All the steps of car transport by car carrier: from pick-up to delivery

Car transport by car carrier is one of the most widely used and safest methods for moving vehicles over long distances. It is a logistical solution adopted by dealerships, car manufacturers, rental companies, and private customers to transfer multiple vehicles at the same time, reducing both costs and transit times. In this article, we take an in-depth look at each stage of the service.

How does car transport by car carrier work?

A car carrier (also called car transporter truck or car hauler) is a rigid truck and trailer or articulated lorry specifically designed for vehicle transport. It can be open (without side panels) or enclosed (with protective panels shielding the vehicles from weather conditions), and it can usually carry between 6 and 10 cars, depending on the truck model and the dimensions of the vehicles loaded.

The process takes place in several phases:

Vehicle pick-up: the carrier collects the car at the starting point (dealership, logistics center, collection hub, or customer’s residence).
Loading onto the car carrier: the vehicle is driven or lifted onto the truck using hydraulic ramps and securely fastened with tie-down systems to prevent any movement during transit.
Road transport: the car carrier follows the planned route in compliance with regulations on vehicle dimensions and weight limits, as well as driver working hours.
Unloading and delivery: upon arrival, the vehicle is unloaded and handed over to the recipient, with a new condition check performed on-site.

Car carrier transport vs. Rail transport: pros and cons

Besides car carrier transport, another option often used in the automotive logistics sector is rail transport. But what are the key differences between the two methods?

Advantages of car carrier transport

Flexibility: possibility of door-to-door pick-up and delivery, even in areas not served by the railway network.
Faster delivery times on short and medium routes.
Fewer vehicle handlings, resulting in a lower risk of damage.

Disadvantages of car carrier transport

Greater exposure to weather conditions, especially in the case of open carriers.
Lower load capacity compared to rail transport.

Advantages of rail transport

Greater environmental sustainability, thanks to lower emissions.
High load capacity, ideal for moving large volumes of vehicles.
Better cargo protection if closed rail wagons are used.

Disadvantages of rail transport

Lower logistical flexibility, since road transport is still required to reach locations not connected to rail.
Longer transit times, due to complex planning and potential delays at rail terminals.

The phases of car transport by car carrier

Car transport by car carrier is a structured process, divided into precise operational stages to ensure both safety and efficiency:

Logistics planning
The process begins with route definition, scheduling of pick-ups and deliveries, and timing management. Regulatory constraints, restricted traffic zone (ZTL) access times, and special permits are also taken into account.
Document verification
Before loading, the vehicle documents (registration, insurance, and any customs paperwork for international shipments) are checked against the transport order.
Vehicle loading
Loading requires expertise and precision: vehicles are positioned according to a weight distribution plan and secured with straps, chains, or clamps.
Transport monitoring
Many car carriers are equipped with GPS tracking systems, allowing real-time monitoring of the truck’s position and estimation of the delivery time.
Unloading and final check
Upon arrival, the car is unloaded and its condition compared with the report made at pick-up. For third-party transports, a delivery note signature is required.

Car transport by car carrier is the ideal choice to reach remote destinations in a flexible and efficient way. Whether for a single vehicle or an entire fleet, relying on an experienced operator ensures optimized timelines and reduced risks.

To obtain a tailor-made service, it is essential to choose the right logistics partner. Thanks to the extensive coverage of our compounds and a fleet of over 500 car carriers, we support our clients end-to-end, even in the most complex scenarios. Learn more about how we can help you.