The Trucks Behind the Service
Types of Car Transport Vehicles
From the big two-level carriers on the interstate to single-car enclosed trailers, here's what kind of car transport vehicle your car might ride on.
Shipment Details
20+ YEARS
of combined auto transportation experience.
10,000+
top-rated, vetted carriers within our network.
$0
due upfront. You only pay when we assign a carrier.
What Hauls Your Car
Not Every Car Carrier Is the Same
When most people picture a car transport vehicle, they think of the big two-level trucks on the interstate stacked with cars. That's the most common kind, but it's not the only one.
The truck that hauls your car depends on what you're shipping, how far it's going, how tight the streets are at each end, and whether you chose open or enclosed service. We match each shipment with the carrier that fits it best.
Here's a look at the main types and when each one gets used.
Carrier Types
The Car Transport Vehicles We Use
Open
Open Car Carrier
The large two-level trucks you see on the highway. They typically haul 7 to 10 vehicles at once, which is why open transport is the most affordable option. Your car rides uncovered, exposed to weather like it would be on the road.
Open auto transport →Enclosed
Enclosed Trailer
A fully covered trailer that keeps out rain, sun, dust, and road debris. Many use a lift gate instead of steep ramps, which is ideal for low or high-value cars. They carry fewer vehicles, so they cost more.
Enclosed auto transport →Hotshot
Hotshot Carrier
A heavy-duty pickup pulling a flatbed or gooseneck trailer, usually carrying 1 to 4 vehicles. Hotshots are easier to maneuver than full-size carriers, so they're great for tight streets, rural areas, and shorter routes.
Side by Side
Comparing Car Transport Vehicles
A quick look at how the main types stack up.
| Type | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Open carrier | Everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks on most routes | Lowest cost and most available. Car is exposed to weather. |
| Enclosed trailer | Classic, exotic, luxury, and low-clearance cars | Full protection. Costs more and fewer trucks are available. |
| Hotshot | Tight streets, rural pickups, shorter runs, small loads | Very maneuverable. Carries fewer cars per trip. |
We'll match your car with the carrier that best fits your vehicle, route, and service.
Loading
Where Does My Car Go on the Truck?
People often ask for the top deck of an open carrier, since nothing can drip on it from above. We don't offer guaranteed top-load placement, and here's why.
Each driver plans the load around the size and weight of every vehicle on the truck and the order of pickups and drop-offs. That keeps the truck balanced and safe and gets your car on and off efficiently. The driver is the best person to make that call.
If you want your car protected from everything, enclosed transport is the way to go.
Vehicles We Can Ship
- Sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
- SUVs, minivans, and pickups
- Luxury, exotic, and classic cars
- Low-clearance and modified vehicles
- Cars that don't run (winched on)
- Lifted trucks, duallys, and RVs (custom quote)
Why NEXLogistix
The Right Truck for Your Car
A licensed, bonded, and insured broker (DOT 4238940 | MC-1641261).
Texas-Based Broker
We're a family-owned company headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, arranging car shipping nationwide.
15+ Years in Auto Transport
Deep industry experience and relationships with more than 10,000 vetted carriers.
Final-Price Quotes
The price we quote is the price you pay. No bait-and-switch, no surprise fees.
$0 Due at Booking
You don't pay anything until a carrier is actually dispatched for your vehicle.
FAQ
Car Transport Vehicle FAQs
What kind of truck will transport my car?
Most cars ship on open car carriers, the two-level trucks that haul 7 to 10 vehicles. Enclosed shipments ride in a fully covered trailer. For smaller loads, tight streets, or rural areas, we may use a hotshot carrier that hauls 1 to 4 vehicles.
How many cars fit on a car carrier?
A full-size open carrier typically hauls 7 to 10 vehicles, depending on their size. Hotshot carriers usually carry 1 to 4.
Can I request the top deck?
We don't offer guaranteed top-load placement. The driver plans the load based on each vehicle's size and weight and the order of stops. If you want full protection, choose enclosed transport.
Can a car carrier fit on my street?
Often, yes. If a full-size carrier can't safely or legally reach your address, the driver will meet you nearby at a spot with plenty of room, like a large parking lot. On some routes, a smaller hotshot rig can get closer.
Is enclosed transport worth it?
For classic, exotic, high-value, or low-clearance cars, usually yes. For an everyday car, open transport is safe and much more affordable.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Every carrier we work with is required to carry active cargo insurance. Your vehicle's condition is documented on the Bill of Lading at pickup and checked again at delivery. Personal items left in the vehicle are not covered.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. There's $0 due at booking. Once a carrier is assigned, you can either pay a small deposit and the remaining balance directly to the driver at delivery, or pay in full at that point so nothing is due at delivery.
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Get Matched With the Right Carrier
Get a free, final-price quote in minutes. Nothing is due at booking, and you don't pay a thing until a carrier is dispatched.
Prefer email? hello@nexlogistix.com
Licensed, bonded & insured broker · DOT 4238940 | MC-1641261