Overview

The Industry Standard for Vehicle Shipping

Open auto transport is how 85% of all vehicles in America are shipped. Your car rides on a multi-level open carrier alongside other vehicles, just like the trucks that deliver brand-new cars from the factory to dealerships across the country.

This method keeps costs low while still providing reliable, insured transportation. Carriers in our network are fully licensed, bonded, and carry comprehensive cargo insurance to protect your vehicle every mile of the journey.

Ships 7-10 vehicles per carrier for maximum efficiency
Ideal for standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
Full insurance coverage included at no extra charge
Available for both running and non-running vehicles

Benefits

Why Customers Choose Open Transport

Four key advantages that make open carriers the go-to choice for vehicle shipping.

Lowest Cost Option

Save 30-40% compared to enclosed transport. Shared carrier space means shared savings passed directly to you.

Faster Pickup Windows

Open carriers are more widely available, meaning shorter wait times and quicker scheduling for your shipment.

Fully Insured Transit

Every carrier in our network maintains comprehensive cargo insurance covering your vehicle from pickup to delivery.

Nationwide Coverage

Extensive carrier network covers all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii, with door-to-door service available.

🛡

★ Double-Layer Cargo Protection

Every carrier we dispatch carries FMCSA-compliant primary cargo insurance. We back that with $100,000 contingent cargo coverage through Great American Insurance — so your vehicle is covered twice.

★ Popular Routes

Transparent Pricing for Our Top 12 Routes

Honest, all-in rates from real 2026 shipments. Every booking is backed by our ZeroDown Guarantee — zero upfront payment, ever.

Route	Distance	Transit	Open	Enclosed
California → Florida	2,900 mi	8-11 days	$1,450	$2,500
New York → Florida	1,280 mi	5-7 days	$950	$1,600
Texas → California	1,570 mi	5-7 days	$1,100	$1,800
California → Texas	1,570 mi	5-7 days	$1,100	$1,800
Florida → New York	1,280 mi	5-7 days	$950	$1,600
California → New York	2,900 mi	8-11 days	$1,450	$2,500
Illinois → Florida	1,200 mi	5-7 days	$900	$1,500
Texas → Florida	1,200 mi	5-7 days	$900	$1,500
Michigan → Florida	1,400 mi	5-7 days	$1,000	$1,700
Pennsylvania → Florida	1,100 mi	4-6 days	$850	$1,450
California → Arizona	400 mi	1-3 days	$550	$950
Ohio → Florida	1,100 mi	4-6 days	$850	$1,450

See All 25 Routes Free Cost Calculator

Comparison

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Understand the key differences so you can pick the right option for your vehicle.

Feature	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Cost	$500 – $1,900	$1,500 – $2,800+
Weather Protection	Exposed to elements	Fully enclosed and sealed
Carrier Availability	High — most common type	Limited — fewer carriers
Best For	Daily drivers, standard vehicles	Luxury, classic, exotic cars
Pickup Speed	2–6 days on average	4–11 days on average
Insurance	Full coverage included	Full coverage included

Process

How Open Transport Works

Six straightforward steps from quote to delivery.

Get Quote

Request your transport quote — quick, easy!

Place Order

Confirm your booking — no upfront payment!

Schedule Pickup

Choose your preferred pickup date and window.

Pickup

Carrier arrives, inspects, and loads your vehicle.

Move Vehicle

Your car ships safely with real-time tracking.

Receive Vehicle

Final inspection and you're all set!

FAQ

Open Transport Questions

Your vehicle may accumulate some road dust during transit, similar to driving on the highway. A quick wash after delivery is all that is needed. No significant damage occurs from normal road exposure.

Standard open carriers hold 7 to 10 vehicles across two levels. This shared capacity is what makes open transport significantly more affordable than enclosed alternatives.

Yes. Non-running vehicles can be loaded using a winch. There is typically a $100–$200 surcharge for inoperable vehicles since loading requires extra equipment and time.

Absolutely. Dealerships and manufacturers use open carriers to ship brand-new vehicles from factories to showrooms every day. Your car is securely strapped and fully insured throughout the trip.

Most carriers allow a small bag (up to about 100 lbs) in the trunk. However, personal items are not covered by carrier insurance. We recommend keeping valuables with you during transit.

Open Auto Transport