How many cars can a car carrier (bisarca) load? Let’s find out the maximum number of vehicles it can transport.
The word “bisarca” comes from Latin and is formed by combining two terms—“bis” and “arca”—as a reference to its large size. It refers to a freight vehicle or truck designed exclusively for transporting road vehicles.
In less technical, more everyday language, it’s also often called a “cicogna” (“stork”) because it “carries” vehicles from one place to another.
Today, this large vehicle—together with sea transport such as container ships—is one of the main logistics solutions for moving vehicles nationally, especially since railway lines have suspended this type of service.
Fast, efficient, and cost-effective, the car carrier is one of the best solutions for private individuals and businesses that need to move a vehicle from one area to another.
How does a car carrier work?
A car carrier can have either a single loading deck (one platform) or a double deck, with platforms arranged one above the other at a distance that allows vehicles to be positioned correctly.
Two-level car carriers have a mechanism that allows the upper deck to tilt until it reaches road level, making loading and unloading operations possible.
Once loaded, each vehicle is securely fastened to the deck to prevent any danger caused by shifting or slipping during transport. For this reason, these operations should be carried out carefully by industry professionals.
What does the European regulation say about car carriers?
Today, the use and circulation of car carriers is regulated by Directive 96/53/EC, which was revised in 2014 by the European Association of Vehicle Logistics.
The parameters a car carrier must comply with when traveling on EU roads are:
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Maximum weight: 40 tonnes
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Maximum length: 20.75 meters
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Maximum width: 2.55 meters
Car carriers must operate safely, so securing the cars to the loading deck and ensuring sufficient space between vehicles is an essential safety measure.
To make loading and unloading easier and safer, the upper deck on a two-level carrier tilts mechanically down to road level.
How many cars can a car carrier load?
So—how many cars can a car carrier transport?
It is designed to carry a maximum of 10 vehicles, distributed across two levels.
Usually, cars travel on an open carrier. However, when transporting luxury vehicles that require extra protection for the bodywork, an enclosed or covered system can be used to protect them from weather and road debris.
