Open Auto Transport
Open Auto Transport: The Most Popular Way to Ship Your Vehicle
Open auto transport is the backbone of the vehicle shipping industry, accounting for roughly 90% of all cars moved across the United States each year. Whether you are relocating across the country, buying a car from an out-of-state dealer, or sending a vehicle to a college student, open car transport offers a reliable and budget-friendly solution trusted by millions of drivers since the industry’s earliest days.
At Advantage Auto Movers, we connect you with a nationwide network of FMCSA-licensed, fully insured carriers that specialize in open auto transport. Every carrier in our system undergoes a rigorous vetting process that includes license verification, insurance confirmation, safety record review, and real customer feedback analysis. The result is a seamless shipping experience backed by our BBB A+ rating and over a decade of industry expertise.
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport means your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier trailer — the same type of multi-level hauler you see on highways carrying new cars from factories to dealerships. A standard open carrier holds between 7 and 10 vehicles at a time, arranged on two levels with hydraulic ramps for safe loading and unloading.
Because the trailer has no roof or side panels, vehicles are exposed to the same road and weather conditions they would encounter if you drove them yourself. While that might sound concerning at first, it is worth remembering that this is the exact method automakers use to deliver brand-new vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to showroom floors across the country every single day.
How Open Car Shipping Works
The process is straightforward, transparent, and designed around your schedule:
- Step 1 — Request a Free Quote. Provide your pickup location, delivery destination, vehicle year, make, model, and preferred shipping dates. Our system scans carrier availability in real time and returns a competitive quote within minutes.
- Step 2 — Book and Confirm. Once you accept a quote, we assign a carrier and confirm your pickup window (typically 1 to 5 business days for standard service). No upfront payment is collected until a carrier is dispatched.
- Step 3 — Vehicle Pickup. The driver arrives at your location, performs a thorough walk-around inspection with you, documents the vehicle’s existing condition on a Bill of Lading (BOL), and secures the car on the trailer using professional tie-down straps.
- Step 4 — Transit. Your vehicle travels on the carrier along a pre-planned route. You receive status updates and can contact our support team at any point for real-time information.
- Step 5 — Delivery and Final Inspection. At the destination, you and the driver inspect the vehicle together, compare it against the original BOL, and sign off on the delivery. Payment is collected at this stage unless you arranged prepayment.
Open Auto Transport Pricing
Cost is the single biggest reason customers choose open transport. Because multiple vehicles share the same trailer, carriers can spread fuel, tolls, labor, and equipment costs across several customers, passing significant savings on to you. The final price depends on distance, vehicle size, time of year, route popularity, and how quickly you need the car moved.
Below are average price ranges based on real market data from the past 12 months. Your actual quote may vary depending on current carrier availability and fuel surcharges.
| Distance | Sedan / Compact | SUV / Truck | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $450 — $750 | $550 — $900 | 2 — 4 days |
| 500 — 1,000 miles | $600 — $950 | $750 — $1,150 | 3 — 5 days |
| 1,000 — 1,500 miles | $800 — $1,200 | $1,000 — $1,450 | 5 — 7 days |
| 1,500 — 2,000 miles | $950 — $1,350 | $1,150 — $1,600 | 6 — 9 days |
| 2,000+ miles (coast to coast) | $1,100 — $1,550 | $1,350 — $1,900 | 7 — 12 days |
Tip: Shipping during off-peak months (September through January) can save you 15 to 20 percent compared to the busy summer season when snowbird routes and college relocations drive demand up.
Advantages of Open Auto Transport
- Lowest cost per mile. Open carriers are the most economical way to ship a vehicle. You can expect to save 40 to 55 percent compared to enclosed transport on the same route.
- Fastest carrier availability. Because open carriers vastly outnumber enclosed trailers, pickup windows are shorter and scheduling flexibility is greater.
- Proven safety record. The vehicle shipping industry reports a damage rate below 0.5 percent on open trailers, and all carriers in our network carry a minimum of $750,000 in cargo insurance.
- Ideal for everyday vehicles. If you drive a sedan, minivan, crossover, pickup truck, or compact car, open transport is the industry-standard choice.
- Transparent process. You see every cost upfront — no hidden fees, no surprise surcharges, no bait-and-switch pricing.
Are There Downsides to Open Transport?
Transparency matters, so here is an honest look at the trade-offs:
- Exposure to elements. Vehicles on an open trailer encounter road dust, light rain, and occasional small debris, just as they would during a normal drive. For most vehicles this is a non-issue — a quick car wash upon delivery is all that is needed.
- Not ideal for high-value or fragile vehicles. If you own a classic car, exotic supercar, or a freshly restored show vehicle, enclosed transport provides the extra protection these investments deserve.
- Shared schedule. Because the carrier hauls multiple cars, delivery windows are broader. If you need a guaranteed date, expedited shipping may be a better fit.
What Vehicles Are Best Suited for Open Transport?
Open auto transport is the right choice for the vast majority of vehicles on the road. Here is a quick reference:
- Daily drivers — sedans, hatchbacks, coupes
- Family vehicles — SUVs, crossovers, minivans
- Pickup trucks (standard and crew cab)
- Electric vehicles including Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid models
- Dealer inventory and auction purchases
- Fleet vehicles for corporate relocations
- College student cars
- Snowbird seasonal relocations
“We shipped our Honda CR-V from Chicago to Phoenix through Advantage Auto Movers and everything went perfectly. The car arrived in 8 days with zero issues. Honestly could not tell it had been on a trailer at all.” — Sarah M., verified customer
Preparing Your Vehicle for Open Transport
A few simple steps will ensure a smooth pickup and delivery:
- Wash the exterior. A clean car makes it easier to document existing scratches, dents, or chips during the pre-transport inspection.
- Remove personal belongings. Carrier insurance does not cover loose items inside the cabin. Remove electronics, valuables, and anything not permanently attached.
- Keep fuel level low. A quarter tank or less reduces weight and lowers fuel costs for the carrier, which can translate to a better rate for you.
- Check fluids and tire pressure. Ensure the car is in drivable condition so the driver can load and unload it safely.
- Disable alarms. A blaring alarm on a moving trailer creates problems for the driver and other motorists.
- Fold in mirrors and retract antennas. This minimizes the risk of minor cosmetic damage from wind or adjacent vehicles on the trailer.
Open Transport vs. Enclosed Transport: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $0.55 — $0.75 per mile | $0.85 — $1.25 per mile |
| Carrier availability | High (1 — 5 day pickup) | Lower (3 — 7 day pickup) |
| Weather protection | None (open air) | Full (enclosed walls and roof) |
| Insurance coverage | $750K — $1M standard | Up to $500K per vehicle |
| Best for | Standard vehicles | Luxury, exotic, classic cars |
| Capacity per trailer | 7 — 10 vehicles | 2 — 6 vehicles |
Frequently Asked Questions About Open Auto Transport
Is open auto transport safe for my car?
Yes. Open carriers are used to deliver over 20 million vehicles per year in the United States, including brand-new cars shipped directly from manufacturers. The industry-wide damage rate for open transport is below one half of one percent. Every carrier in our network carries comprehensive cargo insurance and is monitored for safety compliance by the FMCSA.
How long does open auto transport take?
Transit times depend on distance. Short hauls under 500 miles typically take 2 to 4 days, mid-range shipments (500 to 1,500 miles) take 3 to 7 days, and coast-to-coast moves average 7 to 12 days. Weather, road conditions, and carrier routing can add 1 to 2 days in some cases.
Can I put personal items inside the car during shipping?
Federal regulations and carrier insurance policies generally prohibit shipping personal belongings inside the vehicle. Some carriers allow a small bag in the trunk (up to 100 pounds), but this is at the driver’s discretion and items are not covered by cargo insurance. We recommend shipping personal belongings separately.
What happens if my car is damaged during open transport?
Every carrier in our network is required to maintain active cargo insurance. If damage occurs during transit, you have the right to file a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance. The Bill of Lading (BOL) signed at pickup and delivery serves as documented proof of the vehicle’s condition before and after transport. Our team will assist you through the entire claims process.
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
Someone 18 years or older must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the vehicle. If you cannot be there personally, you may designate a representative — a friend, family member, or dealership employee — to act on your behalf.
How far in advance should I book open auto transport?
We recommend booking at least 7 to 14 days ahead of your preferred pickup date to secure the best rates and widest carrier availability. Last-minute bookings are possible but may come with a premium, especially during peak season (May through August).
Why Ship With Advantage Auto Movers?
- BBB A+ rated with a track record spanning over 10 years in the vehicle shipping industry.
- 100% FMCSA-licensed carrier network — every transporter is verified for active authority, insurance, and safety compliance.
- No upfront deposits — you pay nothing until a carrier is dispatched and your pickup is confirmed.
- Real human support — call, email, or chat with a shipping coordinator who knows your order by name, not a ticket number.
- Free, no-obligation quotes — get an accurate estimate in under 60 seconds with no pressure to commit.
Get Your Free Open Transport Quote Today
Ready to ship your vehicle the way millions of Americans do every year? Fill out the form below with your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred dates. You will receive a competitive, no-obligation quote from our team within minutes. No hidden fees, no surprise charges — just honest pricing and professional service from start to finish.
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