Enclosed Auto Transport Driver Wannabe

Outside of the high end auto industry,....Most transporters are of the open variety,..

Enclosed haulers weigh more and most are limited to 7 or 8 cars,.Whereas a 10 car hauler can haul 10 cars,......

Chances are you would have to start out with a smaller company in a open carrier to gain experience and then try to hire on with a high end transporter,..

 

i work with a guy who use to pull a stinger steer car carrier...he said the worse part is chaining/strapping the wheels down....4 wheels 10 cars 40 wheels? seems like alot to me

i can imagine, being out cold weather and its raining and your touching all kinds of metal....sound like a PITA to me

 

Experience, Experience, Experience. Enclosed hauling is all high end stuff.

They are not going to risk a $125k sports car or someone's $50k restoration job on a rare antique with a rookie trucker. You will most likely have to cut your teeth with another carrier.

I also consider myself an auto enthusiast, so I completely understand the attraction to this sector of the transportation industry. I too am interested in this line of work, but there is little call for it in my area and I am far from qualified right now. It is something I am keeping in mind for the future though.

Check out Horseless Carriage Carriers out of New Jersey, they advertise in the antique auto magazines that I read. Seems like they're a good outfit. Perhaps they'd tell you what they look for in a driver if you contacted them.

I can speculate that the chance of damage to the vehicle would increase dramatically by driving them on and climbing out of the window. It also would be impossible in many cases. Perhaps they are winched into position? Or pushed? Again, HCC would probably answer this question as I am sure they field it often from potential clients.

Good luck.

 

Since I helped a car hauler strapping down cars on a 3 car hauler where I worked, I determined that you should be in fairly good shape to easily get around the trailer, underneath the edge of car, etc. Using the best tire straps it only takes ten minutes per tire to strap. I wouldn't like and neither do customers or manufacturers like chains anymore. With an enclosed car carrier you pull the car onto an elevator ramp, raise to first or second level, pull car in favoring right side of trailer slightly. the inside of the trailer is generally 94" of clearance so a HUMMER will fit so anything smaller is relatively easy to get out of assuming again you're in good shape and not 280+ lbs.
An open car carrier pays $.40 to .75/mile and enclosed around a dollar+(?) If you had the $50K to buy a used one and got all the insurance, plates etc. I would recommend getting someone that has a lot of experience to co-drive with you so you'd get the valuable experience. The same if you'd want to haul steel with no experience. Hire a co-driver thats done it so you don't screw up. If you wanted to check out the loading of enclosed transport go to a sports car/antique auction and offer to help. Thats how I got interested in Car hauling at my work. Truck drivers probably enjoy someone to talk to especially if you want to help for free. You'd love it if someone wanted to help you shovel snow from your driveway so you'd talk to them, huh? Everyone loves to talk about their passion or hobby, thats why we're all on the forum. BUY ONE AND SHARE THE EXPENSE WITH SOMEONE, Preferably someone like J Leno that will buy exotic cars from all around, sounds fun huh?

 

Reliable Carriers used to hire rookie drivers for their open carrier division and then over time moved you into the enclosed division. Not sure if they still do this, I know I talked to Select 1 a few years back and they wanted me to have at least 3 yrs. exp. hauling cars.

 

Dosn't Swift run enclosed car trailers ? They love fresh meat

 

They got out of it quite awhile ago,.....

 

I know this is an old post but I thought i would give my advice. I started out as an enclosed auto transport driver as my first trucking job. At 21 years old I was responsible for tons of high end automobiles. It was mere luck I got that job but let me tell you, it did leave out through the window to get out. You always take your shoes off first. Then I would always have seat and May protectors and a special uniform on top of my clothes so I won't get denim dye or anything on the panel. I would cover the window opening with plastic as well. I didn't chain the cars, only used tie straps. And there was a side door I would exit from. Yes it was a great job and that's what led me to be a auto relocation consultant- or as you like to say auto transport broker today. I loved car ebthusiasts and again that's why my business focuses on catering to that group. Anyways if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. Look at me, I'm a girl and I was only 21 when I got that job! Good luck!

xo,
Ashley