Open Carrier Transport for 3 Pickup Trucks from Des Moines to Charleston

A1 Auto Transport was hired to move a load of three full-size pickups using a bright yellow Ford Super Duty open trailer from Des Moines, Iowa to Charleston, West Virginia. The shipment spanned 298 miles and was completed in just under 4 days.

Challenge

The pickup site, a busy freight yard in Des Moines, had limited space for trailer maneuvering. Additionally, the transport involved large, heavy pickups (including a GMC Sierra and RAM 1500), requiring careful balancing on the flatbed to comply with axle weight regulations.

Weather delays were also a concern through the Appalachian region approaching Charleston.

Solution

Our driver utilized real-time weight distribution tools and pre-scheduled staging areas for quick loading. The team:

• Loaded 3 full-size pickups without needing to reposition
• Maintained stable GPS-tracked routing
• Delivered 12 hours early in Charleston after avoiding weather hotspots with route optimization

A1’s proactive route adjustments ensured an efficient and damage-free delivery.

Key Takeaways

• Route: Des Moines, IA → Charleston, WV
• Distance: 298 miles
• Transit Time: 3–4 Days
• Vehicles: 3 (GMC Sierra, RAM 1500, Ford F-150)
• Service: Open Carrier
• Delivery: Early arrival, zero incidents