Open Trailer Transport
Fast & Reliable ∙ Cost Effective • Full Insurance Coverage • Nationwide Door-to-Door Service
Open Trailer 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.
Benefits of Shipping Your Car on an Open Carrier
There are three primary reasons that open car shipping is the most favored form of shipping vehicles:
- Availability and Speed — Open car shipping is preferred because there is a vast number of open auto carriers available, which allows for quicker pickup times, typically within 72 hours. This is compared to other types of carriers, such as enclosed or low-boy carriers, which could take weeks to become available.
- Cost-Effectiveness — Open car transport is considered the most economical option in the auto transport industry. The abundance of open carriers to choose from helps keep car shipping costs competitive.
- Insurance Coverage — Vehicles transported on open car carriers are fully insured bumper to bumper, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 per vehicle. This coverage ensures that any negligent damage, scratch, ding, or dent is fully covered without any out-of-pocket costs to the vehicle owner.
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.
Open Car Carriers
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.
- 7-10 Car Hauler — These carriers, as you might suspect, can handle 7-10 autos at a time. Those are the same trucks commonly seen on the road hauling vehicles.
- 1-3 Car Hauler — 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.
- 3-4 Car Hauler — 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.
- 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.
Why Choose Our Open Car Transport Services
Personalized Approach
We walk you through the entire process. Stress-free solutions no matter what your shipment needs are
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is included to your shipment as part of the FMCSA license and insurance regulations.
Expedited Transport
Pickup and deliver your shipment as fast as possible. Same day-next day services when available.
Help and Support 24/7
Our hours extend a 9 to 5 transport company. We are always available to answer your transportation questions.
When to Consider Open Car Transport
• Transporting a Standard Vehicle
If you own a standard passenger vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV, or pickup truck, open car transport is an ideal choice. It offers a cost-effective way to move your vehicle safely and securely.
• Purchasing a Vehicle Out of State
When you’re buying a vehicle from a seller in another state or region, open car transport simplifies the process. It’s a convenient and reliable way to have your new purchase delivered to your doorstep.
• Shipping a Non-Expensive Vehicle
For vehicles that are not considered high-value or exotic, open car transport provides a budget-friendly option without compromising on safety.
• When Time Is of the Essence
If you need your vehicle transported quickly, open car transport is often the fastest option. It ensures your vehicle arrives at its destination promptly.
Safeguard 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 15 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.
By following these steps, you can proactively safeguard your vehicle during transportation and have peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken every precaution possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car covers are not allowed during transport. They can come loose while in transit, potentially causing accidents, which would make us liable.
If you notice any damage, contact us via phone prior to accepting you car. You will need to note the damage on the bill of lading and have the driver acknowledge the damages before signing. We will provide the insurance information to initiate a claim if necessary.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits the transportation of personal items in vehicles being transported. Some carriers allow no more than 50lbs of personal items confined in the trunk space. Personal items are not insured.
This all depends on the route and how many cars are on the truck. A short local move can take 1-2 days while a cross-country move can take 1-2 weeks.
Yes. We have a dedicated dispatch team available 24/7 to provide updates on your vehicle while in transit.
