Nationwide Vehicle Shipping
Open Auto Transport for Safe, Affordable Vehicle Shipping
Open auto transport is the most popular and cost-effective way to ship cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles across the country. Get dependable vehicle shipping with convenient pickup, professional carrier coordination, and nationwide service.
The Most Popular Way to Ship a Car
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is a vehicle shipping method where cars are transported on an open-air carrier, similar to the trucks commonly used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships.
Because open carriers can transport several vehicles at once and are widely available throughout the United States, open car shipping is typically the most affordable and flexible option for everyday vehicle transportation.
- Ideal for most cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Greater carrier availability
- Usually more affordable than enclosed shipping
- Convenient long-distance transportation
- Door-to-door service when accessible
- Nationwide vehicle shipping
Why Choose Open Car Shipping?
Benefits of Open Auto Transport
For most everyday vehicles, open auto transport offers an excellent balance of affordability, availability, and convenience.
Cost-Effective
Open carriers can transport multiple vehicles, helping keep shipping costs competitive.
More Carrier Availability
Open carriers are widely used, which can make scheduling easier on many routes.
Door-to-Door Convenience
Pickup and delivery can generally be coordinated close to your requested locations.
Great for Everyday Vehicles
An excellent option for sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other standard vehicles.
Nationwide Routes
Open auto transport is available across major routes throughout the continental United States.
Flexible Scheduling
Greater carrier availability can provide more flexibility when coordinating pickup.
Vehicle Shipping Options
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped on an Open Carrier?
Open auto transport can accommodate many of the vehicles people drive every day. Carrier capacity and loading requirements depend on the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, and condition.
- Sedans
- Compact cars
- Crossovers
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
- Minivans
- Dealer vehicles
- Auction vehicles
If the vehicle does not run, tell us before booking. It may require a winch-capable carrier. Learn more about our inoperable vehicle transport service.
How It Works
Open Auto Transport in 4 Simple Steps
Shipping your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. We help coordinate the process from quote through delivery.
1. Request Your Quote
Tell us what vehicle you are shipping, where it is located, and where it needs to go.
2. Carrier Coordination
We coordinate an open carrier based on your vehicle, route, and scheduling needs.
3. Vehicle Pickup
The carrier inspects your vehicle and loads it onto the open transport trailer.
4. Vehicle Delivery
Your vehicle is transported to the destination and inspected again at delivery.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get a personalized open auto transport quote for your route.
Compare Your Options
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Both methods can safely transport vehicles. The right option depends on your vehicle, priorities, and budget.
Open Auto Transport
- Most common vehicle shipping method
- Greater carrier availability
- Usually the lower-cost option
- Ideal for everyday vehicles
- Vehicles remain exposed to normal road conditions
Enclosed Auto Transport
- Vehicle travels inside a covered trailer
- Additional weather and road-debris protection
- Popular for classic and exotic cars
- Lower carrier availability
- Generally costs more than open shipping
Open Car Shipping Cost
How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
Open auto transport pricing depends on your specific vehicle, route, timing, and current carrier availability. Because open carriers transport multiple vehicles at once, open shipping is generally more economical than enclosed transport.
Common factors that influence your quote include:
- Pickup and delivery distance
- Vehicle size and weight
- Vehicle condition
- Route and location
- Season and demand
- Scheduling flexibility
Get a personalized quote for current pricing on your specific route.
Before Pickup
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Open Auto Transport
- Remove personal belongings and loose items.
- Take photos of the vehicle before pickup.
- Check the vehicle for existing damage.
- Remove or secure aftermarket accessories.
- Make sure the vehicle has enough fuel for loading and unloading.
- Disable alarms when possible.
- Provide keys and any special operating instructions.
If the vehicle has modifications, unusually low ground clearance, oversized dimensions, or is not running, provide that information before scheduling.
Why East Coast
Reliable Open Auto Transport From Pickup to Delivery
Carrier Coordination
We coordinate transportation based on your vehicle, route, and timing.
Clear Communication
We help keep you informed throughout the vehicle shipping process.
Nationwide Shipping
Vehicle transportation across local, regional, and long-distance routes.
Personal Service
Get assistance with your route, transport method, and shipping questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open Auto Transport FAQs
What is open auto transport?
Open auto transport ships vehicles on an open-air carrier. It is the most widely used form of vehicle shipping and is commonly used for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Is open auto transport safe?
Open transport is widely used throughout the automotive industry, including for dealership vehicle deliveries. Vehicles are secured to the carrier for transportation, although they remain exposed to normal weather and road conditions.
Is open auto transport cheaper than enclosed shipping?
Open transport is generally less expensive because open carriers can move more vehicles at once and there are more open carriers available on most routes.
How many cars fit on an open auto transport truck?
Carrier capacity varies depending on trailer type, vehicle dimensions, and vehicle weight. Large multi-car carriers may transport several vehicles at the same time.
Can I ship a pickup truck using open transport?
Yes. Many pickup trucks can be transported on open carriers. Larger or modified trucks may affect carrier capacity and pricing because of their dimensions and weight.
Can a non-running car be shipped on an open carrier?
Yes, provided the assigned carrier has suitable loading equipment. Non-running vehicles may require a winch and should be disclosed before booking.
Do you offer door-to-door open auto transport?
Pickup and delivery are generally coordinated as close to the requested addresses as the carrier can safely and legally access.
Ready to Ship?
Get Your Open Auto Transport Quote Today
Tell us what vehicle you are shipping, where it is located, and where it needs to go. We’ll help you coordinate reliable open vehicle transportation.