Tempus Logix received a booking for a dual vehicle transport from Rosenberg, Texas, to Naples, Florida. The shipment had an interesting contrast: a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan would share trailer space with a 1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class-five decades of automotive design on one open carrier. The client placed the order on January 3rd, and had a first available date of January 12th. The carrier took very little time to find since the Texas-to-Florida corridor is a volume corridor that has continuous shipments throughout the year. The carrier was assigned on the same day as the first available date, and the vehicles were picked up three days later on January 15th.
Fast Transit on a Major Shipping Route
The route of Rosenberg to Naples covers around 1,200 miles of highway in the Gulf Coast region of the US. The transportation of the shipment was efficient since there are main roads connecting the two cities, passing through Houston, Louisiana, and the Florida panhandle. The transportation was successful because the two cars were dropped off the next day, January 17th. It only took two days for the door-to-door delivery of the cars. The open trailer transport mode worked in this instance mainly because of this shipment, despite its status as a 51-year-old Mercedes-Benz, a classic model that remains in good structural condition, and consequently because the customer wanted to save on hauling costs instead of spending on an enclosed trailer, an added cost indeed, especially given that a standard 10-car open trailer with proper tie-down points and a professional approach to hauling cars with different dimensions and height clearances was employed in this situation.
Managing Different Vehicle Types on One Carrier
The 2023 Tiguan is a compact SUV with normal ground clearance. Loading it up was pretty uneventful. The 1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, meanwhile, brought some very different considerations. This old roadster sits lower than any new SUV, so its driver carefully positioned it up on the trailer so as not to drag during loading.
Open carriers can usually carry from seven to ten vehicles, depending on the dimensions and models. Mixing a modern SUV and an older car in the same trailer requires attention to their weight distribution and latching method. Professional drivers adjust the loading sequence to balance the trailer properly. This protects every vehicle during transit.
Why Customers Choose Open Transport for Classic Vehicles
The vast majority of owners that own a classic car prefer enclosed transport since this will give them maximum protection from road debris and bad weather. For classics that are not stored in a museum and are instead regularly driven, open transport is affordable, and this may be true in this example as the 1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class does not appear to be a concours piece.
Open transport is cheaper, costing 30-40% less than closed transport. This is an advantage, especially in situations where several cars have to be transported along one route. After considering the cost benefit and the level of protection, the customer was comfortable with open transport. At the same time, the two days allowed them to spend less time in weather conditions.
Efficient Carrier Assignment and Quick Pickup
Pick-up was three days from the date of assignment, January 15th. This window provides an opportunity for the driver to organize their route and ensure they are at the customer’s location within hours that work for them. Some drivers, if the timing works out, pick up the same day as being assigned. But three days ensures that everyone can prepare the vehicles and confirm all the specifics on the exact location of the pick-up. The customer had no issues to report after delivery. They commented on the professional handling and speed of transit. Two-day delivery from Texas to Florida is quicker than average as normal shipments along this route take 4-7 days. The carrier likely had a direct route to the Naples area with few stops for additional vehicle pickups or deliveries along the way.
Customer Satisfaction and Service Delivery
I have used several transport companies for several vehicles over the years this transport company actually does the work in a timely fashion, and I will definitely use them again. BKB.
Really appreciate this, and we’re glad the timely pickup made a difference. At Tempus Logix, we know there are plenty of auto transport options out there, so it means a lot that we earned your trust. We’re here whenever you need us.
The customers were pleased with the cost-effectiveness in transporting the vehicles at the same time and the standard service provided while meeting the standards for an auto transport company licensed to deliver.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Rosenberg, TX (Southwest Houston metro area)
- Destination: Naples, FL (Collier County, Southwest Florida)
- Vehicle type and condition: 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan and 1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (Both operable, modern SUV and driver-quality classic roadster)
- Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles
- Primary routes: Through Houston, I-10 E through Louisiana, continuing through the Florida panhandle to Southwest Florida
- Trailer type: Open 10-car hauler
- Season: Mid-January (winter)
- Price: $1,500 ($1.25 per mile)
See also: Houston to Austin Car Shipping: The Complete Relocation Guide
