Most Popular Service · Nationwide
Open Car Transport &
Standard Auto Shipping
The same carrier method used to deliver every new car to every dealership in America. Reliable, fully insured, and the most cost-effective way to ship any standard vehicle coast to coast.
- Vehicles Shipped
- 25,000+
- Open Carrier Network
- 5,000+
- Avg. Rating
- 4.9 ★
- States Covered
- All 48
How It Works
What is open auto transport?
Open transport uses the multi-level car haulers you see on every interstate. These carriers hold 7-10 vehicles on two decks, moving them efficiently across any distance. It is the backbone of the auto transport industry — over 90% of all vehicles shipped in the U.S. travel on open carriers.
Your vehicle is driven onto the carrier at pickup, secured with wheel straps and tire cradles, and driven off at delivery. The entire process is documented with a Bill of Lading that records the vehicle's condition at both ends.
Manufacturers trust open carriers to deliver brand-new vehicles worth $30,000-$100,000 to dealerships every day. Your car receives the same level of care.
$0.50-$0.70
Avg. Cost Per Mile
7-10
Vehicles Per Load
6-9 Days
Coast-to-Coast
Under 1%
Damage Rate
Pricing Factors
What Drives Your Open Transport Quote
No two shipments price the same. Here are the variables that determine what you pay — and how to optimize each one.
Distance & Route
Per-mile rates decrease on longer routes. A 2,000-mile corridor costs less per mile than a 400-mile regional move because the carrier spreads fixed costs over more revenue miles.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Compact cars and sedans cost the least. SUVs, trucks, and minivans take up more carrier deck space and reduce the number of vehicles per load, adding $100-$300.
Seasonal Demand
Peak snowbird season (Oct-Mar) and summer relocation months drive rates up 10-25% on popular corridors. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead locks in better pricing.
Pickup Flexibility
A 3-5 day pickup window lets carriers optimize their route, producing the lowest quotes. Guaranteed 24-48 hour pickup adds $150-$400 depending on the corridor.
Carrier Availability
High-volume corridors like LA-Phoenix or NY-Florida have abundant carrier supply. Rural or low-volume routes require more time and often carry a premium.
Vehicle Condition
Inoperable vehicles that don't start, steer, or brake require winch loading and specialized equipment, adding $150-$300 to any shipment.
Who Uses Open Transport
Built for every type of shipper
Open transport serves the widest range of customers in auto shipping. Private owners relocating across the country, families moving for work, online car buyers receiving a purchase, military members on PCS orders, and dealerships moving inventory between lots.
If your vehicle is a daily driver, a recently purchased used car, a lease return, or any standard production vehicle — open transport is the right choice. It offers the best balance of cost, speed, and availability.
The only vehicles that genuinely benefit from enclosed transport are high-value exotics, classic collectibles, and cars with custom paint or low ground clearance that warrants extra protection.
60%
Private Owners
25%
Dealers & Fleets
10%
Corporate Relocation
5%
Military PCS
Common Questions
Open Transport FAQ
What exactly is open auto transport?
Open transport uses the multi-level car haulers you see on highways every day. Your vehicle rides on an exposed carrier alongside 7-10 other vehicles. It's the same method manufacturers use to deliver new cars to dealerships nationwide.
Is open transport safe for my car?
Yes. Over 90% of all vehicles in the U.S. are shipped open. Damage rates are extremely low — well under 1% of shipments. Carriers carry cargo liability insurance that covers any transport-related damage. Your car faces the same road exposure as driving it yourself on the highway.
How much does open car transport cost?
For a standard sedan, expect $350-$650 for moves under 500 miles, $550-$900 for 500-1,000 miles, and $1,000-$1,500 coast to coast. SUVs and trucks add $100-$300. These ranges assume a flexible pickup window — expedited service costs more.
How long does open transport take?
Regional moves (under 500 miles) typically take 1-3 days. Mid-range routes (500-1,500 miles) run 3-5 days. Coast-to-coast shipments take 6-9 days. These windows include carrier scheduling time, not just driving hours.
When should I choose enclosed over open?
Choose enclosed if your vehicle is worth over $75,000, is a classic or collector car, has custom paint or bodywork, or if you simply want zero exposure to weather and road debris. For standard daily drivers, open transport provides excellent value and protection.
Can I put personal items in the car during open transport?
Carrier insurance covers the vehicle, not its contents. Most carriers allow a small bag in the trunk (under 100 lbs total), but items left in the car are at your own risk. Remove valuables, toll tags, and garage openers before pickup.
From Our Blog
Further Reading on Open Transport
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?
Real pricing data for every major corridor, vehicle type, and service level.
Read article TipsOpen vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Is Right?
A clear breakdown of when open makes sense and when enclosed is worth the premium.
Read article TipsHow to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
The 10-step pre-shipping checklist that avoids delays and disputes.
Read articleReady to Ship?
Get Your Open Transport Quote
Instant pricing for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and any standard vehicle. Door-to-door service, fully insured, no obligation.