Car Haulers & Auto Transport

Car haulers carry cars and trucks on multi-level trailers. Drivers climb and walk on upper decks, load vehicles up ramps, work with chains and straps, and drive tall, heavy rigs on tight routes. Falls from decks, crushing under vehicles and rollovers or low clearance strikes are major risks.

• Car Hauler Drivers
• Yard Workers
• Dealers & Auction Staff
• Dispatchers

Main hazards

• Falls from upper decks and ramps: slippery, narrow decks and trailers with no guardrails. See Climbing In & Out.
• Crush and runaway vehicles: a vehicle being loaded can roll back, slide on a wet ramp or fall from the deck; drivers can be pinned between vehicles and the trailer.
• Pinch points: hydraulic decks, ramps, chains and loaded vehicles. See Hydraulic Hazards.
• Chain and binder injuries: snapping chains, slipping binders and rope or strap whiplash. See Cargo Securement.
• Overhead hazards: low bridges, canopies, trees and power lines on tall trailers. See Oversize Loads.
• Rollover and tip-over: high center of gravity with loaded upper decks. See Rollovers & Jackknifes.
• Winter and wet weather: ice on decks and ramps, and loads that shift. See Winter Trucking.
• Strain injuries: climbing, hauling chains and bending in tight spaces. See Driver Health & Ergonomics.

Loading and unloading

• Inspect the trailer first: deck surfaces, ramps, hydraulics, pins, chains, straps and tie-down points. Fix or report damage. See Pre-Trip Inspection.
• Park on level, firm ground away from traffic, set brakes and chock wheels, and place the trailer in the right position before raising decks.
• Use 3 points of contact on ladders and steps, wear boots with good traction and keep decks clear of ice, water, oil and debris. Use fall protection or handholds where provided. See Truck & Trailer Falls.
• Drive vehicles slowly and straight up or down the ramps, using a spotter where visibility is poor, and don't let loaded vehicles hit stops. Know the vehicle: check brakes, transmission and whether it's electric or has unusual features. See Electric Vehicle Safety.
• Load heavier vehicles low and over axles as planned, and balance weight across the trailer. Follow the loading plan.
• Take care exiting vehicles on the deck: leave enough room to open the door, don't squeeze between cars, and use a seat belt where moving.
• Don't walk between vehicles in tight spaces while loading; step down and out of the way when someone else is moving a car.
• Raise or lower hydraulic decks only when clear. Keep hands and bodies out of the pinch zone, and lock decks as required. Never work beneath a raised deck unless it's mechanically locked.

Tie-downs and securement

• Secure each vehicle with approved tie-downs (chains, straps or wheel nets), at the attachment points the maker or industry practice designates, such as the axle, frame or wheel straps. Follow federal cargo securement rules (49 CFR Part 393 Subpart I) for vehicles, and the equipment maker's and company's procedures.
• Use at least the number of tie-downs required and ratings sufficient for the weight, in good condition. Replace worn straps and chains.
• Set parking brakes, put vehicles in park (or gear), and block wheels as needed. Turn off vehicles.
• Pull straps and chains tight but don't damage vehicles. Pad edges to prevent cuts. Stand clear of the binder handle swing.
• Re-check tie-downs within the first 50 miles and at regular stops. See Cargo Securement.
• Inspect the whole load for shifts, fluid leaks and loose items, and for height and width limits before leaving.

On the road

• Know your total height, length and weight and plan a route with clearances, weight limits, turns and parking. Use truck-specific navigation. Watch overhead wires and low bridges. See Weight Limits & Scales.
• Allow extra braking distance and drive smoothly in turns, in wind and downhill. See Mountain Grades.
• Follow hours-of-service rules and take breaks when tired. See Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service.
• Park in safe, lit areas, lock the cab and avoid parking where thieves target vehicles. See Truck Parking.
• Use dash cameras and telematics as your company policy permits. See Dash Cams & Telematics.

Car hauler checklist

• The trailer, ramps, hydraulics and tie-downs passed my inspection
• I use three points of contact and traction footwear on decks and ramps
• Each vehicle has approved, rated tie-downs and brakes set; I re-check them early in the trip
• Nobody stands under or between raised decks and moving vehicles
• I know my height and weight and plan the route and parking

Last updated: October 5, 2026