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Glossary of Auto Transport Terms A specially designed multi-level rail car used to transport automobiles. Autoracks have two or three decks, can carry up to 20 vehicles and have metal side panels and end doors to protect automobiles while in transit. Bi-level or double-deck Autoracks usually transport trucks and large SUV's, while tri-level or triple deck Autoracks usually transport passenger cars. A dedicated train with 70 Autoracks is capable of transporting more than 1,000 vehicles at one time.
Auto Transport
Moving or shipping automobiles as freight. Auto shippers are strongly encouraged to seek out reputable, fully-insured, financially strong car haulers. A new generation of smart, customer-focused auto transport companies are making nationwide transport more convenient and affordable than ever before.
Backhaul
Refers to the car hauler's opportunity to pick up a second load of vehicles close to the destination where they delivered their first load; i.e., returning to the origin of the first load. A to B, then B to A.
Bi-Level Rail Car
A type of rail car used for auto transport, called a bi-level because it has two decks, an upper and a lower. Bi-level capacity is between 8 - 12 vehicles. They are often used to transport vans, pickups and SUVs, or passenger vehicles that have radio antennas or higher profiles that exclude them from fitting on a tri-level rail car.
Car Hauler/Carrier
A company which provides auto transport service; the physical transport of a vehicle.
Car Carrier / Auto Transport Equipment
A specially constructed semi-trailer (unpowered unit) usually capable of transporting up to 9 vehicles. Some include hydraulically operated ramps. Some vehicles are backed onto the trailer while others are driven nose first to help maximize space or meet overhang requirements. Each vehicle is firmly blocked and tied down to help protect it during transit. Large vehicles are usually transported on the upper level of multi-deck transport trailers.
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A complex system of connected trucks, railroads and ships used to transport cars. Car haulers with access to all modes of auto transport have a powerful delivery network that provides efficient auto shipping to meet their customers' time and cost requirements.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Auto transport using a fully enclosed van, semi trailer or rail car, usually with metal sides and a top. Enclosed auto transport offers increased protection against weather, road debris and other hazards especially over long distances. Enclosed truck transport is a premium service which usually costs more than standard open auto transport. Enclosed rail transport is standard and often costs less than open truck transport when moving cars more than 500 miles.
Freight Forwarder
One who assembles small shipments of vehicles into one large consolidated shipment which is then tendered to an auto carrier. Upon reaching destination, the shipment is separated into small shipments and delivered.
Intermodal/Multimodal
The process of shipping a vehicle using more than one mode of auto transport. Offered by only a few select car haulers, intermodal auto transport integrates both short-distance truck transport and long-distance rail service options.
Pick up and transit times may vary based on the transport company you choose. Auto transport usually averages between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on pick-up and delivery locations, availability of the vehicles, shipping capacity, and distance. Most car haulers also offer expedited service at an additional fee.
Ramp
Another word for an intermodal terminal. Ramps were originally structures, permanent or temporary, from which trailers or machinery are driven onto or off of a railroad flatcar.
Shipper
The person for whom the car hauler agrees to move vehicles to a specified destination and at a specified price. Also called "Consignor".
Terminal
A facility provided by a railroad or car hauling company at an intermediate point in its network for the handling of freight; and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding and servicing loads, and interchanging with other carriers. Also referred to as a "ramp" when referencing a rail terminal.
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• Glossary of Auto Transport Terms
• Auto Moving - Car Transport Companies |
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January 23th, 08
The actual truck that transports your vehicle or any freight for that matter is called a Carrier. Other names that a carrier may be called is an auto transporter, transporter, car carrier, car hauler, truck driver, or trucking company. USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) has rules and regulations that transport carriers have to follow.
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September 23th, 08
In certain situations a carrier may need to have high property insurance when transporting high price vehicles or cargo. If you vehicle falls into a high liability category you can request the carrier to show proof of adequate property insurance. If any damages occur during your vehicles transport the carriers insurance will cover it.
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September 23th, 08
Auto Transport Brokers or Transport Brokers handle transport of vehicles or cargo by finding in route trucking companies. After a Broker finds a trucking company they will then make arrangements to pickup your vehicle and lightly oversee it's transport.
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