In the modern world of logistics and road transport, specialized equipment plays a key role. When the question arises about the name of a car that transports other cars, many ordinary people are at a loss, confusing different types of special equipment. In fact, the professional name depends on the design, purpose and method of securing the load. The main terms are car transporter, tow truck and container ship, each of which has its own unique features.
The most common answer to the question of what a vehicle for transporting cars is called is the word “car carrier.” This is a specialized car trailer or semi-trailer designed to transport several cars at the same time. However, if we are talking about a single transportation of a damaged or illegally parked vehicle, then the term “tow truck” is used. Understanding the difference between these concepts is important not only for general development, but also when choosing services for the delivery of your personal transport.
In this article we will analyze in detail how different types of equipment differ, what restrictions exist on weight and dimensions, and also consider the legal aspects of their use. You'll find out why the two-tier design of the car transporter allows you to save up to 60% of space on the road compared to driving cars under their own power. We will also touch on the topic of safety and proper wheel mounting, which is a critical point during long hauls.
Main types of equipment for transporting cars
The first thing you need to understand is classification. Vehicles that transport other vehicles are divided into several main categories depending on their functionality. Car transporters (or motor transporters) are designed for bulk transportation of new cars from factories to dealers or between warehouses. They are a long platform, often with two tiers, capable of accommodating 6 to 10 cars.
Unlike them, tow trucks designed for operational work in urban environments or on highways. Their task is to deliver one, maximum two cars to the repair site or impound lot. The design of the tow truck can be a sliding platform, a broken evacuation or a manipulator. The choice of type depends on the condition of the car: if the car’s wheels are blocked or the chassis is broken, you will need tow truck with full load.
There are also specialized container ships, which transport cars packed in closed containers. This is relevant for international sea and rail transport, where maximum protection from climatic influences and salt water is required. For the owner of a luxury car or a classic retro car, this method will be the most preferable, despite the higher cost.
⚠️ Attention: When ordering a transportation service, be sure to specify the type of platform. An open car carrier is cheaper, but the car will be exposed to dust, dirt and small stones from the road. For premium cars, it is better to choose a closed type of transportation.
The variety of equipment is due to different cargo requirements. While factory (new) cars have minimal mileage and are in good working order, cars after an accident require a special approach. Hydraulic systems Modern tow trucks allow you to lift even completely immobilized vehicles without the risk of damage to the body.
Design features of car transporters and platforms
The design of the car transporter is an engineering marvel that makes efficient use of space. A standard European car transporter is a combination of a tractor unit and a specialized trailer. The platform consists of two levels: the lower one, located above the trailer wheels, and the upper one, which is often retractable or hydraulically lowered. This allows you to vary the height depending on the dimensions of the vehicles being transported.
A key element of safety is the fastening systems. Used to secure cars ratchet straps, which cover wheels or special mounting points on the body. It is important that the pressure on the body is uniform. Modern models are equipped with tension sensors that signal the driver about loosening of the fasteners along the way.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the car transporter for the trip
The materials used in the production of platforms must be highly durable and lightweight. The most commonly used are high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. Aluminum ramps make it possible to reduce the overall weight of the structure, which increases the payload and reduces the fuel consumption of the tractor. However, they are more susceptible to deformation if handled carelessly.
Traffic safety systems deserve special attention. Long road trains are equipped with rotating mechanisms that improve maneuverability and systems to prevent trailer folding. The driver must constantly monitor center of gravity load, since incorrect placement of vehicles (for example, all heavy SUVs on the upper tier) can lead to a rollover when turning.
Technical nuances of double-decker car transporters
The upper tier often has restrictions on entry height. Low sports cars may simply not fit under the upper level beams. In such cases, dispatchers plan loading so that low cars are at the ends or on the lower tier, and tall SUVs are in the center. This requires accurate calculations and knowledge of the dimensions of each model.
Tow trucks: types and applications
When people talk about a car that takes away one broken car, they most often mean a tow truck. There are several basic types of these machines, and the choice depends on the situation. Tow trucks with broken platform are considered the most universal. They have a kink in the platform, which allows the rear wheels of the car to be driven up at a very acute angle, minimizing ground clearance when loading.
The second popular type is tow trucks with sliding platform. The platform here does not have a bend, but moves back along the guides, forming a gentle angle of entry. This is ideal for vehicles with low clearance, all-wheel drive or a locked transmission. Loading occurs without jerks or impacts, which preserves the suspension and bumpers.
- 🚛 Manipulators: Equipped with a crane installation, they allow you to lift the car from the side, which is convenient in dense urban areas.
- 🚑 Partner evacuation: Use of a cable or rigid hitch when both wheels of one axle remain on the ground (requires a working brake system).
- 🚛 Shift carriers: Large platforms for transporting several emergency vehicles simultaneously over long distances.
It is important to understand that for vehicles with all-wheel drive (4WD, AWD) it is recommended to use only full loading. Transporting with the front or rear wheels raised can cause damage to the transfer case and differentials, as some systems cannot completely disengage the wheel drive.
⚠️ Attention: If your car's transmission or steering is locked, inform the dispatcher in advance. In such cases, it may be necessary to use special carts under the wheels or call for a more powerful manipulator.
Rules and restrictions when transporting cars
The transport of vehicles is subject to strict traffic rules and technical regulations. There are size restrictions: the width of the load should not exceed 2.55 meters, the height - 4 meters, and the length of the road train - 20 meters (for articulated vehicles). Exceeding these parameters requires special permission and support.
Weight restrictions also play an important role. Axial loads must not exceed the permissible standards for roads of a particular category. An overloaded car transporter is not only a risk of fines, but also a direct threat to safety, since the braking distance increases significantly and maneuverability decreases. Drivers are required to undergo pre-trip control and weighing.
Rules apply for international transport CMR and customs requirements. The cargo must be properly documented, indicating the VIN numbers of each vehicle. Any discrepancy between the documentation and the actual cargo may lead to a delay at the border and confiscation of the vehicle.
Compliance with the rules of weight distribution on the car transporter platform is critical: heavy SUVs are always placed on the lower tier and closer to the trailer axle for stability.
Speed limits for car transporters and tow trucks are often more limited than for passenger cars. On motorways it is usually 90 km/h, on ordinary roads it is 70 km/h. Ignoring these rules leads to rapid wear of the rubber and the risk of the load shifting during sudden braking.
Comparison table: Car transporter vs. Tow truck
To better understand the difference, let's compare the main characteristics of these two types of equipment in the table below. This will help you decide which service to order in a particular situation.
| Characteristics | Avtovoz (Transporter) | Tow truck |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6-10 cars | 1-2 cars |
| Purpose of use | Logistics, dealer supplies | Emergency assistance, delivery to a service station |
| Cost of transportation 1 car | Low (wholesale) | High (individual) |
| Delivery speed | Depends on the route content | Promptly (immediately after the call) |
| Platform type | Two-tier open/closed | Single-tier, broken/sliding |
As can be seen from the table, these machines solve completely different problems. An auto transporter is a business tool for wholesale logistics. Tow truck is a service for individuals and emergency services. It is not customary to confuse them in a professional environment, although technically both vehicles are specialized cargo transport.
Cost of services and pricing factors
The price of transporting a car is determined by many factors. For car transporters, the key parameter is the direction and occupancy of the flight. If the car goes “one way” and returns empty, the tariffs may be lower. Seasonality also influences: in summer the demand for moving cars is higher than in winter.
In the case of a tow truck, the price consists of the cost of supplying the vehicle (basic tariff) and the price for each kilometer of travel. Difficulty loading may increase cost. For example, if a car is stuck in a ditch, locked in a parking lot by other cars, or has non-standard dimensions, the price will increase due to the time and effort of the crew.
- 💰 Distance: The further you travel, the cheaper the cost per 1 km, but the total amount increases.
- 🚙 Car class: Shipping a heavy SUV or stretch limousine costs more due to the space and weight it takes up.
- 🌃 Time of day: Night calls or work on holidays are often charged at an increased rate.
Don't chase the lowest price. Cheap services often turn out to be “gray” services, where the driver may not have the appropriate license or is using faulty equipment. Damage to your car due to poor quality loading will cost you much more than the thousand rubles you saved.
When ordering a tow truck, always take photographs of the car from all sides before loading. This will help you prove your case if any new scratches or dents appear if you decide to file a claim with the carrier.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport personal belongings in the trunk when driving on a car transporter?
Officially, the rules of most logistics companies prohibit the transportation of personal belongings in transported vehicles. This is due to the risk of theft, fire safety and changes in vehicle weight. However, in practice, car transporter drivers often turn a blind eye to this unless the items take up the entire cabin and are not valuable. The exact answer depends on the specific transport company.
Do I need to deregister a car before sending it to a car transporter?
No, you do not need to deregister. The car is transported as cargo. When driving under your own power between regions, the registration also does not change, only the license plates change (if you change the region of registration of the owner). For a car transporter, it is enough to have a vehicle title (or its copy/photo) and driver’s documents.
What to do if the car won't start?
This is a standard situation for tow trucks. A vehicle that transports other vehicles (tow truck) is equipped with a winch. If the car's battery or starter is dead, it will simply be rolled onto the platform using a cable. The main thing is to unlock the steering, otherwise the wheels will have to be placed on special carts (gurneys).
What is the maximum vehicle weight that a standard tow truck can transport?
Standard light tow trucks (based on GAZelle or analogues) weigh up to 2.5 tons. Medium platforms (based on Hyundai, Isuzu) - up to 4-5 tons. To transport heavy special equipment or large SUVs weighing more than 5 tons, heavy tow trucks on KAMAZ chassis or similar ones are required, which are already classified as heavy trucks.