Car Shipping on an Open Trailer: How Drivers Load Multiple Cars Efficiently

When it comes to car shipping, open transport is the most common and cost-effective method used across the U.S. You’ve probably seen large trucks carrying multiple vehicles on highways—these are open car haulers transporting cars for dealerships, auctions, and individual customers. But have you ever wondered how these professional drivers manage to load and secure multiple vehicles on a single trailer?

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how car haulers load and transport multiple cars, the different types of open trailers used in auto transport, and what makes this process so efficient.

What Is Open Car Shipping?

Open car shipping involves transporting vehicles on an uncovered trailer, exposing them to weather and road conditions. While some customers worry about their vehicles being exposed to dust, rain, or debris, open car transport is a highly safe and efficient option used by the majority of auto transport companies.

Compared to enclosed transport, open car shipping is:
✅ More affordable – Lower costs due to higher vehicle capacity.
✅ More efficient – Faster scheduling and delivery times.
✅ Widely available – Used by dealerships, manufacturers, and private owners nationwide.

Types of Open Car Haulers

Not all open trailers are the same. Depending on the type of transport job, auto haulers use different kinds of trailers to carry multiple cars at once.

1. 10-Car Hauler (High-Mount or Stinger Trailer)

This is the most common type of trailer for long-distance car transport. These trailers typically hold up to 9 or 10 cars at a time.

• Design: Features multiple levels with adjustable ramps.
• Capacity: Up to 10 vehicles, depending on their size.
• Common Uses: New and used car dealerships, auto auctions, and manufacturer transport.

These trailers are designed with a lower center of gravity to improve stability, making them easier to maneuver on highways.

2. 7-Car Hauler (Shorter Open Carrier)

A slightly smaller version of the 10-car hauler, this trailer can fit 6 to 7 vehicles and is used for shorter routes or regional deliveries.

• Design: A two-level trailer with fewer loading positions.
• Capacity: Up to 7 vehicles.
• Common Uses: Shorter-distance deliveries, dealership swaps, and personal vehicle transport.

3. 3- to 5-Car Hauler (Hotshot Trailer)

Hotshot trailers are used for quick, direct deliveries, often by independent owner-operators.

• Design: A flatbed-style trailer with either ramps or hydraulic lifts.
• Capacity: Typically 3 to 5 vehicles.
• Common Uses: Expedited car shipping, personal moves, and single-car transport requests.

These are ideal for customers looking for a faster shipping option, as hotshot truckers often work on more flexible schedules.

4. Single-Car Open Trailer

This type of transport is typically used for special requests or short-distance moves. It’s not as common but may be the best option for high-value vehicles needing special attention.

How Do Drivers Load Multiple Cars on an Open Trailer?

Loading a multi-car trailer is a highly skilled process that requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of vehicle weight distribution. Here’s how drivers handle this complex task:

1. Assessing Vehicle Size & Weight Distribution

Before loading begins, drivers must calculate the total weight of the vehicles and position them strategically. Placing heavier cars in the wrong spot can make the trailer unbalanced, causing safety risks on the road.

2. Using Ramps & Hydraulic Lifts

Most open trailers come with hydraulic ramps that allow for easy vehicle loading and adjustments. Cars are carefully driven onto the trailer, one at a time.

3. Positioning Vehicles on Multiple Levels

• The heaviest vehicles are usually placed on the bottom to maintain a low center of gravity.
• Lighter vehicles go on the top deck to prevent the trailer from becoming top-heavy.
• Vehicles are spaced strategically to avoid damage during transport.

4. Securing Cars with Straps & Chains

Once all vehicles are in place, drivers use heavy-duty straps, chains, and wheel chocks to secure them. The goal is to ensure that the cars stay completely stable even at high speeds or over rough terrain.

5. Final Safety Checks

Before hitting the road, the driver performs a full safety inspection, checking for any loose straps, proper weight distribution, and clearance between vehicles.

Benefits of Shipping a Car on an Open Trailer

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Is Open Transport Right for You?

If you need a reliable, cost-effective way to ship your car across the country, open auto transport is a great choice. It’s the preferred option for car dealerships, manufacturers, and thousands of private customers every day.

At Corja Auto Hauling, we specialize in safe and efficient open car transport across the USA. Our experienced drivers carefully load and secure your vehicle to ensure it arrives safely and on time.

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