- Car Hauling Should You Have Your Car Transported Via The Top Or Bottom Tray?
- Car Hauling Should You Have Your Car Transported Via The Top Or Bottom Tray?
- Top Tray
- Bottom Tray

Car Hauling: Should You Have Your Car Transported Via The Top Or Bottom Tray?
When shipping cars, you are looking for the safest and most reliable shipping method. Auto shipping companies like A1 Auto Transport offer car hauling services in stacked trailers. Many decisions are made when doing interstate shipping using open air transport, including whether you should ship your car on the top or bottom tray.
A car carrier trailer is used to haul many automobiles at the same time. This is the best and most economical way of long distance moving. Some shipping companies offer auto transport via car haulers that have stacking options. This means that the cars may be placed on the top tray or the bottom tray. The new models of these car carrier trailers can ferry up to 12 vehicles.
The design of the rigs provides for 8 vehicles to be placed on the top tray and 4 vehicles to be placed on the bottom tray. These ramps are operated using hydraulic systems and by tilting them, the spacing between one vehicle and the one under it can be maximized.
A vehicle falling off the trays is a highly unlikely occurrence. The vehicles are secured to the trailer using four sets of straps. This is done by making use of the preexisting tie-down holes in the vehicle. The chain connecting the vehicle to the trailer may be mounted at an angle by some auto transport companies. Less invasive mounting techniques are used when working with high-end automobiles. Each wheel is strapped down to the trailer with high strength straps. Scratches and dents to the chassis of the car can be prevented in this way.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods nationwide. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
Car Hauling: Should you have your car transported via the top or bottom tray?
Top tray
Shipping a car on the top tray is advantageous because the car will not be exposed to any leaking of oils from other vehicles.
Cars on these trays are however, exposed to harsh weather elements.
Bottom tray
Cars on the bottom tray are less exposed to perils such as being hit by tree branches or debris.
However, they are more exposed to oil leaks that may damage their body.
The decision to ship your car on the top or bottom tray will be based on the perils you would like to avoid, especially during long distance moves. You can also get informed on how car hauling on car trailers works so as to determine if this will be suitable for your car. It is advisable not to ship luxury cars on the bottom tray of trucks because this exposes them to the risk of oil leaks. Also, while some long distance movers charge an extra fee so as to give you a top rack placement guarantee, consider if this cost will benefit you. Should you opt not to risk shipping your car in either the top or bottom tray, you may consider the more costly option of closed transportation or open auto transport shipping that has the non-stacking option.