Open Car Transport Services

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Take the Stress Out of Open Car Transport

Open car transport services take the hassle out of driving your car across states during long distance moves. Save the mileage, the time, and the headache — let Ship a Car Direct handle everything.

What is Open Car Transport?

Open car carrier transport involves a semi-truck bed that is configured so cars can be stacked on it.

There are several options available to you if you decide to ship your car. Auto transport companies often offer both open and closed car carriers. We can help you decide which is best.

car shipping quotesShip a Car Direct offers a white-glove service for moving your car long distances. We help you decide if open carrier car transport is right for you.

Benefits of Open Carrier Auto Transportation

Expense

Open car transport quotes are often far below closed car transport quotes.

That is because the bed itself is less costly to create, and it is lighter than the sealed containers. Because they weigh less, the engine does not have to work as hard to move the load. Less motor work translates into less fuel expense.

Open carriers are also more cost-effective because the driver can haul more vehicles per trip

Save Your Car’s Wear and Tear

Mileage, wear and tear, and strain on your motor can be costly.

Save your miles and wear for times when you are actually using your vehicle versus when you are just transporting it. Shipping autos can save money in the end.

Your Time

Moving takes time — delegating some of the tasks, such as moving the vehicle, can give you time to pack up your house and move into your new one.

Multi-Car Family

If your family has two cars but wants to drive together, you can have your other vehicle shipped. If you are traveling with babies or young children, having an extra helper will come in handy, especially during long drives.

Speed of Delivery

Often, open car transports deliver quicker than closed carriers. There are not as many closed trucks on the road, so you may have to wait for one to get an open position. During that time, you will have to store your vehicle somewhere if you have to leave.

Most of the time, our open car transports can be booked at your convenience, and you may not have to wait at all.

Safety

Ship a Car Direct is insured to move vehicles and we only deal with open car transport companies we trust. That’s why we’re rated A+ by the BBB!

Open transporting is a safe, fast, and cost-effective way to move one car or many. We are insured against damages that might happen to your vehicle while loaded on the truck and have the infrastructure to handle the unique challenges that come with long-distance transport.

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What are the different types of open car carriers?

The three main types of open car carriers include the following:

  • Single level with multi cars – These companies transport high-end vehicles and the typical sports car.
  • Two levels with multi cars – Most people choose this type of car transport, which is ideal for the kind of cars you drive every day.
  • Single tow trailer with one level on a dually truck – This carrier is great when your car only needs transporting to the next town or nearby city.

Still have questions? Take a look at our video series or the answers below.

Open Car Transport to or from another state

Browse a state to discover additional details about nearby Open Auto Transport options

Enclosed vs open car shipping - how to decide?

The obvious difference between the two car carriers is that one has sides and a roof, and the other does not, but that does not mean that your car will show up squeaky clean when it goes enclosed, nor that your car will get damaged on an open car carrier. Enclosed will always be more expensive (think: flying first class) but it will also come with higher insurnace coverage amounts, which is where we find it easiest to make your decision. If you're shipping a car whose value is higher than $50k, then you want to start considering enclosed carriers, it's not necessary but just to make sure that you have all of the coverage you need in the extremely rare (but not unprecedented) even of a total loss. If you're shipping a car that's valued higher than $100k, then definitely go with an enclosed carrier. Cars less than those amounts can go open, have all the coverage they need, have many more carriers available but just know that it's going to need a car wash when it gets to it's destination

Is open auto transport safe?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to ship your car on an open carrier. It most likely made it's first trip to the dealership on an identical open carrier, so if it was safe enough before you bought it, you can put your full trust in an open car carrier for your move.

Is open auto transport the cheapest?

Yes, it is definitely the most cost effective way to transport your car. Not only are there more open car carriers out on the road looking for your business, which keeps prices competitive, an open car carrier also holds more vehicles than an enclosed car carrier and can therefore afford to charge a little less per vehicle.

What is the difference between open and closed transport?

Open transport is on an 8 to 10 car hauler like you see out on the road hauling new cars to the dealerships. An enclosed carrier will look just like a standard moving truck, maybe a bit larger and will have one or two levels inside and hold anywhere from 2 to 6 vehicles inside. The best way to think about it in terms of cost and service is that open is like flying in coach and enclosed is flying first class.

How do I find out what car transport costs?

It's a good idea to shop around and get prices from at least two or three car shipping companies to get a good idea of car transport costs. At Ship a Car Direct we have a Free Car Shipping Cost Calculator that does not require your personal info if you'd just like to know a ballpark for any particular route at any time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest Answers to Your Car Shipping Questions

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