How To Properly Use Decking And Undecking Services For Multi-Vehicle Transport

Transporting multiple vehicles from one place to another can seem straightforward from the outside. But behind the scenes, it’s a job that takes planning, coordination, and the right equipment to do it safely and without damage. One big part of that process is making sure the vehicles are loaded and unloaded properly. This is where decking and undecking services come into play.

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, East Coast Towing has been handling heavy-duty and specialty vehicle transport since 1998. Over the years, we’ve seen just how important it is to get decking and undecking done right. Saving space on transport trucks helps cut costs, but it also has to be done safely to avoid damage, delays, or injury. That’s where experienced teams come in.

What Are Decking And Undecking Services?

Decking is the process of loading vehicles on multiple levels using car carriers made to stack. Undecking, as you might guess, is the safe removal of those vehicles at their destination. These services are common in commercial fleet moves, dealership deliveries, rental car runs, and auction transfers.

Instead of using multiple hauls to ship a handful of vehicles, decking helps organize them efficiently in one trip. Doing this well calls for more than just manpower. You need equipment that adjusts for weight, length, and clearance. You also need skilled workers who know how to distribute weight and secure every load without stressing the vehicles.

Here are a few examples of when decking and undecking services come into play:

• Delivering new vehicles to a dealership
• Moving rental fleet cars between cities or states
• Transporting auction vehicles to different locations
• Relocating utility company vehicles for new projects
• Shipping trade-in vehicles between branches

 

In all these cases, time matters. But safety and vehicle protection matter just as much. Systems like soft ties, loading guides, padded ramps, and stable decks help ensure the vehicles arrive without a scratch.

Safety Considerations During Decking And Undecking

Loading vehicles several feet in the air can be risky, especially in rain or on uneven ground. That’s why safety processes must be followed every single time. It doesn’t matter how rushed the job is. Safety steps are what prevent accidents, protect the crew, and keep the cars in top shape.

Some important precautions include:

1. Inspecting tools like straps, chains, hydraulic lifts, and ramps before use.
2. Parking trailers on flat ground to avoid rolling or shifting vehicles.
3. Using wheel chocks to keep everything from moving while loading or unloading.
4. Lifting vehicles only from factory-approved points to avoid structural damage.
5. Using the proper number of tie-downs in a cross pattern to reduce lateral movement.
6. Wearing the right gear—like high-visibility vests, steel-toe boots, and gloves.

 

We once had a situation where a trailer was slightly tilted on a wet surface in Raleigh. A heavier SUV started to slip backward while loading onto the top deck. But because our crew had winch cables ready and blocks properly placed, the vehicle was guided safely into position. Without those safety steps, it could have caused serious damage.

Safe transport starts with good planning. You don’t want surprises halfway through the job. That’s why following a strict safety checklist isn’t optional—it’s a must.

Step-By-Step Guide To Decking And Undecking

Decking and undecking might follow a familiar order, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple to pull off. Each step has to be handled carefully. The process may change slightly depending on the trailer setup or vehicle design, but here’s the general approach.

1. Prep the Trailer: Begin by checking that the trailer is on flat ground. Clear oil, water, or debris off the ramps. Make sure hydraulic lifts and locking mechanisms are in good shape.
2. Load Bottom-Level Vehicles: These are usually the heaviest. Because they form the base, they need to be well-positioned. Once they’re in place, crews use four-point tie-downs or soft loops to hold them steady.
3. Adjust the Deck: The movable upper deck is raised using hydraulic controls so vehicles can fit on the lower level without interference.
4. Load Top-Level Vehicles: The lighter vehicles go on the upper deck. These are driven up carefully using ramps or pulled with winches if they’re not running. Again, each one is secured with care.
5. Final Walkthrough: After all vehicles are stacked and secured, crews check tie-downs, remove any leftover debris, verify clearance, and inspect lights and signal access for the driver.

 

When it comes time to unload, things happen in reverse. Upper vehicles are released, slowly lowered, and rolled off or winched down. Then the bottom vehicles follow. Extra care goes into avoiding contact damage between vehicles.

Supporting equipment often includes soft loop straps, chains, wheel stops, hydraulic lifts, padded ramps, winches, and fender covers. Each small tool plays a part in creating a safe, secure process from start to finish. Attention to every detail helps avoid unexpected bills from dings, shifts, or mechanical damage during shipping.

Benefits Of Professional Decking And Undecking Services

It might look like a team just loads a few cars and hits the highway. But there’s way more to it. Professional teams are trained to stack, balance, and secure vehicle loads quickly without cutting corners. There’s a big difference between doing something yourself and trusting trained help with the right knowledge and tools.

Here’s why working with experts matters:

• Precise Load Balance: Professionals know how to spot trouble before it starts and can adjust on the fly to avoid uneven weight issues.
• Speed Without Compromise: Crews who’ve handled hundreds of decking jobs can move faster without skipping safe habits.
• On-Site Gear: Whether it’s hydraulic lifts or special tie-downs, teams carry it all to the job, saving time and reducing the risk of faulty equipment.
• Scratch and Dent Prevention: Shifted loads or cheap tie-downs can damage your cargo. A professional team knows where and how to secure every point without touching delicate trim or sensitive parts.
• Safety and Regulation Compliance: Weight distribution, securement practices, and equipment use often follow Department of Transportation guidelines. Using trained crews helps avoid paperwork errors or costly rule violations.

 

An example comes from a recent job moving a dozen vehicles from a Raleigh-area auction lot to a dealership in another state. The client expected delays based on previous experience. But our team grouped vehicle sizes for even weight distribution, triple-checked security measures, and left on schedule without a single delay or issue. Time saved, budget met, and less stress all around.

Choosing professional service helps avoid accidents, saves time in the long run, and keeps each vehicle looking just as it did before being loaded.

How We Keep Raleigh’s Vehicle Deliveries Moving

Moving cars from lot to lot shouldn’t be stressful. But poor loading technique, rushed jobs, or skipped safety checks can turn a simple transport into something costly or dangerous. That’s why we take decking and undecking seriously.

When done properly, this service helps dealerships, companies, and rental operations stay on schedule without risking their inventory. Transporting two or three cars is one thing. But when you’re moving a dozen or more, mistakes add up quickly.

Raleigh’s terrain and traffic offer a unique set of challenges too. From steep interstate ramps to tight urban roads, having vehicles stacked securely can make all the difference. That’s why East Coast Towing uses proven methods, local experience, and trained teams to help you move things the right way.

If you’re planning a multi-vehicle move in or around Raleigh, the way your transport is prepared makes a huge difference. Done right, decking and undecking keeps your vehicles safe, your schedule on track, and your stress level low.

Want to make sure your vehicles are loaded and unloaded safely and without hassle? At East Coast Towing, our trained team is ready to help with reliable decking and undecking services that protect your fleet and keep your transport process running smoothly throughout Raleigh. Get in touch with us today to schedule professional, on-time support you can count on.