5 Top Methods to Transport a Car Safely and Efficiently

Transporting a car can be daunting, especially when you’re moving long distances or need to ensure your vehicle arrives in pristine condition. Whether it’s a personal move, a business need, or you’re shipping a high-end luxury vehicle, the process requires careful planning. You want to ensure your car reaches its destination without any damage or delays while also being mindful of cost and efficiency.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we understand the importance of safely and efficiently transporting a car, and with over 50 years of experience in the car shipping industry, we’ve helped thousands of customers meet their auto transport needs.

1. Open-Air Transport

Open-air transport is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping a vehicle. It involves loading cars onto a multi-car carrier, which is typically used by car dealerships to transport new cars from manufacturers to lots.

Pros:

• Affordability: Open-air transport is often the cheapest option, making it ideal for individuals looking to save on shipping costs.
• Availability: Because it’s widely used, open-air transport options are readily available. Most auto transport companies have a fleet of these trucks on standby, reducing wait times.
• Capacity: Open carriers can haul up to ten cars at a time, which increases transport efficiency for both companies and customers.

Cons:

• Exposure to Elements: Vehicles are exposed to weather conditions like rain, snow, and sun, which can be a concern for luxury or vintage cars.
• Potential for Minor Damage: While damage is rare, the risk of small chips from road debris exists since the vehicles are not enclosed.

When to Use Open-Air Transport:

This method is ideal for everyday vehicles, especially if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option. It’s also great for shorter distances where the risk of prolonged exposure to the elements is minimized.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, our open-air transport services provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for customers looking to transport a car quickly and safely across the country.

2. Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport is the perfect choice for those who need a higher level of protection during the car shipping process. This method involves shipping the vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and potential damage.

Pros:

• Full Protection: The vehicle is completely shielded from external elements such as rain, snow, dust, and debris.
• Security for High-Value Cars: Enclosed transport is the preferred method for shipping luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles that require extra care.
• Peace of Mind: You’ll have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of damage.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Due to the added protection and fewer vehicles being transported at once, enclosed transport is more expensive than open-air options.
• Less Availability: Fewer carriers offer enclosed transport, so it may take longer to schedule your shipment, especially during busy seasons.

When to Use Enclosed Transport:

Enclosed transport is the go-to option for anyone transporting a car that requires special attention, such as vintage, sports, or luxury cars. It’s also ideal for long-distance moves where the car will be on the road for an extended period. At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we offer premium enclosed transport services to ensure your vehicle arrives in pristine condition, no matter the destination.

3. Door-to-Door Transport

Door-to-door transport offers maximum convenience, as it involves picking up and delivering the vehicle as close to your specified locations as possible. This method saves customers time and effort by removing the need to drop off or pick up the car from a terminal.

Pros:

• Convenience: The car is picked up and delivered to your specified locations, making the process easier and more flexible.
• Personalized Service: With door-to-door transport, you’re able to schedule pick-ups and deliveries at locations that work best for you, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine.
• Safer Handling: Fewer stops mean less handling of your vehicle, reducing the potential for damage during loading and unloading.

Cons:

• Cost: Door-to-door transport can be more expensive than terminal-to-terminal options, but the added convenience often makes it worth the price.
• Accessibility: If you live in a hard-to-reach area, such as a narrow street or rural location, the carrier may need to meet you at a nearby accessible spot.

When to Use Door-to-Door Transport:

Door-to-door transport is perfect for individuals who value convenience and want to avoid the hassle of dealing with terminals. It’s also great for anyone who needs to transport a car in a time-sensitive situation, as this method often leads to quicker turnaround times. At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on offering reliable door-to-door services that save our customers time and effort.

4. Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

Terminal-to-terminal transport is a more budget-friendly option compared to door-to-door service. With this method, you’ll drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated terminals rather than having it delivered to your home or business.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Terminal-to-terminal shipping is typically cheaper than door-to-door options, making it a good choice for those looking to cut costs.
• Flexibility with Drop-Off and Pick-Up: You don’t need to be present for the exact pick-up or drop-off time, which can offer more scheduling flexibility.
• Wider Availability: Since terminal locations are often in major cities, there are more shipping routes available, which can lead to faster service.

Cons:

• Additional Travel: You’ll need to transport your vehicle to and from the terminals, which could be inconvenient depending on how far they are from your location.
• Potential Delays: Terminals may hold your vehicle until they have enough cars for a full load, which could extend the total shipping time.

When to Use Terminal-to-Terminal Transport:

This method is ideal for individuals who don’t mind the extra travel involved with dropping off and picking up their car from a terminal. It’s also a great option for those looking to save money on transport costs. At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we provide efficient terminal-to-terminal services with numerous terminal locations to make the process as smooth as possible for our customers.

5. Flatbed Transport

Flatbed transport is the preferred method for oversized vehicles or cars that aren’t operational. It’s also commonly used for transporting vehicles over short distances, such as local moves.

Pros:

• Versatile for Oversized Vehicles: Flatbed transport is perfect for vehicles that are too large for standard carriers, such as trucks, vans, or heavy machinery.
• Option for Non-Operational Cars: Flatbed carriers can transport vehicles that can’t be driven onto a traditional carrier.
• Ideal for Short Distances: Flatbed transport is often used for moving vehicles locally, offering a quick and efficient solution.

Cons:

• Higher Cost for Long Distances: Flatbed transport can be more expensive for long-distance moves, as the carriers typically only transport one or two vehicles at a time.
• Limited Availability: Not all auto transport companies offer flatbed services, so availability may be limited depending on your location.

When to Use Flatbed Transport:

Flatbed transport is ideal for short-distance moves or for transporting oversized or non-operational vehicles. If you have a heavy-duty vehicle that needs special handling, this is the best option. At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we provide flatbed services that cater to a wide range of transport needs, ensuring your oversized vehicle is handled with care.

Choose Dealers Choice Auto Transport for Safe and Efficient Car Transport

When it comes to safely and efficiently transporting a car, the method you choose depends on factors like your budget, the type of vehicle, and your desired level of protection. Whether you opt for open-air transport for cost savings, enclosed transport for high-end protection, or flatbed transport for oversized vehicles, each method has its own advantages.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we offer a full range of transport options, from open-air and enclosed carriers to door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal services. With over 50 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation as the #1 car shipping service, delivering thousands of vehicles safely across the country. We also specialize in heavy hauling, freight shipping, and equipment transport.

Our #1 priority is to ensure every vehicle we transport arrives safely and on time. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to transport a car, contact Dealers Choice Auto Transport today to get started with a quote. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process, ensuring your vehicle arrives at its destination without any hassle. Let us handle the logistics so you can have peace of mind.