5 TYPES OF VEHICLES USED TO TRANSPORT A CAR

4.4 on Trust Pilot
A+ BBB Rating

For every car and every driver, there’s a specific way that the car needs to be transported safely to its new home. Some carriers will transport several cars at once while others are set up to give one car special attention.

 

No matter what type of car you’re looking to ship, uShip can help you find the right type of carrier to transport your car where it needs to go safely. Keep reading for the 5 most common types of vehicles used to transport a car.

1. Single Car Haulers

When you only need to transport one car, car haulers typically use a tow truck. It allows for better maneuverability on the road and a quick pickup. This is a great option for short trips, but it won’t provide any privacy or protection from the elements, so this might not be the best option for shipping your car to another state.

1. Single Car Haulers

When you only need to transport one car, car haulers typically use a tow truck. It allows for better maneuverability on the road and a quick pickup. This is a great option for short trips, but it won’t provide any privacy or protection from the elements, so this might not be the best option for shipping your car to another state.

2. Transport a Car in an Enclosed Trailer

For vehicles that need some extra protection, you can transport a single vehicle in an enclosed trailer. Low-clearing vehicles can be loaded and unloaded easily, so you can worry less about bumps on your bumper. This method of vehicle transport can end up costing more than other methods, but it will offer the most security and better shield from the elements.

2. Transport a Car in an Enclosed Trailer

For vehicles that need some extra protection, you can transport a single vehicle in an enclosed trailer. Low-clearing vehicles can be loaded and unloaded easily, so you can worry less about bumps on your bumper. This method of vehicle transport can end up costing more than other methods, but it will offer the most security and better shield from the elements.

3. Transport a Car with Open Vehicle Transport

The most affordable way to transport a car is through open transport. Vehicles are driven directly onto the open trailer, allowing multiple cars to be transported at once. The cost to ship a car via open transport can range from $500 to $2,000+, so if you’re looking to transport a vehicle on a budget, open transport is the best option. Learn more about the difference between open and enclosed transport here.

3. Transport a Car with Open Vehicle Transport

The most affordable way to transport a car is through open transport. Vehicles are driven directly onto the open trailer, allowing multiple cars to be transported at once. The cost to ship a car via open transport can range from $500 to $2,000+, so if you’re looking to transport a vehicle on a budget, open transport is the best option. Learn more about the difference between open and enclosed transport here.

4. Enclosed Multilevel Vehicle Transport

You can also use enclosed vehicle transport to ship multiple cars. You’ll typically find this method used at auto auctions and several other places where several high-value vehicles need to be transported and protected from the elements. There are lots to take into consideration with the type of trailer you’ll use for car transport, but trailers aren’t the only way to ship a car.

4. Enclosed Multilevel Vehicle Transport

You can also use enclosed vehicle transport to ship multiple cars. You’ll typically find this method used at auto auctions and several other places where several high-value vehicles need to be transported and protected from the elements. There are lots to take into consideration with the type of trailer you’ll use for car transport, but trailers aren’t the only way to ship a car.

5. Car Transport By Train

Shipping a car by train is another affordable option to transport a car. You’ll still have the options for enclosed or open transport, and open transport will still be the more affordable option. You can consider transporting a car by train for both cross country car shipping and door to door car shipping, but it will take longer than car shipping by truck.

5. Car Transport By Train

Shipping a car by train is another affordable option to transport a car. You’ll still have the options for enclosed or open transport, and open transport will still be the more affordable option. You can consider transporting a car by train for both cross country car shipping and door to door car shipping, but it will take longer than car shipping by truck.

Don’t Transport a Car By Yourself, You Have Other Options

Car shipping with uShip is easier and safer than doing it yourself, and there are plenty of options that fit within your schedule and your budget.

Ready to Ship Your Car?
Get Car Shipping Quotes

More Car Transport FAQ

How long will it take to ship a car across the country?

Arrival time will depend on the distance of transport and your carrier’s process. Make sure you negotiate pickup and delivery dates ahead of time with your transporter.

 

What’s the fastest way to transport a car?

Always let your carrier know your preferred delivery dates, but the fastest way to ship a car is through door to door car shipping. All you will need is your car and the keys and a driver will transport your car directly from point A to point B.

 

Will my uShip car hauler be licensed and insured?

While anyone can sign up to be a car hauler on uShip, many of our carriers have an FMSCA number you can reference, and you can also look into shipping protection with uShip for extra peace of mind.