RPM understands that loading and unloading autos for transport is a big deal, which is why we use a proven system. Here’s everything you need to know about how RPM loads and unloads autos for transport, keeping your vehicle safe every step of the way:
What Are Some of the Different Transport Options?
Not all car transport is the same. As a result, the loading and unloading process may vary depending on which transport options you choose. Here are some of the transport options you can choose from which may affect how your car is loaded and unloaded from the transport trailer:
Open Transport
Open transport is by far the most popular method of transport. It involves transporting vehicles in an open carrier. Most open carriers are actually double-decker carriers designed to fit many cars at the same time.
Although open transport comes with more risks since vehicles are left more exposed, it’s still ideal for most cars and costs a lot less than enclosed transport.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport involves transporting vehicles in an enclosed carrier. Enclosed carriers are typically smaller than open carriers. Most can only fit a few cars at a time. As a result, enclosed transport tends to be more expensive and is only recommended for particularly valuable vehicles that require extra protection during transport, including luxury vehicles and antique vehicles.
Door-to-Door Service
Door-to-door service is a special service offered by auto transport companies wherein your transport driver comes directly to an address of your choosing to both pick up and drop off your vehicle. This address can be a work or a home location, based on what’s convenient for you.
Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Terminal-to-terminal service typically costs less than door-to-door service since you’re responsible for transporting your car to and from an auto transport company before and after transport. From there, a driver will load all cars at the same time once there’s enough for transport.
Loading a Car on a Trailer: Why It’s Best Left to the Pros
While loading a car onto a trailer may look easy, it’s more complicated than you think. For this reason, the process is best left to the pros at RPM, who have the knowledge and experience needed to safely secure and eventually transport your vehicle.
Letting a Professional Load Your Car on a Trailer Minimizes Risks
For starters, letting a professional load your car instead of doing it yourself helps minimize the risk involved in the process. And while there’s no way to eliminate risk completely, it’s worthwhile to do whatever you can to protect one of your most valuable assets — your vehicle.
RPM understands the value of your asset, which is why we only work with the most experienced drivers with the proper licenses and training.
Car Transport Professionals Use a Tried-and-True System for Loading Vehicles
Additionally, car transport professionals used a tried-and-true system for loading vehicles. The loading process is more involved than randomly driving different vehicles onto the trailer. Instead, the vehicles on the trailer need to be properly arranged for safety and efficiency purposes.
Unless you’re transporting your car on its own, your car will be placed on a trailer with other vehicles that need to be arranged in a specific way to fit onto the trailer and keep it balanced while it’s on the road. For this reason, you will need to provide information about your vehicle’s type, weight, and size prior to transport.
Using this information and information on the other vehicles in the shipment, the driver will come up with the best possible arrangement. This process is similar to a challenging puzzle, which is why it’s best left to the experts who have the formulas and expertise needed to create an arrangement that’s both safe and efficient.
Professional Auto Transporters Know How To Handle Unexpected Issues
Even with extensive experience, unexpected issues can occur during the loading process. In this case, it’s even more important to work with professionals who have likely experienced these issues before and know how to properly handle them, prevent damage, and get things back on track.
How To Load a Car on a Trailer: The RPM Method
Thanks to years of experience, RPM has developed an efficient and effective method of loading cars onto a trailer. Here’s a quick rundown of the legendary RPM method:
An Auto Transport Driver Parks the Vehicle in Line With the Transport Truck
First, the auto transport driver will park the vehicle in line with the transport truck so it can be easily driven up the ramp. The driver will check to ensure both vehicles are located on a level surface. The driver will also make sure that there’s enough room around both vehicles to work with.
The Driver Prepares the Auto Transport for Loading
Next, the driver will prepare the auto transport for loading by first engaging the parking brake on the tow vehicle so that it remains securely in place during loading. After that, the driver will check to make sure that the coupler and safety chains are properly in place and attached to the vehicle.
From there, the driver will lower the rear stabilizers or manually stabilize the trailer by placing blocking under the rear. Lastly, the driver will take the ramps and make sure that they’re properly secured to the end of the auto transport trailer and are properly aligned with the tires of the vehicle.
Driving a Car Onto a Transport Truck Safely
Now, it’s time to actually load the car onto the trailer by driving it on. However, safely driving a car onto a transport truck is easier said than done, which is why it’s best left to the experts at RPM. Using your keys, the driver will get into the car, turn it on, and slowly drive up the ramps onto the trailer.
Should You Engage the Parking Brake When Transporting Your Car?
RPM always recommends engaging the parking brake when transporting your car. The parking brake is designed differently than the pedal brakes in the car and works independently of this hydraulic braking system. Instead, the parking brake locks the wheels and keeps them securely in place throughout transport — minimizing movement and, thereby, the risk of damage.
Transporting a Car: Final Steps for Safety
After your car has been driven onto the transport trailer, the driver will conduct a few final steps for safety. Most importantly, the driver will secure your vehicle to the trailer using the appropriate straps, chains, or other types of tension devices, depending on the trailer.
Once your vehicle has been secured to the trailer, the driver will remove the ramps and return them to their storage position. From there, the driver will return the rear stabilizer to its original position or remove the blocking from under the rear of the trailer so that they can get on the road.
Why Is the RPM Method the Best Method?
RPM is a top logistics provider in vehicle transportation with over 10 years in the business and over 40,000 vetted carriers. During this time and thanks to this network, we have amassed more than 2,000 customers and handle thousands of shipments a day.
Drivers for RPM have to meet several qualifications to ensure the safe transport of customers’ vehicles, including but not limited to:
- A valid MC/MX or U.S. Department of Transportation number
- A valid Tax Identification Number (EIN) and federal tax information
- A Certificate of Insurance with at least $1,000,000 in general liability coverage, $1,000,000 in auto liability/bodily injury and property damage coverage, $100,000 in cargo coverage, and statutory limits of workers’ compensation
The combination of experienced drivers and experienced logistics professionals at RPM results in the safe and efficient RPM method of loading and unloading cars for transport.
Unloading a Car Off a Transport Truck
Once your car has reached its destination, it’s time to unload it and get the keys back. Here’s what you need to know for a seamless unloading process:
Transporting a Car: What Happens When It Arrives?
Upon arrival, the transport driver will be responsible for completing a post-trip inspection. During this inspection, the driver will look over the car to ensure that it did not sustain any damage during the trip.
Even though the driver will conduct their own inspection, it’s always a good idea for you to do one as well. After all, it’s your car. You’re the one who’s going to have to deal with any issues. As a result, it’s always recommended that you inspect your car on the spot so you can quickly address any issues that you may find.
Safely Unloading a Car From a Transport Truck
The good news is that the unloading process is a lot faster and easier than the loading process. To unload the car, the driver will set up the ramps and ensure they’re properly aligned. After that, the driver will remove all the straps and chains used to secure the car to the trailer. Finally, they will get in the car, turn it on, and slowly drive it off the trailer.
How To Prepare a Car for Loading, Unloading, and Transport
Before you can safely load and transport a car, you must properly prepare it. Here’s exactly what you need to do to ensure a safe transport process:
- Start by cleaning both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, removing any dirt and imperfections. Also, make sure to remove any removable items from inside and outside the vehicle, including things like dashboard cameras, trash cans, rear spoilers, luggage racks, etc.
- Next, thoroughly inspect the vehicle and note any damages or imperfections, including but not limited to scratches, dings, and dents. While you’re inspecting the vehicle, take pictures of any problem areas in addition to the vehicle in its entirety. If you want to be even more thorough, you can take videos as well.
- After that, you need to make sure that your car is in good condition for transport. This includes checking the radiator, battery, and tires. You need to make sure that there’s enough antifreeze in the radiator and that the battery is fully charged, especially for longer journeys that will take several days. Finally, make sure that your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. If you encounter any engine and mechanical problems, have these problems addressed by a qualified mechanic before loading your car for transport.
- Now, you need to empty your gas tank as much as possible to avoid putting extra weight on the trailer that could affect the loading and overall transport process. An ideal amount of gas is somewhere between ¼ tank and ⅛ tank so that you still have enough gas to get you around before the vehicle is picked up and after it’s dropped off.
- Before you can load your car, the last step is to disable the alarm, if there is one, to make sure that it doesn’t go off while on the road and inconvenience the driver.
Now that your car is ready for transport, all you need to do is hand over the keys to the driver so they can begin the loading process and hit the road in a timely manner.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best and safest transport for your vehicles from loading to unloading, look no further than RPM. Reach out to our transportation specialists today for a personalized quote.
Sources:
Do I Really Need an Enclosed Car Carrier? | Move.org
Loading & Unloading Vehicles Safely | Health and Safety Executive
8 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Auto Transport | Moving.com
