There are a lot of factors that can have an impact on how smoothly your auto transport business runs, both behind the scenes and on the road. That includes the equipment you need to ship your inventory, from trailers and safety gear to an auto transport load board and digital transport platform.
Here’s what you should consider when making decisions about what equipment you need to get your inventory to your customers—safe, sound, and on time.
Choosing a Trailer
The first question to ask yourself is about the type (or types) of inventory you’ll be shipping. Collector cars, oversized recreational vehicles, vehicles that are broken down, and basic family cars will obviously all have different requirements for safe transport.
Most passenger vehicles will do just fine on an open trailer, which don’t provide quite as much protection but will be cheaper to use. Luxury cars and vintage vehicles, meanwhile, will benefit from an enclosed trailer that offers additional security and protection from the elements.
You’ll also want to consider how far you’ll be going and how many vehicles you’ll be carrying. If you’re transporting just one or two cars across the state, a simple single-level open trailer can easily be towed behind a truck. Smaller trailers also allow carriers to make more direct deliveries, without having to make overnight stops or additional delivery stops along the way.
Shipping several cars across the country, on the other hand, is going to be much safer—and more efficient—if you’re using a multi-level trailer. That makes it possible to easily increase the number of vehicles you’re able to transport, though it can make the trip a little slower for your customers who are at the end of the route.
Putting Safety First
Being out on the road for long periods of time and carrying large loads means safety is essential. When planning auto transports, it’s critical to consider where your truck will be headed and what issues drivers might be facing and to prepare accordingly.
That starts with following federal and state regulations. Adhere to maximum trailer widths, weights, and speeds; double-check safety chains, turn signals, and load security; and ensure proper insurance, licensing, and certifications.
It’s also important to pay attention to the weather: Thunderstorms in which lightning or hail could be a risk, areas affected by drought in which dust or wind could prove to be an issue, or heavy rains that lead to flooding can all be factors in ensuring your inventory is delivered on time and without harm.
And don’t forget to keep an eye out for weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, which can quickly cause delays to your schedule and damage to your vehicles. Plus, winter storms may include heavy snows, ice, sleet, and bitterly cold temperatures that can make it harder for trucks to start, easier for tires to slip, and more difficult to reach your destination on time.
Keeping Track of It All
Ensuring that you have everything you need to ship your inventory doesn’t end with the physical equipment. There is a lot of documentation and communication required when transporting vehicles, so you’ll need to think about more than the trailers and safety equipment.
Knowing where your transports are going, when shipments are due to arrive, and sharing updates with customers can quickly lead to feelings of overwhelm. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to resign yourself to an endless stream of spreadsheets, phone tag, or email back-and-forth.
Instead, using a transportation management system (or TMS) with an auto transport load board and digital customer portal makes it easy to keep track of it all. Schedule shipments, plan routes, communicate with drivers, and send delivery confirmations and other documentation to customers in real time and from one easy-to-use platform—no messy spreadsheets or email overwhelm necessary.
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The team at Super Dispatch can’t wait to help auto shippers and carriers like you move your inventory faster, smarter, and easier. In fact, our transportation management system, auto transport load board, and other digital solutions are designed specifically with the auto transport industry in mind!
If you’re ready to see how Super Dispatch can help you provide outstanding service for your customers with safe and efficient delivery, we’re ready to help. Sign up for your free trial to get started today.
