Car Hauling Driving Jobs FAQs

If you are a skillful and qualified driver with some proper training, you can find a whole variety of career options in the trucking industry.

It is already several years as the industry experiences a significant shortage of qualified drivers.

Considering the situation on the market, it can be a great option for those who enjoy driving and want to travel around the country.

As a car hauler, you need to drive across the country through regional routes and even local routes.

You need to know that there is a variety of jobs related to car transport.

You can get employed by dealers and manufacturers as well as by auctions’ owners and exotic car dealers.

Also, you can get some work from owner-operators who call their own shots and transport cares to different places.

This article can help you to understand whether you want to work in this sphere or not.

Of course, it is important to follow your own calling but it is also important to learn the opinions and experience of other drivers before making your decision.

Here you can find some of the most popular questions about this career option as well as answers for them.

Just keep in mind that your career prospects significantly depends on your employer and the job climate.

What Are Car Hauler jobs?

A car hauler is a driver who transports vehicles from one place to another.

Usually, they are responsible for the transportation of consumer cars and trucks.

These specialists are required at any time when there is a necessity to move a certain number of vehicles from one destination to another.

They are responsible for the transportation of new and used cars for sale and resale.

Also, they may be responsible for the transportation of some rare and exotic cars the owners of which don’t want to risk driving them across the country.

It is a great career for people who like driving and are interested in cars.

What Are Car Hauler Duties?

It is obvious that truck drivers need to drive from one place to another but there are some other duties they need to perform.

They may be responsible for car inspections before and after their transportation.

Also, you need to know how to load a bunch of cars to your truck and make sure they are safe.

In fact, safety is an absolutely important aspect of any job related to driving including hauling.

Usually, to be able to get a job in this sphere, you need to have about a two-year experience as a CDL driver.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Car Hauler?

To be able to work as a car hauler, you need to have a Class A CDL.

If you have some additional endorsements, it can give some extra points when you are looking for career options.

It is the same thing when it comes to your working experience.

Of course, there are companies that are ready to hire new drivers but most companies give preference to experienced ones.

Usually, you need to have about two years of experience at least.

If you have no experience and want to work as a car hauler, you need to get in touch with companies in your area and ask for available job options.

According to the data provided by the Auto Haulers Association of America, insurance companies can be a real problem for those who look for car hauling jobs with no experience.

Usually, they require drivers to have a commercial license and some experience so they can work in this sphere.

If you need to get info about the requirements and available options, just make sure to get in touch with local companies.

Company Jobs vs. Owner Operator Auto Transport Jobs

If you are just starting out as a truck driver, you should know that company jobs are the best option for you.

Those who have their own rigs and work their tail off have an opportunity to increase their salary.

You just need to know that buying your own equipment and starting a business leads to numerous expenses.

You also need to know that auto transport jobs require certain skills.

It means that you need to make sure that you have all the required skills before spending your money on a truck and trailer.

How Much Do Car Haulers Earn Per Year?

Car hauling is a small segment of the truck driving industry so not so many agencies and organizations provide info on salary rates.

According to the data we were able to get, you can expect as much as $70 000 per year.

In some cases, owner-operators can earn about $5000-6000 weekly.

The Indeed.com claims that car haulers can earn about $82 000 per year.

As you see, the numbers differ in various resources so make sure to learn about salary options in your area.

Also, it is a good idea to get in touch with employers and schools and ask them for information on the matter.

The Auto Haulers Association of America claims that experienced car haulers can earn from $75 000 to $110 000 per year.

In fact, this career can provide you with the same benefits and salary wages as other trucking jobs.

Working in this sphere, you can expect 401K, medical/dental/vision benefits, as well as paid time off and holidays.

How Are Auto Hauling Drivers Paid?

There are several payment options such as a salary, per-mile rate, and percentage of the load.

It depends on your employer and their preferred way to pay salaries.

What Types of Endorsements and Training Do Car Haulers Need?

If you have a CDL-A, you can become a car hauler without any additional endorsement.

Just keep in mind that companies tend to hire drivers that have experience in towing or driving various types of trucks.

What Lifestyle Does Auto Transport Jobs Require?

In fact, your lifestyle will significantly depend on the type of job you are interested in.

You can work as a local or regional car hauler that allows you staying at home almost every night.

If you are a car hauler that transport cars all over the country, you may spend weeks away from home.

When it comes to owner-operators, their lifestyle is pretty unpredictable and random.

Nevertheless, you’ll be able to determine your working time and location and have a more flexible schedule when you run your own business.

You need to know that due to some benefits, a car hauler career can influence your lifestyle less than an owner-operator career.

Meet a Real Car Hauler

Visiting the website smart-trucking.com, you can read the interview with a trucker Caroline who tells about some interesting points of lifestyle and skills required for this career.

She says that it is important to examine your load properly so you can organize the vehicles as safe as possible.

Also, it is important to make sure that your load size meets DOT standards.

Moreover, you need to make sure that vehicles’ VINs match the info in your trip package.

In other words, you need to be very attentive.

Also, she pays attention to a heightened concern for safety.

She says that it is important to know the surroundings including such points as curbs and gravels, low bridges, wires, hanging trees as it all can cause damage to the load.

Are You Ready to Start Looking for Car Hauler Positions in Your Area?

Looking for trucking jobs you need to check what options you are qualified for.

Make sure to check job listing in your area as well as requirements for each option.