Explaining What Flatbed Auto Transport Means

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What is Flatbed Auto Transport?

➡️ A Flatbed Auto Hauler is a specialized trailer designed to transport vehicles, typically cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles, from one location to another. It has a flat, open platform without any sides or roof, allowing vehicles to be loaded and secured onto the trailer's surface.

What is a Flatbed Carrier used for?

➡️ This type of hauler is commonly used for transporting vehicles that may have low ground clearance, non-operational vehicles, over-sized equipment or those vehicles that require extra care during transportation. Flatbed Auto Transport can be considered a type of open auto transport but stands on its own.

 

How it Works: Flat-Bed Auto Shipping Process

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Flatbed auto transport is a method of transporting vehicles from one location to another using a flatbed trailer. These trailers are specifically designed with a flat, open platform that allows vehicles to be loaded and secured onto the trailer's surface. Unlike enclosed auto transport, where vehicles are enclosed within a trailer, flatbed transport exposes the vehicles to the elements during transportation.

What to Expect with Flatbed Auto Transport?

Here's how flatbed auto transport works:

1. Loading onto a Flatbed Hauler:
   The vehicles are driven or loaded onto the flatbed trailer using ramps or a hydraulic lift system. In some cases, the vehicles may be pulled or winched onto the trailer if they are not in running condition.
2. Securing onto the Flatbed Carrier:
   Once loaded, the auto transport process requires the vehicles are carefully secured to the flatbed using straps, chains, or wheel nets to prevent any movement or damage during transit.
3. Transportation:
   The flatbed trailer, now loaded with the vehicles, is hauled by a truck or other suitable vehicle to the intended destination. Flatbed auto transport is commonly used for short to medium distances, although it can also be used for long-distance shipping.
4. Unloading from the Flatbed Trailer:
   At the destination, the vehicles are safely unloaded from the flatbed using the same equipment that was used for loading.

Flatbed transport is often used for transporting various types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, construction equipment, and other oversized or heavy vehicles. It is preferred for certain vehicles, such as those with low ground clearance or non-operational vehicles, as it provides easy access for loading and unloading.

What is a downside to Flatbed Transport?

One of the downsides of flatbed transport is that vehicles are exposed to the weather and road conditions during transit, which can potentially lead to damage from debris, weather elements, or other environmental factors. For this reason, some vehicle owners opt for enclosed auto transport to provide extra protection for their vehicles.

 

Cost Factors: How Flat Bed Price is Determined

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The price difference between flatbed auto transport and open auto transport can vary depending on several factors, including the distance of transportation, the type of vehicles being shipped, the shipping route, and the specific auto transport company you choose. Every company has a different way of calculating their loads when generating a price to ship a car.

Top Reasons Why Flatbed Will Cost More

Flatbed auto transport tends to be more expensive than open auto transport, here's why:

• Specialized Equipment Used on a Flatbed Carrier:
  Flatbed auto transport requires specialized trailers with flat, open platforms, which are more expensive to manufacture and maintain compared to standard open car carriers. The additional cost of these trailers is passed on to the customer, contributing to the higher price of flatbed transport.
• Limited Capacity on a Flatbed Hauler:
  Flatbed trailers have a lower capacity for vehicle transport compared to enclosed or open auto carriers. Since they can only transport a limited number of vehicles at a time, the cost per vehicle tends to be higher.
• Vehicle Type, Weights & Sizes:
  Flatbed transport is often used for hauling heavy or oversized vehicles, luxury cars, or non-running vehicles, which may require additional care and attention during transportation. Handling such specialized vehicles can increase the overall cost of the service.
• Protection and Insurance Coverage:
  Open auto transport exposes vehicles to the elements during transit, which can result in potential damage from road debris and weather conditions. As a result, the insurance costs for open auto transport tend to be lower compared to flatbed auto transport, where the risk of damage may be higher. Keep in mind, the enclosed car carrier transport option is always available if that extra payer of maximum security is required.
• Distance and Route Includes Mileage:
  The distance and route of the transport can influence the pricing. Longer distances or more challenging routes may lead to higher overall costs for both types of transport, but the difference between flatbed and open auto transport will still generally remain.

While flatbed auto transport can be more expensive, it is a suitable option for certain types of larger vehicles or when extra care and attention are required which only a flatbed can provide. On the other hand, open auto transport is more economical and is commonly used for standard vehicles and regular shipping needs. As with any service, it is essential to get quotes from different auto transport companies to compare prices and find the best option that suits your specific requirements and budget.