The vast majority of transportation services offered domestically involve either open or enclosed trailers, as both are able to transport most types of vehicles. However, there are times when neither type of trailer will suffice, which is when flatbed auto transport comes into play. It's far from a common transport option, but nonetheless, it is available if your circumstances require it.
What is Flatbed Auto Transport?
Flatbed auto transport is exactly as it sounds. It features a flatbed trailer that is attached to a truck, similar to an open or enclosed trailer and can come in various lengths and widths, provided that they meet road regulations. It's a seldom-used service, especially today.
What Is It Used For?
Even though flatbed trailers can technically carry standard vehicles on them, they're usually only used to transport specific vehicles that won't fit anywhere else. Some of the types of vehicles in which flatbed trailers would be required are:
- Cargo vans;
- Oversized pickup trucks;
- Limousines;
- Specialized construction vehicles (bulldozers, cranes, and so forth);
- Commercial vehicles, including buses;
- Vehicles that can no longer operate.
Basically, any type of vehicle that is too tall, long, or wide to fit on open or enclosed trailers might require flatbed auto transport services. The majority of those who might have the need for flatbed auto transport would be businesses.
Make Sure to Plan Ahead
Flatbed auto transport, as mentioned, is not that common. This means that you'll need to plan ahead if you require a flatbed trailer. The reasons are that:
- Carriers do not have them readily available;
- They're only generally used to transport one vehicle at a time;
- They're not a part of regular routes.
In other words, it'll take more time to arrange for flatbed auto transport, resulting in a longer pickup and delivery window. Unlike with standard shipping options, it's not as easy as contacting a carrier to make a pickup along its regularly-scheduled route. Instead, a flatbed trailer has to be specifically arranged to pick up only your vehicle. Plus, many auto transport companies do not offer a flatbed auto transport option, as it's not often requested. You might have to contact a few different companies before you find one.
Expect Higher Costs
Many of the same reasons that cause flatbed auto transport to have longer shipping times than standard auto transport are also the same reasons why it costs more. Because of the arrangements that the auto transport carrier has to make, you can expect to pay much more for flatbed auto transport. Not having the ability to transport multiple vehicles at once means that carriers have to charge more. After all, they certainly have to make a profit.
If you're in need of flatbed auto transport services, contact A-1 Auto Transport today. We'll do our best to ensure that we can accommodate you. Plus, make sure to get your free no obligation quote!
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
