“Start with the basics. How many vehicles are you moving? What are they? How far are they going, and how fast do you need delivery? Add your protection needs and budget, and we’ll point you to the best option.”
Read Time: 5 minutes.
Moving several cars at the same time saves money and simplifies logistics. Capacity matters for dealerships, families with multiple vehicles, online buyers, and relocations. The right trailer decides how many units can be moved in one trip.
AutoTransport.com provides a wide variety of transport services, including multi-vehicle transport.
A few factors drive capacity. Keep these in mind as you plan a bulk shipment:
Flatbed capacity usually ranges from one to four cars. The exact number comes down to trailer type, deck length, axle ratings, and what you’re loading.
If you’re mixing sizes, plan for fewer total spots. We’ll verify bumper-to-bumper length and weight, then confirm the count before dispatch.
An open carrier is the standard double-deck car hauler you see on the highway. Vehicles ride outside on adjustable racks. It’s the most available and cost-friendly way to move cars long distance.
Open equipment comes in a few styles. Single-level rigs move 3 to 4 vehicles. Hotshot and compact double-deck trailers handle 4 to 6. Full-size stinger-steered sets run two levels and typically carry 7 to 10, depending on the mix.
A standard “10-car” hauler might carry 8 midsize sedans. Swap in taller SUVs and you may see 6 to 8. The 80,000-pound gross limit and bridge formulas set the ceiling, so drivers sometimes leave an open slot to keep the load legal.
Additionally, when you transport several automobiles at once, you’re assisting the drivers to fill their truck, and that’s why they provide discounts for clients transferring many cars at once. Therefore, shipping many autos at once saves you money on transport costs by taking advantage of the affordable shipping freight rates.
Enclosed transport places vehicles inside a box trailer. Cars are protected from weather and road debris, and load via ramps or liftgates. Capacity ranges from 2 to 6 vehicles based on the trailer and the size of the cars.
Single-level enclosed trailers often handle 1 to 3 vehicles. Multi-level enclosed carriers add interior decks that can move 4 to 6 when the mix is favorable. Enclosed is the smart pick for exotics, luxury models, collector cars, and fresh restorations that need extra protection and privacy.
Some vehicles don’t fit on standard car racks. Lifted pickups, tall vans, limousines, small buses, and RVs often require specialty equipment. Step-deck and lowboy trailers drop the deck height so taller bodies ride under bridge limits.
Because of weight and space, these loads can drop to 1 or 2 vehicles per trailer.
Start with the basics. How many vehicles are you moving? What are they? How far are they going, and how fast do you need delivery? Add your protection needs and budget, and we’ll point you to the best option.
Typical cost patterns:
Clients pick us due to our clear process and safeguards. Start with our step-by-step guide on how we ship your car. From quote to delivery, your dispatcher keeps you updated while our logistics team matches your load to the right carrier. If you’re ready to talk it through, contact our dispatch team online or call 888-254-5122.
Plan on about 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full open carrier when cars are staged. Residential pickups can take longer because drivers may reposition vehicles to balance height and weight.
Yes. Drivers build a mix that meets height, length, and axle limits. They load for balance and secure each car to the deck.
There isn’t a set number. The true limit is the 80,000-pound gross cap, axle weights, and size rules.
Auto carriers hold liability and cargo coverage for the load. The cargo limit applies to the entire trailer, then claims are handled per the bill of lading.
Yes. Book winch service and note that pickup windows and pricing may change because loading takes more time and equipment.
William Thomas
Expert in all in things auto-transport, William Thomas is the dispatch manager and marketing team contributor for AutoTransport.com
