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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, you can haul a car using various methods, including towing, trailering, and specialized vehicle transport services. The best method depends on factors like distance, vehicle condition, budget, and urgency.

Key Facts

Towing involves attaching a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, often via a tow bar or dolly.
Trailers provide a platform to load and secure the entire vehicle for transport.
Professional car transport services offer door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal solutions for convenience and safety.
Factors influencing the choice of hauling method include cost, distance, vehicle type, and whether the car is operational.
Proper securing and safety measures are crucial during any car hauling operation to prevent accidents.

Overview

The concept of 'hauling a car' encompasses the transportation of a vehicle from one location to another, often when it's not in a drivable condition, needs to be moved a significant distance, or when an owner prefers a safer or more convenient method than driving it themselves. This can range from a simple local relocation to an interstate or even international move. Understanding the different ways a car can be hauled is essential for anyone facing such a transportation need, whether for personal reasons, business operations, or dealing with a breakdown.

Several distinct methods exist for hauling cars, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice often hinges on practical considerations such as the vehicle's condition (is it drivable?), the distance of the transport, the available equipment, and the budget. Furthermore, the type of vehicle being hauled can also influence the best approach, with larger or specialized vehicles sometimes requiring different solutions than standard passenger cars.

How It Works

Towing: This is a common method for moving a car that is still capable of being towed, though not necessarily driven. There are several sub-methods of towing. Flat towing, also known as 'dinghy towing,' involves attaching a tow bar directly from a recreational vehicle (like an RV) or a larger truck to the towed vehicle's frame. The towed vehicle's steering wheel is unlocked, and it essentially follows the towing vehicle. This method typically requires the towed vehicle to be in neutral with the parking brake disengaged. Dolly towing uses a two-wheeled tow dolly, which lifts the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground. The rear wheels are then allowed to roll freely. This is a popular choice for front-wheel-drive vehicles. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, a full four-wheel-down tow setup or a trailer is generally necessary to avoid damaging the drivetrain.
Trailering: This involves using a trailer specifically designed to carry a vehicle. The most common type is an open car trailer, which is essentially a flatbed trailer with ramps for loading. The car is driven or winched onto the trailer and then securely strapped down using heavy-duty tie-down straps at the wheels or chassis. These trailers can be 'deckover' (where the deck is wider than the trailer frame) or 'between-the-rails' (where the deck is narrower, fitting between the trailer's siderails). For heavier vehicles or those needing more protection, an enclosed car trailer is used. This is a fully enclosed box trailer that offers complete protection from the elements and potential road debris, often used for transporting classic cars, race cars, or luxury vehicles.
Rollback Tow Trucks: Often seen on the roadside, rollback tow trucks have a hydraulic system that tilts the entire bed of the truck backward, allowing it to slide down to ground level. This creates a ramp for the vehicle to be driven or winched onto the bed. Once the vehicle is in place, the bed is hydraulically raised back to its normal position, securing the car for transport. This method is excellent for vehicles that are not drivable, have steering or brake issues, or are low to the ground and might scrape on a standard ramp trailer.
Specialized Car Transport Services: For longer distances or when convenience and professional handling are paramount, dedicated car transport companies are the go-to solution. These companies operate fleets of specialized car carriers, which are essentially large trucks designed to haul multiple vehicles simultaneously. They offer various service levels, including door-to-door transport (pickup and delivery directly at your specified locations) and terminal-to-terminal transport (where you drop off and pick up the vehicle at designated depots). These services are often fully insured and managed by experienced professionals, providing peace of mind, especially for valuable or sensitive vehicles.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Dolly Towing	Open Car Trailer	Enclosed Car Trailer	Rollback Tow Truck	Dedicated Transport Service
Vehicle Condition	Must be drivable for loading; front wheels lifted, rear wheels roll	Can be drivable or non-drivable; loaded via ramps	Can be drivable or non-drivable; loaded via ramps/door	Can be drivable or non-drivable; driven/winched onto bed	Can be drivable or non-drivable; handled by professionals
Protection from Elements/Road Debris	Minimal	Minimal	Excellent	Moderate (depends on bed height)	Excellent (usually enclosed transport)
Cost (Typical)	Low to Moderate	Moderate	High	Moderate to High (local/short distance)	High (especially for long distances)
Ease of Use (DIY)	Moderate (requires hitch, tow bar, and knowledge)	Moderate (requires trailer, hitch, straps, and knowledge)	Difficult (requires specialized trailer, hitch, and significant expertise)	Generally requires professional operation	Not applicable (handled by professionals)
Distance Suitability	Best for short to moderate distances	Suitable for short to long distances	Suitable for short to very long distances	Best for local or short-distance moves	Ideal for long-distance and interstate moves

Why It Matters

Impact: Vehicle damage can occur during transport if not properly secured. According to NHTSA data, trailer safety campaigns aim to reduce accidents, highlighting the importance of secure loading and proper towing practices. Incorrectly hauling a car can lead to tire damage, suspension issues, body damage, or even the vehicle becoming detached, posing a severe safety risk.
Impact: Cost savings can be significant. While professional services might seem expensive, they often eliminate the wear and tear on your own vehicle, fuel costs for a long drive, potential hotel stays, and the risk of unexpected mechanical issues during a long trip. For a non-drivable vehicle, it's often the only viable and cost-effective option.
Impact: Convenience and peace of mind are invaluable. For individuals relocating, purchasing a car out of state, or dealing with a car that needs major repairs far from home, professional car hauling services simplify the process immensely. They manage the logistics, provide insurance, and ensure the vehicle arrives safely, allowing the owner to focus on other aspects of their move or situation.

Ultimately, whether you're moving a classic car to a show, transporting a newly purchased vehicle across the country, or simply need to get a disabled car to a repair shop, the ability to haul a car is a crucial aspect of vehicle ownership and management. By understanding the various methods available and their respective pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs, budget, and the specific requirements of your vehicle.