What Is a Haul Truck? Vehicle Types & Conditions

Two things people ask here: what the equipment is actually called, and whether their particular vehicle can be moved at all. Both below.

Equipment and trailer types

What is a haul truck? In transport, a haul truck is the tractor unit that pulls a loaded trailer — the powered vehicle rather than the deck your cargo sits on. In mining and construction the same phrase means something different: a very large off-road dump truck that never leaves the site. If you are shipping a vehicle, the first meaning is the relevant one.

How big is a haul truck? A full-size tractor and multi-car trailer combination is long enough that it cannot legally or safely enter many residential streets, which is why a meeting point is sometimes needed. Sizes vary by configuration, so we do not publish dimensions — what matters for your shipment is whether the combination can reach your address, and we check that before dispatch.

What is a lowboy truck? A lowboy is a trailer, not a truck. It has a dropped well between the gooseneck and the rear axles, giving a much lower deck height than a flatbed. That extra clearance is what allows a tall machine to travel within legal height limits. See heavy equipment transport.

What is the best truck for hauling heavy loads? It depends entirely on the load's height, weight, width and length. A flatbed suits low compact machines, a step-deck buys height, and a lowboy or removable-gooseneck trailer handles the tall and heavy end. There is no single best answer, which is why we ask for four measurements before quoting.

What kind of trailer will my car travel on? An open multi-car trailer in most cases — the same equipment manufacturers use to deliver new stock. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer with walls and a roof for high-value, classic and low-clearance vehicles.

Vehicle conditions

Can you ship a car that does not run? Yes, with a winch-equipped carrier. It is a smaller pool and a different price. Three answers decide the equipment: does it roll, does it steer, does it brake. Tell us at quote stage rather than on collection day.

Can you ship a lowered or modified car? Yes, and it usually needs a liftgate-equipped trailer rather than ramp loading. Ramp-loading a low car is how front lips get destroyed and it is entirely avoidable. Give us the ground clearance figure. See exotic and luxury car transport.

Can you ship an oversized vehicle? Larger vehicles take more deck and more payload, and price accordingly. Lifted trucks, dual-wheel pickups and long-wheelbase vans all need checking against trailer limits before booking.

Can you ship an electric vehicle? Yes. EVs are heavier than they look and have specific tie-down points and state-of-charge considerations, so tell us the model.

Does a convertible need enclosed transport? Not necessarily, though it is worth considering. A soft top in poor condition, or an older cloth or vinyl top, is more vulnerable to weather and road debris — and our Terms exclude damage to tops over a certain age. If the top matters, enclosed removes the question.

Can you ship a classic or vintage car? Yes, and typically enclosed with soft tie-downs, often with a winch if it does not run. See exotic and luxury car transport.

What if my vehicle has a roof rack, spoiler or aerial? Retract or remove what you can. Non-factory aerials and add-ons that do not retract close to the body are excluded from cover under our Terms, so removing them protects you as well as saving space.

Can you ship more than one vehicle at once? Yes, and on the same lane it prices better per unit than separate bookings.

What about motorcycles, boats, RVs and equipment? Each has its own equipment and its own page — see specialty transport.

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Related answers

All Car Shipping FAQs · Cost & Pricing · Booking & Process · Timing & Transit · Carriers, Insurance & Safety · Vehicle Preparation · Vehicle Types & Conditions · Routes & Locations · Specialty Transport

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