| Autorack | | | | delivered. |
| A specially designed multi-level rail car used to | | | | Intermodal/Multimodal |
| transport automobiles. Autoracks have two or three | | | | The process of shipping a vehicle using more than one |
| decks, can carry up to 20 vehicles and have metal | | | | mode of auto transport. Offered by only a few select |
| side panels and end doors to protect automobiles while | | | | car haulers, intermodal auto transport integrates both |
| in transit. Bi-level or double-deck Autoracks usually | | | | short-distance truck transport and long-distance rail |
| transport trucks and large SUV's, while tri-level or triple | | | | service options. |
| deck Autoracks usually transport passenger cars. A | | | | Local Move |
| dedicated train with 70 Autoracks is capable of | | | | A term used to describe auto transport from pickup to |
| transporting more than 1,000 vehicles at one time. | | | | delivery by a single carrier, usually within a radius of |
| Auto Transport | | | | 200 miles from origin to destination. |
| Moving or shipping automobiles as freight. Auto | | | | Modifications |
| shippers are strongly encouraged to seek out | | | | Changes or additions to a vehicle from its original state, |
| reputable, fully-insured, financially strong car haulers. A | | | | such as spoilers, roof racks, 4 x 4 lift kits, running |
| new generation of smart, customer-focused auto | | | | boards, camper cabs, etc. Modifications can affect a |
| transport companies are making nationwide transport | | | | vehicle's overall dimensions and weight, which may |
| more convenient and affordable than ever before. | | | | require a different mode of auto transport or additional |
| Backhaul | | | | fees. |
| Refers to the car hauler's opportunity to pick up a | | | | Origin |
| second load of vehicles close to the destination where | | | | The location where transport of a vehicle starts, or |
| they delivered their first load; i.e., returning to the origin | | | | originates. Car haulers need both the origin and |
| of the first load. A to B, then B to A. | | | | destination of a shipment to provide an accurate auto |
| Bi-Level Rail Car | | | | transport quote. |
| A type of rail car used for auto transport, called a | | | | Pick Up and Transit Time |
| bi-level because it has two decks, an upper and a | | | | Pick up and transit times may vary based on the |
| lower. Bi-level capacity is between 8 - 12 vehicles. | | | | transport company you choose. Auto transport usually |
| They are often used to transport vans, pickups and | | | | averages between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on pick-up |
| SUVs, or passenger vehicles that have radio antennas | | | | and delivery locations, availability of the vehicles, |
| or higher profiles that exclude them from fitting on a | | | | shipping capacity, and distance. Most car haulers also |
| tri-level rail car. | | | | offer expedited service at an additional fee. |
| Car Hauler/Carrier | | | | Ramp |
| A company which provides auto transport service; the | | | | Another word for an intermodal terminal. Ramps were |
| physical transport of a vehicle. | | | | originally structures, permanent or temporary, from |
| Car Carrier / Auto Transport Equipment | | | | which trailers or machinery are driven onto or off of a |
| A specially constructed semi-trailer (unpowered unit) | | | | railroad flatcar. |
| usually capable of transporting up to 9 vehicles. Some | | | | Shipper |
| include hydraulically operated ramps. Some vehicles | | | | The person for whom the car hauler agrees to move |
| are backed onto the trailer while others are driven | | | | vehicles to a specified destination and at a specified |
| nose first to help maximize space or meet overhang | | | | price. Also called "Consignor". |
| requirements. Each vehicle is firmly blocked and tied | | | | Terminal |
| down to help protect it during transit. Large vehicles | | | | A facility provided by a railroad or car hauling company |
| are usually transported on the upper level of multi-deck | | | | at an intermediate point in its network for the handling |
| transport trailers. | | | | of freight; and for the breaking up, making up, |
| Delivery Network | | | | forwarding and servicing loads, and interchanging with |
| A complex system of connected trucks, railroads and | | | | other carriers. Also referred to as a "ramp" when |
| ships used to transport cars. Car haulers with access | | | | referencing a rail terminal. |
| to all modes of auto transport have a powerful | | | | Tie-downs |
| delivery network that provides efficient auto shipping | | | | Straps or chains that a car hauler uses to secure a |
| to meet their customers' time and cost requirements. | | | | vehicle on a tow truck or multi-level car carrier. Many |
| Enclosed Auto Transport | | | | car haulers are switching to straps to minimize |
| Auto transport using a fully enclosed van, semi trailer | | | | damage in transit. |
| or rail car, usually with metal sides and a top. Enclosed | | | | Vehicle Size Classifications |
| auto transport offers increased protection against | | | | Vehicle size classes are a way of classifying |
| weather, road debris and other hazards especially | | | | automobiles to estimate auto transport fees prior |
| over long distances. Enclosed truck transport is a | | | | shipment. Passenger cars are generally classified as |
| premium service which usually costs more than | | | | vehicles from 0-60" in height, or as mini-compact, |
| standard open auto transport. Enclosed rail transport is | | | | sub-compact, compact, mid-size or large cars based |
| standard and often costs less than open truck | | | | on their industry standard interior volume index |
| transport when moving cars more than 500 miles. | | | | measured in cubic feet. The larger the vehicle, the |
| Freight Forwarder | | | | higher the cost to transport it. |
| One who assembles small shipments of vehicles into | | | | Wheel Straps |
| one large consolidated shipment which is then | | | | Reinforced straps used in an auto rail car which go |
| tendered to an auto carrier. Upon reaching destination, | | | | over the wheels and secure the vehicle to the floor to |
| the shipment is separated into small shipments and | | | | minimize transportation damage. |