If you are going to have your automobile shipped, then the most secure way to transport your car during the shipping process is by choosing a top-load car placement. Even though the standard placement on multi-level carriers is safe enough, securing the top position gives you extra benefits that a great number of customers, especially those who are shipping high-value or well-maintained vehicles, consider being worth the small extra charge.
Top-load placement is when your car is on the upper deck of an open carrier as opposed to the lower level. Even though it might look like a mere choice of preference, it actually has a great impact on your vehicle’s exposure, safety, and to the whole transport experience. At Automobile Shipping, we are advising the top-load position to our clients, as it is the perfect mix of budget and safety.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the advantages of top-load car placement, the reasons behind its popularity as an upgrade, and in what ways it can contribute to the safety of your vehicle during a long-haul transport.
What Is Top-Load Car Placement?
Multi-car open carriers typically have two levels:
- Top deck
- Bottom deck
Standard assignments move cars to one or the other of the levels according to the driver’s loading plan. In a top-load scenario, your car is deliberately set on the upper level, thus it is kept safe and away from the chances of getting mixed with lower deck risks.
It is a great way to upgrade the security of the shipment without a significant price increase as you do not need to change to an enclosed transport.
Benefit #1: Reduced Exposure to Road Debris
Top-load car placement is the most protective of the cars against gravel, rocks, and dirt that are usually thrown up from the road.
Why This Matters
Being on the lower deck, the cars are directly targeted with the debris that is thrown up by:
- Other vehicles
- Large trucks
- Uneven or damaged road surfaces
- Construction zones
With the upper placement, this exposure is cut down dramatically as the car is literally off the ground and away from the zone where the debris is thrown.
Who Benefits Most
- New car buyers
- Owners of luxury or exotic vehicles
- Anyone shipping a freshly detailed or restored car
- Collector car owners
Top-load helps to lower the chances of chips, scratches, and small cosmetic changes on the front side of the car.
Benefit #2: No Risk of Fluids Dripping from Other Vehicles
Maybe the most sensible reason why customers ask for a top-load is that they want to be sure that their car won’t get wet by leaked fluids from other vehicles.
Fluids That Can Cause Damage:
- Oil
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
On the lower deck, your car is directly under other vehicles that may be dribbling fluids if they are old or have mechanical problems. These materials can stain the paint, remove the clear coat, or even change the color of the parts on the car.
By top-load, your car is kept on the safe side, above all the other cars, thus, there is no chance of damage caused by fluids.
Benefit #3: Better Airflow and Lower Dust Accumulation
Automobiles on the lower level are more close to the street and thus are exposed to more dust, dirt, and grime. The upper level is getting cleaner air that keeps the vehicle cleaner during a long-distance transport.
Advantages Include:
- Less dust on the exterior
- Cleaner arrival condition
- Reduced need for detailing afterward
This fact is especially advantageous for white, black, or dark-colored vehicles, in which dirt becomes very noticeable.
Benefit #4: Smoother Ride and Less Trailer Movement
Vehicles that are on the top are less moved since the top deck is a fixed and stable one. A lot of drivers say that cars which are on the upper deck experience fewer vibrations and less shaking because they are located above the trailer’s main pivot points.
- Why Stability Matters
- Reduced risk of tie-down adjustments
- Less shifting during transport
- Lower chance of micro-scratches from movement
- Better suspension protection for lowered or performance vehicles
If the vehicle is of a classic model or has a low clearance, then one of the biggest advantages that comes with top-load placement is that the vehicle does not get damaged.
Benefit #5: Higher Security and Fewer Handling Risks
Along with this, another very significant benefit of top-load placement is security. As the car is placed at a higher level, it becomes more difficult for unauthorized people to get to the car when the truck is parked.”
Security Advantages:
- Reduced risk of tampering
- Lower chance of accidental contact
- No risk of people brushing against the vehicle at rest stops
Moreover, usually drivers are less willing to go to the top level of the parking lot during multi-stop deliveries, so there are fewer chances that your vehicle will be touched and disturbed during the shipment process.
Benefit #6: Ideal for Low-Clearance or Custom Vehicles
Upper placement is a feature that is highly valued by low-profile cars, sports models, or vehicles with front splitters. Upper placement is a feature that is highly valued by low-profile cars, sports models, or vehicles with front splitters.
Why Top-Load Helps:
- Lower risk of scraping on ramps
- Less chance of contact during loading
- No need to squeeze between vehicles on the lower deck
- More visibility for the driver during inspection
In the case of modified cars with lowered suspensions, wide body kits, or expensive rims, this extra space and the view can be the factor that saves you from a needless damage.
When Top-Load Car Placement Is Most Recommended
Although top-load placement works great for every vehicle, it is mostly advised for:
- Classic and vintage cars
- Luxury and exotic vehicles
- Freshly painted or restored vehicles
- Sports cars with low clearance
- Brand-new dealership purchases
- Cars valued over $40,000
- Customers who prefer added peace of mind
If your car is one of these, then an upgrade to a top-load position will definitely be a wise move.
Why Choose Automobile Shipping for Top-Load Placement?
At Automobile Shipping, we treat your car as a very precious thing. This is the reason we provide the option of top-load placement as a priority, thus giving you the safest, most hygienic, and most secure transport experience.
What You Can Expect from Us:
- Access to top-load slots on nationwide open carriers
- Professional loading by trained, certified drivers
- Full insurance coverage and real-time communication
- Careful inspection before loading and after delivery
- Expert recommendations tailored to your vehicle
Our team works with you to make a decision if top-load placement is the right option depending on the route, season, and truck availability, whether you are shipping a regular car or a luxury vehicle.
Final Thoughts: Top-Load Placement Offers Superior Protection for Your Vehicle
One of the easiest and most efficient methods to increase the safety of your car during open transport is simply to decide on the top-load placement. In addition to the prevention of fluid drips, there are also ways that the vehicle will be protected from debris, the handling will be reduced, and these benefits, therefore, make top-load automotive placement an excellent upgrade for anyone who is looking for a cleaner, safer, and more secure vehicle shipping experience.
At Automobile Shipping, we provide you with the transport solutions that are reliable and affordable, and with top-load choices, you get the comfort that everything will be alright from the beginning until the end. Are you willing to assist your vehicle with a top-load premium placement?
Go to Automobile-Shipping.com now to get a customized quote and reserve your top-load spot for the upcoming shipment.
