If you’ve taken a road trip, you’ve probably passed a car transporter on the motorway. These massive vehicles can tow up to a dozen passenger cars with ease.
Vehicle transport makes up around 3% of the logistics industry and customers can be faced with several different choices when it comes to car transport.
There are many reasons you might want to hire a private car transport service instead of driving a car a long distance.
Perhaps you purchased a car directly from another driver. Maybe you find yourself moving a long distance that you are unable to drive or are shipping a car to a friend or relative.
So how do you choose the best car transport company for you? Read on to discover the benefits of vehicle transport and the services offered.
Benefits of Car Shipping
If you need to travel a long distance, car shipping is the safest option for both you and your car.
Driving up to 500 miles per day for many days in a row increases fatigue, which increases your risk of an accident. Car shipping generally takes less of your time, as you can focus on other tasks instead of driving. If you’re moving a long distance and using a car transporter truck, you will have to coordinate your move with them as you drive.
If you’re selling a car, shipping it is much easier and safer. Not only does it free up your time, but car transport services also come with insurance and safety guarantees. As soon as you load your sold car onto the vehicle, you can enjoy peace of mind that your deal will go through no matter what.
Types of Vehicle Transport
There are two types of car transport to consider: enclosed and open car transport. Each type has its pros and cons, which are detailed below.
Open Car Transport
Open car transport refers to hauling cars on an uncovered trailer.
It is the most economical way to transport a vehicle because these trucks can carry more cars at a time, they cost less to use. They are also in higher demand, so they have more options for location and timing.
However, these car transporters are not protected from the elements. This means your car may be exposed to rain, snow, dust, insects, and birds.
If you are hiring an open car transport, you and the driver will inspect your car before and after to make sure your vehicle is unaffected by the journey. In most cases, cars make it across the country with no noticeable damage.
Drivers take great care to make open car carriers as secure and damage-free as possible. Although, if you are transporting an old or valuable car, the risks may still be unacceptable to you.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed car transport refers to hauling cars on a covered transport. Enclosed transports are much less efficient, only holding 4 to 5 vehicles. However, they make up for this by offering complete protection for your car.
This form of vehicle transport is less common and more costly than open car transport. However, if you are transporting a vintage or luxury car, enclosed car transport will ensure your vehicle reaches its destination without a scratch.
Another advantage of enclosed transport is its discretion. For journeys of over a day, truckers will usually stop to rest and leave the truck in the open or at a truck stop. If you are transporting a valuable car, you may not want it left in the open in any area.
For that reason, enclosed car transport is often the choice of car enthusiasts or those selling an expensive car.
How Much is Car Transport?
The cost of car transport varies due to several factors. The type of transport you choose, the distance you wish to haul your car, and your vehicle’s size will all play a role in the overall cost.
Additional cost factors come into play. Car transport between two large cities will be cheaper than between more rural locations. Rates may be lower in winter when fewer customers are moving and car shipping across borders may incur additional costs.
However, the real question you should ask yourself is whether a car transport service is cheaper than driving it yourself. Car transport may seem like a high price to pay at first, but for long journeys, shipping can often be cheaper overall.
If you drive your car long distances, you will have to pay for petrol and lodging every day. Additionally, long drives can put mechanical wear and tear on your car and there is always the risk of car failure in a remote area- perhaps far from a major city or even in a foreign country.
The average car in the UK drives 617 miles per month. So, if you drive 617 miles in just a day or two, you are taking a month off of your car’s resale value. These invisible factors are important to consider when asking whether to drive your car a long distance or ship it.
More About Our Vehicle Transportation Service
At SG Haulage, we specialise in car transport in the UK and Europe.
We are a member of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and have a bronze level accreditation in Transport for London’s FORS standard. This certifies that our company is safe, compliant, and meets environmental standards.
We are proudly family-owned and run, and ready to take on nearly any haulage challenge. Our customers describe us as the best car shipping company in the UK. Contact us today to enquire about our vehicle transport services and more.
