Complete car hauling guide

Types of vehicles that can be hauled

• Standard passenger vehicles: Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, wagons—the most common hauled vehicles with straightforward transport
• SUVs and crossovers: All sizes from compact crossovers to full-size SUVs—cost 15-30% more than sedans due to size and weight
• Trucks and pickups: Half-ton to heavy-duty trucks including lifted models requiring special clearances
• Vans and minivans: Cargo vans, passenger vans, conversion vans—standard equipment handles these easily
• Luxury and exotic vehicles: High-end vehicles typically use enclosed transport for maximum protection during hauling
• Classic and antique cars: Vintage vehicles requiring special handling and enclosed transport to preserve condition
• Motorcycles: Specialized motorcycle haulers or shared space on vehicle carriers with proper securing equipment
• RVs and motorhomes: Require specialized heavy-duty haulers and routing due to size and weight restrictions
• Boats and watercraft: Some car haulers handle boats on trailers as part of their service offerings
• Commercial vehicles: Fleet hauling for dealerships, rental companies, and businesses moving multiple vehicles
• Non-running vehicles: Any vehicle type that doesn't run requires winch-equipped haulers and costs 10-25% more

Car hauling equipment and carrier types

• Open multi-car carriers: Standard equipment hauling 7-10 vehicles on two-level trailers—used for 90% of shipments
• Enclosed trailers: Covered trailers protecting 2-6 vehicles from weather and road debris—premium service at 50-80% higher cost
• Single-car enclosed trailers: Individual vehicle hauling for ultimate protection—highest cost but maximum care for rare vehicles
• Flatbed haulers: Used for non-running vehicles, special modifications, or oversized vehicles that don't fit standard carriers
• Lowboy trailers: For extremely oversized vehicles, heavy equipment, or vehicles with ground clearance issues
• Driveaway service: Professional drivers drive your vehicle to destination—only for running vehicles, adds mileage
• Hotshot haulers: Smaller rigs hauling 1-3 vehicles with faster, more flexible service at premium prices

How professional car hauling works

Professional car hauling follows a systematic process designed for safety and efficiency. After booking, the hauler assigns a carrier and schedules pickup within your availability window. At pickup, you and the driver inspect the vehicle together, documenting its condition on the Bill of Lading with photos. The driver loads your vehicle onto the carrier using hydraulic ramps, securing it with specialized straps and wheel chocks. During transport, the vehicle stays loaded on the carrier, traveling directly to the destination via interstate highways. Drivers follow Department of Transportation regulations limiting daily driving hours. Upon arrival, the driver contacts you for delivery, unloads the vehicle, and you inspect it again before signing off.

Open vs. enclosed car hauling

Open car hauling uses standard multi-level carriers that transport 7-10 vehicles at once with vehicles exposed to weather. This represents 90% of the industry and works perfectly for most vehicles—even new cars from manufacturers ship this way. Open hauling costs $500-$1,800 depending on distance and provides reliable, economical service. Enclosed car hauling uses covered trailers protecting vehicles from weather, dust, and road debris. It costs 50-80% more but provides premium protection for high-value, classic, exotic, or meticulously maintained vehicles. Choose based on your vehicle's value and your peace of mind—most standard vehicles don't require enclosed hauling.

Specialty car hauling services

• Classic car hauling: Specialized service for vintage vehicles with climate-controlled enclosed trailers and white-glove handling
• Exotic car transport: Premium enclosed hauling for supercars, luxury vehicles, and rare automobiles worth over $100,000
• Show car hauling: Transport to car shows, auctions, or events with precise timing and pristine delivery standards
• Military vehicle hauling: PCS (Permanent Change of Station) shipping for service members with government contracts and special timelines
• Dealership hauling: Fleet transport for auto dealers moving inventory between locations or from auctions
• Auction transport: Specialized pickup from auction sites with rapid turnaround and proper documentation handling
• Snowbird hauling: Seasonal vehicle transport for retirees moving between summer and winter residences
• Student vehicle hauling: College student transport at semester breaks, often with discounts and flexible timing
• Corporate fleet hauling: Business vehicle transport for companies relocating employees or moving company vehicles

Benefits of professional car hauling

• No mileage added: Your vehicle arrives with the same odometer reading it left with—no wear from driving thousands of miles
• Time savings: Avoid 3-5 days of driving for cross-country moves, arriving rested while your vehicle is in transit
• Cost effective: For distances over 1,000 miles, hauling often costs the same or less than driving when factoring lodging, meals, and wear
• Safety: Professional drivers handle transport using proper equipment—reduces accident risk versus long-distance personal driving
• Vehicle protection: Proper securing and professional handling protects your vehicle better than extended highway exposure
• Convenience: Door-to-door service picks up and delivers at your locations—no additional travel needed
• Insurance coverage: Licensed haulers carry $100,000-$250,000 cargo insurance protecting your vehicle during transport
• Multiple vehicle options: Can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously with discounts for shipping more than one

Choosing a reputable car hauler

• Verify licensing: Check USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website—all interstate haulers must have active registration
• Confirm insurance: Require proof of cargo insurance ($100,000-$250,000 minimum) and get Certificate of Insurance in writing
• Read recent reviews: Check Google, BBB, and transport-specific review sites for recent customer experiences
• Get written quotes: Compare 3-5 companies with detailed written quotes including all services and costs
• Ask about experience: Inquire about their experience with your vehicle type and route—specialists perform better
• Check equipment: Verify they have appropriate haulers for your vehicle—enclosed for luxury, winch for non-running
• Review contract terms: Read the full contract including cancellation policy, payment terms, and insurance details
• Avoid red flags: Beware of quotes 20%+ below market, large upfront deposits, or unverifiable company information

Car hauling costs and pricing

Car hauling costs depend on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and timing. Standard open hauling runs $400-$700 for short distances (under 500 miles), $700-$1,200 for medium distances (500-1,500 miles), and $1,200-$1,800 for cross-country (over 1,500 miles). Enclosed hauling costs 50-80% more. Large SUVs and trucks add 20-40% to base rates due to size and weight. Non-running vehicles cost 10-25% more for winch equipment. Summer peak season (June-August) increases prices 15-25% while winter (January-February) offers the best rates. Expedited service adds $200-$400 for guaranteed quick pickup.

Preparing your vehicle for hauling

• Clean the vehicle thoroughly inside and out for accurate damage assessment
• Document condition with 15-20 detailed photos from all angles including any existing damage
• Remove all personal items—hauler insurance only covers the vehicle, not belongings
• Check and adjust tire pressure to manufacturer specifications for safe loading
• Keep fuel tank at 1/4 full or less to reduce weight during hauling
• Disable alarm systems to prevent battery drain and false alarms during transport
• Secure or remove loose parts, antennas, and aftermarket accessories
• Note any existing damage on a written list to compare after delivery
• Verify fluid levels are adequate but not overfilled
• Have all required documents ready: ID, registration, insurance proof, and title if applicable