Car Logistics - Car Shifting

Two type of Carrier are Use in Car Logistics

Open air carriers: You’ve likely seen a lot of open air carry transport vehicles on the road. Typically, they hold about nine to 10 cars at a time on two separate levels, each car safely secured to the base so it doesn’t move around.

These types of carriers are more readily available, which is part of the reason that they’re the more affordable option. Having your car completely visible during the entire trip is also an advantage in that it allows the driver to notice any signs of damage immediately. That being said, open air carriers mean that your car is exposed to the elements during transport, including any inclement weather that comes its way. This makes it more susceptible to damage in the first place.

Another notable aspect of an open air carry transport is timing. Because open air carriers transport nearly a dozen vehicles at a time, they’re usually making multiple stops on their trips. This can push back the delivery date of your vehicle, and may also mean that your car is dropped off at a central hub in your area instead of directly at your door. Inquire about delivery specifics when sourcing quotes so that you don’t inadvertently sign up to get your car a week or two after you expect to.

Enclosed carriers: If you want your car to be completely protected during the shipping process you’ll want to go for an enclosed carrier, though it is going to cost you more. Enclosed carriers have a few big advantages that warrant the price hike, including a lack of exposure to outside elements and higher overall security. And many times, there are only about three to five vehicles on the carrier at a time, which means you get your car back faster.

The biggest con, of course, is the price tag. According to A-1 Auto Transport, it costs about an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per mile to ship your car on an enclosed carrier, which adds up quickly if you’re sending your car across the country. If you’re worried about exposure to the elements though, and especially if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, it’s definitely worth looking into.