If you have recently lost a loved one and need to schedule funeral or cremation services in Columbia, MD, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience to have to process all the feelings around the loss while trying to plan the event. If you have never had to utilize services for a loss, knowing what you need can be a complicated process, and you may be questioning if you need to rent a hearse for your loved one’s remains.

Hearses are generally found at the front of a line of cars of individuals who have lost a loved one. These processions are meant to transport the deceased from the funeral home to the cemetery so the individual can be buried or placed in a mausoleum.

These vehicles are created to carry only one casket and do not have a back seat for passengers. Traditionally they are formed to hold the driver and the passenger along with the deceased. Still, some variations have recently been produced that can hold up to six passengers for transport.

On the Road

If you see a hearse on the road in some states, it is illegal to pass them, and they are given the right of way. It is also seen as disrespectful to pass a procession, and it is recommended to pull over to the side of the road and wait for the family to pass by out of respect.

Other Considerations

In some cases, you may not have the budget for a hearse, and any large vehicle, such as a long-bed pickup truck, will be adequate to transport the individual. A hearse can range from $175 to $400 depending on the type of vehicle you choose and the company you hire to work with.

In some cases, you may see the funeral director walking directly in front of the hearse at the cemetery, and this is to guide the vehicle to the burial spot. It is a tradition that has been around before motorized vehicles were on the road and are done to show respect to the deceased.

Hearses have a history of superstitions around seeing them, and they are thoroughly cleaned between each event. The cars are built using other vehicles’ bodies and customized to what the company or individual may be requesting for the service. In addition, they are used to lead the procession and are known as a cortege to transport the loved one. They traditionally come in black and are a symbol of mourning.

A Compassionate Presence

Hearses have a rich history as a primary way to transport loved ones to their final resting place. Anytime you lose a loved one and must go through the process of loss, the grief can feel overwhelming. You want to have a company that you can trust to help you through the process step-by-step.

Snowden Funeral Home understands how confusing and difficult it can be to plan funeral or cremation services in Columbia, MD. We take pride in offering our community a professional and experienced company that puts compassion for our clients first. We can help you create a memorable experience for your loved one, so give us a call today to schedule your appointment.