So you’ve decided to jump into the auto transport business, and want to work as a car hauler – that’s great! Auto transportation can be a very lucrative business, and is a growing industry. Working in auto transportation as an owner-operator can be a rewarding and high-paying career, however, there are quite a few hurdles that one must overcome before getting started.
But one often overlooked aspect when becoming a car hauling business is deciding what size and type of trailer you will need to haul cars. With several different types of car hauler trailers that can each range in size, it’s important to decide what size to purchase, as that may greatly impact your car hauling business.
Some car hauling trailers are large enough to haul many cars at once, while some smaller ones may only be big enough to fit just one or two cars at a time. This can greatly affect your workflow, and should be a major factor in deciding which type of trailer you pick. Here are some of the most common kinds of car hauling trailers.
Flatbed Hauler
One of the most common types of car hauler trailers, a flatbed hauler is an open truck bed with no sides. These types of trailers are fairly small and can typically haul anywhere from one to four cars at once.
If you plan on hauling only a few cars at once, then this type of trailer may be a good fit for you; however, if you’re planning to haul a greater quantity of vehicles at once, then maybe consider other options instead.
Extendable Flatbed Hauler
As the name suggests, extendable flatbed haulers are essentially the same as flatbed haulers but are even longer lengthwise. They’re perfect trailers for transporting cars that are too large for the standard 48-foot size constraint of a regular flatbed hauler. Extendable flatbed haulers are as large as 80 feet in length, which makes them a great choice for hauling extra long vehicles.
Removable Gooseneck Hauler
A removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer is a great choice for oversized and heavy loads, being able to handle up to 42,000 pounds. Because they have a removable gooseneck, these trailers can act as a ramp for easily loading vehicles and equipment. This type of trailer is also one of the most versatile car haulers, as they can haul cars as well as other types of equipment, and even buses.
If you plan to specialize in hauling larger vehicles, like buses, bulldozers, or any other types of vehicles outside of regular cars, then this might be a good fit for you.
Multi-Car Haulers
Multi-car haulers are open trailers with two different levels for holding cars. Between three and four cars can fit onto each level, which allows for a total of six to eight cars to fit onto a single trailer.
Multi-car haulers are arguably the most economical choice for transporting standard vehicles, like SUVs, trucks, or sedans. They are commonly used for transporting many vehicles at once for a lower price, so if you plan on hauling four or more vehicles at once, then multi-car haulers are your best option.
Pick a Trailer that Suits Your Needs
So, what size trailer do you need to haul cars? Well, that answer depends on how many cars you’d like to be able to haul at once, as well as how large each vehicle is.
You should pick the type of trailer that best fits your own needs as a hauler. If you’re an owner-operator who usually only hauls a couple of vehicles at once, then a standard flatbed hauler is the best option for you. If you wish to haul more than a few vehicles at once, then consider either an extendable flatbed hauler or even a multi-car hauler. And if you wish to specialize in hauling larger vehicles or equipment, then choose an RGN hauler.
Use Super Dispatch
Hauling cars isn’t always an easy job, so it’s important to have the best tools at your disposal while working. Super Dispatch is an all-in-one platform that allows car haulers to more easily and efficiently find loads, store all of their work-related info, send eBOLs, and much more. If this sounds like something that your car hauling business could use, then try out Super Dispatch – try out a 7-day free trial today!
