Open Car Transport
The industry workhorse — open multi-car carriers move most vehicles shipped in the United States, including new cars delivered from factory to dealership. It's a cost-effective, widely available, and proven method of vehicle transport. Carrier identity, current credentials, coverage documents, and safety records should be confirmed before booking.
Request a Quote →Three steps to plan a transport request.
Provide the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year, make, model, dimensions, and running condition. A written response should state the route assumptions, included charges, possible adjustments, payment terms, and any conditions that could change the price.
Before a booking is confirmed, you should receive the selected carrier's identity, current operating credentials, applicable coverage documents, contact details, written terms, and estimated pickup window.
The selected carrier and an authorized adult should complete a joint vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery, document condition on the Bill of Lading, and record any material difference before the recipient signs. Confirm the communication and update plan in writing.
What to know before you book.
Open transport often costs less than enclosed transport but exposes the vehicle to weather and ordinary road conditions. Actual risk and price depend on the route, vehicle, equipment, carrier, and handling plan. Compare current written quotes and use enclosed transport when reduced exposure justifies the premium for the specific vehicle.
Document the vehicle at pickup and delivery and review the selected carrier's current coverage documents, limits, and exclusions. The written agreement should identify the responsible parties and claims process before transport begins.
Open carriers commonly haul multiple vehicles per load, and capacity varies by corridor, equipment, season, and exact address. Ask for a route-specific pickup window based on current conditions and treat it as an estimate unless a written agreement states otherwise.
Open-transport pricing commonly reflects distance, exact locations, vehicle size and condition, loading equipment, timing, and current route capacity. Shorter hauls may cost more per mile because fixed loading and operating costs are spread across fewer miles. Compare dated written quotes and require every surcharge and adjustment condition to be identified before booking.
General planning guidance only—not an offer or quote. Route-specific price, capacity, carrier, and timing require separate written confirmation.
Common questions.
Open carriers are a standard transport method across the auto industry. Compare weather and road exposure, securing equipment, carrier experience, current credentials, coverage documents, and vehicle value before choosing open or enclosed transport.
Open transport exposes a vehicle to weather, road dust, and possible debris. Enclosed transport can reduce that exposure but does not eliminate all transport risk. Compare the vehicle's value and condition with the selected carrier's equipment, handling plan, current coverage documents, and written terms.
Capacity and position depend on the trailer and driver's load plan, including vehicle size, weight distribution, and drop-off order. Ask the selected carrier about the actual equipment and any position-specific exposure rather than relying on a universal risk assumption.
Record any new damage on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing, take clear photos, retain both condition reports, and promptly follow the claims instructions in the written agreement and applicable coverage documents.