When you see a multi-level auto carrier cruising down the highway, it’s easy to assume the vehicles were simply driven on and strapped down. But behind every loaded trailer is a carefully orchestrated process known as load planning, a critical step in vehicle transportation that blends logistics, safety, and strategy.
At Hansen’s, load planning is more than just fitting cars onto a trailer. It’s a collaborative effort between dispatchers and drivers, designed to maximize efficiency, ensure compliance, and meet customer expectations. Whether the client is a dealership, a private customer, or a moving company, every load is unique, and every decision matters.
In this blog, we take a closer look at how load planning works, what factors are considered, and why it’s truly an art form in the auto transport industry.
Load planning is the process of determining how vehicles will be arranged on an auto carrier for transport. It involves selecting which vehicles to load, where to place them on the trailer, and in what order they’ll be delivered. The goal is to optimize space, maintain safety standards, and meet delivery timelines.
This process starts with the dispatcher, who builds the load based on available vehicles, customer requirements, and trailer specifications. Then, the driver takes over, using their expertise to physically load the vehicles in a way that complies with height and weight regulations while ensuring secure transport.
Effective load planning starts with understanding the variables that impact how vehicles are selected, arranged, and scheduled for transport. Dispatchers play a central role in this process, using a mix of logistics, customer service, and strategic thinking to build the most efficient loads possible.
The nature of the customer significantly influences how a load is built. For example:
• Dealerships often ship multiple vehicles at once, usually to a single location or a small group of nearby locations. This allows for bulk loading and streamlined routing.
• Movers typically involve personal vehicles being relocated, which may require more flexible scheduling and individualized pickup/drop-off points.
• Private customers usually ship one vehicle at a time, often from residential addresses. These loads require careful coordination to minimize detours and maximize route efficiency.
Understanding the customer type helps dispatchers prioritize stops, group deliveries, and choose the right mix of vehicles for each load.
Every vehicle has a timeline, and some are more urgent than others. Dispatchers must track:
• Sold units that need to arrive quickly for customer pickup.
• Rush orders that are time-sensitive due to business needs or customer commitments.
• Standard deliveries that follow a regular schedule.
Balancing these timelines ensures that high-priority vehicles are delivered on time without compromising the efficiency of the overall load.
This principle helps maintain order and fairness in the automobile compound. Vehicles that arrive first are typically loaded first, unless there’s a compelling reason to prioritize another unit (like a sold or rush vehicle). This helps prevent bottlenecks and ensures that older inventory doesn’t sit idle while newer arrivals are shipped.
However, dispatchers may occasionally adjust this order based on delivery deadlines, customer needs, or the physical characteristics of the vehicles. For example, if a larger vehicle is better suited for a specific position on the trailer, or if a sold unit needs to be delivered urgently, it may be loaded ahead of others to optimize the overall load and schedule.
Auto carriers have strict limits on both weight and space. Dispatchers must carefully balance:
• Compact cars, which are easier to fit on upper decks or tight spaces.
• SUVs and trucks, which are heavier and taller, often requiring placement on the lower deck for stability and compliance.
• Mixed loads, which combine various vehicle types to maximize trailer capacity.
A well-balanced load uses every inch of available space while staying within legal weight limits. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces fuel consumption and wear on the equipment.
When planning loads that include private or mover vehicles, dispatchers use mapping tools to group addresses by proximity. These vehicles are then paired with nearby dealership deliveries to minimize travel time and reduce the number of stops.
For example, if a private customer’s home is near a dealership receiving multiple vehicles, the dispatcher may schedule both deliveries on the same route. This kind of clustering helps drivers avoid unnecessary detours and keeps the load moving smoothly.
While dispatchers handle the logistics, drivers are responsible for the physical loading. Their experience and judgment are crucial.
Drivers must understand the capabilities of their trailer—whether it’s a 7-car hauler, a high-mount, or a stinger-steered carrier. Each type has different loading angles, deck heights, and weight distribution requirements.
Some vehicles are driven onto the trailer, while others are backed on. This depends on:
• Vehicle size and shape
• Trailer configuration
• Final delivery order
Backing up may be necessary to ensure the vehicle can be offloaded in the correct sequence or to balance weight distribution.
Auto carriers must comply with height restrictions, typically around 13 feet 6 inches in North America. Drivers use a height stick to measure the loaded height and adjust ramps accordingly. If a vehicle is too tall, it may need to be repositioned or replaced with a shorter one.
Dispatchers also plan the route based on delivery locations. For private or mover vehicles, addresses are mapped and grouped with nearby dealerships to reduce stops. Fewer stops mean faster deliveries and lower fuel costs.
This geographic clustering is especially important for local pickups and deliveries. Efficient routing ensures that the driver isn’t zigzagging across town, wasting time and fuel.
Load planning isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about safety. Improperly loaded vehicles can shift during transit, causing damage or accidents. Drivers must secure each vehicle with straps or chains and double-check that the load is balanced.
Compliance with Canadian regulations is also essential. Overloaded or improperly measured carriers can result in fines or forced offloads.
Whether you're a dealership waiting on inventory, a family relocating across the country, or a car enthusiast shipping a prized possession, load planning ensures your vehicle gets where it needs to go, safely and efficiently.
At Hansen’s, we combine technology, experience, and attention to detail to make every load count. From dispatch to delivery, our team is committed to excellence in auto transport.
Let Hansen’s handle the logistics. Our expert dispatchers and drivers are trained in the art of load planning, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Contact us to learn more about our services or to get a quote for your next shipment.
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