How Auto Transporters Load and Unload Vehicles
For most people, shipping a vehicle is a costly, time-consuming and, perhaps most importantly, new experience. It’s something that a lot of people don’t really know much about or understand because no one uses auto transportation services unless they need it.
This leads to a proliferation of misinformation among customers both new and old alike and it’s this type of misinformation that we here at American Auto Shipping are trying to dispel. A common misconception is how carriers load and unload vehicles, and while it may not seem like a bit deal it most definitely can be. This is why we’re going to discuss some of the common and uncommon methods of how carriers load and unload vehicles so you will be prepared for your next vehicle shipment.
When shipping a standard-sized vehicle that rolls, brakes and steers just fine (you know, your standard vehicle), most every car transport company is simply going to drive it onto their truck, be it an open or enclosed trailer. Driving and securing the vehicle on the truck is the easiest way to both load and unload a vehicle, but what if it isn’t running?
Non-running vehicles typically require a winch to load and unload, since they can’t move under their own power and pushing it pretty much isn’t an option for most carriers (time, strength, and pay usually are the biggest factors, plus it’s just straight hard to push a car). Keep in mind that not all carriers have winches, which usually results in more expensive shipments for vehicles that do not run.
What about vehicles that can’t roll, brake or steer? This is where it gets really complicated, and it’s something that you’ll want to keep in mind. Vehicles that can’t brake or steer can typically still be shipped; loading and unloading can be done via a winch, though lining the vehicle up properly (since it can’t steer) and getting it in the right spot with no brakes can be challenging.
Expect to pay even more for vehicles that cannot brake or steer. If a vehicle cannot roll, i.e. it has no tires, you’re probably going to be out of luck until you can put some on. Car shippers can’t just pick it up and put it on their truck, so if a vehicle can’t roll it pretty much can’t move. You can talk to a representative about it for more information, but most shippers will tell you a vehicle without wheels can’t be shipped.
If you’re interested in shipping a vehicle, regardless of its condition, we recommend you take a minute and fill out our free online auto transport quote request form. You’ll get a free quote to ship a vehicle right away. Our quotes are custom-built based on the information you provided and priced to move when you need it to. If you’d rather get a quote over the phone, you can always call us toll-free at 800-930-7417 and speak to one of our live agents.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
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