Open Transport
The Most Popular Way
to Ship a Vehicle
Open auto transport is how 85% of vehicles are shipped across the country. It's affordable, reliable, and backed by full insurance coverage on every load.
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open transport uses the same multi-level car carriers you see on highways every day. These trailers hold 7 to 10 vehicles at a time and are the backbone of the auto shipping industry. Dealerships, manufacturers, and auction houses rely on open carriers to move millions of vehicles each year.
Your vehicle is driven onto the carrier, secured with professional wheel straps and tie-downs, and transported to the destination. While vehicles are exposed to the elements during transit, the same conditions apply to any car driven on the road. The real advantage is cost: open transport is significantly cheaper than enclosed alternatives.
Open transport is the right choice for sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and any standard vehicle that doesn't require extra protection. If your car spends its days parked outside or in a regular garage, open transport will handle it just fine.
When Open Transport Is the Right Choice
You are relocating and need to move a daily driver
You purchased a vehicle online from another state
You want the most affordable shipping option available
Your vehicle is a standard sedan, SUV, truck, or minivan
You are a dealer shipping inventory between lots
You are a snowbird moving a car between seasonal homes
What Determines Your Price
Open transport pricing is straightforward. Here are the four biggest factors that affect your quote.
Distance
Longer routes reduce the per-mile cost. A 200-mile move may run $1.00/mile, while a cross-country shipment can drop to $0.50/mile or less.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Compact sedans cost less than full-size SUVs or trucks. Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier and add weight to the load.
Season & Demand
Summer and early fall are peak shipping season. Prices tend to rise 10-20% during high-demand months and around major holidays.
Route Popularity
High-traffic corridors like Florida to New York are more competitive. Rural or remote pickups may carry a small surcharge for extra mileage.
Safety & Insurance Coverage
Every carrier in our network is federally licensed and carries cargo insurance as required by the FMCSA. This means your vehicle is covered from the moment it is loaded onto the trailer until it is delivered to your door.
Damage rates on open carriers are extremely low. Industry data shows that fewer than 1 in 1,000 vehicles experience any form of damage during open transport. When it does occur, it is typically minor cosmetic issues like small rock chips, not structural or mechanical damage.
Before your vehicle is loaded, the driver conducts a thorough inspection and documents the condition on a Bill of Lading. This same inspection happens at delivery, so there is a clear record of your vehicle's condition at both ends of the trip. If damage occurs, the carrier's insurance handles the claim.
- •FMCSA-licensed carriers with active cargo insurance
- •Pre- and post-transport vehicle inspections documented on the Bill of Lading
- •Less than 0.1% damage rate across the industry
- •Claims handled directly through carrier insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open transport safe for my car?
Yes. Open transport has an extremely low damage rate, well under 1%. Vehicles are secured with professional-grade wheel straps and ratchets. Every carrier in our network carries cargo insurance that covers your vehicle in the unlikely event of transit damage.
How long does open transport take?
Transit times depend on distance. Local moves (under 500 miles) typically take 2-4 days. Cross-country shipments (1,500+ miles) average 7-10 days. We provide estimated delivery windows when you book and keep you updated throughout the process.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open carriers are the standard multi-level trailers you see on highways carrying 7-10 vehicles. Enclosed carriers are fully sealed trailers that hold 2-6 vehicles and protect against weather, road debris, and UV exposure. Open transport costs 30-40% less than enclosed.
Can I put personal items in my car during open transport?
Most carriers allow a small bag or box in the trunk, up to about 100 lbs. However, personal items are not covered by carrier insurance. We recommend removing valuables and keeping any items below the window line to avoid issues at weigh stations.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Someone over 18 must be present at both ends to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot be there, you can designate an authorized representative such as a friend, family member, or dealership contact.
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