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Everything You Need to Know About Car Hauling: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

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  • GLI Dispatch Services
  • July 17, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Car Hauling: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Car hauling plays a critical role in the automotive and logistics industries, moving millions of vehicles across cities, states, and even countries every year. Whether you’re a new driver exploring a career in the industry, a car dealership in need of dependable transport, or a consumer shipping your vehicle across the country, understanding how the car hauling industry works is essential.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth overview of the car hauling industry in 2025, including how it operates, the equipment involved, regulatory requirements, career opportunities, challenges, and how to choose the right car hauler.

What Is Car Hauling?

Car hauling refers to the process of transporting automobiles using specialized trailers and trucks designed to carry vehicles over short or long distances. These vehicles can include personal cars, dealership fleets, auction purchases, rental fleets, or even exotic and luxury vehicles.

There are two primary types of car haulers:

  • Open Car Haulers: These are the most common and cost-effective. They can carry 5 to 10 vehicles depending on the trailer configuration but expose the vehicles to weather and road elements.
  • Enclosed Car Haulers: These provide added protection by shielding vehicles from the environment. They are ideal for high-value or classic cars but come at a higher price point and typically haul fewer vehicles.
 

Who Uses Car Hauling Services?

Car hauling is not only for dealerships. A broad range of customers and industries rely on auto transport services, including:

  • Car dealerships (new and used)
  • Auto auctions (such as Manheim or Copart)
  • Rental car companies
  • Private individuals relocating across the country
  • Online car buyers/sellers (e.g., eBay Motors)
  • Fleet management companies
  • Auto shows or exhibitions transporting exotic cars

How the Car Hauling Process Works

Understanding the step-by-step car hauling process can help shippers and drivers know what to expect:

  1. Request & Booking: The process begins when a customer submits a shipping request including pickup/drop-off addresses, vehicle type, and preferred schedule.
  2. Carrier Assignment: Dispatchers match the shipment with a qualified carrier that meets the route, capacity, and equipment requirements.
  3. Inspection & Pickup: Before loading, the vehicle is inspected for any pre-existing damage. This is documented in a Bill of Lading (BOL).
  4. Transport: Vehicles are secured using straps or chains. The carrier transports them to the destination over the planned route, following DOT safety and timing regulations.
  5. Delivery & Final Inspection: At drop-off, the vehicle is inspected again for any new damage. The recipient signs the BOL to confirm delivery.

Equipment Used in Car Hauling

Success in car hauling depends heavily on having the right equipment:

  • Truck Tractor (Class 8): Often a Peterbilt, Freightliner, or Kenworth. These are heavy-duty trucks capable of pulling large trailers.
  • Trailer Types:
  1. High-mount trailers: Designed for up to 9 cars.
  2. Wedge trailers: Used in hotshot hauling with 3-4 car capacity.
  3. Enclosed trailers: Fully covered units for high-value vehicles.
  • Loading Equipment:
  1. Hydraulic ramps or liftgates
  2. Wheel straps or chains
  3. Winches for inoperable cars

Legal & Regulatory Requirements

Auto haulers must comply with federal and state transportation laws. Some of the key requirements include:

  • CDL License (Class A): Mandatory for drivers operating vehicles over 26,000 lbs or pulling trailers over 10,000 lbs.
  • DOT & MC Numbers: Registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • Insurance: Required cargo and liability coverage, typically ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.
  • ELD Compliance: Use of Electronic Logging Devices to track Hours of Service.
  • Vehicle Inspections: Regular maintenance and inspection to comply with safety standards.

Hotshot Car Hauling

Hotshot trucking is a fast-growing segment of the car hauling industry. Hotshot drivers typically use a one-ton dually pickup truck (like a Ford F-350 or Ram 3500) and a 40 ft gooseneck trailer to haul 3-4 vehicles.

Pros of hotshot hauling:

  • Lower startup costs
  • Flexible schedule
  • High demand in local or regional transport

Challenges:

  • Fewer vehicle loads
  • Increased wear and tear on personal trucks
  • Market saturation in some areas

Becoming a Car Hauler: Starting a Business

If you’re considering launching your own auto transport business, here are key steps:

  1. Get Proper Licensing: CDL Class A, USDOT, and MC numbers.
  2. Secure Financing: For trucks, trailers, fuel cards, and insurance.
  3. Purchase Equipment: Choose between open, enclosed, or hotshot setups.
  4. Get Insurance: Including cargo, liability, physical damage, and trailer interchange.
  5. Use Dispatch Tools: Load boards like Central Dispatch or Super Dispatch can help you find customers.
  6. Build Relationships: Network with dealerships, brokers, and shippers.

Technology in Modern Car Hauling

Advancements in technology are improving efficiency and safety:

  • Load Boards & Apps: Central Dispatch and Super Dispatch
  • GPS Tracking: Real-time location updates for customers and dispatchers
  • Digital Inspections: Mobile apps for pre/post-trip inspection with photo documentation
  • Telematics & ELDs: Monitor driver behavior, vehicle diagnostics, and HOS compliance

Common Challenges in Car Hauling

While the car hauling industry is rewarding, it comes with its share of obstacles:

  • Tight Delivery Windows: Dealerships and auctions often operate on strict schedules
  • Weather & Road Conditions: Haulers must navigate through varying weather conditions
  • Regulatory Compliance: DOT audits and inspections can result in fines or suspensions
  • Damage Liability: Haulers are responsible for any in-transit damage
  • Fuel Costs: Fluctuating fuel prices can impact profitability

How to Choose the Right Car Hauling Company

If you’re a customer looking to transport a vehicle, here’s how to select a reliable hauler:

  • Licensed & Insured: Confirm the company is FMCSA-registered
  • Experience: Choose providers with a strong track record
  • Transparency: Clear pricing, delivery timeframes, and damage coverage
  • Customer Reviews: Check platforms like Google, BBB, and Transport Reviews
  • Equipment: Determine whether they offer open vs. enclosed options

The Future of Car Hauling

As the automotive industry evolves in 2025, so does car hauling. Expect to see:

  • Increased automation and logistics software
  • Higher customer expectations for tracking and delivery precision
  • Rising demand for more efficient last-mile delivery services

Final Thoughts

Car hauling is more than just moving vehicles—it’s a complex, regulated, and dynamic industry. Whether you’re starting your own business, shipping a single car, or running a fleet operation, understanding the intricacies of the car hauling process is key to success in 2025 and beyond.

By staying informed, investing in the right tools and equipment, and adhering to safety and legal requirements, car haulers can build profitable and respected operations in this high-demand industry.

GLI Truck Dispatch Services offers one of the best truck dispatch services to owner operators and carriers across USA. We offer other back-office solutions such as compliance and accounting to carriers in addition to our truck dispatch services to help our carriers succeed in this competitive yet rewarding trucking industry. At GLI, our truck dispatchers don’t just dispatch, they go the extra mile to help build relationships to help carriers grow their business. Its where professionalism meets quality. Visit www.glitruckdispatchservices.com to learn more about our processes and how our method of truck dispatching can help you succeed and grow your business. 

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