Our recent shipment was of a 1999 BMW 3 Series that was shipped from Los Angeles, CA to Vacaville, CA using open trailer transportation. The automobile had travelled 395 miles for $702.00 and costs were at $1.78 per mile.
This particular BMW was shipped operative; the vehicle was capable of starting, running, and moving on its own steam when picked up. The shipment remains in-state throughout its journey which makes this particular one a great case study of how mid-range regional shipping works.
The Route
The 395 mile route from Los Angeles to Vacaville is going north along the full length of the Central Valley of California. Truckers start from the Los Angeles vicinity, close to LAX, and drive along I-5 northward through Bakersfield, continuing all the way to Fresno and Stockton.
Then the connection to I-80 west near Sacramento and the short trip to Vacaville, located on this route between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, follow. As the route goes through interstate highways the entire way, the delivery of such cargo can be made in one day after its collection.
A distance of 395 miles puts this delivery in the middle of the distances discussed in this assignment. The rate of $1.78 per mile looks quite normal for a price range in this region, higher than in case of an all-across-the-country delivery and lower than in the case of very short hauls.
What Loading an Operable E46 Looks Like
The ground clearance in the 1999 BMW 3 Series, which is in the E46 series, was typical for that generation of a small sedan. Thus, it was loaded to a standard open trailer in the same way as other everyday cars. As the car came with operational equipment, it was driven directly into the trailer by the owner, who did not require any help from a winch or special equipment.
After the car is set on the trailer deck, four-point wheel straps will be applied around each wheel. This is how an ordinary car is secured.
Why Open Transport Is the Default Choice for a Car Like This
The reason for using open carriers in transporting vehicles accounts for their cheaper operation and availability as opposed to enclosed trailers that are more expensive. In this case, the use of open carrier is quite appropriate since the vehicle is not a low clearance one but just an old well-maintained sedan.
Also, the fact that the delivery will take place in California means that it is within a short distance hence the use of open transport will ensure a quick turnaround since there will be many open carriers on this route.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Destination: Vacaville, CA 95687
- Distance: 395 miles
- Service cost: $702.00
- Cost per mile: $1.78
- Vehicle: 1999 BMW 3 Series
- Condition: Operable
- Trailer type: Open
- Route: I-5 north through Bakersfield, Fresno, and Stockton, then I-80 west into Vacaville
