What is Car Transport?

Car transport (also called vehicle transport) is the movement of cars and other vehicles on purpose-built trucks known as car carriers or transporters. It lets dealers, manufacturers, rental fleets and private owners move vehicles between locations without driving them, protecting mileage and condition.

Types of car transport

• Open transport: vehicles travel on an open multi-car carrier; the most common and cost-effective option.
• Enclosed transport: vehicles travel in a closed trailer, protected from weather and road debris; used for premium, classic or high-value cars.
• Single-car vs multi-car: a single transporter for one vehicle (often a tow truck or flatbed) versus a multi-car carrier moving several at once on longer routes.

How car transport works

The vehicle is loaded and secured onto the carrier, moved by road to its destination and unloaded. Distances range from short local moves to long international routes, and requirements vary by country, for example right- or left-hand drive and vehicle condition rules.

Car transport in road freight

Car transport is a specialised branch of road freight. Like any haulage, the carrier has to plan routes, account for the size and weight of the loaded transporter, and price the job accurately, which is where a route and cost planner helps.