Ensuring Safe Passage: The Art and Science of Securement in Auto Transport
The shared goal of auto transporters and car owners is unwavering: to ensure the vehicle’s safety throughout its journey. While the importance of securement might seem self-evident, the execution demands meticulous attention, experience, and a deep understanding of the nuances involved.
This emphasis on safety extends beyond the realm of individual transporters. Recent federal safety inspections have highlighted cargo security as a crucial aspect of transportation safety, recognizing its impact not only on vehicles but also on the well-being of all road users.
Meticulous Hands-On Expertise:
Securing a vehicle for transport is not a passive process. It’s a skill honed through knowledge, experience, and dedication. Far from simply maneuvering onto a loading dock, car haulers engage in a hands-on ballet of precise movements and meticulous attention to detail.
Once the car is positioned, the hydraulics lift it into optimal placement. Wheel straps, the foundation of securement, are then meticulously applied, ensuring complete immobilization. While designated mounting points are sometimes available, the chassis and wheels often serve as the primary anchors.
Reputable car shippers, like The Car Carriage, prioritize experience and exceptional service ratings when selecting their haulers. This ensures every vehicle receives the specialized care it deserves, minimizing the risk of movement and damage during transit.
Regulations and Responsibility:
The North American Standard Inspection Program reveals the scale of this dedication – an estimated four million commercial vehicle inspections are conducted annually. The focus on safety across all transportation sectors, including cargo securement, underscores the vital role this plays in ensuring safe roads and protected vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes comprehensive regulations governing cargo securement, particularly for vehicles. These guidelines serve as a vital framework for ensuring responsible and safe transport practices.
Tailored Solutions for Every Vehicle:
Beyond adhering to regulations, experienced car haulers recognize the unique needs of each vehicle. Classic cars, with their potentially weaker or rusted metal, require special attention to avoid pressure points. Canvas straps and additional tire securement are often employed in such cases.
Open-air vehicles like Roadsters or Hotrods present another challenge, with detachable parts requiring securement alongside the car itself. Straps and cargo nets are strategically employed to ensure their safe transport. Oversized and overweight vehicles, like M35A and MRAP military models, necessitate specialized equipment. Chains, due to their durability, are often used in conjunction with wider straps and heavy-duty ratchets to handle the increased weight and size.
A Passion for Perfection:
The Car Carriage team has a wealth of experience handling vehicles of all shapes and sizes. We understand the critical role securement plays in ensuring their safe arrival. This blog has not only shed light on the “why” and “how” of securement but also showcased the diverse approaches we employ to guarantee every vehicle’s pristine journey.
For us, exceeding expectations is not just a responsibility, but a source of genuine satisfaction. Our car haulers are not merely technicians; they are passionate professionals who derive immense joy from their work – the experience, the vehicles, and the ultimate reward of delivering them safely home.
