How to Transport Cars for Dealerships

Have you ever wondered how dealerships are able to fill their lots with cars? We often think about the huge selection of vehicles for us to choose from, but we usually don’t think about how they got there.

At first glance, it can seem like vehicles travel a linear path from the manufacturer to the dealership. In reality, it’s an intricate process that requires careful planning and coordination between several moving parts. 

Transporting cars from the assembly line to the dealership involves the concerted effort of multiple individuals. Let’s take a look at how cars are transported to dealerships, and how hotshot truckers can get involved in this industry. 

How Are Cars Transported to Dealerships?

Cars travel a long journey before they finally end up in a customer’s driveway. They can be transported by air, land, and sea, passing through multiple hands along the way.

The most effective method for transporting vehicles domestically is by truck and trailer. Trucking serves an important role as the backbone of vehicle transportation. Dealerships rely on truckers to keep their inventory stocked, ensure on-time deliveries, and fulfill their customer’s orders.

Whether dealerships sell new or used cars, they require truckers to transport their vehicles.

Check out our website to discover how Open Road is transforming the automotive industry with speed and convenience.

How New Cars Are Transported to Dealerships

All new cars begin their journey at a manufacturing plant. Once they’ve been assembled, they undergo rigorous inspections to ensure they’re fit for transportation. If the vehicle is deemed fit for travel, they are then transported by open or closed car haulers to their next destination.

The next stop in a car’s journey to the dealership depends on whether or not it is traveling internationally. If a car’s country of origin is different from its final destination, then it must be trucked to a port to be shipped to its destination by boat. If a car isn’t traveling internationally, then it is trucked directly to a distribution center. 

While at a distribution center, vehicles wait to be ordered by dealerships, depending on how many cars the dealership needs. Once a car arrives at a dealership, it will either be sold at that location or transferred to another dealership to be sold.

Read our related article to discover the best car hauler trailer.

How Used Cars Are Transported to Dealerships

Used cars undergo a much different transportation process than new cars do. This is largely due to how a used car is sourced and where it comes from.

Sometimes, used cars are sourced from local trade-ins or sales. If this is the case, then a car’s owner will usually drive the car to the dealership where it will be sold. Other times, dealerships will buy cars online or from out of state, and they will have to be trucked to their location. 

Used car dealerships can also buy cars at auctions. Some auctions require dealers to go to a physical location, and other auctions are held online. After being purchased from an auction, the used vehicle usually is transported to a dealership via car haulers or single car carriers. 

How Can Hotshot Truckers Transport Cars for Dealerships?

Whether a dealership sells new or used cars, there are plenty of opportunities for hotshot truckers to transport cars for them. Both new and used cars exchange hands several times on its journey to a dealership, and this provides a great opportunity for hotshot haulers to get involved. 

If you own a truck and a car carrier, then you can transport cars for dealerships. To get started, reach out to local dealerships, distributors, and vehicle auction companies to offer your hauling services. Cars are constantly moving on and off dealership lots, making it a lucrative opportunity for those with the proper car hauling equipment. 

Cars are a valuable and fragile item to haul, so some dealerships would prefer to work with an established hauling company instead of an independent driver. As an independent hotshot hauler, you can still transport cars for dealerships by partnering with an established company. Some hauling companies, like Open Road, make it easy for drivers to sign up, choose a job that’s right for them, and start hauling.

Read our related article to discover the best enclosed car haulers.

Equipment Needed to Transport Cars for Dealerships

Dealerships rely on truckers to transport their vehicles both quickly and safely. As a hotshot trucker, it’s up to you to ensure that you have all of the necessary equipment to responsibly transport their cars. 

The first pieces of equipment you need to have is a truck and trailer that can safely carry a car. Depending on the vehicle you will be hauling, you’ll either need a flatbed, utility, or enclosed car trailer. Make sure your truck and trailer combination is rated for hauling a car by checking the gross combined weight rating (GCWR).

In addition to a truck and trailer, you’ll also need equipment to properly secure the vehicle that you’re transporting. To secure a vehicle, you’ll need straps, chains, and sometimes protective coverings like tarps. Wheel chocks may also be necessary to prevent the car from moving during transit.

‍Read our related article to discover the differences between car haulers and utility trailers.

Open Road: Streamlining Car Transportation for Dealerships

Open Road connects independent hotshot truckers with dealerships that need them. Our driver app makes it easy for you to sign up, choose the job that’s right for you, and start hauling.

If you’re looking for ways to make money with your truck and trailer, join Open Road’s team of hotshots today.