The transportation of vehicles known as car shipping is a used service that enables individuals to move their cars from one location to another whether its within the country or even across international borders. Car shipping has gained popularity over time and has become a convenient option for various car owners. It is particularly beneficial for those who are relocating, embarking on travel adventures engaging in car transactions, like buying or selling or simply aiming to avoid lengthy drives. In this article we will delve into the history of car shipping and how it has revolutionized the way we transport cars worldwide.
The Early Days of Car Shipping
Car shipping can be traced back to the invention of the automobile itself. Cars were originally very expensive and rare luxuries imported from Europe in the late 19th century. The first cars were shipped by rail, but this was a slow and costly process that involved lifting each car on and off using cranes or derricks. Moreover, cars often arrived damaged or dirty due to the exposure to the elements and the rough handling.
In 1898 Alexander Winton, a car manufacturer, made a significant breakthrough in the transportation of cars. He invented a semi trailer known as the auto hauler, capable of carrying up to two cars behind a truck. Winton utilized this device to deliver his cars from his factory in Cleveland, Ohio to customers residing in different states. Moreover he even sold these auto haulers to car manufacturers, like Ford and Oldsmobile.
The Rise of Car Carriers
By the early 20th century, cars became more affordable and accessible to the masses, thanks to mass production and assembly lines. This also increased the demand for car shipping, as more people wanted to buy cars from different regions or countries. However, the existing methods of car shipping were still inefficient and inadequate for the growing volumes of cars.
The solution came in the form of car carriers, which were specialized trailers that could accommodate multiple vehicles on different levels. The first car carriers were open-air trailers that could carry up to four cars on two decks. They were introduced in the 1920s by companies such as Auto Transit Company and Allied Van Lines. These trailers were attached to trucks or trains and provided a faster and cheaper way to transport cars over long distances.
However, open-air trailers also had some drawbacks, such as exposing the cars to weather, dust, debris and vandalism. To address these issues, enclosed trailers were developed in the 1950s by companies such as Reliable Carriers and Intercity Lines. These trailers offered more protection and security for the cars, as well as more insurance coverage and liability. They also allowed for more customization and personalization of the service.
The Evolution of Car Shipping
The car shipping industry continued to evolve and innovate with the changing needs and preferences of the customers. Some of the factors that influenced the development of car shipping were:
- The advent of the interstate highway system in the 1950s, which made it easier and faster to cross great distances by road.
- The emergence of sea freight containers in the 1950s, which enabled cars to be shipped overseas in a safe and efficient manner.
- The growth of online commerce in the 1990s, which increased the popularity of buying and selling cars online.
- The diversification of car types and models in the 2000s, which required more specialized and flexible car shipping services.
Today, car shipping is a sophisticated and competitive industry that offers a variety of options for customers. Some of these options are:
- There are types of ships used for transporting vehicles. One type is the car carrier (PCC) or pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) which are specifically designed for transporting cars or trucks. These ships can accommodate up to 8,500 vehicles on decks and provide door to door service.
- Another type is the roll on/roll off (RoRo) ships, which have ramps that allow vehicles to be driven onto and off the ship. They can transport types of vehicles including cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles.
- There are also purpose vessels (MPV) that can carry both vehicles and other types of cargo like containers or bulk goods. These ships offer flexibility and versatility, for customers who need to transport different items.
- Lastly there is air freight, a service that transports cars by plane. This method is the fastest but the most expensive option typically reserved for highly valuable or time sensitive vehicles.
Conclusion
Shipping vehicles is a service that has stood the test of time for than a hundred years and has adapted to match the changing landscape. What was once a slow and uncertain process has now become swift and dependable. Thanks to advancements and transportation improvements car shipping is now within reach for more people both, in terms of accessibility and affordability. This method of transporting vehicles has revolutionized how we move cars globally and its influence will persist in the years
