Open Carrier Automotive Transports

A customer will often make a choice of services based solely on price and reliability being unaware of all the options available to them. While price and reliability are certainly basic issues to consider in any selection of providers, there may be several types of providers within the industry that are unknown to them. Lets look at the auto shipping industry. Most of these businesses, of course, have a fleet of big trucks with big trailers that haul cars over some distance. The wise customer who chooses not to drive the vehicle himself hundreds or thousands of miles but elects for someone else to do this safely for him, needs to have some idea of the technical aspects of the industry in order to make the selection that best fits his situation.

We are not concentrating here on air and water shipping as that is a different subject entirely. The focus is on domestic shipping most commonly over land, in either an open or closed vehicle carrier. The most common and least expensive type of carrier is the open one. These vehicles carry about a dozen vehicles, are reliable and can be operated without any specialized training, keeping in mind that the exact reason and particulars of the transport are known to both carrier company and customer. A better option for long-distance hauling is the closed-type carrier. Cars on open carriers are subjected to dirt, weather conditions, not to mention vandalism and/or theft, which brings up the point that closed carriers may be the best choice for short distance hauling as well, else that gorgeous platinum Corvette may end its journey resembling pond scum. Of course you are absolutely sure that your vehicle is covered by insurance, preferably the policy of the auto carrier, but even so, settlement is such a nuisance.

Naturally, owners of rare, expensive or vintage cars are more aware of the closed carrier option than those of us with normal, everyday cars. But the folks with Fords and Chevys should also consider this as an option, even though a more expensive one. The extra expense is partially due to the smaller capacity of the open carrier.

So, it boils down to cost, open transport being the more economical means of transportation. Driving your car yourself can actually be more expensive than an open carrier, especially if you are driving a gas guzzler. But also consider wear on the car, possible repairs, weather damage, not to mention differing state traffic laws.

It would be hard for anyone to miss the sight of an open auto transport truck, they are common road sites which is testament to their reliability and safety. These carriers because of their size, approximately 80 feet long and 14 feet high, are restricted to those roads capable of accommodating them, roads without low bridges, sharp turns and low tree growth. Goods are constantly being manufactured that rely on these carriers to get their wares to show rooms and stores.

The open transport method is likely to offer more flexibility in time frames and perks. Also, a customer of an open carrier can specify where he wants he car located on the truck, whether top tier to keep it further away from ill-intentioned humans, or even towed behind the truck keeping it away from other vehicles.