What Is Open-Air Transport?

Smart, Affordable Way to Ship Your Vehicle

Shipping a car can seem like a big decision, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you're moving across the country, sending a vehicle to a buyer, or relocating for work, using professional car transport services makes the process safer and easier. One of the most common and budget-friendly ways to ship a vehicle in the U.S. is through open air car transport.

A-1 Auto Transport offers open air transport options to customers throughout the country. Our team works with carriers who have years of experience moving all types of vehicles on open trailers. If you're wondering whether this option is right for you, here’s everything you need to know about how open air shipping works, what to expect, and why some vehicle owners might want to consider an alternative like enclosed transport.

That’s where open auto transport comes in. It's a go-to solution for affordable, stress-free delivery.

What is Open Air Car Transport?

Open air car transport is a shipping method where vehicles are loaded onto a trailer that is open on all sides—without a roof or enclosed sides. You’ve probably seen these carriers on the highway carrying several cars stacked in two rows. This is the standard method used by dealerships when moving new cars from manufacturers to lots across the country.

They’re designed for efficiency. Thanks to their structure, these open trailers can carry more cars per trip than enclosed ones, making them one of the most affordable car shipping methods available.

Because these trailers are open, the vehicles being moved are exposed to the outside environment. This includes sun, rain, wind, and road debris. While this may sound like a concern at first, it’s important to know that open air transport is safe for most vehicles, especially if they are daily drivers or not particularly rare or high-value models.

Why It's Popular for Car Owners and Dealerships Alike

From dealerships moving inventory to individuals planning a relocation, open transport is often the preferred method. It’s reliable, widely available, and significantly more budget-friendly than enclosed transport or car shipping by air.

That said, open carrier transport isn’t just about cost savings. These trailers are routed carefully to avoid obstacles like low-clearance bridges and power lines. It offers a balance of speed, safety, and affordability, especially when working with a trusted open car transport company.

A-1 AT can help you move your household goods nationwide. Call 888-241-3110 for a free, no-obligation-to-buy price quote on interstate moving services.

How Safe Is Open Air Car Shipping?

Many people are surprised to learn that open air transport is considered safe and reliable. In fact, the vast majority of cars moved in the U.S. are shipped this way, including brand-new vehicles going from factories to dealerships.

While there is always the possibility of exposure to weather or small bits of road debris, actual damage is rare. Cars are carefully loaded and secured with high-strength straps and braces, and the carriers follow strict regulations during transit. Inspections are also performed before and after the trip to check for any changes in the vehicle’s condition.

Additionally, open transport car shipping is a practical option for long-distance moves accessible via roads, especially if you're trying to save on costs. Open carriers can typically transport 8–10 cars at once, making it a popular choice for dealers and individuals alike. And while the open car transport service may not be completely enclosed, it’s far more affordable than using a closed carrier or even considering air freight car shipping.

Ultimately, the risks are minimal, and the savings are significant. If you're comfortable with the elements and want to save some cash, open car carrier transport is a great choice.

When Should You Use Open Auto Carriers?

There are several situations where open air shipping is a smart and economical choice. It’s one of the most widely used options in the vehicle shipping industry because it works well for most cars and budgets.

Relocating for a Move

If you’re moving to a new state and need your car delivered to your new home, open air transport is a reliable and affordable way to make it happen. Instead of putting extra miles on your vehicle, paying for gas, and taking time off to drive, you can have your car shipped across states while you fly.

Buying or Selling a Car

Car sales between private buyers, online purchases, and dealership transfers all often rely on open air carriers. It’s fast and keeps transport costs lower, which helps when you're already spending money on the sale.

College Students or Seasonal Moves

When a student is heading to school or returning home from college, many families choose to ship their car using open air transport. It’s also common for seasonal residents (such as snowbirds) to ship a vehicle to or from their winter location using this method.

Budget-Friendly Shipping

For people who want to save money, open air transport is often the most affordable way to move a car. Because these carriers can haul up to 8–10 vehicles at once, they can offer lower prices per car than enclosed options.

Non-Working or Older Cars

If you’re shipping a car that isn’t running or doesn’t hold much resale value, paying extra for enclosed shipping may not be necessary. Open trailers work well as long as the car can be loaded onto the trailer safely.

How the Process Works

Shipping a car using open air transport is relatively simple, especially when handled by a company like A-1 Auto Transport. Here’s what happens after you decide to use this method.

After receiving a quote, you’ll be asked to confirm the pickup and delivery addresses, along with the type of vehicle being shipped. A transport carrier is then scheduled to pick up your vehicle at a nearby location or even your home in some cases. Once picked up, the car is securely loaded onto an open trailer alongside other vehicles headed in the same direction.

During transit, your vehicle is exposed to the open air, but is also tightly fastened and monitored for safety. When the trailer arrives at its destination, your vehicle is unloaded and ready for you to inspect and drive away.

At each step of the process, A-1 Auto Transport provides updates and support to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Cost of Open Vehicle Transport

When considering open vehicle transport, the cost plays a significant role in the decision-making process. It’s one of the most affordable ways to ship a car, especially compared to more expensive options like enclosed vehicle transport. With open transport, your car will be safely loaded on a multi-vehicle trailer, ensuring it reaches its destination quickly and efficiently. If you're looking for a low-cost alternative for car shipment, open carrier car transport is an excellent choice, particularly for standard vehicles.

Downsides of Open Air Shipping

Although open air transport is a great choice for many, it does have some downsides to consider:

• Exposure to the elements: Your car may get dusty or wet depending on the weather.
• Not ideal for luxury or classic cars:Vehicles that are rare, expensive, or restored are better protected in an enclosed environment.
• Less privacy: The car is visible to anyone along the route, which might be a concern for owners of high-value vehicles.

If your vehicle is in excellent condition, is a collector’s item, or simply holds high sentimental value, you may want to look into enclosed car shipping instead.

Air Freight Car Shipping: Is It Worth It?

For those looking for fast delivery, air freight car shipping is an option worth considering. This method allows for quick vehicle transportation, especially useful when you need car shipping by air. While air freight car services can quickly get your car to its destination, the cost can be significantly higher than traditional options like open transport car shipping. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, open auto shipping is typically a more cost-effective choice for moving your vehicle over long distances.

Why Enclosed Car Transport May Be Better

Open air transport works for the majority of vehicles, but there are times when enclosed or covered transport is the better option. Enclosed trailers offer full protection from the weather, road debris, and outside elements. These trailers typically carry fewer vehicles at a time and offer more personalized service.

Here’s why some customers choose enclosed shipping:

• Protection for classic or collector cars: If you’re shipping a vehicle that’s rare or valuable, enclosed transport reduces risk.
• Ideal for luxury and sports cars: These vehicles often have expensive paint jobs or low ground clearance that need extra care.
• Peace of mind during long-distance moves: Even if the vehicle isn’t exotic, enclosed trailers provide extra protection for longer routes.

While enclosed transport does cost more, the added protection is often worth it—especially when dealing with high-end or sentimental vehicles.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we always help customers understand their choices and recommend enclosed transport when we believe it’s the better fit such as a case where vehicle is shipped overseas.

Why Choose A-1 Auto Transport?

A-1 Auto Transport has spent decades helping individuals, families, and businesses ship cars across the country. We work with trusted carriers and maintain high safety standards to ensure that each vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in.

Our team takes time to explain your options, answer your questions, and provide support from pickup to delivery. Whether you’re shipping one car or several, we’ll help you choose the best method for your needs and budget.

We believe that good service starts with good information, and we’re here to make sure you understand every step of the process—without pressure or confusion.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?

If you're planning to ship a car and want a balance of safety and affordability, open air transport might be the right fit for you. It's a proven, cost-effective way to move your vehicle from one place to another with peace of mind.

Still unsure whether open or enclosed transport is best?

Reach out to A-1 Auto Transport at 1-888-230-9116 and talk with a member of our team. We’ll help you make the right choice based on your car, timeline, and budget.