Porsche 718 Cayman

SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 – PT.3

Written by admin on . Posted in Audi, Car Specials, Chevrolet, Dodge, Electric Vehicles, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, SUV


How Auto Transport Works
Today’s tractor-trailer auto transporters can carry up to 12 vehicles. The rigs are designed so that the tractor can support up to four vehicles and eight vehicles are placed on the double-deck trailer. The tractor-trailer rigs utilize hydraulically operated ramps. Each ramp can be lowered or raised to provide a smooth approach for loading or to clear vehicles under it when the trailer is fully loaded. The ramps can also be tilted to maximize the available space by tucking the end of one vehicle under another. The transport driver is responsible for loading and unloading the rig. This operation has been compared to solving a 3D puzzle because of the time, vehicle size and scheduling issues that have to be juggled. Obviously, the first car loaded can’t be the first car delivered, or else the entire trailer has to be unloaded. Some cars are backed onto the trailer while others are driven in nose first to maximize space or meet overhang requirements. Larger vehicles are usually on the top level. An experienced driver can load and secure a trailer of familiar, similar-sized vehicles in about 90 minutes. A load of different-sized vehicles can take up four hours. For the average motorist traveling behind an open-trailer auto transporter, the obvious fear is a vehicle falling off onto the highway. Officials say such an incident is extremely rare because each vehicle is secured at four locations. Chains and straps are used to secure vehicles to the trailer. Most cars are manufactured with specific tie-down holes in the chassis or frame. Chains with specialized hooks to fit those holes are ratcheted tight to secure the vehicles to the transport trailer. The transporters even have specific requirements for the mounting angle of the chain from the vehicle to the trailer. Luxury and exotic automakers require less intrusive methods. The strap system utilizes high-strength straps that are positioned over each tire and tightened to the trailer, eliminating scratches or dents to the vehicle chassis. Both methods are very secure. Transporters that have flipped in an accident have been known not to lose a single vehicle. Jump into the next section to learn how to transport a vehicle –or hire someone to do it for you. Double Deckers High-end racecar transporters, like those used by NASCAR and Indycar teams, are enclosed, custom-built aluminum trailers with two decks. The upper deck can hold two cars, which are raised up for storage using an electric lift gate off the back of the trailer. The lower deck serves as a workshop and can be outfitted with storage cabinets and power tools. A lounge for the crew and driver can also be installed. Each year, millions of vehicles are transported to meet personal needs, such as:
  • Families moving cross-country
  • Students going to college a long distance from home
  • “Snowbirds” moving to the Sun Belt for the winter
  • Corporate relocation
Some of these situations are one-time needs and the car owner will hire an auto-transport company. Phone directories and the Internet are filled with advertisements promoting a variety of transport companies and transport brokers. Consumers need to be aware of the difference. A company handles the actual pickup and delivery of the vehicle. A broker does the legwork and sells the job to one or more transport carriers. There are pros and cons to working with both. Transport companies have more control over delivery time and assume more responsibility in the event of damage or an accident. On the other hand, brokers have access to more options for a quicker delivery. Consumers should double-check all references to help avoid fraud or an unpleasant experience. Transport companies are quick to stress that they can transport only the customer’s vehicle. Customers are not allowed to pack their cars with clothes, small appliances or even spare parts. The fuel tank cannot be completely full, and owners are usually required to be present when the vehicle is picked up or delivered to complete the inspection. Some car owners have frequent transport needs, so they purchase their own trailer and tow vehicle. These include car collectors or enthusiasts who display their pristine vehicles at car shows or weekend racers who compete at area tracks. Single-car trailers come in many styles and sizes to hold the vehicle, spare parts and tools. The key for a safe transport is matching the trailer weight with the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. There is one other method of getting a vehicle from one location to another: drive it! Dedicated driveaway agencies provide drivers to customers who don’t want to drive themselves or don’t have the time or budget to have their vehicle transported. The reputable agencies will screen potential drivers and match them accordingly to the customer’s schedule and destination. The drivers are not paid and often must pay for their own gas. But they do get the free use of a car for their travels across the country.

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