What are the advantages of transporting cars by truck?
Trucks carrying new or used cars are a common sight on the road. The automotive industry, car dealers, importers and resellers, and car rental companies all make regular use of this type of service. It's the classic and most suitable means of transport, more flexible and less expensive than rail or courier. Private individuals are often unaware that they can also use car transport by truck. Compared to other modes of transport, truck transport offers a number of advantages. It's flexible, reliable, secure and, above all, very economical.
A transport solution for private and business customers
Whether in France, Europe or abroad, private individuals and professionals alike may need to move vehicles. There's no shortage of transport options, including rail ( reserved for vehicle manufacturers ), ferrying, trucking or even individual trailers.
The end of the auto-train service for private customers
It is no longer possible for private individuals to travel by train with their car. For a long time, SNCF operated an auto-train service from Paris-Bercy station to the south of France. Due to a lack of profitability, the railroad company has put an end to the auto-train service in December 2019.
This economical and rather environmentally-friendly method had the merit ofavoiding traffic jams on the way to vacation. If you're moving house or going on vacation, there's always truck transport. Few people think of it, but it's an affordable solution for those who can afford to have their vehicle transported and travel by plane or train. What's more, it's often prestige cars that are involved, those that their owners can't or don't want to rent at their holiday destination. On a completely different level, it also offers the advantage of being able to transport a broken-down vehicle.
The tailor-made vehicle conveying method
Auto convoying is also an alternative to truck transport. A courier takes charge of the vehicle and drives it for you. If you use a private driver, this service is still quite attractive in terms of price. On the other hand, there are few guarantees on delivery times, and the quality of driving is uncertain. Platforms offering this service sometimes take several days to find a driver willing to take your car.
In this case, you can call on the services of a specialized courier company. The professional driver takes charge of the vehicle immediately. Delivery takes place within 24 to 48 hours. This solution guarantees shorter delivery times than trailer or groupage transport. It is, however, much more expensive, and only possible with a vehicle on wheels.
The cost of transporting a vehicle on a flatbed or trailer
Transporting vehicles on flatbeds or trailers is becoming increasingly common. Whether it's an import vehicle, a long-distance move or the repatriation of a broken-down car, specialized transporters are regularly called upon to provide this type of service. What are the current rates?
Advantages and limitations of professional groupage car transport
VSEs and SMEs frequently resort to groupage. This allows them to share costs and risks with other customers. This mode of transport is financially more accessible, especially for small volumes. For carriers, this practice contributes to increased productivity. They lower their operating costs and limit their carbon footprint by optimizing load rates.
While the price remains attractive, carriers do not guarantee delivery times. Groupage can lead to load breaks. It is not suitable for sensitive vehicles that must not be handled too often. That's why some companies prefer dedicated express transport: 1 vehicle for one means of transport, driven by a professional driver.
The cost of transporting a car by truck
Quotations are calculated according to the distance to be covered, and there may be a surcharge for insurance on high-value vehicles. The pick-up and delivery location also has an impact on the final price, which may vary according to the complexity of access. If the carrier has several sites, he may offer center-to-center pickup and delivery. Otherwise, door-to-door delivery is the preferred option. Individualized transport costs between 200 and 500 euros.
If a vehicle is not running or has broken down, special equipment is required. Not all trucks are equipped with a winch to pull the vehicle onto the trailer. As a result, the haulier charges extra for additional equipment and handling, and the response time is also longer.
Guarantees offered by car transport by truck
Road haulage dominates the transport of goods and vehicles in France, as well as internationally. It offers a high degree of flexibility, particularly on routes of less than 1,000 km. Road transport benefits from a dense network, enabling it to serve the entire country. Its environmental cost is often criticized by its detractors. However, it offers many guarantees.
Truck delivery service quality
Specialized transporters offer careful handling. Loading and securing operations are carried out by drivers trained in this delicate exercise. These operations are carried out in a very specific order, guaranteeing safe transport.
Truck transport of luxury, sports or collector cars is a niche service. The haulage company transports the vehicle in a special trailer for confidential transport. For this type of transport, you need to call on an experienced professional who offers all the guarantees of a confidential, top-of-the-range service. Many service providers offer unsuitable services, ignoring the regulations in force on the roads:
Basic rules for towing a trailer with a vehicle
There are four basic rules that must always be followed when towing a vehicle such as a trailer or caravan:
- The towing vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must not exceed its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- The GVM of the towed vehicle (i.e. the trailer and the vehicle being transported) must not exceed its GVWR.
- The GVM of the coupled combination (sum of the GVMs of the towing and towed vehicles) must not exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
- The GVM of the trailer must not exceed the GVM of the towing vehicle by more than 30%.
It's these last 2 rules that give rise to the most infringements .... To transport a sports car weighing between 1800 kg and 2000 kg, the trailer can have a GVM of 2400kg, so the towing vehicle must weigh at least 1800kg.
Full vehicle care during transport
Car transport by truck is a completely secure solution. All the transporter's services are covered by insurance. Used cars are insured at their argus value, and new vehicles at their new value. For luxury or collector cars, we advise you to take out ad valorem insurance. This covers the vehicle at its actual declared value. Otherwise, a classic car is only covered up to 1,000 euros.
HK Courses offers a full range of services for all your special transport needs. We provide trailer or flatbed transport for your vehicles, wheeled or otherwise, anywhere in France. Our company also offers its expertise in the customized transport of luxury and prestige cars. Contact us and ask for your free quote!
