What Weight Is a Car Transporter?

If you plan to transport your car, you may wonder what weight a car transporter can handle.

Car transporters (sometimes called auto haulers) are specially equipped trucks that move vehicles over long distances.

These vehicles come in various sizes and weight capacities to suit different loads and vehicles.

As weight restrictions vary from state to state, transport companies must adhere to them to avoid penalties and legal implications. Knowing the weight limit before loading your car onto the transporter is important.

Let's investigate car transporters' average weight and limits, as well as necessary aspects that impact performance and fuel economy.

Vehicle Weight Restrictions

Vehicle weight restrictions are an necessary consideration in the transportation industry. These restrictions will keep drivers and other road users safe.

Vehicle weight restrictions vary based on purpose, purpose-driven usage, and local laws and regulations.

Exceeding these restrictions can lead to fines, damage to roads and bridges, accidents, and even legal liability.

Maximum weight ratings

What should we look for when determining a load capacity? It's the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

A transporter's maximum safe carrying weight includes all elements, including its empty weight, any extra features installed, and what is being transported.

It's necessary to make sure that the GVWR of the transporter meets or exceeds the weight of the vehicles that need to be loaded.

These ratings determine the highest weight limit that the truck can carry without incurring fines, traffic tickets, or being stopped at a weigh station.

Moreover, exceeding the maximum weight limit poses serious risks to the transporter and other drivers on the road.

Several factors determine the maximum weight rating, including the number of axles and the truck's overall size.

Car transporters with tandem axles tend to have higher weight ratings than single axles.​

Similarly, stinger-steered automobile transporters have higher weight ratings than other car transporters, which use a hitch to connect the trailer to the truck.

Here are the most prevalent maximum weight limits for car transporters:

• Tandem axle car transporters: Typically feature weight capacities ranging between 20,000-26,000 pounds depending on the size and power of the transporter.
• Stinger-steered automobile transporters: These can carry vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds, with the empty trailer weighing around 35,000 pounds.
• Commercial vehicles: The maximum weight rating for commercial vehicle car transporters ranges from 26,001 to 80,000 pounds.

The maximum weight rating includes the weight of the transported vehicles and any additional weight from fuel, spare wheels, and other cargo.

Therefore, transporters must consider this when determining whether they have exceeded the maximum weight limit.

Knowing the weight limit of the transporter and avoiding overloading can prevent fines and traffic tickets and ensure the safety of the transporter, driver, and other drivers on the road.

Average size and weight

Car transporters are specifically designed to ship vehicles of varying sizes and weights. The average size of a car transporter in the shipping industry is around 80 feet in length and 14 feet in height.

The transporter's width can range from 8.5 to 10 feet. The size depends on the specific model and manufacturer.

Furthermore, car transporters used in the shipping industry have varying weight capacities.

The weight of a typical empty car transporter ranges from about 14,000 to 44,000 pounds, depending on the model and construction materials used.

The load capacity of car transporters is an integral factor when estimating how many vehicles can be moved at one time.

It is also necessary to adhere to the vehicle weight restrictions to prevent potential damages to the transported vehicles and ensure the transporter's and its driver's safety during transit.

The average fuel efficiency of car transporters ranges from six to 15 miles per gallon. The fuel economy can differ based on the type of transporter, the amount of weight on board, and the terrain of the transport route.

The load capacity is a crucial factor to consider when planning to transport vehicles. Additionally, the fuel economy of the transporter is another important consideration to keep operational costs at a minimum.

Additional weight considerations

Weight plays an integral part in determining the overall cost of vehicle transport, but it's not solely its own weight that matters; dimensions also play a vital role.

Every additional pound of excess weight can also add up to the total transport cost.

Some examples of excess weight that can be removed before transport include:

• Heavy accessories
• Fuel in the tank
• Cargo within the car
• Spare tires
• Tools
• Loading ramps

These small weight reductions can add up over time and save considerable money during transport.

As it can often be impossible to bring down a vehicle's weight under its legal limit, we must remain mindful of additional factors which add weight during transport.

These factors include spare tires, tools, or other equipment that should be temporarily removed to reduce the vehicle's weight.

Adhering to weight restrictions is necessary for compliance and is also beneficial regarding time and expense.

Knowing the weight rating of the transporter is the first step in understanding how much additional weight can be added to the vehicle safely. Ignoring weight restrictions can significantly increase the risk of damage to the vehicle and hinder transportation.

Calculating load capacity is a crucial practice for anyone shipping a vehicle. It allows one to determine the maximum weight their vehicle can carry before surpassing the limit.

Understanding the load capacity also enables the person to identify the amount of extra weight, such as heavy accessories, that is safe to add.

Becoming mindful of these weight considerations can help customers reduce the total cost of vehicle transport.

Tandem axle vs. stinger-steered car transporters

Car transporters come in different types, each designed to fulfill specific transportation needs. Two of the most common types are tandem axle and stinger-steered car transporters.

Both types have their unique benefits and downsides.

Understanding these differences is critical in deciding which transporter is best suited for specific transport needs.

Tandem axle car transporters have advantages such as:

• Stability and maneuverability
• Even weight distribution
• Handle a variety of vehicles

Tandem axle car transporters come with two axles, which provide more stability and maneuverability during transportation.

Weight distribution amongst wheels allows for more effective transportation of heavier vehicles.

Tandem axles can accommodate various vehicles ranging from large commercial trucks to average-sized cars, making them the ideal solution for transporting different vehicles and vans.

Car carriers have a list of clear advantages:

• Highest load capacity
• Hydraulic system
• Transport 10 cars
• Adjustable ramps

On the other hand, stinger-steered car transporters, also known as "piggyback" car transporters, offer more flexibility. It has increased load capacity compared to tandem axles.

Instead of having two axles, stinger-steered car transporters have a hydraulic system to carry more weight.

This system moves the rear wheels forward to increase the load capacity of the transporter. With greater load capacity, stinger-steered car transporters are perfect for customers looking to transport larger vehicles.

When considering the weight limits for each transporter type, tandem axle transporters offer a maximum weight limit of around 40,000 pounds.

In contrast, stinger-steered car transporters can carry up to 80,000 pounds. Moreover, stinger-steered car transporters are designed mainly to handle larger vehicles, so they are not as efficient in transporting smaller cars.

In terms of stability and maneuverability, tandem axle car transporters have a clear advantage. Stable and easy to maneuver, these vehicles benefit from evenly distributing weight on both axles.

However, stinger-steered transporters offer more versatility and adaptability due to their distinctive design that allows for greater weight-carrying capacity.

Types of Car Transporters

Different types of car transporters are available in the market today. The selection of which style works best depends on several things, such as:

• The type of car being transported
• The car's size
• Budget
• User preference

Two common types of car transporters are open and enclosed car haulers.

Open car haulers are typically lighter and more economical than enclosed car haulers. They are also more commonly used in the trucking industry as they offer an easy-access loading ramp and fuel economy advantage due to their lighter weight.

On the other hand, enclosed car haulers provide better security for the cargo and protect it from weather conditions.

It all comes down to your specific requirements for the shipped car.

Weight Calculations Done Right

Selecting the right car transporter involves considering various weight-related factors, such as the maximum weight ratings and load capacity.

Transporters come in different types, including tandem-axle and stinger-steered models that offer other mobile and stability benefits.

Easy-access loading ramps and spare wheels are necessary for effective transportation. Calculating fuel economy involves considering both the size and weight of the vehicle in use and how much gas will be necessary to transport it.

Spare tires and tools have an enormous effect on the total load weight, necessitating more fuel for travel.

Lastly, compliance with established legal weight limits is important to ensure safe and efficient shipping.

A1 Auto Transport is a car shipping expert with its very own fleet of car haulers. Trust us to deliver your car safely to its destination. Get a free quote from us today.