Over 52 million vehicles sold in 2022 alone across the United States. With so many cars and trucks on the move, it’s essential to understand the different car hauling services available to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
5 Different Car Haul Services Explained
1. Road Trucking for Auto Transport
Open Car Shipping/Flatbed Trucking
Flatbed trucking is cost-effective for oversized or heavy hauling services, such as RVs, boats, or heavy machinery. These open-air flatbed auto transport trucks provide easy access for loading and unloading, making them a practical choice for specialized transportation requirements.
| Advantages of Flatbed Trucking | Disadvantages of Flatbed Trucking |
| ● Accommodates oversized or heavy vehicles
● Easy loading and unloading ● Cost-effective for specialized transportation |
● Limited protection for high-value or classic vehicles
● Limited space for multiple vehicles ● Increased risk of weather-related damage |
Door to Door vs Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping
Door-to-door auto transport involves pickup and delivery directly from your home or office to your destination home or office. It offers a highly personalized and convenient experience.
Terminal to terminal auto transport involves dropping off your vehicle at a transportation terminal near your home and picking it up from a terminal at your destination.
| Features | Door-to-Door | Terminal-to-Terminal |
| Convenience | High | Lower |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Transit Time | Potentially longer | Faster |
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed transport is a great choice for shipping luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require extra care and attention.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● Increased protection for your vehicle
● Ideal for shipping luxury or classic cars ● Reduced risk of weather-related damage |
● Generally more expensive than open auto transport
● Limited space for multiple vehicles ● Potential for longer transit times due to specialized service |
2. Ocean Car Shipping
Container Car Shipping
Container car shipping involves loading your vehicle into a sealed, weatherproof cargo container for the ocean voyage.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● Increased protection from the elements
● Reduced risk of damage or theft ● Suitable for long-distance international moves |
● Generally more expensive than RoRo shipping
● Additional handling is required to load and unload the container ● Longer transit times due to the container loading process |
Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a popular method for transporting vehicles by ocean. In this process, your car is driven directly onto the ship, secured in place during transit, and then driven off at the destination port.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● Faster loading and unloading process
● Generally less expensive than container shipping ● Suitable for shorter auto shipping overseas or domestic moves |
● Increased exposure to the elements during transit
● Higher risk of minor damage or cosmetic issues ● Limited protection from theft or vandalism |
3. Ship Your Vehicle by Air Freight
When speed and urgency are of the essence, you can count on air freight for shipping your vehicle.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● Faster delivery time
● Ideal for emergencies ● Secure and reliable transportation ● Suitable for international relocations |
● Higher cost compared to other methods
● Limited availability of flights and schedules ● Weight and size restrictions for vehicles ● Potential for additional handling and inspection fees |
4. Auto Transport By Rail
While road-based auto transport is the most common method, some car owners may consider transporting their vehicles by rail as an alternative option. However, only Amtrak Auto Train is available for private users.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● You travel with your car
● Reduced fuel consumption and emissions |
● Potential for longer transit times compared to road transport
● Only the Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida route is available |
5. Drive Away Car Shipping
Involves hiring a professional drive away driver to deliver your car directly to its destination, taking the hassle out of the relocation process.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| ● Convenient and hands-off approach
● Ideal for time-saving ● Professional drivers as your standby auto transporters |
● It can be more expensive than other car haul services
● No direct control over the delivery timeline ● Driver’s accommodations and expenses |
Which Car Shipping Service Method is Most Preferred?
The most preferred car hauling service method for most vehicle owners is typically open car shipping or enclosed transport.
These methods balance cost, delivery time, and damage risk, making them the go-to choices for many.
| Service Method | Cost | Delivery Time | Damage Risk | Convenience |
| Open | $ | 5-7 days | Medium | High |
| Enclosed | $$ | 5-7 days | Low | High |
| Ocean | $$ | 7-14 days | Low | High |
| Rail | $ | 2-3 days | Medium | Medium |
| Air | $$$ | 1-2 days | Low | Medium |
Always Hire Reliable & Reputed Flatbed Auto Transport Service:
Always opt for reliable auto freight hauling services with a proven track record. Experienced transporters ensure safe delivery of vehicles through their careful handling of freight.
Whether auto transport by state over a truck or air freight to another country, a reputed transport service takes the stress out of long-distance moves.
