Types of Car Carriers

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Types of Car Carriers

You will find two general types of car carrier trailers - open and enclosed. However, we have to further distinguish the various types of open and enclosed trailers. Below, we have a short guide to help you learn about the various trailers used for long and short distance car shipping.

Open Car Carriers

The most widely used trailer is the open type. These truck trailers are ubiquitous on the road. They are the standard mode for transporting vehicles. It is the fastest and the most efficient mode as well.

1. single car carrier

2. single-level multi-car carrier

3. multi-level multi-car carrier

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Single car carrier

single car carrier

First is the single-vehicle hotshot trailer. This is a dully truck with a tow trailer, which is usually a single level. The single level hot-shot is mostly used for short distances. Yet, it could be booked for a long-distance deliveries as well,  for a special delivery request that requires expedited shipping.

Single-level multi-car carrier

single-deck-multi-car carrier

Second is the single-level multi-car carrier, which is often used for all types of vehicles. On such a trailer you can ship an RV or a travel trailer, a big SUV or transport a pick-up truck.

One of the biggest advantages of this carrier is that it can get to places not accessible to the big multi level multi-car carrier trucks.

Who uses single level multi-car carrier? Luxury, vintage and collector car owners, dealerships and sports car owners book it for expedited car shipping and special deliveries.

When even the smallest scratch can turn into an expensive repair job, booking a single car carrier service is the best option.

Multi-level multi-car carrier

cars shipped in 2019

And lastly, we have a multi-level multi-cart carrier. This a standard widely used auto transport trailer. When businesses and private customers need to ship cars across the country, this is the preferred type of car carrier.

Open trailers like these are almost 90 percent of the whole fleet in the US. This makes them the most efficient and affordable option.

If your car has low clearance, we recommend a single-level car trailer. This would be a flatbed trailer designed for one or more cars, and it is preferred for any modified or non-running vehicle.

You can also opt for a standard double level trailer, but the single deck offers faster service because the multi-car double deck truck will requires more time to fill all available car spots.

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Enclosed Car Carriers

Enclosed vehicle transport trailers are fully covered trucks that will protect your vehicle from road and weather elements during transport. An enclosed trailer is usually hard-sided and completely shields the vehicle.

1. multi-level multi-car carrier

2. single-level single-car carrier

3. single-level multi-car carrier

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Multi-level multi-car carrier

multi level multi car carrier enclosed

This is the type of trailer most sports, luxury and classic car dealerships use for their vehicles. All specialized dealerships Corsia works with recommend enclosed trailer to their customers. Using a multi-level multi-car carrier is more efficient and climate friendly than single level-single car carrier, when it comes to enclosed auto transport.

Single level single car trailer

single level single car carrier

Single-level single-car carrier most often hauls short distances. Such carriers are booked for high-end cars or when expedited delivery is needed.

Single level multi-car carrier usually fits two cars. It is very similar to the single level one car carrier. Usually, sports, luxury, and classic vehicle owners and dealerships request enclosed auto transport. It is normal for exotic and high-end vehicles to have expensive paint job, or for classic cars to have undergone a costly restoration process. Therefore, owners and dealers want to make sure such vehicles are protected from the road and weather elements.

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Single level multi-car carrier

enclosed single car carrier

This type of carrier is usually used for high-end automobiles, just like as the single-level single car carrier. This type is a bit more efficient and customers with multiple vehicles prefer it for cross country shipping.

What is the cost to ship a car?

The real cost to ship a car is a price that reflects current market conditions. An accurate rate will guarantee timely and professional service, no matter the type of trailer.

The type of carrier you choose always affects the price of shipping. The cost of enclosed auto transport is usually higher. In the U.S., only about ten percent of the entire fleet are covered carriers. Hence, this type of auto transport is less available.

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We encourage you to call us and ask questions because we want you to make an informed decision. You have the right to a stress-free car shipping process and we are here to make it happen.

We are here to help you understand the process and ship your car with a peace of mind.

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Corsia team works hard every day to ensure reliable expedited car shipping service. Our customer reviews prove that.

Corsia Customer Reviews Online

Ernie Roberts
Excellent and professional service at a competitive price. The vehicle showed up on time and the drivers were courteous and quick. We had to make a few adjustments on the delivery location because of roads etc but this was no problem. Great experience and I felt they took care of my car for me. This was my deceased mothers car so it has sentimental value to me and they really cared about the car. Thank you... Date of experience: October 29, 2024
Gregory Hughes
I've used Corsia Logistics twice now to send a Porsche and classic Mercedes. Both times the car was picked up on time, the driver was communicative and on my second shipment, arrived a day earlier than scheduled. They have a tracking system, so I know where my car is at all times. I will continue to use Corsia for all my long-haul car transportation needs. Date of experience: October 28, 2024
Adel
We paid extra for a guaranteed date for pickup and they were able to pick up that day. The car arrived a day earlier than scheduled. The gentleman who transported was friendly and communicative. 100% would use this company again. Date of experience: September 30, 2024
Hisham Alhakimi
Corsia was amazing. Personable, respectful, and punctual. I went with them after passing up on some of the other major players. Glad I did! Just end to end great experience and customer service. Employees were well trained! Date of experience: September 23, 2024
N K
Don’t hesitate to use them! Efficient, responsive, honest and affordable! I scheduled an enclosed carrier with them and received the car the same day it was picked up. Zero issues. Excellent service! Date of experience: September 17, 2024
Jeff Finegold
I have used Corsia Logistics 4 times now with high end cars being transported from Northern Ca. to Southern Ca. and back. Each time the service has worked perfectly. Never an issue with timing, service or with my cars. I will continue to use this service in the future. Date of experience: June 10, 2024

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