Open car shipping is the standard method used for the overwhelming majority of vehicle transport in the United States. If you have ever seen a multi-deck car carrier on the highway loaded with a dozen vehicles, that is open transport. It is efficient, widely available, and cost-effective – which is why it dominates the market.
How Open Car Shipping Works
The Equipment
- Multi-car open trailer: typically transports 8–10 vehicles on two decks, no side walls or roof
- Single-car open trailer: less common, used when a full multi-car load is not practical
Vehicles are secured with ratchet-mechanism wheel straps and are exposed to weather and road debris during transit. This is the same method car dealerships use to receive new inventory from manufacturers.
The Booking Process
Step | What Happens | Typical Timeframe |
1. Get quotes | Request rates from brokers or comparison platforms | Same day |
2. Book and pay deposit | Lock in a rate; deposit usually $100–$200 | Day 1 |
3. Carrier assignment | Broker dispatches to available carrier network | 1–5 business days |
4. Pickup scheduling | Carrier contacts you directly to confirm window | 1–3 days before pickup |
5. Vehicle inspection & pickup | BOL signed, vehicle loaded | Day of pickup |
6. Transit | Vehicle moves with other cars on carrier route | 2–8 days depending on distance |
7. Delivery & final inspection | BOL signed, balance payment due | End of transit |
Open Car Shipping Costs by Route (2026)
Route | Distance | Avg. Cost Range (2026) |
New York → Florida | ~1,150 mi | $879–$1,363 |
California → New York | ~2,800 mi | $1,100–$1,600 |
Texas → California | ~1,400 mi | $825–$1,175 |
Florida → Illinois | ~1,200 mi | $800–$1,100 |
Nebraska → Texas | ~900 mi | $764–$1,089 |
Texas → Florida | ~1,180 mi | $675–$950 |
Washington → Arizona | ~1,400 mi | $850–$1,250 |
Standard sedan baseline. Add $100–$250 for SUVs and full-size trucks.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
Factor | Open Shipping | Enclosed Shipping |
Cost | Baseline (1x) | +50–70% premium |
Weather protection | None – exposed to elements | Full protection from rain, snow, debris |
Availability | High – most carriers run open | Lower – fewer enclosed carriers on most routes |
Best for | Standard production vehicles | Classic cars, luxury, low-clearance, high value |
When to Choose Enclosed Instead
- Your vehicle is worth over $80,000–$100,000
- You are shipping a classic or collector car where cosmetic condition is critical
- The vehicle has very low ground clearance
- Shipping in winter to or from regions with heavy road salt exposure
What Open Shipping Does Not Cover
- Pre-existing damage not noted on the BOL – photograph everything before pickup
- Environmental exposure (rain, road salt, bird droppings, tree sap) – not covered as damage claims
- Personal items left inside the vehicle
- Loose accessories or electronic equipment
How to Get the Best Price on Open Car Shipping
Flexible Dates Win
If you can be available for a 3–5 day pickup window instead of a single specific date, you are more likely to get a competitive rate and faster assignment. Being inflexible about pickup date often means paying a premium.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Open shipping prices vary significantly across the carrier network for the same route – a $200–$300 spread for identical addresses is common. Using a comparison tool for open car shipping on Compare The Carrier surfaces real carrier rates simultaneously so you can make an informed decision without spending hours on the phone.
Open Car Shipping for Dealerships and Fleet Accounts
Volume Level | Vehicles/Month | Typical Discount |
Occasional | 1–3 | Standard market rate |
Regular | 4–10 | 5–10% below spot rate |
High volume | 10+ | Negotiated contract rates |
Inspection Best Practices for Open Shipping
Before Pickup
- Wash the vehicle so pre-existing damage is clearly visible
- Take dated photos of all four sides, front grille, rear bumper, and roof
- Note every chip, scratch, or dent on the BOL before signing
- Remove all personal items from cabin and trunk
- Fuel level at or below 1/4 tank; tires properly inflated
At Delivery
- Inspect before signing the delivery BOL
- Compare condition to your pickup photos
- If new damage is present, note it before signing and photograph immediately
- Contact the carrier and broker in writing within 24 hours if damage is discovered
Open Car Shipping – Common Questions
Question | Answer |
Will my car get dirty during transit? | Yes – dust, road grime, and bugs are normal. Not covered as damage. |
Can I ship a car that does not run? | Yes, but disclose at booking – inoperable vehicles need winch loading. |
Is my car insured? | Yes – carrier cargo insurance covers mechanical damage from transit. Get the COI. |
How many cars ship on an open carrier? | Typically 8–10 vehicles on a standard multi-car trailer. |
What if it rains during transit? | Normal exposure to weather is expected and not covered as a damage claim. |
