How Many Cars Fit on a Car Hauler? Trailer Types Explained

It depends on the trailer. The long two-level open carriers you see on the interstate usually haul up to nine or ten cars. Smaller trailers pulled by a pickup truck carry around two to four. Enclosed trailers range from a single car to several, depending on their size. Bigger vehicles, like full-size pickups and large SUVs, take more room, so fewer fit on a load.

Here is how each type works and what it means for your shipment.

Two-level open carriers

This is the standard car hauler: a tractor with a two-deck trailer, often with a car or two over the cab as well. Cars are loaded on both levels and strapped down. Because one truck moves many cars along a route, it's the most common way to ship an everyday car long distances, and it's what most people mean by open auto transport.

How many fit on a given load comes down to the length and weight of the vehicles. A load of compact sedans fits more cars than a load of pickup trucks.

Smaller open trailers

Single-level and gooseneck trailers pulled by a heavy-duty pickup carry fewer cars, usually around two to four. They're easier to get into neighborhoods, small lots and tight streets, so they're often used for shorter runs, single pickups and dealer moves between nearby stores.

Enclosed trailers

Enclosed trailers keep cars inside a covered box, away from weather, road debris and public view. Smaller enclosed trailers carry one or two cars; larger enclosed semi trailers carry more. Many use lift gates instead of steep ramps, which matters for low cars. Enclosed transport is the usual choice for classic, exotic and high-value cars.

Weight and size limits

Every hauler has to stay within federal and state rules on weight, height and length, and cars must be tied down properly. That is why the count changes from load to load. A heavy electric vehicle or a lifted truck can take the place of a smaller car, and some vehicles only fit on certain positions on the trailer.

What it means for your shipment

• Your car usually shares a truck. On an open carrier, your car rides with others going the same way. That's why a pickup window, rather than one fixed hour, is normal.
• Big trucks need room. A full-size carrier may not fit down a narrow street. The driver may ask to meet at a nearby open lot.
• Tell us the real vehicle. Lift kits, roof racks, oversized tires and lowered suspensions change where a car can go on the trailer.
• Several cars at once? Dealers and families moving more than one car can often put them on the same load. See our guide to transporting multiple cars, or moving several cars from one auction.

Not sure which trailer fits your car? Our open vs. enclosed guide helps you choose.

Frequently asked questions

How many cars can a car hauler carry?

A full-size two-level open carrier usually hauls up to nine or ten cars. Smaller trailers pulled by a pickup carry around two to four, and enclosed trailers range from one car to several.

Why does the number of cars on a load change?

Haulers must stay within weight, height and length limits. Larger or heavier vehicles, like pickup trucks, big SUVs and some electric vehicles, take more room or weight, so fewer fit.

How many cars fit in an enclosed trailer?

Smaller enclosed trailers carry one or two cars, and larger enclosed semi trailers carry more. Enclosed is the usual choice for classic, exotic and high-value cars.

Can a big car hauler come to my house?

Sometimes. A full-size carrier needs room to stop and unload, so on a narrow or busy street the driver may meet you at a nearby open lot.

Need one car or a full load moved?

FCT ships single cars and several units at once, on open or enclosed trailers, anywhere in the continental U.S. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, and a real person gets back to you.