Flatbed or Car Hauler? 5 Tips to Choose the Right Transport

The diverse range of vehicles on highways necessitates more than a one-size-fits-all transport approach. Cars and trucks come in various shapes, sizes, and weights, which imposes specific requirements on transport firms for meticulous and effective handling. Among the primary transport methods available, customers typically choose between flatbed trucks and car haulers for moving vehicles from one location to another.

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Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between these two transport options and understand the operational differences to make an informed decision. Understanding these factors can inform customers about service costs, benefits, and potential risks associated with transporting their vehicle.

Here's an extensive guide to assist you in choosing the best truck design based on their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding Vehicle Dimensions and Weight

While a car hauler is suitable for many vehicles, like city cars, sedans, and coupes, some vehicles necessitate more robust towing solutions due to their heavy-duty nature. Usually, these heavy-duty vehicles start at around 25 tons and require transport rigs with strong frames and powerful engines to provide necessary torque and horsepower. Examples of vehicles that need heavy-duty transport include:

• Semi-trucks
• Motor homes
• Buses
• Trailers
• Construction vehicles
• Unusually tall or wide vehicles

Heavy-duty loads are mostly carried on flatbed trucks. Let's dive into our top five tips by examining some examples of these trucks.

Diverse Types of Transport Trucks

Top-class transport teams recognize that flatbeds are not restricted to a single design. Here are three variants beyond the traditional flatbed, each catering to different tasks:

-Step Deck

Step decks feature two platforms: one near the driver and the second one lower to the ground. These are useful for transporting cargo that exceeds height limits of a standard flatbed and can manage very heavy loads. Step decks also offer a ramp for easy vehicle loading and unloading.

-Removable Gooseneck (RGN)

This low-bed trailer type offers simple loading and unloading, thanks to a detachable front that changes the trailer into a ramp. It can handle substantial loads and lengthy vehicles, especially those extending beyond 29 feet.

-Double Drop

Often called a lowboy, this variant sits closest to the ground among flatbeds. Combining the previous two designs, it can manage both heavy and tall cargo. Double drops host three decks: two elevated on either side and a lower central deck.

This breakdown will help you spot the correct truck type for your needs and assess if the transport company can provide the right design. Now, let's evaluate the pros and cons of the two primary transport methods.

Benefits of Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks are a viable option when customers have a single vehicle to move. While they can accommodate more than one vehicle, typically up to four, they are ideally suited for transporting heavy-duty vehicles. Hence, they are frequently employed to haul construction machinery such as diggers and steam rollers.

Flatbeds offer a long, flat surface that helps prevent vehicles from rolling off and provides ample room, particularly for single-vehicle movements. This exclusive space ensures no risk of vehicles getting dripped on, scratched, or dented by other vehicles carried above or below them.

Flatbed trucks excel in shorter hauls, like moving models between dealerships. They are also effective for retrieving damaged, inoperative, or stranded vehicles and transporting them to mechanics or nearby destinations.

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Flatbeds often use winches, beneficial for loading vehicles too damaged to drive or roll onto the truck. Some flatbeds lower their hydraulic frames close to the ground, assisting in winching vehicles onto the truck. Flatbeds also offer more flexibility than car haulers due to smaller dimensions that allow them to access tight residential spaces and navigate narrow, winding roads.

Flatbed drivers must possess advanced skills. A reputable transport company hires only licensed and experienced drivers equipped to handle oversized and heavy-duty vehicles—this specialized expertise covers the meticulous planning required for transporting and maneuvering such vehicles.

Drawbacks of Flatbed Trucks

The added skill level required for operating flatbeds elevates the overall cost. The winching process itself adds to the expense. Also, flatbeds are less readily available compared to car haulers, leading to higher costs and potential waiting periods before service availability. The upside is that fewer vehicles onboard typically result in faster delivery times.

The economics of supply and demand might lead to higher charges from flatbed operators, especially for urgent transport services. Another downside is that flatbeds represent open transport. Vehicles in transit are vulnerable to weather elements and road debris like dirt and small stones, although the risk of such damage is generally low. Assessing these factors can influence your decision-making.

Still not convinced about flatbeds? Let's examine the pros and cons of car haulers to give you a complete picture.

Advantages of Car Haulers

Car haulers are the most prevalent choice for auto transport. Their availability ensures competitive pricing, making them less expensive than flatbeds due to the sheer number of options available. The overall transit cost is divided among multiple customers, typically up to ten, with their vehicles onboard.

Car haulers can be either single or multi-level and are the preferred choice for long-distance transport, including intrastate and interstate journeys, typically defined as distances over 50 miles.

Car haulers negate the need for winches, though some might be necessary for inoperative vehicles. Additionally, they offer enclosed transport options to shield vehicles from the elements, road debris, and theft.

Disadvantages of Car Haulers

These larger trucks lack the maneuverability of flatbeds, limiting their operational zones—they cannot access tight residential areas or navigate narrow, winding roads. This might cause inconvenience and additional expenses for customers, as they may need to pick up their vehicles from secondary locations.

Car haulers are not typically used for heavy-duty vehicles, restricting their utility for transporting bulkier models. Delivery times might be slower due to the higher number of vehicles onboard, requiring some to be dropped off before yours. Some transport companies might offer quicker delivery for an extra fee, which could be a drawback or a benefit depending on your perspective.

Enclosed car hauling costs more than open transport for two reasons: customers pay for greater protection, and fewer vehicles onboard mean higher individual costs. Lower demand for enclosed hauling further inflates the price.

Hence, hiring an experienced and reputable transport company is essential to ensure the right vehicle, safe handling, and fair pricing.

Contact Geyers Towing and Recovery for Expert Assistance

We cater to businesses and individuals irrespective of where you need your vehicles transported. Our versatile fleet can handle cargo of various classes and weights up to 75 tons (150,000 lbs.). All our staff is fully licensed, insured, and WreckMaster-certified to provide exceptional service and care. With 29 years of experience, we are one of the most trusted names in our field, authorized by the Maryland State Police to assist drivers and businesses.

Geyers Towing and Recovery offers 24/7, year-round service. Visit our contact page or call (301) 259-3177 anytime for inquiries or assistance!

Contact us to discuss your requirements for mining trailers. Our experienced sales team can help you determine the best options for your needs.