What Is the Newest Car Brand?
The period between 2018 and 2025 saw a rather dramatic change in the automobile sector. Electric cars became the new norm, and tech giants began to enter the manufacturing sector as well. New brands emerged from China in dozens. Traditional brands also introduced new sub-brands. As of now, in early 2026, the two newest major players are Maextro and the renamed AUDI (in all caps) – both at the forefront of the software-defined vehicle revolution.
Why the Newest Car Brands Are More Tech Than Auto
Using the most recent major market launch with production vehicles as the definition of “newest,” Maextro takes the prize with its 2025 launch. However, the automotive world is now in a state of perpetual launch mode, where technology firms such as Xiaomi and Sony have launched themselves as new car brands, and established brands such as Audi are revamping themselves as new brands altogether. The newest car brand is no longer simply a car manufacturer. It is a mobile technology platform.
The Newest Car Brands (2024–2025)
The most recent brand launches have one thing in common: they are all partnerships between traditional car manufacturers and tech companies. The brands are almost exclusively focused on high-end intelligent electric vehicles.
| Brand | Launch Year | Origin | Key Parent/Partner | Target Segment |
| Maextro | 2025 | China | Huawei & JAC Motors | Ultra-Luxury EVs |
| Stelato | 2024 | China | Huawei & BAIC | Premium Executive EVs |
| Onvo | 2024 | China | Nio | Mass-Market EVs |
| Firefly | 2024 | China | Nio | Compact/City EVs |
| Xiaomi Auto | 2024* | China | Xiaomi | Performance Tech EVs |
*Xiaomi Auto was founded in 2021 but its first production vehicle, the SU7, launched in 2024.
Historical Launch Timeline (2018–2023)
2023 was definitely the year for BYD to expand. They launched Yangwang for the ultra-luxury segment and Fangchengbao for professional off-road buyers. Huawei and Chery launched Luxeed in the same year.
In 2022, Saudi Arabia declared Ceer Motors as the first homegrown EV brand in the country. Sony and Honda launched Afeela, a joint venture centered on entertainment-integrated mobility.
Geely launched Zeekr in 2021, and it quickly established itself as a leading global EV brand. Great Wall Motors launched TANK in the same year as an independent luxury SUV brand.
2020 saw the entry of government-supported startups. Dongfeng launched Voyah, and SAIC partnered with Alibaba to launch IM Motors.
The initial lineup emerged in 2018 and 2019 with global launches from Vietnam’s VinFast, Russia’s Aurus Motors, and GWM’s EV-exclusive brand ORA.
Major Trends in New Brand Launches
The years between 2018 and 2025 have been a rollercoaster for new automotive brands. Our research has identified 48 new passenger car brands that have entered the market during these years, and it has shown a pattern: a boom and then a sharp consolidation.
| Year | Total New Brands Launched |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Why We’re Seeing These Patterns
The 2018-2023 “EV Gold Rush”
The consistent influx of new brands, which averaged close to eight launches annually, was largely fueled by the global electrification movement. This was a time characterized by:
Immense Investor Optimism: Venture capital flowed freely into EV startups, with investors eager to find the “next Tesla.” This fueled the creation of dozens of companies, from high-profile American startups like Aptera (re-founded 2019) [4] and Czinger (2019) [5] to a flood of new Chinese players.The Rise of the Sub-Brand: Established automakers joined the fray by launching dedicated EV or premium sub-brands to capture new market segments without diluting their core identity. Hyundai launched Ioniq (2020) [6], Geely launched Zeekr (2021) [7], and Chery launched Jetour (2018) [8], among many others.
The China Phenomenon
It is impossible to discuss the trend of new car brands without mentioning China. In fact, more than half of the 48 new brands came from China. The emergence of these new car brands is the result of an industrial strategy, including high government incentives, huge market potential, and the expansion of established car makers. Car brands like BYD and Geely have taken up the strategy of multi-branding, introducing many brands in recent years to capture all market segments. In 2023, BYD launched an ultra-luxury brand called Yangwang [9] and an off-road brand called Fangchengbao [10] in 2023.
The 2024-2025 “Startup Winter”
The precipitous drop to one new brand in 2024 and 2025 is a harsh correction. The “gold rush” is over, and the “startup winter” has begun. The key factors are:
• Market Saturation & Competition: The market is now saturated with electric vehicles, making it an extremely difficult environment for new, untested entrants to the space.
• Economic Headwinds: The rise in interest rates and the overall state of the global economy have made investors risk-averse, cutting off the flow of capital that new startups need.
• Manufacturing is Hard: The harsh reality of mass production has proven to be the “great filter.” Many new startups have struggled with supply chain management, quality control, and the high costs associated with scaling production, leading to high-profile bankruptcies like Lordstown Motors (founded 2018) [11].
Conclusion: A New Era of Consolidation
The wild and woolly days of creating new automotive brands seem to have come to an end. The auto industry is now poised to begin an era of consolidation, in which only the best-financed, most technologically advanced, and best-planned organizations will survive.
What does this mean for the auto transport industry? The unending parade of new and unknown automobiles is likely to slow its pace, but the game has changed. The rise of new Chinese brands and the continued push into electric vehicles by established automakers are the new realities. Understanding these players, not just the new ones, but the new ones who are here to stay, is what the future holds.
References
[1] Motor1: Vittori Turbio Hypercar [2] Fortune: Introducing Century, Toyota’s new car brand [3] Wikipedia: Slate Auto [4] Wikipedia: Aptera Motors [5] Wikipedia: Czinger [6] Wikipedia: Ioniq [7] Wikipedia: Zeekr [8] Wikipedia: Jetour [9] Wikipedia: Yangwang [10] Wikipedia: Fangchengbao [11] Wikipedia: Lordstown Motors
Triple Black Shipped from Marlboro, NY to Keyport, NJ
Transporting a personal watercraft from point A to point B is a relatively simple process. However, for those who have attempted to arrange a PWC transport, they know how important the details can be. It’s a look at how a 2023 Sea-Doo RXT was picked up in Marlboro, New York, and delivered to Keyport, New Jersey on the same day it was loaded.
The Shipment at a Glance
The 2023 Sea-Doo RXT is a high-performance watercraft designed for speed and stability on the water. It’s not a light piece of equipment and requires secure tie-down points and a stable surface to be transported. Shipping it on an open trailer was the best approach for this shipment.
The order was received on February 19th, and the first available date was set for the same day. The order was assigned to a carrier by the 20th of February and pickup was confirmed for the 24th. By the end of the same day, the Sea-Doo RXT was on its way to Keyport, New Jersey.
Why the Marlboro to Keyport Route Worked in the Client’s Favor
Marlboro, NY is located in the Hudson Valley about 90 miles north of New York City. Keyport, NJ is a waterfront borough located on Raritan Bay, directly across from Staten Island. The path that the two cities take is a freight corridor, so it was not hard to locate a qualified carrier that was familiar with the area.
Having a large volume of short-distance movements in the Northeast can get moving quickly because of the large number of carriers that run established regional routes in this section of the country. This is good for the client as it reduces waiting time.
Open Trailer: The Right Choice for This Shipment
The Sea Doo RXT traveled to its destination on an open trailer. The most popular way to transport powersports equipment is via an open trailer. When transporting equipment such as this, the trailer provides the shipper with flexibility in loading the equipment. Open trailer transport is the most cost-effective way to transport equipment as well. For such a short distance over land, the equipment traveled in the right manner.
Personal watercraft such as the Sea Doo RXT are designed to withstand the elements such as rain, sun, and other elements that come with the outdoors. As such, the equipment did not need to be concerned with the elements during transport via the trailer. The equipment was properly secured before leaving Marlboro and arrived in Keyport in the same condition as it left.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Marlboro, NY 12542
- Destination: Keyport, NJ 07735
- Vehicle: 2023 Sea-Doo RXT (Personal Watercraft)
- Distance: ~90 miles
- Primary routes: US-9 S → I-287 E
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Late February
- Price: $350 (~$3.89 per mile)
Shipping a 2025 Polaris RZR S 900 EPS Black Pearl from Texas to Arizona
When a 2025 Polaris RZR S 900 EPS Black Pearl had to be transported from Frisco, TX to Scottsdale, AZ, there wasn’t really a debate about how it would be accomplished. A sport side by side like this isn’t something you just throw on a trailer and hope for the best. It was shipped in a hard side enclosed unit, and it took 13 days from start to finish. Here’s how it went and some things worth knowing if you’re looking to ship a powersport vehicle.
About the 2025 Polaris RZR S 900 EPS
The Polaris RZR S 900 EPS is designed for the trails and is a high-performance sport side-by-side. It has a ProStar 900 twin-cylinder engine, which provides the RZR S 900 with about 75 horsepower. The Black Pearl version simply adds to the luxurious appearance, so arriving at the Scottsdale Motor Trade Expo scratched or in need of a wash was not going to cut it.
The RZR S 900 is designed to hug the ground, and it has a wider stance compared to a normal ATV. This is important to consider during transportation because the correct loading equipment needs to be used. Hard side closed trailers usually come with hydraulic ramps that extend down to the ground, making it easy to load the RZR S 900, which is low to the ground. It also ensures the RZR S 900 remains clean and free of scratches during the entire trip.
The Route: Frisco, TX to Scottsdale, AZ
This is about a 1,100-mile run from the Dallas-Fort Worth area down to the Phoenix metropolitan area. The run essentially connects two of the most active markets in the country for both auto and powersports equipment transport. Therefore, the carrier situation should be relatively good on this run. The routes taken will be along Interstate 20 and Interstate 10 as they run through the state of Texas and down into Arizona.
With regard to the enclosed powersports transport, the situation with regard to carrier availability is a bit more challenging than with the standard open car carrier because there are fewer enclosed equipment haulers on the road compared to standard open car carriers. Therefore, the 6-day window from the time the booking was made to the actual assignment of the carrier is appropriate in this case.
Why Hard-Side Enclosed Was the Right Choice
Hard-sided enclosed trailers have a steel or aluminum wall that encloses the load completely. This is unlike the soft-sided trailers, which have a vinyl curtain to enclose the load but cannot fully protect against road debris, weather, or UV rays. This would be important for something like the RZR S 900 EPS Black Pearl, which has a shiny finish and is designed for performance.
Open transport is the most common type of transport for shipping vehicles across the country, accounting for about 90 percent of total auto transport. However, this is for standard vehicles, not for something like the powersports RZR. It doesn’t have the same points of attachment for tie-downs, nor would it have the same equipment needed for loading due to its stance and clearance. It also needs to be transported to a location where it will be used immediately, so condition is part of the reason for transporting it in the first place.
Another benefit of hard-sided enclosed trailers is the more stable ride due to the way the trailer walls absorb road vibration. For a machine with suspension tuned for trail riding, minimizing its movements during transportation would be considered reasonable.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Frisco, TX 75034
- Destination: Scottsdale, AZ 85262
- Vehicle: 2025 Polaris RZR S 900 EPS Black Pearl (Operable)
- Distance: ~1,100 miles
- Primary routes: I-20 W → I-10 W
- Trailer type: Hard-side enclosed
- Season: Mid-February
- Price: $1,050 (~$0.95 per mile)
B9.5 Generation from Bangor, ME to Dayton, OH
There are many variables to consider when shipping a sedan from northern Maine to Ohio during the month of February. The route takes you through some of the most weather-sensitive areas of the country during the middle of winter. When the customer came to Tempus Logix with the need to have their 2020 Audi A4 transported from Bangor, ME to Dayton, OH, the team got to work the same day the order was received.
This is a breakdown of how the shipment was handled, the decisions made, and the reason for the timeline of the shipment.
The Timeline
The order was booked on February 17, and the earliest available date was set for the same day. The carrier was assigned on February 20, three days after the booking. Pickup occurred on February 23, and delivery took place on February 24.
The total time elapsed from booking to delivery was seven days.
Three days between booking and assignment is quite normal, as dispatchers need time to assign each shipment to the appropriate carrier. Route type and time both play a role in this. Since this route passes through heavy freight routes, it didn’t take long to assign a carrier.
Between the assignment on the 20th and the pickup on the 23rd, the schedule was coordinated with the customer and other pickups along the route were accomplished. Open carriers typically load seven to nine cars on a single run, so the pickup order must be coordinated. The A4 was picked up in Bangor on the 23rd.
One day transit was required. The driver made the entire route from Bangor to Dayton and delivered the car on the 24th. The DOT limits daily driving to 11 hours, so a direct route such as this one need careful route planning to meet these requirements and arrive on schedule.
The Route: Bangor, ME to Dayton, OH
The distance between Bangor and Dayton spans approximately 1,100 miles. The route passes through the Northeast corridor and down through New York and Pennsylvania before finally arriving in Ohio. This is a freight route with regular carrier traffic, so it remains navigable even during the colder winter months.February is the peak month for winter in New England. For carriers out of Maine, the roads are icy, so the speed is slower. Choosing a carrier that is familiar with the Northeast is not simply a choice based on preference. It is one that impacts the way the entire process is handled.
Trailer Selection
Open transport was the correct decision for this transport. It is a good, solid sedan, not a classic or exotic vehicle that requires the added protection of an enclosed transport. It is also faster to schedule, as many more open transport vehicles are on the road. Additionally, the cost savings of open transport versus enclosed are significant.
The transport company used a standard multi-car transport vehicle. Cars are chained down using the axle straps and chains so that the vehicle does not move during transport. The A4 was chained down according to DOT regulations before leaving Bangor.
Some customers want to know about the exposure to the elements with the open transport in the winter. The way the vehicle is chained down ensures that it does not move regardless of road conditions. Some road salt or slush on the road is normal in February, but it washes off easily. There is no damage from the elements on a vehicle such as the A4.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Bangor, ME 04401
- Destination: Dayton, OH 45409
- Vehicle: 2020 Audi A4 (Operable)
- Distance: ~1,100 miles
- Primary routes: I-95 S → I-90 W → I-76 W → I-70 W
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Late February
- Price: $1,260 (~$1.15 per mile)
Large Luxury SUV from Hudson, FL to Philadelphia, PA
Shipping an extended-wheelbase full-size SUV such as the 2025 Lincoln Navigator L is not the same as shipping a regular sedan. The vehicle is quite massive and heavy, and it requires careful positioning on the open carrier. When a client in Hudson, Florida required the delivery of their Navigator L to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, everything moved very quickly with no issues. Here is how it was done from start to finish.
The Shipping Route
The Lincoln Navigator L 2025 is one of the largest production SUVs available. Its elongated wheelbase causes the vehicle to stretch well beyond the standard Lincoln Navigator, making it a challenge for carriers to position on a trailer. With a length of approximately 222 inches and a weight over 6,000 pounds, this is not a truck that any carrier will pick up without considering the move carefully.
The route from Hudson, FL 34667 to Philadelphia, PA 19142 is approximately 1,150 miles. It begins by going north on Interstate 75 and then merging onto I-95, which is one of the busiest freight routes on the East Coast. This route sees a constant flow of carrier traffic, which is beneficial to the client as there is typically good availability and faster transit.
Booking and Carrier Assignment
The shipment was booked on February 13, with the first available date set for the same day. The client was prepared to relocate the vehicle as soon as possible, and thus the timeline began immediately.
A carrier was assigned on February 16, three days after the shipment was booked. This is a good turnaround for a large SUV shipment on an open trailer in mid-February. Open trailer transport is the most common form of transport in the industry, as it is cheaper and there are many more open trailer carriers running the I-95 corridor than any other type of trailer.
The assigned carrier included a standard multi-deck open hauler. Due to the Navigator L’s size, placement was done with caution. Large SUVs such as this one are normally loaded on the lower deck because of the increased clearance and to prevent stacking problems associated with the top deck for taller vehicles. A four-point tie-down system was used at the wheels to secure the vehicle before departure.
Why Open Transport Made Sense Here
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator L is a luxury SUV; however, in this case, an open transport was the best choice. This is due to the fact that most of the transport of vehicles within the country is done by open transport, considering that they are affordable and easily accessible.
For example, this transport cost $947, and if an enclosed transport were used for this same vehicle and route, it would have cost $1,266, making an open transport $319 more affordable and still safe.
The Lincoln Navigator L comes with a standard ride height and sufficient ground clearance to prevent any issues during loading. The car was driven onto the truck on its own power. It was then tied down with a four-point tie-down system at the wheels and locked to DOT specifications before the truck departed.
Open transport does leave the car vulnerable to the elements of the road. This is not a problem for a daily-driven SUV. Clients who want their car in a completely protected environment can opt for enclosed transport, although this takes longer since there are fewer enclosed carriers on any given route.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Hudson, FL 34667
- Destination: Philadelphia, PA 19142
- Vehicle: 2025 Lincoln Navigator L (Operable)
- Distance: 1,150 miles
- Primary routes: I-75 N → I-95 N
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Mid-February
- Price: $850 (~$0.74 per mile)
See also: Pennsylvania to Florida Car Shipping
A Brand-New SUV Shipped from Dallas, TX to Stone Mountain, GA
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sport is designed to tackle rugged terrain, but even the most rugged off-road vehicles require a well-organized shipping process when traveling across state lines. Below is a summary of how Tempus Logix organized an open-transport shipment from Dallas, Texas to Stone Mountain, Georgia.
The Shipment at a Glance
The request was received on the 19th of February, and it was for a 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sport, which was to be shipped from the 75212 zip code in Dallas, TX, to the 30083 zip code in Stone Mountain, GA. The customer requested the First Available Date to be the 20th of February, which gave us a brief window.
However, the carrier was assigned the same day. The Jeep was picked up on the 20th and was delivered to Stone Mountain, GA, the next day, the 21st. The entire process, from booking to drop-off, was done in about 48 hours. Of course, not all shipments can be done in such a short amount of time, but it is what can be achieved when everything falls into place.
The Route
The road from Dallas to Stone Mountain is about 800 miles and mostly follows I-20 East for the bulk of the trip. This is one of the most heavily used routes in the South because it connects two of the largest metropolitan areas in the South. Since this is one of the most used routes in the South, it didn’t take long to find an available open hauler. The use of open transport is the most commonly used method in the South because it is one of the most used routes.
The Transportation Type
Open transport was the appropriate choice for this shipment for a few reasons. The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sport was designed to be driven on the road every day and withstand the elements. The exposure to road air and mild weather for one day would not be detrimental to the vehicle. In addition, open auto carriers have more flexibility with scheduling since they make up the vast majority of auto carriers on the road. This was a major factor in how quickly this shipment was booked and assigned to a carrier within 24 hours.
Had the customer been shipping something like a collector car or sports car, which requires white-gloved handling and care, then the enclosed auto transport would have been the better choice. The drawback of working with an enclosed auto carrier is the wait time for pickup and the additional expense. For something like the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sport, it would have been unnecessary to incur these additional expenses.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Dallas, TX 75212
- Destination: Stone Mountain, GA 30083
- Vehicle: 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sport (Operable)
- Distance: 800 miles
- Primary routes: I-20 E → I-20 E through Shreveport, LA → Birmingham, AL
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Mid-February
- Price: $699 (~$0.87 per mile)
Baby Benz Shipped from Arlington Heights, IL to Indian Trail, NC in Three Days
A 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA was being transported from Arlington Heights, IL to Indian Trail, NC. The whole process happened quickly. The order was booked on February 23rd, and the same day was the first available date. The carrier was assigned on the same day, and the next morning, on February 24th, the pickup was made. By the 26th of February, the vehicle was delivered to a private residence. The whole process was done within three days.
The reason for such efficiency has to do with the demand of the route and the availability of the carriers. The coordination between the broker and the hauler must be smooth as well.
Pickup at a Business Location
The car was picked up from a business location in Arlington Heights. Commercial pickup addresses can make the carrier’s task easier since business lots have more space for a large multi-car carrier to maneuver. Carriers can pull in and load the car without the street constraints of a residential neighborhood.
Such a pickup location may help reduce the time a carrier spends at the location. It also lowers the possibility of delays that may occur when carriers are loading from a residential street or driveway. It is a small detail, but it can make a difference.
Delivery to a Private Residence
The GLA was delivered to a residential home in Indian Trail. For residential deliveries, the driver is required to assess the condition of the street or driveway upon arriving at the delivery location. Most residential areas are able to accommodate the standard car hauler, but in some cases where the area is limited, the driver may arrange to have the GLA taken to a public meeting location such as a parking lot. The delivery went well.
If the customer is preparing for a residential delivery, there are some key elements that need to take place to ensure the delivery goes smoothly. Having someone present to inspect the vehicle is important because the delivery inspection occurs at the time of drop-off. The condition report from the pick-up is to be compared with the vehicle at the time of delivery. By doing so, any transport concerns may be noted on the Bill of Lading prior to the driver leaving the location.
The Route
The route of Arlington Heights to Indian Trail runs from the Chicago suburbs to the greater Charlotte metro area of North Carolina. Both of these areas are close to major interstate highways and thus the availability of carriers will always be good. This route runs through areas where trucks traveling between the Midwest and Southeast are common, and it is unlikely there will be a lack of carriers interested in hauling this route.
Indian Trail is located just southeast of Charlotte and has easy access to I-485, which has smooth connections to I-77 and I-85. This route for carriers coming south out of the Chicago area has no major detours and was why it was filled the same day the order was received.
Transportation Type
The GLA was transported via an open trailer, which is the most common and readily available trailer out there. An open trailer uses a multi-car hauler that has the capacity to carry between three to ten cars at any given time; hence, it is the most affordable for most personal and luxury-lite cars.
The 2015 GLA is a compact luxury SUV and can be transported via an open trailer since it is a standard production car and has no modifications that would make it hard to load.
Open trailers are also the fastest to be assigned since there are many of them on the road compared to enclosed trailers. The customer’s first available date coincided with the booking date; hence, the trucking network had adequate time to operate efficiently and dispatch the car within the same business day.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Arlington Heights, IL 60004
- Destination: Indian Trail, NC 28079
- Vehicle: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA (Operable)
- Distance: 800 miles
- Primary routes: I-90 E → I-65 S → I-24 E → I-75 S → I-485
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Late February
- Price: $580 (~$0.73 per mile)
See also: A Classic Truck, a Long Route from Ault, CO to Rutherfordton, NC
A Classic Truck, a Long Route from Ault, CO to Rutherfordton, NC
Not every car we ship is a sports car or a brand new luxury SUV. Sometimes it’s a 1991 Ford Ranger with a story to tell. This vehicle needs just as good a service.
We just did this exact same shipment. It’s a Ford Ranger, shipping from Ault, CO to Rutherfordton, NC on an open transport. It was booked on February 20th, and we had a carrier confirmed on the same day. It went out on February 21st and arrived in Rutherfordton on February 25th.This is a 1,550-mile trip, taking four days of transit time. Let’s see how we did this.
Same-Day Assignment
The speed of the carrier assignment is affected by a few variables, including the region of origin, the destination, the time of year, and how well it fits into the existing route of the carrier. February is considered to be a moderate-demand month for auto transport services. This means that there will be adequate capacity without the wait times experienced during the summer months.
The route between Ault and Rutherfordton is considered to be point-to-point and traverses states with good carrier density. Colorado has outbound freight consistently due to its size and central location. The Carolinas have regular inbound freight from the Midwest and Mountain West. In these cases, the freight can be picked up by the carrier without having to go out of their way. This would be the determining factor for how quickly the freight would be assigned to the carrier.
The FAD was set for the same day as the booking. This would be beneficial if the customer was available to start right away. This would eliminate the time period necessary for the wait. The carrier would be able to commit to a pickup the next morning.
The Route and Why It Worked in the Customer’s Favor
Ault, Colorado is located in Weld County, about 60 miles north of Denver. Rutherfordton, North Carolina is a small town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Rutherford County. Neither location is a major metropolitan hub, and some customers may be concerned that a rural starting and ending point might make things slow.
In this case, it was not. The Colorado to Southeast corridor is a busy route through Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Carriers going to the Southeast often travel through or near both locations, as the route is in alignment with where they were already going. The FAD was set for the 20th of February. This was the same day the order was put in, and a carrier was confirmed before the day was over.
Open Transport for a 30-Year-Old Truck
Open transport was the right choice in this instance. The 1991 Ford Ranger is a tough no-frills work truck.
Open transport carriers deal with this type of truck daily without any problems. The open trailer can carry up to nine vehicles at once, which means this type of transport occurs much more often than the enclosed type.
There are some who might want to go with the enclosed type of transport for older vehicles, such as classic cars or vehicles that have been restored to their former glory. With a truck such as this, which is in good condition for driving, the open transport service provides a solid service without the extra expense of finding someone willing to provide this type of transport service. The time is also shorter for this type of transport service. The truck was securely loaded onto the trailer and transported across the country without incident.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Ault, CO 80610
- Destination: Rutherfordton, NC 28139
- Vehicle: 1991 Ford Ranger (Operable)
- Distance: 1,550 miles
- Primary routes: I-25 S → I-70 E → I-40 E
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Mid-February Price: $1,095 (~$0.71 per mile)
See also: Baby Benz Shipped from Arlington Heights, IL to Indian Trail, NC in Three Days
Shipping a Legend Series from Maple Valley, WA to El Paso, TX
Transporting a car that is close to 40 years old across the country is not something you decide to do on a whim. This car was shipped from Maple Valley, WA to El Paso, Texas, and it covered over 1,800 miles on an open carrier truck through some tough highway driving conditions. The complete timeline from the time of booking to the time of delivery will give you a true sense of what it takes to transport a car of this vintage.
Carrier Assignment: Seven Days from Booking
The carrier was assigned on February 14th, which is a typical range for a Pacific Northwest to Texas lane during the winter months. The carriers will begin to dwindle in availability as February approaches, as demand begins to increase before the spring relocation season. Maple Valley is a smaller market outside of Seattle, so the dispatch team had to locate a carrier that was already running the I-5 or I-90 corridor southbound into the Southwest.
The Pacific Northwest routes funneling into Nevada, Arizona, and Texas are popular routes, so a seven-day assignment window is not out of the ordinary.
Open Transport for a Classic BMW
The 1986 BMW 3 Series was delivered on an open carrier, which is the most common form of transport in the business. Open carrier transport is less expensive and easier to arrange since open carriers comprise the majority of trucks on the road.
In the case of a car such as this one, open carrier transport is a viable option, although it does come with some drawbacks. The car is fully exposed to the elements during transport. A late model commuter car won’t mind this in the least. However, a 1986 model with original paint or untouched mechanical components should be considered more carefully before making a decision.
Buyers who choose to transport a classic or collector car via open carrier should take pictures of the vehicle from all sides before the transport company picks it up. These pictures will act as proof in case something comes up at delivery. It would also be a good idea to check the insurance policy for the cargo that the carrier provides to see what is and isn’t covered for cars of this vintage.
Total Timeline and The Route
The BMW arrived in El Paso on February 20th, which is four days after it was picked up. This is a good transit time for a load of this distance. Long-haul open carriers will generally move 500 to 700 miles per day, depending on the route and stops needed. Whether they are loaded to capacity is also a consideration. The time frame from February 16th to February 20th indicates the trucker was moving efficiently.
El Paso is located at a prime freight location between I-10 East and West, so trucks completing routes in the Southwest have a natural lane into this market.
The total timeline from the February 7th booking to the February 20th delivery was 13 days. From booking to carrier assignment, it took 7 days. Then from assignment to pickup, it added 2 days. And from pickup to delivery, it was the final 4 days.
For a long-distance open transport shipment in February, the total number of days is within a normal range. For customers who set a same-day first available date, they should allow some flexibility because the assignment window is the phase with the most variability. The carriers are assigned based on route fit rather than availability.
What to Know Before Shipping a Vintage Vehicle
A 1986 BMW 3 Series is more than just a used car. It represents a line of vehicles that car enthusiasts are actively looking for and going to great lengths to restore and maintain. Shipping a vehicle means paying attention to a few details that are not typically required by standard auto transport.
Verifying that the vehicle is in running condition is the first step. Vehicles that are not in running condition can still be shipped, but they need to be transported by carriers with a winch system. This takes more lead time, as fewer carriers have this equipment.
Battery status is also important. A vehicle left to sit during the time between booking and pickup can develop a slow drain, and showing up at pickup with a dead battery is just a hassle.
Photographing the vehicle and recording the mileage is important before the handoff. So too is a complete walk-around inspection recorded on the Bill of Lading, as this provides the owner with a clear record in the event questions arise post-delivery.
This particular shipment from Maple Valley to El Paso took a realistic route from beginning to end. The pace was what one would expect for the Pacific Northwest to West Texas route during the winter months. Open transport got the vehicle from point A to point B quickly and affordably, with the transit time coming in at four days after the carrier was rolling. For those shipping a vehicle of similar vintage, carrier assignments before booking often carry as much weight as the actual assignment.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Maple Valley, WA 98038
- Destination: El Paso, TX 79936
- Vehicle: 1986 BMW 3 Series (Operable)
- Distance: Approximately 1,800 miles
- Primary routes: SR-18 W → I-5 S → I-84 E → I-15 S → I-10 W
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Early February (winter)
- Price: $1,300 ($0.72 per mile)
See also: Texas to Washington Car Shipping
Classic Bunkie Beak made the trip from Frisco, TX to Houston, TX
The 1970 Ford Thunderbird is no ordinary vehicle. It is a member of the fourth generation of one of the most iconic nameplates from Ford, a personal luxury coupe that was a serious player in its time. When a customer required the delivery of this collector’s item from Frisco, Texas to Houston, the task required some planning and the right transportation company.
The Route: Frisco, TX to Houston, TX
Frisco is located north of Dallas in one of the fastest-growing routes in the state. Houston is approximately 280 miles southeast and accessible via I-45. This route is regularly serviced by carriers because the DFW Metroplex to Houston route has steady volumes of freight. This makes it a lot easier to find capacity than if it were routed through non-urban areas. The customer booked on February 11th with the first available date on February 13th. A carrier was assigned on February 12th. Pickup occurred on February 17th, and the truck was delivered on the same day it was picked up. In a route this short, it is truly possible to deliver the same day if the carrier and timing are right.
Open Transport for a 1970 Ford Thunderbird
The type of trailer chosen in this case was open, which is the most common approach in the business. Open carriers carry multiple vehicles simultaneously and operate on a regular basis on busy routes such as this one. They are less expensive than enclosed carriers and easier to locate on busy lanes with high demand for freight.
In the case of a 1970 Thunderbird, open transportation can be a consideration worth exploring. Classic cars are typically better served by enclosed trailers, which protect against road debris, the elements, and the type of cosmetic damage that can occur with open transportation. Open transportation is not necessarily dangerous, however. Many classic cars are transported in this manner without problem if the carrier is experienced and the pre-loading inspection is thorough.
If you are considering both options for a similar move, a few things come into play. How far is it going to? What kind of weather is it going to be along the route? What kind of condition is the finish of the vehicle in? For a Texas to Texas move in February, with decent weather and a short drive, container transport may be a good decision. Just be sure that your insurance coverage reflects the value of the vehicle before the truck arrives.
Before a car such as the 1970 Thunderbird is loaded onto a carrier, preparation is important. At Tempus Logix, we ensure that every consignment is preceded by a pre-shipment inspection to safeguard our clients and their vehicles. The condition of the vehicle is recorded at the time of pickup, and the Bill of Lading is signed to provide a documented record of the vehicle’s condition. This document is used as a reference point at the time of delivery.
A few prep steps are in order for any classic or collector car. Take photos of the car from all sides before the carrier shows up. Document any existing chips, scratches, or damage in writing. Drain the gas level to about a quarter of a tank. Disable any alarm systems so they don’t trigger during shipping. And remove all personal effects from the interior and trunk, as carriers are not liable for anything left inside. These are important steps regardless of whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Frisco, TX 75036
- Destination: Houston, TX 77078
- Vehicle: 1970 Ford Thunderbird (Operable)
- Distance: ~280 miles
- Primary routes: I-45 S → Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Mid-February (mild winter)
- Price: $260 ($0.93 per mile)
