vehicles.

However, a flatbed trailer provides greater versatility if you intend to transport a diverse range of cargo, such as vehicles, equipment, or general goods.

Cargo Protection: 

Please consider the protection level required for your cargo. Car hauler trailers are commonly equipped with enclosed sides and a top, offering enhanced protection against weather conditions and potential damage during transportation.

On the other hand, flatbed car hauler truck are open, making them a better choice for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that may not fit within the limited space of a car hauler.

Load Capacity:

Please assess the weight and size of the cargo you plan to transport. Car hauler trailers are specifically designed to transport cars and other vehicles. These trailers come equipped with ramps and tie-down points, essential for securely loading and securing vehicles.

Flatbed trailers typically have a greater load capacity and can accommodate a diverse range of cargo, such as vehicles, machinery, construction materials, and other items.

Flexibility:

When considering your transportation needs, it is essential to consider the versatility and flexibility required for transporting different types of cargo.

Flatbed trailers offer increased versatility, as they can transport automobiles and a wide range of other cargo, including pallets, machinery, and building materials.

Car hauler trailers are designed specifically for transporting vehicles, but they may have limitations when carrying different types of cargo.

Cost:

Please compare the prices associated with both options. Car hauler trailers are generally more expensive because of their specialized design and additional features.

Flatbed trailers are highly versatile and widely used for a variety of purposes. They can provide a more cost-effective solution if you need to transport a wide range of cargo.

How Should You Prepare Your Car for a Flatbed Vehicle Transport?

To ensure your vehicle is prepared correctly for flatbed car hauling, there are several steps you can take.

• First, thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This feature enables your carrier to quickly assess the vehicle's overall condition before loading it onto the flatbed.
• Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle remains in a functional state. This involves inflating the tires, ensuring the battery is fully charged, and leaving some gas in the car's tank. The operability of a vehicle directly affects the ease with which your carrier can load and unload it from the flatbed. These concerns do not apply if you are transporting a non-operational car. In such situations, it is essential to inform your carrier about the operational condition of the vehicle beforehand. This will enable them to make necessary arrangements and ensure the appropriate equipment is available for loading and unloading.
• Next, removing personal items from the vehicle is essential, ensuring that loose parts are securely fastened to prevent potential issues during transit. Typically, insurance carriers do not cover the loss of personal belongings or damage resulting from flexible materials within your vehicle.
• It is also beneficial to capture photographs of the vehicle's condition before its placement onto the flatbed car hauler truck. A reliable carrier takes all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your car. However, photos of your vehicle can serve as evidence of its original condition in case of external damage.
• Lastly, ensure you provide your carrier with all the information and requirements for smooth car transportation. Providing them with the keys should suffice. If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm, it is essential to inform the carrier about how to deactivate it. This will prevent them from being inconvenienced by a vehicle continuously emitting loud noises during transportation.

What is the Flatbed Car Transport Cost?

The flatbed car transport cost will vary based on several factors. The factors to consider when transporting your vehicle include the choice of carrier, the distance of transportation, and any specific requirements for ensuring the protection of your car.

A flatbed auto transport can generally carry up to three vehicles per trip. This means you can anticipate dividing the journey cost among the other vehicle owners using the service. The price per mile for shorter journeys is typically slightly higher than for longer ones.

Short trips can range from $1 to $2 per mile, while long journeys generally fall between $0.60 and $1.50 per mile. If your car is oversized or in poor condition, or you want to provide exceptional protection, you should anticipate paying at the higher end of these price ranges.

Please note that the approximate costs are intended to serve as general estimates. It is important to gather multiple quotes from different operators when considering flatbed car hauling, as each operator has their method for determining the cost. This will help you choose the carrier that best suits your needs.

How Long Does a Flatbed Car Hauling Take?

The duration of flatbed car hauling can vary due to several factors, such as the distance to be traveled, the specific route chosen, carrier availability, and any unexpected circumstances. The duration of long-distance hauls can vary, usually ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Several factors can affect the duration of flatbed car hauling:

Distance: The greater the distance, the more time it will take to complete the haul. Naturally, cross country or international hauls will take longer than shorter distances.

Route and road conditions: The overall time can be affected by the specific route chosen and the conditions of the roads. Delays may occur due to heavy traffic or road construction along particular routes.

Availability of Carriers: The scheduling of the hauling process can be affected by the availability of carriers or transport companies. Securing a carrier may take longer if there is high demand or limited availability.

Loading and unloading time: Loading and unloading vehicles onto the flatbed trailer can be time-consuming, mainly when multiple vehicles or specific requirements for securing the cars are involved.

Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as storms or heavy snowfall, can cause delays and impact the overall length of the journey.

Which Types of Vehicles Utilize Flatbed Auto Transport Services?| Flatbed Companies Near Me

Some examples of oversized vehicles include commercial vehicles, small motorhomes, school buses, shuttle vans, cargo vans, large pickup trucks, specialized construction vehicles, and nonoperational or damaged large vehicles.

Additionally, this type of transport is necessary for oversized specialized vehicles. This category encompasses extensively modified off-road vehicles and big pickup trucks that exceed 8 feet in height and 9 feet in width.