One of the most important decisions to make when preparing to ship a car is what type of carrier to use. Auto transport services tend to use multi-car carriers that can accommodate the shipment of multiple vehicles over long distances using large trailers. These carriers often transport cars to dealers, auto auctions, and families and businesses along highways.
Car-Transport.org helps customers find the right transportation for their needs. For the average driver, multi-car carriers are the cheapest form of car transport aside from the few exceptions. This guide will detail the benefits and drawbacks of using multi-car carriers in order to help car owners decide if they are the right option for their car shipping situation.
Understanding What Multi-Car Carriers Are
Multi-car, multi-level, or multi-vehicle carriers are large open or enclosed six- to 10-vehicle trailers or truck bodies that are most commonly used for automobile transport over long distances, especially between states or regions, making such carriers the most commonly used method of vehicle transport by transport companies.
You’ll typically see two main types:
- Open multi-car carriers: The most common and economical choice.
- Enclosed multi-car carriers: Transporting luxury or other high-value vehicles, providing additional protection from damage.
- Depending on your individual needs, budget, and vehicle, each has its own advantages.
The Major Pros of Multi-Car Carriers
Transporting by a multi-car carrier is the most widely used option. The main advantages can be summarized as follows.
Lower Shipping Costs
Because these transports can carry more than one vehicle, costs per vehicle are minimized. Fuel, labor and tolls can be divided by the number of vehicles transported. Open multi-car carriers, therefore, are the cheapest means of vehicle transport.
This makes them ideal for:
- Families moving cross-country
- Car dealerships
- Fleet relocations
- Students and seasonal travelers
In fact, shipping several cars in one trip allows carriers to be more efficient, and those savings go straight to you.
Widespread Availability
Open multi-car carriers are the most common auto transport trailer and are therefore more readily available and more easily found in more areas.
- Faster pickup times
- More flexible scheduling
- Greater route coverage
At Car-Transport.org our national network of transport carriers means we will be able to find the right carrier for your shipment quickly, even in busy times.
Ideal for Standard Vehicles
Multi-car carriers are an easy, reliable way to transport sedans, SUVs, vans and trucks of all makes and types.
Efficient Cross-Country Transport
Carriers that transport multiple vehicles usually operate well established long-distance routes and are therefore somewhat reliable for:
- Coast-to-coast moves
- Interstate relocations
- Seasonal auto transport
Long-haul experience leads to fewer delays and more predictable delivery windows for shipments.
Environmentally Friendly Option
The use of multi-car carriers allows shipping to become more fuel efficient, due to a lower number of trucks needed in transportation, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions per car shipped.
The Cons of Multi-Car Carriers
Despite their advantages, there are also some disadvantages to using multi-car carriers that may make them less suitable.
Longer Pickup and Delivery Windows
Because multi-car carriers have multiple stops, they allow carriers a larger window for when a vehicle is picked up and delivered. The time frame may be up to a few days longer than with single-vehicle transport.
While not an issue for most customers, this is a concern for customers with time-sensitive packages.
Less Customization and Personalization
Multi-car carriers are run on an efficiency basis.
- Limited special handling
- No custom scheduling
- Set routes rather than tailored trips
For a more customized service, or for precise pick-up and drop-off times, consider an enclosed or specialty service.
Exposure to Weather and Road Elements (Open Carriers)
Open multi-car carriers leave vehicles exposed to:
- Dust and debris
- Rain and snow
- Sun and wind
This usually does not cause important damage, but owners of higher-end vehicles, antiques, or luxury automobiles may prefer enclosed multi-car transport.
May Not Work for Oversized or Low-Clearance Vehicles
Multi-car carriers generally accommodate most passenger vehicles on the road today, but semi-lifted trucks, lowered sports cars, and tall vans may not fit on this type of carrier, or may not be loaded and unloaded in a safe manner. Car-Transport.org will accommodate alternative arrangements for these exceptions, noting any exceptions in advance of pick up or delivery.
Slightly Longer Transit Times
The main disadvantage of multi-car carriers (compared to dedicated or single-car transport) is the additional time needed to load and unload the cars en route, although this is usually outweighed by any cost savings.
When Multi-Car Carriers Are the Best Choice
Multi-car carriers are typically the best option when:
- You want the most affordable transport method
- Your vehicle is standard size and shape
- Your delivery timeline is flexible
- You’re shipping more than one car
- You prefer nationwide availability and easy scheduling
Multi-car carriers are a reliable, convenient transport method for the millions of cars shipped around the world.
When to Consider Other Transport Options
You may want to explore alternatives if:
- You own a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle
- You need guaranteed delivery times
- You require a fully enclosed transport environment
- Your vehicle is oversized or custom-modified
According to the specs, Car-Transport.org can help you make the safest, most suitable choice.
Why Choose Car-Transport.org for Multi-Car Carrier Services?
Our experience, efficiency, and service-minded approach will provide you with reliable nationwide vehicle transport services.
With us, you receive:
- Competitive pricing for multi-car shipments
- Access to trusted open and enclosed carriers
- Licensed and insured transport partners
- Transparent quotes with no hidden fees
- Dedicated support from start to finish
Thanks to our hundreds of professional carriers, you can rest assured your vehicle delivered safely and on time!
Final Thoughts
Multi-car carriers have their pros and cons, but their cheapness, convenience and abundance make them the most commonly used vehicle shipping method for the average customer. However, depending on your timeline, vehicle type, or protection needs, you may want to consider other types of transit in addition to standard armored vehicles.
For professional expertise and reliable transportation, Car-Transport.org will help you make your shipping process easy and inexpensive.
