Best Car Hauling Truck/Trailer for Coast-to-Coast?

[peter987]

I am looking to get into the car hauling business and am trying to figure out what the best/most efficient truck trailer set up is to haul 9 cars coast to coast. Any advice in my appreciated.

[Lantern]

I've been looking into this as well. Any one have any advice?

[cobraboy]

You cant go wrong with a 379 Pete w/a Cottrell Highrail (strap)

[Speedloader]

I concur with cobraboy, definately go with a strap unit especially if you're buying a new unit. Straps are the wave of the future. But instead of a high rack trailer, you may consider something like a Cottrell NexGen, that way you can haul more cabs and chassis etc etc, whatever loads you get, a NexGen type unit will open up your gear to more varitey of loads.

http://www.cottrelltrailers.com/p45-model-cx-09lst.php

' Luck

[Speedloader]

BTW - that link shows an Allied truck with 7 half tons on ALL STRAPPED !! and under 14' - 2 years ago if someone told me they could put 7 half tons on a quick-loader with straps -- and be under 14', I'd have wanted to see what they were smoking !! But there it is.

[mastllc]

im wondering with the units strapped and under 14', how much bounce is still left in the suspension. im wondering cause what if you come up to a bridge thats gonna be close and hit a bump and the units bumps up to the bridge?

[Speedloader]

im wondering with the units strapped and under 14', how much bounce is still left in the suspension. im wondering cause what if you come up to a bridge thats gonna be close and hit a bump and the units bumps up to the bridge?

Well, in most cases, if you're a broker, then the damage is on you. Not everyone can run 14'. It just depends on what you're permitted for, and what lanes you run. If you're planing on running 13'6'', then make sure your strapped units won't bounce above that mark. That means strapping everything down a few inches below 13-6. Generaly speaking, strapped units will move more then if they're chained, but they bounce down more then up.

[LBZ]

Well, in most cases, if you're a broker, then the damage is on you.

Curious, wouldn't that damage fall onto the carrier? Most brokers I know would defer & deject most anything, besides their $10k bond would be toast.

All kidding aside, would assume those damages would have to be paid for by the carrier.

[cobraboy]

I run a Cottrell strap truck on the north east so i always run 13'6 or less. at times i have no more than two fingers distance between roofs and upper deck. These cars for the most part bounce down and dont pass their original sitting possition. remember the worst ridding spot on a trailer is the rear bottom.

[Speedloader]

Curious, wouldn't that damage fall onto the carrier? Most brokers I know would defer & deject most anything, besides their $10k bond would be toast.

All kidding aside, would assume those damages would have to be paid for by the carrier.

Not in car haul. Damage is usually on the broker. I know of no carrier that picks up o/o damages. O/O cargo insurance takes all new meaning in car haul. $10 k bond ?? Here's an example: If a Ford takes roof damage of $500 or more, then the unit is written off. So if it's any Ford product, let alone an F-350 King Ranch or an SVT Shelby, then there's your $10 bond, or your one shot with the insurance company and a good-bye kiss.