OPTIONS IN AUTO TRANSPORT

 Airlifting vehicles is an expensive and complicated process. The president’s personal vehicle is airlifted when he makes trips outside of Washington, but personal vehicles are rarely airlifted to their destination. The exception to this is rare and expensive collector cars, racecars, or concept cars that are scheduled to be unveiled at an auto show. Car-carrying ocean vessels are a good choice for bulk auto transport. For example, cars that are imported from overseas often arrive on cargo ships that are built for carrying cars. These ships are exceptionally sturdy, and the process is entirely safe. Toyota sends thousands of cars to the U.S. every year with the use of auto transport ships.  Rail transport is a popular means of auto transport, especially for routes that cover long distances. Trains that transport cars can carry a very large amount, and make the trip more cost effective. There are, however, some limitations in regards to the destination location and specialized equipment required to load and unload vehicles.  Auto transport by way of trucks is the most common form. Even if a new vehicle is shipped to the dealer via boat or train, every new car at some point is carried by truck transport. Many car dealers commission their own car haulers, and sometimes the trucks make the trip half empty. To minimize carbon emissions, green groups are working to encourage auto manufacturers to collaborate and do car transport together, in order to minimize the amount of trucks use to transport vehicles.  Today’s tractor-trailer auto transporters can carry up to twelve vehicles. The transport driver is responsible for loading unloading the rig. He carries a major responsibility because organizing the cars on the car hauler is a complicated process, never mind loading and unloading them. The driver of the auto transporter must take into account time, vehicle size, and the fact that some cars are backed onto the rig while others are driven in nose first to maximize space or meet overhang requirements. The driver is also required to stick to a schedule for pickups and deliveries.  For personal auto transport, customers can choose between auto transport companies and brokers. There are pros and cons to both. Transport companies handle the actual pickup and delivery of the vehicle, and have more control over delivery time. Auto transport brokers do the legwork and, and sell the job to a transport company. A broker may be more flexible with time and pickup or delivery options, because he has access to more car shipping options.  Some car owners who need frequent transport may choose to purchase their own trailer and tow vehicle. There are even drive away agencies who provide a driver to drive the customer’s vehicle to the destination. This is a good option for someone on tight time or budget constraints. However, some customers are not comfortable handing their car over to a stranger to be driven across the country. Their miles will also be racked up.