If you’ve ever seen an auto carrier on the road, you might have wondered how the cars on it stay in place and don’t fall off during shipping. You might think that it’s a risky and dangerous way to transport cars, especially on bumpy roads or in bad weather. However, you don’t have to worry, because auto carriers are designed and equipped with various features and mechanisms that prevent cars from falling off during shipping. Here’s how they do it:
The Loading Process
One of the factors that ensures cars remain securely on an auto carrier during transportation is the loading procedure. This process entails positioning and fastening the vehicles onto the trailer utilizing specialized techniques and equipment. Here are a few of the steps involved in this loading process;
- The driver or the loader inspects the car for any existing damages or defects, and notes them down on the bill of lading.
- The driver or the loader drives the car onto the trailer, using ramps or hydraulic lifts, depending on the type of trailer.
- The driver or the loader aligns the car with the designated spot on the trailer, leaving enough space between the cars and the edges of the trailer.
- The driver or the loader applies the parking brake and locks the doors of the car.
- The driver or the loader attaches straps or chains to the wheels or axles of the car, and tightens them to secure the car to the trailer.
- The driver or the loader checks the tension and condition of the straps or chains, and adjusts them if necessary.
- The driver or the loader repeats these steps for each car until the trailer is fully loaded.
The Trailer Design
The second thing that prevents cars from falling off an auto carrier during shipping is the trailer design. The trailer design involves various features and components that protect and support the cars on it, such as:
The frame
The trailer’s frame serves as the structure responsible for holding and supporting the cars on it. It is constructed from long lasting materials, like steel or aluminum which are designed to endure substantial weights and withstand impacts.
The deck
The deck refers to the level surface of the trailer where cars are loaded and secured. It is constructed using anti slip materials, like wood or metal which help prevent the cars from sliding or moving during transportation.
The rails
The rails on the trailer’s deck are bars or walls that serve as protective barriers. They are constructed using materials, like steel or aluminum to ensure that the cars remain secure and avoid any accidents or collisions while being transported.
The ramps
The ramps serve as planes that connect the trailer deck to the ground. They are constructed using materials like steel or aluminum to aid in the smooth and efficient loading and unloading of cars onto and off the trailer.
The hydraulic lifts
Hydraulic lifts are the mechanisms for lifting and lowering the trailer deck. They make use of fluid to efficiently adjust the height and angle of the deck based on factors, like the number and size of the cars loaded onto it.
The Driving Skills
The third thing that prevents cars from falling off an auto carrier during shipping is the driving skills. The driving skills involve the knowledge and experience of the driver who operates the auto carrier, using safe and professional practices. Here are some of the driving skills that prevent cars from falling off an auto carrier during shipping:
- The driver has a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) that allows him or her to drive large and heavy vehicles like auto carriers.
- The person responsible for either driving or loading the car will carefully maneuver it onto the trailer utilizing ramps or hydraulic lifts depending on the trailer type.
- They will then precisely position the car so that there is a gap between neighboring cars and the edges of the trailer.
- To ensure safety they will engage the parking brake. Lock all doors of the car.
- Next they will secure the vehicle to the trailer by attaching straps or chains to its wheels or axles and tightening them appropriately.
- The person in charge will diligently inspect both tension and condition of these straps or chains making adjustments if needed.
- These steps are repeated for each car until the entire trailer is fully loaded.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things that prevent cars from falling off an auto carrier during shipping. These things include the loading process, the trailer design, and the driving skills. These things ensure that your car is shipped safely, securely, and efficiently, without any risks or damages. So don’t hesitate to ship your car with an auto carrier today!
