Dealer Transporting
It’s quite ironic that automobiles require transportation despite being designed to provide transportation. Nevertheless, millions of vehicles are transported every year by road by use of specialized trailers all over the country for various reasons. Since a driven vehicle is considered used, dealerships would reject cars that have been driven to them. That’s where MIE Auto Transport Inc come’s in. Regardless of the location, we specialize in multivehicle transportation.
How it Works
Every new vehicle at some point in its delivery to the dealership is carried by truck transport. It’s not hard for automakers to roll up the mileage. Toyota alone averages 45 million total highway miles annually to deliver 2 million vehicles to nearly 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealers across the country .
Today’s tractor-trailer auto transporters can carry up to 12 vehicles. The rigs are designed so that the tractor can support up to four vehicles and eight vehicles are placed on the double-deck trailer. The tractor-trailer rigs utilize hydraulically operated ramps. Each ramp can be lowered or raised to provide a smooth approach for loading or to clear vehicles under it when the trailer is fully loaded. The ramps can also be tilted to maximize the available space by tucking the end of one vehicle under another .
The transport driver is responsible for loading and unloading the rig. This operation has been compared to solving a 3D puzzle because of the time, vehicle size and scheduling issues that have to be juggled. Obviously, the first car loaded can’t be the first car delivered, or else the entire trailer has to be unloaded. Some cars are backed onto the trailer while others are driven in nose first to maximize space or meet overhang requirements. Larger vehicles are usually on the top level. An experienced driver can load and secure a trailer of familiar, similar-sized vehicles in about 90 minutes. A load of different-sized vehicles can take up four hours .
For the average motorist traveling behind an open-trailer auto transporter, the obvious fear is a vehicle falling off onto the highway. Officials say such an incident is extremely rare because each vehicle is secured at four locations. Chains and straps are used to secure vehicles to the trailer.
Most cars are manufactured with specific tie-down holes in the chassis or frame. Chains with specialized hooks to fit those holes are ratcheted tight to secure the vehicles to the transport trailer. The transporters even have specific requirements for the mounting angle of the chain from the vehicle to the trailer. Luxury and exotic automakers require less intrusive methods. The strap system utilizes high-strength straps that are positioned over each tire and tightened to the trailer, eliminating scratches or dents to the vehicle chassis.
Both methods are very secure. Transporters that have flipped in an accident have been known not to lose a single vehicle.
Transportation
Despite being exposed to the atmosphere, this method is as efficient as any other service we offer. We take great care of the cargo to ensure it reaches its destination free of damage. Our drivers understand the concept of value and navigate through the safest possible routes to avoid scratching of the vehicles. With the capacity to transport several cars at once in an open carrier trailer, this method has become common. Most people are familiar with this method since it's clear to see and vehicles are exposed to the atmosphere. Although we indiscriminately provide our services to our clients according to their requests, we weigh in a few factors before recommending the open carrier auto transport services. For instance, the free carrier method does not shield the vehicles from dust, wind, rain, sunshine, snow, insects and other natural elements. Before you opt for an open carrier auto transport service, we fully disclose the upsides and downsides.