Compliant & Competitive: Why California Operators Use SHIFTR
Running a towing or vehicle transport business in California isn’t what it used to be.
Rising insurance costs, diesel rules, CARB compliance, and strict labor laws make traditional tow trucks harder to justify. This is especially true for short-haul, single-vehicle jobs.
That’s why more California operators are adding SHIFTR car trailers to their fleet.
The SHIFTR lowering trailer is a lightweight trailer made of steel. It has a hydraulic deck that loads vehicles from the ground. This makes loading fast, safe, and compliant with state regulations.
It’s not a tow truck replacement. It’s your secret weapon for staying profitable in a regulated market.
The California Transport Challenge
If you operate in California, you already know:
- Diesel trucks face increasing CARB restrictions
- Insurance costs for tow trucks are skyrocketing
- Many short-haul jobs simply don’t cover the overhead
- Operators need a CDL or extra training to drive heavier vehicles
- Compliance headaches are growing: emissions, labor rules, inspections
You need a tool that lets you stay in the game, without stacking regulatory risk.
SHIFTR is the Smart, Compliant Option
SHIFTR is the tow truck alternative that lets you tow and transport without the friction of heavy-duty equipment:
- No diesel engine, no PTO, no DEF systems
- 83" wide deck = fits a huge range of vehicles safely
- Tows with a standard pickup or SUV, no CDL required
- Electric hydraulic operation = efficient, quiet, and simple
- Ground-level loading = no ramps, no damage, no crew
- Low insurance footprint, often covered under your tow vehicle
For the kinds of jobs where a full-size rollback is overkill, SHIFTR just makes sense.
Ideal for California-Based Use Cases
- Workshop-to-shop transport
- EV and hybrid vehicle handling
- Motorcycle and low-clearance vehicle movement
- Dealership overflow pickups
- Non-emergency fleet support
- Light-duty callouts and customer returns
You save fuel. You reduce insurance exposure. You protect your operator from injury and regulatory fines.
Built to Last, In a State Where That Matters
The SHIFTR car hauler trailer is manufactured with a steel frame, sealed hydraulic system, and commercial-grade components.
It’s not a consumer-grade car hauler. It’s a working tool designed to deliver a long service life, even under repeated daily use.
And in California, where equipment longevity and clean operation are key to ROI, SHIFTR gives you real value without regulatory baggage.
Simplicity That Pays Off
- No DMV special licensing
- No CARB engine labeling
- No inspection cycle downtime
- Easy to insure
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to train new hires
All the benefits of a modern flatbed, without the cost, complexity, or compliance risk.
Join a Growing Group of Smart Operators
The SHIFTR is already helping towing and service businesses across the western U.S. reduce costs, improve safety, and simplify their light duty towing operation.
With a starting price of just $11,995, it can pay for itself in under a year, while opening up new ways to serve customers.
Adapt. Save. Stay Ahead.
California is evolving fast. The businesses that stay ahead are the ones that move smarter, not just heavier.
SHIFTR is a vehicle transport trailer that helps you stay competitive, compliant, and profitable.

