Car Hauling Business Guide: Open vs Enclosed, Rates, and Startup Cost
The Short Answer
Car hauling pays $1.00–$3.50 per loaded mile per car. Open 3–5 car trailers start around $18K used; commercial 7–10 car rigs run $80K+. Best for operators comfortable with loading, chains, and dealer/auction relationships.
Car hauling is a specialty that rewards patience with loading and relationships with auctions. Here is what actually pays and what doesn't.
Solo car hauling nets $5,000–$9,000/month for a 3–5 car wedge trailer setup. Full 9-car commercial haulers net $8,000–$14,000 but require $100K+ equipment investment.
Equipment Options
| Setup | Cost | Cars carried |
|---|---|---|
| 1-ton dually + wedge trailer | $50K–$75K | 3–5 cars |
| Class 8 + 9-car stinger | $100K–$180K | 9 cars |
| Enclosed 3-car trailer | $70K–$120K | 3 cars (high-value) |
| Enclosed 6-car semi | $150K–$250K | 6 cars (exotic/classic) |
Where the Money Comes From
- Copart / IAA (salvage auctions)
- Manheim / ADESA (dealer auctions)
- Dealership transfers
- Snowbird transport (FL, AZ seasonal)
- Private online sales (Central Dispatch)
- Exotic/enclosed transport (premium)
Rate Ranges by Type
| Load type | Rate per car per mile |
|---|---|
| Copart/IAA auction | $0.80–$1.20 |
| Dealer transfer | $1.00–$1.50 |
| Private (Central Dispatch) | $1.20–$1.80 |
| Enclosed classic/exotic | $2.50–$4.50 |
| Snowbird premium | $1.50–$2.20 |
The insurance shock
Car hauler cargo insurance runs $100K–$500K limits depending on car values. Enclosed hauling exotic cars requires $250K+ per car. Premiums often 30–50% higher than dry van insurance.
Loading + Damage Risk
- Every car load = walkaround inspection with photos
- Damage claims are the #1 profit killer
- Tie-downs and wheel straps must be right every time
- Weather affects paint claims (open trailers)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a car hauling business?+
$50K–$75K for a dually + wedge setup ready to run. $100K+ for a full commercial 9-car semi rig.
Do you need a CDL for car hauling?+
Not for a dually + wedge under 26,001 lbs combined. Class 8 setups require Class A CDL.
Is car hauling worth it?+
Yes for operators willing to learn loading and build auction relationships. Not worth it if you dislike physical work — every load involves 30–60 minutes of ratcheting.