Open Auto Transport: The Most Common Way to Ship a Car, Explained

Open auto transport is a method of shipping a vehicle on an open-air trailer that typically carries 7 or 9 vehicles at a time, stacked across one or two levels. It's the same type of trailer used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships, and it's the standard, most widely available way to ship a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle in the United States.

Yes. Open auto transport moves the large majority of vehicles shipped in the U.S. each year without incident. Vehicles are secured with wheel straps or chains, inspected before and after loading, and driven by operators trained specifically in multi-car hauling. The main trade-off compared to enclosed transport is exposure to weather and road debris, not an increased risk of mechanical or structural damage.

Cost depends on distance, vehicle size and weight, the specific pickup and delivery locations, time of year, fuel prices, and pickup-date flexibility. Because open trailers carry multiple vehicles at once, the cost per vehicle is lower than enclosed transport, generally by 30 to 40 percent. An instant quote based on the specific vehicle and route gives the most accurate price.

Transit time depends on total distance and route. Short regional shipments often move in 1 to 3 days, while coast-to-coast shipments typically take 7 to 10 days. Pickup itself can take a few days to schedule after booking, depending on carrier availability on that route.

Open auto transport uses a multi-car, open-air trailer and is more affordable and more widely available, since most carriers on the road run open trailers. Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields a vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris, and is generally chosen for classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles, at a higher price than open transport.

A vehicle shipped on an open trailer can pick up road dust, dirt, or light debris during transit, similar to driving on a highway. Actual damage is uncommon; carriers photograph and document a vehicle's condition at pickup and again at delivery specifically so any issue can be identified and addressed. Most vehicles arrive needing nothing more than a routine wash.

Many open carriers can load a non-running vehicle using a winch, but not every truck on every route is equipped for it. It's important to disclose that a vehicle doesn't drive, start, steer, or brake when requesting a quote, since it affects which carrier and equipment can be assigned and may affect price.

Wash the vehicle so any existing damage is easy to see and photograph, remove personal items and toll transponders, disable any aftermarket alarm, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and check for fluid leaks. Take dated photos from all four sides plus the interior before the driver arrives, and note the vehicle's mileage.

Yes. Carriers are required to carry active cargo insurance covering vehicles while in transit. Coverage amounts and terms vary by carrier, so it's reasonable to request a certificate of insurance for the specific truck assigned to a shipment before pickup.

Vehicles on an open trailer are exposed to normal weather conditions during transit, including rain, sun, and road spray, similar to a car being driven on the highway. Extreme weather such as major storms can delay pickup or route timing for safety, but it does not typically cause vehicle damage.

It's generally advised against. Cargo insurance typically covers the vehicle itself, not personal belongings placed inside it, and extra weight can affect a carrier's load limits. Any items left inside are transported at the owner's own risk.

Two-level open trailers load some vehicles on the upper deck and some on the lower deck. Top loading is often preferred for lower-clearance or higher-value vehicles since it reduces exposure to road spray and debris kicked up from the road, while bottom loading is common for trucks and SUVs. Placement is decided by the driver based on vehicle mix, weight distribution, and clearance.

Yes. Open transport is used for the majority of cross-country and long-distance vehicle shipments in the U.S. because open-trailer carriers are more numerous on major interstate routes than enclosed carriers, which typically means faster scheduling for long hauls.

Open auto transport works well for the vast majority of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, minivans, and standard pickup trucks. Owners of classic, exotic, or vehicles with very low ground clearance sometimes choose enclosed transport instead for extra protection, though open transport remains a safe option for nearly any daily-driven vehicle.