Open Carrier Car Transport & Shipping Company | Cheap Car Carriers
Cheapest Way To Ship A Car
If you need a car shipped (or any other type of vehicle, for that matter), there is likely one key question on your mind: how much does it cost? While the answer to that question can depend on several things, the most straightforward answer is open-air auto transport. In the paragraphs below, we’ll explain why this is the case and some of the many things that can influence the price of vehicle hauling.
What is Open Carrier Car Transport or Open Trailer Shipping?
Open carrier car transport is the most common and affordable way to ship vehicles. Cars are transported on open trailers, making it cost-effective and widely available. Dealerships and individuals use this method for safe, reliable shipping. While cars are exposed to weather and road conditions, it remains a secure and efficient option. Whether moving, buying, or selling a car, open transport offers a budget-friendly and fast shipping solution.
Why Choose Open Road Car Transport?
- Open carrier transport costs $600–$1,100 on cross-country routes, averaging $0.40–$0.60 per mile for hauls between 800 and 2,000 miles.
- Most open carrier shipments are delivered in 2–7 days; peak seasons like late summer and early winter can add 1–2 days due to carrier congestion.
- FMCSA-licensed open carriers must carry federal liability and cargo insurance, with condition inspections completed at both pickup and delivery.
Open carrier car transport is the most innovative, most cost-effective way to ship your vehicle. Here’s why:
Affordability – Open transport is the most budget-friendly car shipping option, making it ideal for individuals, dealerships, and auto auctions.
Availability – With more open trailers on the road, scheduling is faster and more flexible.
Efficiency – Multiple vehicles are transported simultaneously, lowering overall costs and ensuring quick deliveries.
Safety & Reliability – Vehicles are securely strapped and handled by experienced drivers, ensuring a smooth, damage-free journey.
Whether relocating, buying, or selling a car, open carrier auto transport offers a perfect balance of cost, convenience, and security.
How Much Does Open Car Transport Cost?
The cost of open car transport depends on several key factors that influence pricing:
Distance & Location – The farther the vehicle needs to go, the higher the cost. Remote areas may also have limited availability, affecting pricing.
Vehicle Type & Size – Larger, heavier vehicles take up more space and may require special handling, increasing shipping costs.
Seasonal Demand & Fuel Prices – High-demand seasons (like summer or snowbird) and fuel price fluctuations can impact rates.
Transport Timeframe – Expedited shipping or faster delivery requests often have a higher price tag.
On average, open carrier transport is the most cost-effective car shipping option, making it ideal for budget-conscious customers. Prices typically range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the factors above.
We provide competitive pricing, real-time tracking, and reliable service, ensuring a smooth and affordable shipping experience.
Things That Will Affect Vehicle Relocating Prices
Ultimately, several main factors affect the cost of car shipping, but a few minor elements also play a role. Here are the things that will most likely impact the cost of shipping a vehicle and why.
- Distance—This is the most crucial factor because hauling a vehicle over a longer distance costs more money. While it may only cost a few hundred dollars to ship a car to a nearby or within the same state, moving the vehicle across the country will likely cost at least $1,000.
- Type of Vehicle—Another key ingredient is the type of vehicle. The larger and heavier a car is, the more it will cost to ship, just as a heavier package costs more to haul when sent through the mail.
- Fuel Prices – As fuel costs fluctuate, so does the cost of transporting vehicles. The large trucks (known as carriers) that move other vehicles require a lot of gas and engine power, which will understandably affect the cost.
- Method of Transport—The two main types of car transport are an open-air carrier, which is cheaper and hauls more vehicles at once, and an enclosed carrier, which is smaller and moves fewer cars.
- Delivery Requirements—The standard method of hauling cars involves pickup and delivery from a depot or terminal, cheaper than the more convenient door-to-door delivery option.
A-1 Auto Transport is a long-distance, nationwide, and international vehicle shipping company with office locations worldwide. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we provide professional and affordable transport options to a wide range of customers. For a FREE price quote, contact us today by Clicking Here or calling us at 1-888-230-9116! All estimates are 100% FREE and require no payment or commitment!
Most Affordable Vehicle Moving Options
We covered this briefly in the opening section of this post, but let’s explore why open-air carriers are the cheapest method and where terminal-to-terminal shipping fits into the picture. Though the larger open-air carriers require more fuel to move vehicles, they typically move between six and 12 cars at once, if not more. Since there are more vehicles, as opposed to the one or two moved in an enclosed carrier, the costs are split among more vehicles, resulting in a lower overall cost.
If you couple terminal-to-terminal hauling with an open-air carrier, you have the cheapest way to ship a vehicle. When you ship a car using terminal transport, you must drop off the vehicle at a transport depot (usually located in major cities) and pick it up from another depot when it’s delivered. Naturally, this saves time and money for the car carrier, which then passes the savings on to you.
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Auto Transport Discounts
You may be surprised to hear that many auto transport companies offer discounts that can provide further savings beyond the method and type of transport you choose. A-1 Auto Transport has one of the most robust discount programs in the industry, which applies to seniors, military personnel, students, first-time shippers, multiple car transports, online booking, and more! Sometimes, these discounts are not prominently displayed or advertised, so always ask when requesting a price quote from a car relocating company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does open carrier car transport usually cost?
As of September 16, 2026, open carrier car transport for a standard running sedan commonly costs about $550-$900 under 500 miles, $700-$1,200 for 500-1,500 miles, and $1,000-$1,500 for roughly 1,500-3,000 miles. Larger vehicles, non-running cars, difficult pickup access, and peak-season demand can raise the price. Long trips usually cost less per mile even though the total is higher. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main quote inputs.
Is open carrier car transport safe for everyday vehicles?
Yes. Open carrier transport is a standard option for everyday cars, and federal cargo-securement rules specifically cover automobiles, light trucks, and vans weighing 10,000 pounds or less. The driver secures the vehicle to the trailer, and its condition should be compared at pickup and delivery. Open trailers still expose cars to rain, dust, and road debris. For a classic, exotic, restored, or very low-clearance vehicle, enclosed auto transport options provide more shielding during transit.
How long does open carrier car transport take?
Open carrier car transport typically takes 1-3 loaded transit days under 500 miles, 3-5 days for 500-1,500 miles, 5-8 days for 1,500-2,000 miles, and about 7-10 days beyond 2,000 miles. Pickup scheduling happens before loaded transit and often needs about 1-5 business days, depending on the lane and available trucks. Traffic, severe weather, rural access, and multi-stop loading schedules can move delivery toward the later end of the estimate. Treat the delivery window as an estimate rather than a guaranteed arrival date.
How does open carrier car transport work?
Open carrier car transport moves several vehicles on an uncovered single- or multi-level trailer from pickup to delivery. The driver records the car's condition, loads it onto the trailer, secures it with appropriate tiedowns, and transports it with the rest of the scheduled load. At delivery, the vehicle is unloaded and its condition is checked again. Carrying several cars on one trip spreads operating costs across the load, which is a major reason open transport usually costs less than enclosed shipping.
Can a non-running car be shipped on an open carrier?
Yes, a non-running car can often travel on an open carrier when the assigned truck has suitable loading equipment and the vehicle is accessible. Many inoperable cars are winched onto the trailer, but you should disclose whether the vehicle can roll, steer, and brake before dispatch. A car with locked wheels, severe collision damage, or another loading obstacle may need a rollback, forklift assistance, or a different carrier setup. A1's inoperable auto transport guide explains the main equipment options.
Does open carrier car transport include insurance coverage?
Open carrier service does not come with one universal federal cargo-insurance minimum for your car. FMCSA's current filing chart lists no federal cargo-insurance requirement for non-hazardous property carriers, although covered interstate carriers must maintain public-liability financial responsibility and many auto haulers carry separate cargo coverage. Before pickup, request the assigned carrier's certificate and check the cargo limit, deductible, exclusions, and claims process. A1's auto transport insurance guide explains what to review before handing over the vehicle.
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