Auto Transport: What is it and Why is it Essential?

Auto transport, otherwise known as car or vehicle shipping, is a service that helps people (dealers, relocating individuals) move vehicles from a pickup point to a destination point in a car transporter’s truck.

How does it work?

Vehicle shipping begins with the individual who needs their vehicle moved reaching out to car transport companies to get a price quote for their specific vehicle move. Individuals can either contact automotive transportation companies directly or go through a broker. Either way, getting multiple custom price quotes is advisable so that the individual can get a good idea of a fair price. 

Once the individual has selected a company to go with, they can proceed with booking their vehicle shipment. They will provide the transport company with information like the make and model of their vehicle, the type of transport they would like, the date or range of dates when they would like their vehicle to arrive, and the pickup point, and the drop-off point for their vehicle. From there, the auto transport company will ensure a transporter gets the customer’s vehicle as close as possible to its destination point within the timeframe specified.  

Types of transport

There are two main types of vehicle transport, open and enclosed transport.

Open transport, per its name, exposes the vehicle to the weather in an open flatbed or tow trailer. Open transport is the most common type of transport and is suitable for a wide variety of vehicles, depending on the comfort of the owner. 

Enclosed transport is less common and more expensive than open transport. With enclosed transport, the vehicle will be transported in a closed trailer or container to protect against weather conditions and roadside debris. Enclosed transport may be best for luxury vehicles, classic models, or new cars due to its added level of protection. However, it can be used for any car if the vehicle owner so desires.

Within these transport categories, there are a variety of transport equipment options available such as containers, multi-level trailers, single-level trailers, and tow trailers. Tow trailers and containers hold a max of only two cars. However, tow trailers are less expensive because they are an open-transport option, as opposed to containers being enclosed transport. Single-level and multi-level trailers are also open transport options that can accommodate larger numbers of cars. Multi-level trailers hold double the number of cars than single-level trailers. Individuals can also sometimes request driver delivery. This involves hiring a driver to drive their vehicle to its destination to cut down on personal driving time.

Why is auto transport important?

Auto transport is a key and often overlooked aspect of the automotive industry. Yet, when considering the automotive market, automotive logistics and transport is a process that drives the system and allows it to remain profitable for the involved parties.

Think about it. Auto transport is the final step in getting vehicles off of car dealer’s lots so that new models can come in. Auto transport is also how auto haulers ensure their livelihoods and how retail consumers can receive their desired vehicles, no matter the geographic location. 

Sometimes an individual’s dream car may not be in the dealership lot they visit or even in the same state. Auto transport makes it possible for consumers to have the car of their dreams despite geographic obstacles. Buying a car in another state can even save individuals money (even with transport costs factored in) if the car market in the state where the vehicle is located is cheaper than in the individual’s state of residency.

Especially now, during COVID times, auto transport has become all the more essential. Car buying and selling have increasingly shifted to digital due to pushes to make our lives safer and more COVID protocol compliant. An example would be the rising popularity of companies like Carvana, especially during the pandemic.

The future of auto transport

Many people today feel safer when day-to-day procedures are contactless. With Autosled, automotive transport is completely digital to keep all parties involved safe. Want to take the hassle out of vehicle transport? Looking to avoid broker fees? Autosled is free and easy to use for dealers, transporters, and individual consumers. We offer both an app and a desktop interface for our user’s convenience.

Automotive transport may very well be the future of the automotive industry. Understanding how to transport vehicles seamlessly can only serve to benefit everyone from brokers to consumers to dealers and transporters.