The transport of vehicles in car transport trucks is one of the specialties within the road transport sector and, as is the case with tanker truck drivers, they usually have a somewhat higher salary than simple truck drivers. Although it is not as well known as other types of transport, it has high salaries that depend on experience, kilometers traveled and other bonuses that may be added.
This is explained by Alex Tensso, car transporter truck driver, in an interview published on the YouTube channel ‘Rutas de Éxito’. In it he tells how he started in this job, how much he can charge and what differences exist compared to other types of trucks. A job for many unknown people on which this young truck driver sheds some light and also shows its positive aspects, such as driving high-end cars and riding in them, for example.
Salaries from 2,800 to more than 4,000 euros per month
According to Alex Tensso, salaries in car transport depend mainly on the activity carried out by the driver, the kilometers traveled and the different incentives that are added to the payroll.
In his case, the first month working with a car carrier he earned about 2,800 euros, although he clarifies that part of that time was spent as a second driver while he learned the job. “There were two weeks that they taught me and then another two weeks that I was alone doing kilometers,” he points out.
From there, the salary can increase depending on the activity. Many drivers charge by mileage, number of cars transported or bonuses for spending weekends away from home.
In his case, “last month it was 3,700 euros, but my colleagues have reached 4,200.” A salary that, as this driver explains well, is not always the same since it depends on many factors.
The more cars and kilometers, the higher the payroll
If there is one thing that stands out about the job of a car transporter, it is that part of the salary depends on performance. It is common for there to be incentives for load or number of vehicles transported.
For example, some companies offer a bonus when more than 10 cars are loaded, in addition to payment for kilometers traveled or for days the driver spends away from home.
This means that payroll can vary quite a bit from month to month. “The more you work, the better. If you do more kilometers or spend more weekends away, it adds to your payroll,” he explains.
Therefore, although there are high salaries within the sector, these are usually linked to intense working hours and many days away from home.
Trucks up to 480 horsepower and loads of more than 15 tons
Car transporter work also has technical characteristics that differentiate it from any other truck-related job. According to Tensso, these trucks usually work with powerful engines, around 480 horsepower, necessary to move the unit when it is fully loaded.
Regarding weight, clarify that transporting cars does not imply as much weight as other goods. “With cars you can carry about 15 or 16 tons, it is not as much weight as when I carried a refrigerator,” he comments.
Of course, the total weight of the combination with truck, trailer and vehicles may approach the legal limit. “However, you can plant around 38 tons,” he adds.
Car carrier brands and different body systems
Within the sector there are different types of bodies and manufacturers, each with their own operating systems. Tensso mentions some of the most common brands used in Spain.
Among them stands out Rolfo, of Italian origin; Lohr, French-made; and Kässbohrer, a German brand that, as he explains, is considered one of the most resistant.
Each system works differently and requires learning. “When you are used to one brand and they change you to another, you can mess up because the pneumatic controls work differently,” he says.
Transportation that requires more caution on the road
One of the most delicate aspects of car transportation is road safety. Unlike other trucks, the height of the load and the way in which the vehicles are transported requires driving with greater caution.
Cars are fixed using chocks and tapes that hold the wheels, but even so, sudden braking or a corner taken too quickly can cause problems.
“In a straight line you can go well, but in curves or roundabouts you have to go slowly because when going high it is easier for the truck to lean,” he explains.
For this reason, it ensures that driving must be especially cautious, since an accident with a car carrier can cause vehicles to move or even overturn.
A demanding job, but with good opportunities
During the interview, Tensso defends that the transportation sector continues to offer opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and spend time away from home.
Although he recognizes that high salaries require effort, he believes that it is still an interesting job opportunity for many young people. “Depending on what you do and what you work for, you can get paid well,” he says.
A demanding job, with long hours and responsibility on the road, but in some cases it can greatly exceed the average salaries in Spain if you accumulate kilometers, experience… and hours behind the wheel.