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Auto transport straps or chains?

Auto transport straps or chains?

Each year, car shipping companies transport millions of vehicles across the state lines and internationally. It takes skill, experience, and know-how to deliver a car to its destination safely and efficiently.

Auto transport carriers are the ones responsible for the actual moving of cars, including loading and securing them on a car hauler. Which may prompt the question:

Is it better to use straps or chains for tying down a car on the trailer?

When it comes to choosing between straps and chains, many of you may have little to no idea which one is better for your car. In this post, we’ll explore and compare both options to help you understand this aspect of auto transport.

Straps vs chains: What’s the difference?

Once a carrier loads your car onto the trailer, they have to secure it, so it doesn’t move during transport. There are two options for that: straps or chains.

Tire straps may be a more expensive option, but from our experience, it’s the best. That is mainly because the damage risk when using straps is almost close to zero. Today, nylon and polyester straps are the industry standard and can be used on any size/type of vehicle. Straps are also lighter and easier to handle, and you can easily feed them in places where chains would never fit.

And although we prefer straps, it is okay to use chains for securing vehicles on a carrier trailer. Many automobile manufacturers even built their cars with a place to hook the chains. But applying chains to secure vehicles on the auto transport trailer requires special knowledge and skills that not every driver has.

Issues when using chains:

Let’s take a look at what problems may occur when the driver uses chains:

  • Applying the chains too tight

A carrier driver should be careful not to make the mistake of applying the chains too tight. Experienced drivers know that it can damage the car immensely. But if your car falls into the hands of an inexperienced carrier, it may endure permanent damage that cannot be fixed.

Tightening the chains too much may cause the frame to bend, and that, in turn, will lower the value of the car and, in some cases, will deem the vehicle “salvaged”. Furthermore, additional damage to your car, as well as other vehicles on the carrier trailer, can occur during transportation. The frame may tear away, causing the vehicle to move around.

  • Using the wrong hooks

Using improper hooks will, too, cause your car huge damage. Wrong hooks can fall out or even tear a hole in the frame of your car. This will, in turn, devalue your vehicle. The car will also move during transportation and that will cause even more damage to it and other vehicles.

  • Using the wrong holes

If the driver lacks experience using chains, it’s possible they use the wrong holes to secure your vehicle on the car hauler trailer. And as you may have guessed it, using the wrong holes can damage your car by tearing its frame, with all the consequences to follow. The car will move during transportation, which will cause additional damage.

Are the straps a better option?

Applying straps is pretty simple. We say that because drivers connect straps directly to the tires of the car. What if an inexperienced driver uses them, you ask? Even in that case, the damage that might happen to your car can be fixed very easily and will not be too hard on your wallet.

As we have mentioned in the beginning, using straps may be a tad more expensive. Although to keep your mind at peace, we recommend you choose straps over chains.

But in the end, you are the one who should make the final decision. Now that you have all the information you need about straps and chains, it is up to you to pick the right option for your car.

And if you still have doubts, you should ask your potential shipper questions. It’s important you feel confident your car is in good hands.

Let us stress again how vital it is to hire an auto transport company you can trust. Look for the shipper that has great customer reviews and complies with all legal requirements. Choose the one that offers comprehensive guidance throughout the vehicle shipping process and answers all your questions promptly. No matter how many times you ask.


Are you looking to ship your car across the country or internationally? Do you have questions or need a quote? Do not hesitate to give us a call or chat with one of our vehicle relocation experts. Corsia Logistics offers comprehensive shipping solutions to all customers. We only work with highly-experienced drivers who will make sure to deliver your vehicle intact. Our knowledgeable agents are ready to answer your questions and help you make educated choices.

Thank you!

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Simon Moore
Great company
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Looking for a logistics company, to ship my car, from California to Illinois,my first search, then Corsia showed up, skeptical. Call and a very friendly secretary: Elena. She guided me through, I scheduled and as she explained, all when smooth as scheduled Very happy I did the right choice. I'll recommend this great Company to anyone that is thinking to relocate a vehicle. Thanks Corsia logistics for your honesty and professionalism!
Elizabeth Woodward
High five's all around!
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Corsia was highly recommended by a friend in the automobile industry. We needed to transport a cargo van from Seattle to Florida. We contacted Corsia who quickly arranged transport within just a few days. Communication was outstanding! Just a few email confirmations and we were all set. Mike was great and arrived right on time and delivered to Florida on schedule. Tip-avoid the hornets nest of auto brokers on line and just contact Corsia for a truly great experience!
Carrol Tiffany
Amazing
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Corsia has been amazing. Their prices are really competitive but more importantly their customer service has been 5-Star. Elena followed up with me every step of the way, making sure there was no miscommunication between me & the driver. We are using them to ship a 2nd vehicle & would not hesitate to use them again!
Tony Boyd
Definitely recommend
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I have recently used Corsia for long time family car with sentimental value that was moved I have recently used Corsia for shipment of my vehicle from Oregon to Arizona by recommendation from other family member who also used Corsia in the past. I am very pleased on the service and the communication throughout shipment. Ken was my direct contact and kept me informed along the move The car was picked up and delivered as communicated. I did use a enclosed mover and the driver was also clean cut professional and treated car as his own. I would definitely recommend Corsia again with the experience I have had. Thank you. T
JW
Top notch
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Top notch Transport - Porsche 997 Top notch! As easy and efficient as one could possibly imagine. Great customer service.. thank you Luke. Great prices. Check. Timely communications. Check. Clean transport trailer. Check. Supremely careful driver. Check. Timely arrival. Check. Don't mess around elsewhere, just call Corsica and feel confident your transports needs are going to be exceeded. My Porsche 911 rode like a Queen in her enclosed chariot. I've never needed a transport company before, and I surely will use them every time. Do yourself a favor, seriously. Call now.
Geet Mp Haryana
Reliable, efficient
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Corsia rep (Elena) was very proactive. Helped ship a car from CA to GA. She checked in with me via email quote and several phone calls to find me the best possible quote for the fastest available service. After several communications, Corsia was able to schedule a vehicle pickup the next day. The driver communicated well, and the vehicle arrived in final destination faster than we expected in perfect condition. I highly recommend using Corsia's reliable, efficient service.
Cay Liptak
Clean, efficient, wonderful
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Thanks, Corsia! Pickup was so clean, efficient, and wonderful -- my only recommendation is to make sure you schedule it during the day so you can fully review the car in the daylight. Drop off was equally wonderful, and the whole trip went down without a hitch (pun intended!). Seriously, Corsia delivered my Jeep from CT to California with no issues or bumps in the road!
Csaba Kovesdy
Truly positive experience
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Corsia Memphis to LA, mid-size SUV. I looked at 4 different companies amd Corsia was the most responsive of them. While being responsive, they were not unduly aggressive: when I indicated that I need to wait a month before making a decision they stopped contacting me and only came back with a reminder when I really needed it. Once I decided to engage Corsia they found me a transport within two days and the car was delivered (from Memphis to LA) in another two days. I had a truly positive experience.
Kelly Torres
Highly recommend
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Working with Corsia Logistics was a great experience. Working with Corsia Logistics was wonderful. They were able to find a driver right away to transport our car. They were in constant communication as to when the car was getting picked up and dropped off. The driver also communicated with me as to when he would arrive. I would highly recommend Corsia Logistics.
Amy Nelson
Excellent Organization
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Corsia was an excellent company to work with while I transferred my car across the US. A friend of mine suggested I use them as they had been very organized and trustworthy with her own car. I researched a few different place but decided to go with Corsia and I'm so glad I did! Any questions I had throughout the process they answered quickly and clearly. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend them for others to use.
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