A car carrier, also known as a car carrier, auto transporter, or truck carrier, is a specialised vehicle or shipping method for the transport of cars, motorcycles, light trucks and construction machinery. Car carriers are used by car removal in Dandenong, shipping companies and the auto transport industry for ground transportation of wheeled cargo, from standard passenger cars to oversized vehicles like recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles.
Car removal services often use flatbed or enclosed carriers to move vehicles from private properties to recycling or disposal facilities.
What is a Vehicle Carrier
A vehicle carrier is any auto transport carrier truck or carrier ship used to move vehicles during ground transportation or over sea routes. These carriers come in various capacity options, single-deck, multi-deck carriers and enclosed auto transport carriers, depending on the type of vehicle, delivery location and level of protection required.
Whether you’re transporting high-value vehicles, construction equipment or removing damaged cars, choosing the right carrier service means safe unloading, minimal damage during transport and fast delivery.
Types of Vehicle Carriers
There are different types of auto carriers in the auto transport industry, each suited for different vehicle transport services, from individual vehicle pickup to bulk carriers moving automobile exports across shipping routes.
Open Car Carrier (Open-Air Carriers)
An open-air car carrier or multi-car carrier is a common type used for the transport of cars, like standard passenger vehicles or pickup trucks. These auto transport trailers have decks without walls, allowing multiple vehicles to be loaded. They are cost-effective but offer minimal protection from road debris and weather conditions.
Enclosed Car Carrier (Enclosed Car Carrier Trucks)
Enclosed car carriers or enclosed trailers offer extra security and extra protection for high-value cars, classic cars or vehicles in pristine condition. These specialised transportation vehicles have liftable decks and portable fire extinguishers and are ideal for minimising damage from movement or pre-existing damage during transit.
Flatbed Tow Trucks and Flatbed Carriers
Flatbed carriers or flatbed vehicle carriers are used for single car hauliers, oversized vehicles or vehicles during shipments that require special handling. They are good for construction machinery, damaged vehicles or vehicles for auto transport that can’t be driven.
Multi-Level Car Transporters (Multi-Deck Carriers)
Multi-level car transporters, also known as multi-deck capacity carriers, are found in commercial car carrier trailers. They are used for bulk transportation of vehicles and have hoistable decks, external ramps and stern quarter ramps for loading vehicles.
Vehicle Carrier Types Comparison Table
| Type of Carrier | Capacity | Use Case | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Car Carrier | 6–10 vehicles | Auctions, dealerships, long-distance | Low |
| Enclosed Car Carrier | 1–6 vehicles | Classic/luxury car transport | High |
| Flatbed Tow Truck | 1 vehicle | Car removal, emergency towing | Medium |
| Multi-Level Car Transporter | 6–12 vehicles | Commercial fleet or bulk transport | Low to Medium |
Why Vehicle Carriers Matter in Car Removal
In old car removal operations, vehicle carriers are crucial for moving unregistered, uncollected, or scrap vehicles. Whether using a flatbed haulier for a single car or a multi-car carrier for fleet disposal, using the right carriers ensures no damage in transit and that logistics are smooth.
Companies like Old Cars Removed in Melbourne use trusted car carrier services for:
- Fast ground transport
- Registration and transport compliance
- Fuel-efficient carriers
- Personal belongings and vehicle protection
Vehicle Carriers and Registration
For legal purposes, both the vehicle carrier and the vehicle during transport must be documented. In most Australian states, including Victoria, unregistered cars being removed via carrier must have a notice of disposal, vehicle details and proof of ownership.
Some specialist car carriers have express services for faster transit times, while others use container ships for international car shipping.
Vehicle Transport and Payment Options
Vehicle carriers offer various shipping methods and payment options, including:
- Cash for cars
- Direct debit
- Electronic payment surcharges
- Bank transfers
Depending on the type of auto transport, customers may also need to provide:
- Preferred pickup times
- Distance
- Delivery dates
- Shipping agent contact
These details help calculate the price, considering fuel prices, transit times and the type of carrier used.
FAQ
What is a vehicle carrier truck called?
It’s called an auto transporter, car carrier, truck carrier or auto transport carrier truck,high-value depending on the function and configuration.
Are enclosed car carriers better for high-value cars?
Yes, enclosed car carriers offer extra protection from dust, weather and road debris, making them perfect for high-value vehicle transport.
Can commercial vehicles and construction equipment be shipped?
Yes. Flatbed carriers and multi-deck carriers can carry larger vehicles, construction equipment and commercial vehicles with plenty of space and proper cargo handling equipment.
What affects the cost of vehicle transport?
Type of vehicle, carrier loading process, shipping option, fuel prices, transit time and delivery location.
What’s the safest way to transport a vehicle over long distances?
An enclosed auto transport carrier is the safest, especially for high-value vehicles, to minimise damage to vehicles or personal belongings.