Car carrier
Also known as: Car transporter · Car carrier · Auto carrier · Car hauler · Oto tasiyici
A car carrier (car transporter) is a truck and trailer with two decks and hydraulic ramps. It usually carries 7 to 10 passenger cars.
Names in other languages
- English
- Car carrier
- Türkçe
- Oto taşıyıcı tır
- فارسی
- تریلی خودروبر
- Русский
- Автовоз
- 简体中文
- 轿运车
- العربية
- ناقلة سيارات
Specifications
Typical figures — they vary by manufacturer and by country rules on weights and sizes.
| Max payload | 12,000–18,000 kg |
|---|---|
| Loading method | Rear |
Typical cargo
New and used passenger cars, small vans, and SUVs; sometimes small machinery on wheels.
In plain words
Cars are driven up ramps at the rear onto the upper and lower decks, then each wheel is strapped down. The decks can be raised, lowered, and tilted so that cars of different sizes fit. The exact number of cars depends on their length and height: small cars allow more, vans and SUVs fewer.
Car carriers bring new cars from factories and ports to dealers, and move used cars between countries. For long distances across the sea, cars often travel on Ro-Ro ships and continue by car carrier from the port. Damage to paint and parts is the main risk, so each car is checked and photographed at loading and delivery.
Advantages
- Carries many vehicles in one trip.
- Cars are driven on and off — no lifting needed.
- Adjustable decks fit different car sizes.
Limits
- Only for vehicles of normal size and weight.
- Paint and body damage are a risk; inspections are essential.
- Usually returns empty or part-loaded.
Example from real shipping
A dealer group in Bulgaria buys 8 new cars from a factory in Bursa. A car carrier loads them at the factory yard, the driver and the factory staff note the condition of each car on the CMR, and the cars are delivered to the dealer two days later.
Related terms
- Ro-RoA Ro-Ro ship carries cargo on wheels. Trucks, trailers, cars, and machines drive on and off the ship over ramps, without cranes.
- Low-loader (Lowbed)A low-loader is a trailer with a very low deck, so tall and heavy machines can be carried without going over the height limit. Many have ramps so vehicles can drive on.
- Rigid truckA rigid truck has its cargo body fixed on the same chassis as the cab — there is no separate trailer. It is used for smaller loads and city or regional deliveries.
- Road vehicle typesA side-by-side comparison of the trucks and trailers used in road freight: load space, payload, volume, pallet places, loading method, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.