TOP LOAD PLACEMENT AUTO TRANSPORT
Learn what top load placement means and how it may benefit your vehicle during the car shipping process.
Truth About Top Load Placement
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WHAT IS TOP LOAD PLACEMENT?
Top Load is Based on Availability
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Top-Load Placement Auto Transport is when you have your vehicle stacked up on the upper deck of the car shipping carrier which keeps it elevated away from road debris but exposed to natural elements of the air.
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Some companies provide this spot for a small fee ranging anywhere from $100 and up depending on size/weight of your vehicle. In some cases, vehicles already loaded on the car carrier may have to be moved around in order to fit a car or truck on the top level of the car hauler.
Top load placement is only available when selecting the open car hauler service option.
TRUTH ABOUT TOP LOAD
Car Secured on the Top Deck
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In order to win business companies have to make sure their car transport rates are competitive, which means they have to find other ways to make more profit. Charging standard car shipping rates in line with all the other companies is one way to attract customers, and selling them upgrades is a good way to make more profit. |
While paying extra for enclosed car transport or top load placement because it will offer your car more protection might sound like a good idea, once you’ve paid for these upgrades there’s no guarantee that you will actually get them. Some companies who are non-reputable will simply take your money and ship your car normally, knowing that you are very unlikely to find out.
As with any industry, there will always be those companies who care more about making money than providing a good service. The auto shipping industry is no different.
As with any industry, there will always be those companies who care more about making money than providing a good service. The auto shipping industry is no different.
Proceed With Caution
It’s an unfortunate fact that there may be unreliable business offering vehicle transportation services, and for a lot of customers the only time they find out that they’ve made the wrong choice is when it’s too late.
Make sure to always do your own research prior to finalizing your shipment to ensure you are being taken care of. Always check reviews for the auto transport company you are considering.
This is the only way to Guarantee Top Load Placement. A company is as good as their reputation.
Make sure to always do your own research prior to finalizing your shipment to ensure you are being taken care of. Always check reviews for the auto transport company you are considering.
This is the only way to Guarantee Top Load Placement. A company is as good as their reputation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Top Load Spot Has Some Benefits
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While having your car loaded towards the top of the carrier can have its huge benefits, having this spot can also have its negatives affect. Some of the cons could depend on the driver's level of experience. Other bad aspects could be the type of weather the driver may travel through. |
Things to Consider
Here are some things you should be aware of when considering having your vehicle loaded on the top. The top load position has its advantages but it can also carry a few disadvantages. Its best that you are aware of the possible risk involved when requesting this spot.
Top Loading Extra Fee
To accommodate your top-load request, your trucker might re-arrange the whole trailer. This is not a small job! To compensate for the hard work, you will pay an extra fee. This could be anything around $100 or more.
Sure, it is a huge amount to part with. But think of it this way, would everybody want the top deck if it were free? To ensure that no vehicle is treated unfairly, you have to pay the extra cost for the special treatment.
Sure, it is a huge amount to part with. But think of it this way, would everybody want the top deck if it were free? To ensure that no vehicle is treated unfairly, you have to pay the extra cost for the special treatment.
Sun, Rain or Snow
When using the open auto transport option, your car is exposed to weather conditions. Both the top and the bottom decks are victims to the sun, the rain, and the snow.
However, the cars at the top will be the most exposed. Essentially, the top load acts as a shield to the bottom load! If you think of it this way, you might reconsider your options.
However, the cars at the top will be the most exposed. Essentially, the top load acts as a shield to the bottom load! If you think of it this way, you might reconsider your options.
Low Hanging Trees
At the upper deck, the cars are close to trees. Therefore, from time to time, branches may hit the vehicles when the auto hauler pulls near trees. Depending on the intensity of the incident, the branches may cause abrasions, dents or even breakages.
Is Top Rack For You?
A common issue when shipping a car on an open multi-car trailer is whether your car should be on the top rack or bottom rack. Both have their own advantages, and disadvantages as well.
PROS
✅ Top spot ensures your vehicle will not be secured beneath any other vehicle.
✅ Top load would most likely require your vehicle to be the first one picked up due to stacking order.
✅ Safe from oil leaks which may occur from vehicles posted above.
✅ Top spot ensures your vehicle will not be secured beneath any other vehicle.
✅ Top load would most likely require your vehicle to be the first one picked up due to stacking order.
✅ Safe from oil leaks which may occur from vehicles posted above.
CONS
🔴 Branches from trees may be an issue with an inexperienced driver.
🔴 Added cost in some cases, depending on availability.
🔴 Your vehicle would definitely be the last one of the load delivered due to stack order.
🔴 Branches from trees may be an issue with an inexperienced driver.
🔴 Added cost in some cases, depending on availability.
🔴 Your vehicle would definitely be the last one of the load delivered due to stack order.
Safest Spot on Open Carrier?
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Cars on the top rack, are more inclined to road hazards but safer from any potential dripping or leaking from road vehicles.
There may also be a possibility that the car on the top rack can get hit branches if the auto hauler drives or pulls into areas with trees. Vehicles on the lower rack are safer from debris along the road, but they are the ones exposed to possible oil leaks or harmful drippings from cars on the upper deck. Most auto shipping companies offer a top rack placement guarantee for an extra fee. In the end, the decision is yours. Top Load Placement only applies to open auto carrier services. |
Safest spot on a car hauler is the top
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