The transporting of the 2014 Ford Transit Cargo Van with a raised roof from Elkhart, Indiana, to Sun Valley, California, highlighted the efficient auto shipping services provided to business vehicles on key business routes. The transport covered 2,100 miles in just seven days, connecting two key business hubs on the opposite sides of the country.
Quick Turnaround from Booking to Delivery
The customer made the booking on the 19th of January, and the first available date coincided with the same date, implying that the transport services were readily available due to the presence of carriers on the Midwest to West Coast route. The assignment of the carrier took place within two business days on the 21st of January. The pickup occurred on the 23rd of January in Elkhart, whereas the van arrived at the destination in Sun Valley on the 26th of January. The time taken was three days, which is expected for a cross-country shipping route for a distance of over 2,100 miles. Using an open truck method, where a three-car hauler was used, also made the process cost-effective.
Open Transport Considerations for Commercial Vans
The carrier employed an open three-car hauler for this transport. Open auto transport is 30 to 40 percent less expensive than enclosed options and is the most common type of transport for commercial vans that lack special value considerations. The Ford Transit’s factory paint and bodywork are durable enough to withstand the elements during transport. Open transport carriers are more adaptable to different vehicle heights than standard car haulers. The high-roof Transit was able to be transported alongside other vehicles without needing special transport considerations. Commercial vans are secured in the same four-point strap system as passenger vehicles.
Ford Transit Raised Roof Design Benefits
The 2014 Ford Transit was the company’s entry into the full-size commercial van segment, previously dominated by the competition. The raised roof version of the van was likely providing medium roof heights at 72 inches or high roof heights at 81.5 inches inside the van. These factors are important for commercial use. Medium roof models allow most workers to stand upright inside the cargo section of the van, which increases loading and unloading efficiency. High roof models provide room for taller equipment or van conversion for different types of commercial business operations. The raised roof design is efficient and does not compromise on on-road performance and fuel efficiency.
Cross-Country Route Logistics
The cross-country route from Elkhart to Sun Valley, a distance of around 2,100 miles, spans six states. The route involves taking Interstate 80 from Indiana through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah, then connecting to Interstate 15 south into California.
The Federal Hours of Service regulations restrict truck drivers to 11 hours of actual driving time within a 14-hour window each day. This translates to carriers driving 450 to 550 miles per day. The three-day delivery schedule for the shipment was consistent with this driving schedule, allowing a small buffer for fuel stops and necessary rest breaks. The carrier likely stopped to pick up additional units along the route to optimize the number of haulers. Three-car haulers can handle multiple vehicle combinations, and the busy route from Indiana to California offers ample opportunities to consolidate freight heading west. This is an important factor in maintaining competitive shipping rates for customers.
Why This Route Sees High Transport Volume
Elkhart, in the state of Indiana, has an unparalleled importance in vehicle transport. The region is responsible for generating over 80 percent of the world’s total recreational vehicles and has strong historical links to commercial vehicle manufacturing, dating back to the 1930s.
The route from Elkhart to Southern California runs through major shipping routes, which include Interstate 80 and Interstate 15. These routes are frequently traveled by carriers, as they link manufacturing centers in the Midwest to distribution centers in California. This helps in reducing wait times, as there is an abundance of carriers available, as opposed to less popular shipping routes.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Elkhart, IN, 46514
- Destination: Sun Valley, CA, 91352
- Vehicle type and condition: 2014 Ford Transit Cargo Van with raised roof (Operable, commercial vehicle)
- Distance: Approximately 2,100 miles
- Primary routes: I-80 W through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah; then I-15 S into California
- Trailer type: Open three-car hauler
- Transit time: 3 days
- Season context: Late January
- Price: $2399 ($1.14 per mile)
See also: Indiana to California Car Shipping
