Open Auto Transport Services
Fast & Reliable
Cost Effective
Full Insurance Coverage
Nationwide Door-to-Door Service
What is Open Auto Transport?
Open car transport is the standard method of transporting vehicles in the car shipping industry. As the name suggests, vehicles are transported on open car carriers, exposed to weather and road conditions. Your vehicle is subjected to the same elements you encounter while driving, such as sun, snow, dust, debris, and more. Being the most economical way to ship a car, it’s no wonder that a large portion of vehicle shipping (around 80%) is done using open transport carriers. Private individuals, auto dealerships, and even car manufacturers generally opt for open car shipping services
Open Car Carriers
Multi-level trailers that transport 7-10 vehicles simultaneously, similar to what you see delivering new cars to dealerships.
Cost-Effective
By sharing trailer space with other vehicles, costs are distributed among multiple customers, making it more affordable.
Faster Availability
With more open carriers on the road than enclosed, pickup windows are typically shorter and more flexible.
Industry Standard
Over 90% of all vehicles shipped in the U.S. travel on open carriers, including brand-new cars from manufacturers.
Types of Open Car Carriers
Not all open car carriers are the same. Open car transport is normally done with a full size car hauler. There are; however, various types of open car haulers available for different requirements. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right option for your vehicle and timeline. Here’s a breakdown of the most common open carrier configurations used in auto transport.
7-10 Car Hauler
Standard Multi-Car Carrier
These carriers, as you might assume, can handle 7-10 autos at a time. Those are the same trucks commonly seen on the road hauling vehicles.
- Most cost-effective option
- Widely available nationwide
- Used by manufacturers & dealerships
- Best for standard-sized vehicles
1-3 Car Hauler
Small Carrier / Hotshot
One open transport carrier that is seldom used is the 1-3 car hauler or as it is also known, a “hot shot”. It resembles a flatbed tow truck and normally used for short distance routes.
- Faster pickup times
- More flexible scheduling
- Direct door-to-door service
- Better for rural deliveries
3-4 Car Hauler
Mid-Size Carrier
An open carrier that uses heavy duty trucks like an F-350 to haul autos is a 3-4 car hauler. It can get into smaller streets and transit times are faster BUT due to the small number of available trucks they’re uncommonly used.
- Good balance of cost & speed
- More scheduling flexibility
- Handles varied vehicle sizes
- Popular for dealer transfers
Low Boy / Step Deck
Low boys or step decks are utilized to transport large oversized vehicles. These carriers are capable of transporting vehicles with excess weight such as service trucks, buses, and RV’s.
- Accommodates larger commercial trucks
- Handles oversized vehicles
- Easier loading angle
Calculate Your Open Transport Car Shipping Costs: Rates Per Mile
- $0.75 per mile (0–500 miles)
- $0.70 per mile (500–1000 miles)
- $0.68 per mile (1000–1500 miles)
- $0.48 per mile (1500–2000 miles)
- $0.35 per mile (2000–2500 miles)
- $0.34 per mile (2500–3000 miles)
The average price for open trailer shipping across the distances is approximately $0.55 per mile. Our prices are starting from $199 for this service, depending on distance, route, and vehicle type.
Why Open Car Transport is the Fastest and Best Overall Option
If you’re looking for a quick and cost-effective way to ship your car, open car transport is the fastest option available. Because open trailers can carry several vehicles at once, it ensures quicker turnaround times compared to enclosed transport. It’s also the best overall option for everyday cars, offering the balance of speed, affordability, and safety.
- Topload Available: For customers concerned about exposure to the elements, topload available options place your vehicle on the top row of the trailer, providing added protection from road debris and dust.
- Used by Most Car Dealerships: Open car transport is the preferred choice for dealerships due to its reliability and fast service.
Benefits of Open Car Transport
There are four primary reasons that open car shipping is the most favored form of shipping vehicles:
Affordable prices
When it comes to vehicle shipping in the USA, open transport stands out as the most cost-effective choice. It’s an ideal option for those who are conscious of their budget but still demand reliable service. By choosing open transport, you can save significantly on transportation costs without compromising the safety and security of your vehicle. At USA Car Delivery, we understand the importance of cost-efficiency in today’s market, and that’s why we offer competitive rates to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Widespread Availability:
One of the standout features of open transport is its widespread availability. Open carriers are the most common type of transporters on the road, meaning you won’t have to wait long to get your vehicle moving. This abundance of open carriers ensures that your vehicle can hit the road sooner, reducing waiting times and getting your prized possession to its destination more quickly.
Reliability:
At USA Car Delivery, we’ve built a vast network of experienced carriers who understand the importance of the safe and secure transport of your vehicle. We take great care to ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it was picked up. Our commitment to reliability means you can trust us with your valuable asset, knowing it’s in capable hands from start to finish.
Nationwide Reach:
Our open transport services cover all states in the USA, making it easy to get your vehicle where you need it, whether it’s across town or coast to coast. This extensive reach ensures that we can meet your vehicle shipping needs no matter where you are. With USA Car Delivery, you can count on us to provide efficient and cost-effective open transport services that connect you to your desired destination within the country. Trust us to deliver your vehicle with care and precision.
Safeguard Your Vehicle During Open Transport
While it may seem logical that cars transported through open car shipping are more likely to be damaged, the primary reason for vehicle damage during transport is often negligence. Many damages occur due to inexperienced carriers failing to implement proper safety measures when handling vehicles.
Fortunately, our carriers boast over 20 years of experience in vehicle transportation, backed by impeccable safety records. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle.
Wash Your Vehicle
Before shipping your car, we recommend giving it a thorough wash. This not only ensures a cleaner vehicle upon arrival but also allows for a better visual inspection of pre-existing scratches, dings, or dents.
Record Pre-existing Damage
Make detailed notes of any pre-existing damages to your vehicle. These notes can be invaluable when comparing them with the driver’s inspection report.
Take Photographs
In addition to written notes, we strongly advise taking photographs. Capture images of your entire car from various angles, ensuring they are dated. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in case of any disputes.
Confirm with the Driver
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle in the presence of the driver. Ensure that the driver acknowledges any pre-existing damage before releasing the vehicle for transport. Also, have them acknowledge any new damage before accepting the vehicle upon delivery.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
When choosing between open and enclosed auto transport, the primary distinction lies in the level of protection offered to your vehicle. Open transport employs open trailers and is cost-effective, but it exposes your vehicle to the elements and potential road debris. In contrast, enclosed transport uses closed trailers, ensuring superior protection from external elements and hazards. This makes it the preferred choice for valuable, classic, or exotic vehicles, offering peace of mind to owners who prioritize the safety and condition of their cars during transportation.
Open Auto Transport
- Cost-effective
- Frequently used by car dealerships, private individuals and industry professionals
- Ideal for transporting everyday vehicles
Enclosed Auto Transport
- Enhanced protection from elements and road hazards
- Ideal for expensive or rare vehicles
- Extra insurance and peace of mind for luxury or exotic car owners
Open and enclosed auto transport each offers distinct advantages. To make an informed decision, consider your budget and the type of vehicle transporting. Whether you prioritize affordability or maximum protection, there’s a transportation solution perfectly suited to your specific requirements.