Getting the chance to be part of a NASCAR team is a dream come true for many racing enthusiasts. While it is an exciting opportunity, it involves a lot of elbow grease to transport these $400k cars thousands of miles from one place to another.
Because these NASCAR haulers play supporting roles in championship trophy award ceremonies, many fans don’t pay close attention to how these cars get to where they need to be. While the lives of NASCAR transport teams stray far from the industry’s glitz and glamor, these individuals work to ensure that the race cars are available for races, hence playing a pivotal role in contributing to NASCAR races’ success.
Whether you’re an average Joe looking to ship a Toyota Camry or a NASCAR hauler responsible for 79,500 pounds of weight in a cross-country trip, transporting these precious possessions with a reputable company like Guardian Auto Transport (guardianautotransport.com) is a high-stakes process. For those interested in a behind-the-scenes look into NASCAR haulers’ roles and responsibilities, step into their work boots and gain a greater appreciation for their expertise and dedication.
NASCAR haulers vs. auto-shipping companies
When relocating and shipping your vehicle from one location to the other, all you need to do is hire a reputable auto-shipping company. These companies offer various transportation methods, including open-carrier and enclosed. Customers get convenient service for a fee that varies from one company to the other.
While auto-shipping companies and NASCAR haulers perform similar duties and are equally obligated to move cars from one place to another, NASCAR haulers perform other tasks like maintaining racing equipment. Though it’s a physically and mentally demanding job that requires an unwavering commitment to the industry, most of these NASCAR haulers report that they enjoy their job.
NASCAR transporters earn comparable wages as long-haul truck drivers but get more time off, spend a couple of days at home every week, and become part of the NASCAR family. They also sleep in the hotel with other team members, so they don’t have to spend the night at rest stops.
NASCAR Haulers
A NASCAR hauler’s life requires extensive driving hours, proper planning, good organizational skills, the ability to load/stock the hauler, and a willingness to collaborate with other team members and drivers. Top transporters have excellent communication skills, dedication, and attention to detail. As a reward for these skills, the NASCAR Industry offers its employees flexible work schedules.
Sacrifice and dedication
While many people wish they could work in the racing industry and drive NASCAR trailers, the responsibility requires solemn sacrifice. NASCAR haulers leave for the racing venue before the rest of the team and return after everyone else, spending many hours alone on the road. Since these races can’t commence without successful delivery, driving team haulers have to account for any issues they might encounter on the way, potentially doubling the travel time.
The job also requires taking extra precautions because the equipment they are responsible for is incredibly expensive, heavy, and fragile. These drivers typically transport an average weight of about 79,700 pounds, valued between $2.7 and $5 million in cargo.
The majority of drivers make regular stops, usually after every 150-200 miles, to check on the equipment. Ensuring these drivers adhere to the Department of Transportation’s regulations translates to more time on the road.
Duties of NASCAR driving team haulers
Besides transporting the NASCAR vehicle, NASCAR haulers must load and unload equipment like office supplies, refrigerators, spare parts, tools, computers, and food to their destination, meaning these driver haulers have greater responsibilities than the average auto transporter. Teams depend on these haulers to deliver team helmets, satellite dishes, uniforms, and anything else from the track. Additionally, transporters clean and cook on the side. Since many are mechanics, these professionals work on the engines and other malfunctioning parts.
While on the road, driving team haulers meet NASCAR fans who either love or despise their team. Since they act as their team’s ambassadors, they must interact with the people appropriately, whether they’re rooting for or against a specific racing driver.
Becoming a NASCAR hauler
To work with a race team as a NASCAR hauler, you must first acquire a commercial driver’s license. It would be best to have connections to someone in the industry, as these race teams don’t directly recruit transporters and usually accumulate resumes that do not get much attention.
Without a direct connection, you can develop your reputation by starting from scratch and climbing your way up the social ladder. You can do so by volunteering at small races or creating a campaign to get to the big NASCAR leagues. Similarly, an aspiring NASCAR hauler can network with the crews and drivers, attend races, and be in regular correspondence with industry leaders. Before you put all your eggs in one basket, remember that scoring a gig requires dedication, persistence, and tenacity.
Final thoughts
You should consider a career in NASCAR hauling if you have a knack for logistics, enjoy competitive sports, and don’t mind long hours on the road. While the role of NASCAR hauler isn’t necessarily a glamorous one, it’s nonetheless fundamental.
