In our latest shipment, we had a 1949 Buick Super transferred from Lockport, NY to Lawndale, NC through an enclosed trailer transport service. In total, the automobile travelled 695 miles for a fee of $1,471.00, making $2.12 per mile.
Old automobiles have a number of things to take into consideration when it comes to loading and securing them, beyond those that need to be considered for modern cars. Our shipment serves as a perfect example.
The Route
The 1118 km journey from Lockport to Lawndale travels south from the western state of New York and down the Appalachian corridor. Haulers generally depart Lockport, north of Buffalo, close to the falls, then travel south towards Erie, Pennsylvania on I-79.
From there, the journey continues to travel south through West Virginia. This trip goes past Charleston before entering North Carolina along I-77. The last leg is a westward journey from the interstate to Lawndale, a small town in Cleveland County near Shelby, close to Charlotte.
The journey involves four states and a good deal of mountainous country in West Virginia, thus weather and grade become additional factors in time calculation, which wouldn’t have been the case in a more typical eastern coast route. The $2.12 per mile rate accounts for both the distance and special care taken by the hauler when transporting such an old vehicle.
Why a 1949 Buick Super Needs a Different Approach at Loading
The automobiles of that time carry narrower and higher tires than those produced over the past few decades. It is worth noting that the side walls of the tire of that age may be rated differently when compared to a contemporary radial. Carriers conduct an inspection of tires carefully before proceeding with the ramp loading of cars, as the bias-ply tires may break under pressure due to the strain of driving the car onto the truck.
Furthermore, there are differences between the structure of the frame and suspension in 1949 model and those in newer models, as solid axles and leaf springs are used instead of the current unibody and independent suspensions. It means that the carrier should use different spots for attaching a strap, as the frame of the older car has fewer anchor points than that of the modern car. The wheel straps, which are placed on the tire instead of the frame, are still used.
Why Enclosed Transport Suits a Car This Old
Chrome pieces, windows, and bodywork on a 1949 Buick Super are much more difficult to find than parts for any car made in the ’90s, because the company produced this model only for a couple of years before switching to another body design. The car is protected from road and weather hazards thanks to transportation by the enclosed truck throughout all 695 miles, which is crucial in the case of the antique vehicle.
Finally, the mountain route through West Virginia involves more variations in weather conditions than a coastal route. Therefore, the use of an enclosed truck helps to avoid precipitation and fluctuations in temperature.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Lockport, NY 14094
- Destination: Lawndale, NC 28090
- Distance: 695 miles
- Service cost: $1,471.00
- Cost per mile: $2.12
- Vehicle: 1949 Buick Super
- Trailer type: Enclosed
- Route: I-79 south through Erie, PA and West Virginia, then I-77 south into North Carolina
