Open Car Transport: Affordable & Reliable Vehicle Transport

Open car shipping is the most popular and cost-effective method for transporting vehicles across the country. At J&S Transportation, we’ve safely shipped over a million vehicles using open car transport over the past 20+ years, making us one of the most experienced carriers in the industry.

What Is Open Car Shipping?

Open car transport uses open-air trailers—similar to the car carriers you see on highways delivering new vehicles to dealerships. Your vehicle travels on a trailer without walls or a roof, exposed to the open air during transit.

These open car carriers typically haul 3-9 vehicles at once, depending on vehicle size and weight. Many open carriers feature two tiers: a lower deck and an upper deck, allowing carriers to maximize efficiency while keeping costs down.

How Does Open Car Transport Work?

The Transport Process
When you choose open car shipping, here’s what to expect:

Scheduling: We typically get vehicles picked up within 2-9 days.
Pickup: The driver performs a thorough inspection of your vehicle, documenting its current condition with notes and photos. This inspection protects both you and the carrier by establishing the vehicle’s pre-transport state.
Loading: Your vehicle is carefully loaded onto the open trailer and secured using wheel straps. Professional drivers know exactly how to position and secure vehicles to prevent any movement during transit.
Transit: Your vehicle travels alongside other vehicles heading in the same direction. Most coast-to-coast shipments take 5-7 days, while shorter routes may take just 1-3 days.
Delivery: Upon arrival, you’ll inspect your vehicle, comparing its condition against the inspection report before signing off on final delivery.

What Types of Vehicles Use Open Transport?

Open car shipping works for virtually any standard vehicle:

Sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
SUVs and crossovers
Pickup trucks
Minivans and cargo vans
Standard motorcycles (with proper securing)

The vast majority of vehicles shipped in the United States—approximately 85-90%—travel via open car carriers. Every day, thousands of vehicles safely reach their destinations using this proven transport method.

Open Car Shipping Costs

Open auto transport is significantly more affordable than enclosed shipping. This makes it the go-to choice for most vehicle shipments.

Your exact cost depends on several factors:

Distance: Cross-country routes cost more than regional transports
Route popularity: Busy routes between major cities often have competitive pricing
Season: Summer months and snowbird seasons (spring/fall) see higher demand
Vehicle size and weight: Larger vehicles take up more trailer space
Pickup and delivery locations: The more remote your pickup and delivery locations are, the more you’ll typically pay

Use our car shipping calculator to get an instant quote for your specific route and vehicle.

Is Open Car Shipping Safe?

Yes. Professional carriers safely transport millions of vehicles via open trailers every year. Car manufacturers use open transport to deliver new vehicles from factories to dealerships nationwide—the same method we use for customer vehicles.

What About Weather and Road Debris?
This is the most common concern about open transport. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road dust, but damage from these is rare. The biggest issue is your vehicle may arrive dusty or dirty but nothing a quick car wash won’t cure.

Weather Protection: Modern vehicles are designed to withstand rain, wind, and sun. The same weather your car handles during your daily commute is what it experiences during transport. Carriers monitor weather conditions and adjust routes or schedules for severe weather when necessary.

Road Debris: While your vehicle is exposed to road dust and occasional debris, damage is uncommon. Carriers secure vehicles high enough to avoid most road spray, and drivers are trained to maintain safe following distances and speeds.

The Reality: Most vehicles arrive without any weather or road-related issues. The biggest “damage” is usually dust or dirt that washes off easily. If you’re shipping an everyday driver—even a relatively new one—open transport provides excellent protection at a fraction of the cost of enclosed shipping.

When to Consider Enclosed Shipping Instead

While open car transport works great for most vehicles, you might prefer enclosed car shipping if you’re transporting:

A brand new luxury vehicle from a dealer (typically $60,000-$150,000)
A restored classic or collectible car
An exotic or ultra-luxury vehicle
Any vehicle where maximum weather and debris protection is worth the extra cost

For most shipments, however, open transport offers an excellent balance of safety, reliability, and affordability.

Compare the two methods in detail: Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping.

Open Car Transport Benefits

Cost-Effective
Open shipping costs roughly 50% less than enclosed transport. This significant savings makes vehicle transport accessible for more people and situations.

Fast and Available
Because open carriers are far more common than enclosed carriers, you’ll typically find faster scheduling and more flexible pickup windows. This is especially helpful during peak seasons or on less-traveled routes.

Proven and Reliable
This is how the auto industry moves vehicles every single day. From rental car companies to dealerships to individuals, open car transport is the industry standard for a reason—it works.

Nationwide Coverage
Open carriers operate on virtually every route in the United States, providing consistent service whether you’re shipping between major cities or to more remote locations.

Why Choose J&S Transportation for Open Car Shipping

Licensed Open Carrier & Broker
As both a carrier and broker, J&S Transportation has the experience as an open car hauling company.
20+ Years of Experience
We’ve been transporting vehicles since the early 2000s, with over a million successful deliveries under our belt. We know exactly how to handle every type of vehicle and route.
Excellent Communication
Our team keeps you informed throughout the transport process. From initial booking to final delivery, we’ll keep you updated.
Licensed Carrier & Broker
We’re licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as both a carrier and broker. If our trucks aren’t available on your route and timing, we have a vast network of trusted partner carriers ready to transport your vehicle.
Outstanding Customer Satisfaction
Read what our customers say about us on MoveAdvisor.com, Google, and the BBB. Our track record speaks for itself.

Open Car Shipping FAQs

Can I put personal items in my car during transport? Carriers generally allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk, or in the back seat below window level. However, these items aren’t covered by carrier insurance. Read more about shipping a car with personal items.

What should I do to prepare my vehicle? Remove all personal items from the interior, disable alarms, and document any existing damage with photos. The carrier will conduct a thorough inspection at pickup.

How long does open car transport take? Most cross-country shipments take 5-7 days. Shorter routes (500-1000 miles) typically take 1-4 days. Timing depends on distance, route, and carrier scheduling.

Will my car arrive dirty? Your vehicle may have road dust when it arrives—this is normal and washes off easily. Most customers simply run their vehicle through a car wash after delivery.

Is my vehicle insured during transport? Yes. All professional carriers maintain cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transit. J&S Transportation works only with fully insured, licensed carriers.

Get Your Open Car Shipping Quote

Ready to ship your vehicle? Get an instant quote using our car shipping calculator. You’ll see transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

For questions or to speak with our team directly, call (800) 656-7638 ) or contact us online. We’re here to make your vehicle transport simple and stress-free.