When it comes to transporting vehicles over long distances, car shipping services are often a helpful solution. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or sending your car to a family member, one of the common and potentially cost-effective ways to ship your car is through open transport car shipping. This method is popular due to its affordability and availability, but like any service, it’s important to understand the process, its benefits, and what you can expect.

What is Open Transport Car Shipping?

Open transport car shipping involves moving vehicles on an open trailer, typically a multi-car carrier. You may have seen these trailers on the highway, stacked with several cars headed for dealerships or individual owners. Unlike enclosed transport, where cars are protected within a covered trailer, open transport exposes vehicles to the elements. However, open transport is the commonly used car shipping method in the industry due to its generally lower cost and wide availability.

How Does Open Transport Car Shipping Work?

The process for open transport car shipping is straightforward, though it’s helpful to understand the steps to make your experience smoother. Here’s how the typical process works:

1. Booking the Service: You’ll start by selecting a car shipping company that offers open transport. Compare rates, services, and reviews to choose a provider that meets your needs. Once you select a company, you’ll book a shipment and provide details about your vehicle (such as make, model, year, and condition) as well as the pickup and delivery locations.
2. Preparing Your Vehicle: Before the shipping date, it’s essential to prepare your car for transport. This involves cleaning the car, removing personal belongings, and noting any existing damage. Car shipping companies often conduct a detailed inspection before and after transport to document the vehicle’s condition.
3. Pickup and Loading: On the designated day, the shipping company will pick up your vehicle. The driver will inspect the car with you, noting any pre-existing damage on a bill of lading, a legal document you’ll need to keep until the car is delivered. Your vehicle is then loaded onto an open trailer along with other cars headed in the same direction.
4. Transporting the Vehicle: Once the vehicle is secured, the truck will begin its journey to the destination. Open transport trailers typically carry 8-10 vehicles at a time. The duration of transport depends on the distance, weather, and road conditions; most cross-country shipments may take around 7-10 days.
5. Delivery and Inspection: Upon arrival at the destination, the driver will inspect the car again to verify its condition. You’ll then sign the bill of lading to confirm delivery, and the vehicle is handed over to you.

Benefits of Open Transport Car Shipping

Choosing open transport car shipping comes with several potential benefits:

• Affordability: Open carriers tend to be more affordable than enclosed transport because they can carry more vehicles at once, distributing the cost among multiple customers. Open transport can be up to 30-50% cheaper than enclosed shipping.
• Availability: Open transport trailers are more widely available than enclosed carriers, which can make it easier to find a shipping service that fits your schedule. With these trailers carrying multiple vehicles, scheduling pickup and delivery may involve shorter wait times.
• Faster Scheduling: Since open transport trailers carry several cars at once and operate on more routes, you can often schedule a shipment more quickly than with enclosed shipping.
• Suitability for Most Vehicles: For everyday cars, open transport is generally a suitable option. For standard vehicles without luxury, classic, or collector status, open transport typically provides sufficient protection and care.

Downsides of Open Transport Car Shipping

While open transport car shipping has many benefits, it’s also important to weigh the potential drawbacks to determine if it’s the right choice for you:

• Exposure to the Elements: Since open transport involves placing vehicles on an open trailer, your car will be exposed to weather conditions, road debris, dust, and dirt. While this typically doesn’t result in damage, there is a small chance of minor cosmetic issues, such as scratches or chips.
• Not Ideal for High-Value Vehicles: If you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or a car with custom paintwork, open transport may not be the best option. Enclosed transport generally offers greater protection, although at a higher cost.
• Longer Transport Times for Some Routes: Open transport carriers often make multiple stops to pick up and drop off other vehicles, which can lead to a longer journey compared to enclosed carriers that focus on direct deliveries. This is particularly true for rural or less-traveled routes.

How to Prepare for Open Transport Car Shipping

To help ensure your vehicle is ready for its journey, follow these preparation steps before the shipping company arrives:

1. Wash Your Car: A clean car makes it easier to spot any pre-existing damage and inspect for any changes after transport. While the vehicle may get dirty during transport, it’s helpful to start with a clean slate.
2. Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal belongings from the car, including electronics, documents, and valuables. Shipping companies typically don’t cover items left in the car under their insurance policies.
3. Check for Fluid Leaks: Make sure your car isn’t leaking fluids, as a leak could damage other vehicles on the trailer or pose a hazard during transport.
4. Check Tire Pressure and Battery: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your battery is fully charged. These small checks will help the shipping company load and unload your car without issues.
5. Document the Car’s Condition: Take photos of your vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. This documentation serves as proof in case of any disputes after delivery.

Choosing the Right Open Transport Car Shipping Company

Not all car shipping companies are the same, so it’s important to research carefully. Key factors to consider include:

• Reputation and Reviews: Look for companies with positive reviews and a solid reputation in the industry. Online reviews can provide insights into past customers’ experiences.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure the company offers adequate insurance coverage for potential damage during transport. Confirm the extent of coverage and whether additional insurance may be needed.
• Licensing and Registration: Verify that the car shipping company is licensed and registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These credentials confirm that the company follows industry regulations.
• Transparent Pricing: Be cautious of companies that offer unusually low prices or don’t provide a detailed cost breakdown. Hidden fees can inflate the final bill, so choose a company that provides clear, transparent pricing.

What to Expect in Terms of Cost

The cost of open transport car shipping can vary depending on factors such as:

• Distance: The farther the car has to travel, the higher the cost. Cross-country shipping generally costs more than transporting a car within the same state.
• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, tend to cost more to ship than smaller cars.
• Time of Year: Shipping rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Rates may be higher in the summer and winter holiday season.
• Fuel Prices: Since car shipping relies on trucks, fluctuating fuel prices can affect costs. Higher fuel prices can increase shipping fees.

On average, open transport car shipping costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the above factors. It’s wise to get multiple quotes to ensure a fair deal.

Is Open Transport Car Shipping Right for You?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to ship your car and don’t mind some exposure to the elements, open transport car shipping may be a practical option. It is one of the widely-used car shipping methods due to its balance of affordability and availability.

However, if you have a high-value vehicle or require extra protection from weather and road debris, considering enclosed transport may be beneficial despite the higher cost.

Final Thoughts

Open transport car shipping is a widely-used, budget-friendly way to move your vehicle over long distances. By understanding the process, preparing your car thoroughly, and choosing a reputable shipping company, you can have a smooth experience and help your car arrive safely at its destination. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from out of state, or need to transport your vehicle for another reason, open transport offers a practical solution with many advantages.

Published by: Annie P.