Important Terms Used In The Car Transport Industry

Knowing your way around is essential, even if you are not new to the car transportation industry. The car transportation industry has many technical terms pertaining to how they run their business. This can make it difficult for customers to understand what they are signing up for when booking a car transport service. 

In this article, we have outlined a few technical terms used in the car transportation service that will help you the next time you want to get your car moved.

Vehicle recovery 

Let's start with the basics and understand the difference between vehicle recovery and vehicle transportation. Vehicle recovery is the form of vehicle transportation that happens when a car or lorry needs moving from the roadside. For example, recovery is usually done when these vehicles break down on the road and must be transported to a safe location. The vehicle recovery operator does not require a vehicle operator's licence to complete this task.

Vehicle transportation

Vehicle transportation refers to the transportation of a vehicle from one site or location to another. The primary location is typically a safe pick up point for the car to commercial vehicle. If your vehicles gross vehicle weight is less than one tonne, it can be moved by a small transporter typically known as a beavor tail due to its shape; otherwise, it must be transported by a vehicle that is licenced with an operator's licence.

Recovery operator

Recovery operator is the term used to describe a car transportation company. Such a company helps recover and transport an array of vehicles securely throughout the country and into Europe. A recovery operator has trained employees with vast knowledge and equipment to fulfil the delivery of cars and or commercial vehicles in a timely manner..

Related: Car Transport Services: How To Choose The Right Company

Driver

A driver is a person driving and operating a recovery vehicle. A competent driver will have smart attire and will use protective seat and floor coverings to perform their duty. They will also work systematically and orderly, starting with a vehicle inspection. A car transport company will send operators who have attended many training courses, most of which are renewed every five years. The most popular training provider in the UK is the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR). 

IVR

The Institute of Vehicle Recovery, abbreviated The IVR, is the vehicle transportation training body. This organisation collaborates with government agencies and several other professional organisations to reduce roadside injuries and fatalities via excellence in training and safety measures. Every five years, all drivers should recieve IVR training tailored to the equipment they use and the driver carry an IVR identification card listing the courses they have attended.

Small transporter

A small transporter will be a vehicle that can move one or two vehicles at a time. Depending on the weight of the casualty vehicle, often 1 tonne or less, it can be transported on a trailer or transporter with an overall gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes, and these types of operators do not require an operator's licence.

Small multi-car transporter

A small multi-car transporter can transport between 3 and 6 vehicles at the same time. Transporters are classified into two types: open and covered. These multi-car transporters typically move new vehicles from the factory to the dealership in the UK or from one dealer to the other or collect and deliver vehicles to and from auctions..

Larger multi-car transporter

Like the small multi-car transporters, the large car transporters move up to 14 vehicles simultaneously. Typically these vehicles are hired by car auctions, vehicle manufacturers and recovery services like the AA, RAC and Green Flag to move vehicles into and out of Europe.

Long distance

It is considered a long distance when your car must be moved more than 50 miles from its pick up point. For example, if you need cars moved between the United Kingdom and Europe, this will be considered a long distance, and car transportation companies can assist you. These businesses also provide satellite monitoring and live monitoring of moving vehicles, ensuring that your vehicle is always secure and on route to the final destination.

Repatriation 

Repatriation is the process of returning someone or something to their home country. For example, in the car transportation industry, repatriation is a one-way vehicle movement from the United Kingdom to Europe or from Europe to the United Kingdom. Car transportation companies have experts that help with car repatriation back to the respective country.

Specialist winching

Specialist winching is the process of winching a vehicle onto the bed of a transporter, mainly when one of the wheels won't retate. Car transportation companies provide specialist winching services for vehicles that are difficult to retrieve and move or are in inaccessible areas. These businesses have special equipment and fully skilled and experienced drivers to ensure you move your vehicle safely..

Covered transportation

Covered transportation is where the automobile is sheltered from the elements and frequently transported within a fibreglass body or curtain sided vehicle. Typically these are high value cars or concept cars that require special care to maintain their appearance. The risk of car theft and damage is high when moving these vehicles, as they are valuable assets. Covered transportation protects cars from hazards such as heavy rain, winter, road debris, and theft.

Control center

A control center is a collection of people overseeing all vehicle movements, stores, and drivers. Car transportation companies offer a 24-hour control center or control rooms that are on hand to talk to any time of the day or night.

Vehicle compound

A vehicle compound is where vehicles are kept whilst awaiting movement. It's a safe storage facility for all types of vehicles. Some vehicle storage facilities are undercover and some are not, so if your vehicle needs to be undercover please contact the control room and request this service.

When looking for car transportation, you must understand the technical terms. Knowing these terms can help you communicate more effectively with the company and ensure that your vehicle reaches its destination safely. Make sure to ask your transportation company any questions regarding these terms or the process of moving your vehicle.