4 Vehicles Shipped Enclosed from Spokane to Fresno | Case Study

A1 Auto Transport was contracted by a regional insurance salvage yard in Spokane, WA to haul four damaged vehicles — two sedans and two compact SUVs — to a partner auto auction facility in Fresno, CA. All vehicles were non-operational and had cosmetic and front-end damage. Due to low ground clearance and mixed loading angles, a low-deck open carrier was used.

Challenge

Transporting damaged vehicles required special attention to both loading technique and route clearance. Some units had detached bumpers, exposed wheel wells, and flat tires, demanding winch-assisted loading. Additionally, travel from Spokane to Fresno required crossing multiple mountain ranges, with route planning adjusted for both altitude and safety.

Solution

A1 deployed a 6-car low-deck open carrier equipped with side winches and loading straps designed for non-running units. Our team worked with the salvage yard crew to position each vehicle precisely for balance and security. The driver avoided high-altitude snow routes by bypassing the Sierra Nevadas via I-5. The shipment was completed in just under 4 days, with all vehicles delivered in auction-ready condition.

Key Takeaways

• Route: Spokane, WA → Fresno, CA
• Distance: 989 miles
• Transit Time: 3–4 Days
• Vehicle Type: 4 salvage units (sedans + SUVs)
• Service Level: Winch-assisted, open carrier, non-op vehicles