Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping
Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping
Need a reliable way to move your car without paying extra for specialty handling? Open Carrier Auto Transport is the most common nationwide option—great availability, efficient routing, and a price that fits most budgets. Get Open Carrier Car Shipping quotes in minutes and choose the schedule that works for you.
Prefer verified trust signals? See our customer feedback on the BBB profile page.
Why Choose an Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping Company?
Open carrier transport is the go-to method for moving vehicles across the country. Your car is loaded onto a purpose-built, open-air trailer (often holding multiple vehicles). Because carriers can move several cars at once, the cost is typically lower than specialty options—while still delivering dependable pickup and transit windows.
If you’re shipping a daily driver, SUV, pickup, or standard sedan, Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping is usually the best balance of affordability and availability. Many customers pick open transport because it’s straightforward, widely available, and ideal for most routes.
Best for most vehicles
- Commuter cars, family SUVs, and light trucks
- Dealership purchases and relocations
- College moves and seasonal transitions
- Cross-country and regional shipping lanes
Helpful reading: How Does Car Shipping Work? and Auto Transport Insurance Explained.
What you can expect
Clear communication, realistic windows, and an inspection process that protects you from start to finish.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Pickup window | Carrier availability and routing determine the pickup range for your location and timeline. |
| Vehicle inspection | Condition is documented before loading, then confirmed again at delivery. |
| Transit updates | You receive shipment progress and delivery planning as the driver approaches. |
| Delivery | Meet curbside when possible; sign final paperwork after confirming condition. |
Looking to compare providers? Visit Vehicle Shipping Companies.
How Open Carrier Auto Transport Works
Once you request Open Carrier Car Shipping quotes, we match your route and timeline with a carrier that fits your needs. Open trailers run common lanes frequently, which helps keep scheduling flexible. You’ll get a pickup window, and the driver will coordinate a convenient meeting spot for loading.
On pickup day, your vehicle is inspected and secured on the trailer using industry-standard tie-down points. During transit, the route may include planned stops to load or unload other vehicles. This is normal and helps keep open carrier shipping cost-effective.
Simple prep checklist
- Remove loose personal items and toll tags
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel
- Take photos of the exterior before pickup
- Disable alarms and provide special start instructions
Protection, Inspection, and Peace of Mind
A professional Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping Company relies on a consistent inspection process. You’ll review vehicle condition at pickup and again at delivery. This documentation helps keep the process clear and gives you confidence that the vehicle you hand off is the vehicle you receive.
Open carrier transport is built for everyday reliability. While the trailer is open-air, vehicles are loaded and positioned to travel safely at highway speeds. For customers shipping high-value classics or ultra-low-clearance models, enclosed transport can be a better fit—but for most cars, open shipping delivers the best overall value.
What impacts open carrier pricing?
- Distance & lane (popular routes typically have more frequent carrier traffic)
- Vehicle size (larger SUVs/trucks may require more trailer space)
- Timing (peak seasons can affect availability)
- Pickup/delivery access (tight streets or restrictions may require a nearby meeting point)
Real-world fit: open carrier vs. enclosed
Not sure which option matches your vehicle? Here’s a simple comparison to help guide your choice.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Open carrier | Daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, most nationwide routes, best overall value |
| Enclosed | Classics, exotics, show cars, added protection preferences |
Ready for Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping?
Get accurate options based on your route and timeline. Compare pickup windows and choose what fits.
Get Open Carrier QuotesYou can also review our BBB customer feedback here: BBB reviews.
Customer-Friendly Support from Pickup to Delivery
Shipping a vehicle is easier when you know what to expect. From the moment you request Open Carrier Car Shipping quotes, our goal is to keep things clear: pickup planning, inspection steps, and delivery coordination—so you can ship with confidence.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, Open Carrier Auto Transport is a smart choice for most vehicles and most timelines. It’s efficient, widely available, and built around dependable nationwide lanes.
Common shipping situations
- Relocations and job moves
- Online car purchases and dealer transfers
- College moves and student schedules
- Snowbird and seasonal travel plans
Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping FAQs
What is the difference between open carrier and enclosed shipping?
Open carrier shipping transports your vehicle on an open trailer and is the most common method. Enclosed shipping uses a covered trailer for added protection and is typically chosen for high-value or specialty vehicles.
Will my car be exposed to weather during open carrier auto transport?
Yes, open carriers are open-air. That said, open transport is still the most widely used nationwide option, and vehicles are secured with professional equipment for safe highway travel.
How do Open Carrier Car Shipping quotes work?
Quotes are based on route distance, vehicle size, seasonality, and timing. Submitting your details through the quote calculator helps match you with the right carrier option for your pickup and delivery plan.
Can I ship an SUV or truck on an open carrier?
Absolutely. Many SUVs and pickups ship on open carriers every day. Larger vehicles can affect pricing due to trailer space and weight, but open carrier transport remains a popular choice.
Do you offer door-to-door pickup and delivery?
In many cases, yes. If your street has restrictions or tight access, the driver may coordinate a nearby meeting location that’s safe and easy to reach.
What should I do before pickup?
Remove loose items, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, take a few photos, and be ready to share any special start instructions. The driver will complete a condition check before loading.
Get Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping Quotes Today
Open carrier transport is the quickest path to a practical, nationwide shipment for most vehicles. Share your route and timeline, compare options, and lock in the plan that fits.
Tip: If your vehicle is rare, extremely low, or a showpiece, ask about enclosed options—but for most drivers, Open Carrier Auto Transport is the value leader.