What is open transport shipping

How open transport carriers work

Open car carriers are specialized trailers designed specifically for vehicle transport, typically measuring 75-80 feet long and standing about 13-14 feet tall when loaded. The standard configuration features two levels—a lower deck and an upper deck—connected by hydraulic loading ramps. Each carrier can transport 7-10 vehicles depending on their sizes. The loading process begins with the driver positioning vehicles strategically: heavier vehicles typically go on the lower deck for stability, while lighter cars occupy the upper deck. Once positioned, each vehicle is secured using heavy-duty straps that attach to the wheels and frame, preventing any movement during transit. The entire loading process takes 15-20 minutes per vehicle. These carriers then travel primarily on interstate highways at normal speeds, following the same routes as any commercial truck, with your vehicle securely fastened for the duration of the journey.

Safety and protection in open transport

• Professional securing methods: Vehicles are fastened with heavy-duty straps rated for thousands of pounds, securing wheels and frame points
• Experienced carrier drivers: Licensed professional drivers with CDL certifications and years of experience loading and transporting vehicles
• Comprehensive insurance: All licensed carriers maintain $100,000-$250,000 cargo insurance covering your vehicle during transport
• Strategic vehicle placement: Drivers carefully position vehicles to balance weight and minimize any potential contact between cars
• Regular inspections: Drivers inspect the load at rest stops and fuel stops to ensure all vehicles remain properly secured
• Height clearance awareness: Professional drivers know exact trailer heights and avoid low bridges, overhangs, and obstacles
• Weather consideration: While exposed to elements, vehicles withstand the same conditions they experience in parking lots and driveways daily

What open transport protects against

Open transport provides excellent protection against the primary risks during vehicle shipping. The secure strapping system prevents movement, shifting, or rolling during transit—even during sudden stops or emergency maneuvers. Professional loading ensures vehicles don't contact each other during normal transport. Carrier insurance covers damage from accidents, collisions, or carrier negligence. The elevated position on the carrier keeps your vehicle away from road surface hazards and flying debris that would strike vehicles driven at ground level. While open transport doesn't protect against weather exposure, this matters less than most people think—your vehicle already withstands rain, sun, and dust in normal parking situations. The main difference is sustained highway-speed air flow during multi-day transport, which is generally harmless to mechanical components and paint finishes.

Weather exposure: Reality vs. perception

The 'open' aspect of open transport concerns many customers, but understanding actual exposure helps put this in perspective. Your vehicle experiences rain, sun, wind, dust, and temperature fluctuations whether parked in your driveway, sitting in an outdoor parking lot, or being driven on highways. Open transport simply extends this normal exposure for 5-10 days during transit. Modern automotive paint, seals, and finishes are designed to withstand years of outdoor exposure. What open transport doesn't provide is protection from: heavy dust accumulation on long desert routes, bird droppings during overnight stops, tree sap if parked under trees at terminals, or rare events like hail (though this affects parked cars too). The practical reality: your vehicle may arrive dusty and might benefit from a wash, but it won't suffer damage from normal weather exposure during the relatively brief transport period. Millions of vehicles ship via open transport annually without weather-related damage.

Cost advantages of open transport

Open transport costs 50-80% less than enclosed transport, making it the economical choice for most shipping scenarios. A route costing $800-$1,000 for open transport might run $1,400-$1,800 for enclosed. This dramatic price difference exists because open carriers transport 7-10 vehicles simultaneously versus 2-4 for enclosed trailers, spreading operational costs across more customers. The abundance of open carriers creates healthy competition, keeping prices reasonable. Open transport also offers superior availability—you can find open carriers on any route almost any day, while enclosed capacity is limited. This availability translates to better scheduling flexibility and faster pickup times. For standard vehicles worth under $50,000, the money saved using open transport often exceeds any theoretical risk from weather exposure.

When open transport is the right choice

• Standard passenger vehicles: Sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans in normal operating condition—the vast majority of shipments
• Vehicles under $50,000 value: Most standard vehicles don't justify the 50-80% premium for enclosed transport
• Newer vehicles (under 10 years old): Modern paint and finishes withstand weather exposure without issues
• Budget-conscious shipping: When cost savings matter and your vehicle doesn't require premium protection
• Daily driver vehicles: Cars you use regularly that already experience weather and road conditions
• Flexible timeline shipping: Open transport's superior availability makes scheduling easier
• Routine relocations: Standard moves where the vehicle isn't particularly special or valuable
• Commercial/fleet vehicles: Business vehicles where cost efficiency matters more than premium protection

When to consider enclosed transport instead

While open transport works excellently for most vehicles, certain situations warrant the enclosed transport premium. Classic and antique cars, especially those with original or delicate finishes, benefit from complete weather protection. Exotic and luxury vehicles worth over $75,000 often justify enclosed transport for the peace of mind and additional protection. Show cars and vehicles prepared for exhibitions need to arrive in pristine, show-ready condition. Newly restored vehicles with fresh paint deserve protection until the finish fully cures. Vehicles with significant sentimental value—regardless of actual market value—may be worth the enclosed premium for owner peace of mind. Rust-prone vehicles or those with existing paint issues might benefit from weather protection during long-distance shipping. Convertibles with expensive soft tops are sometimes better candidates for enclosed transport, though many ship successfully via open carriers.

Open transport logistics and process

• Booking and scheduling: Open transport offers the most flexible scheduling with multiple carriers available on any route daily
• Carrier capacity: Drivers optimize loads by matching vehicle sizes and routes, sometimes picking up/delivering multiple cars along the way
• Transit times: Similar to enclosed transport—distance matters more than carrier type for overall timeline
• Tracking and updates: Many carriers provide GPS tracking and progress updates throughout the journey
• Loading priority: Your vehicle's loading order depends on pickup sequence and optimal weight distribution
• Delivery flexibility: Open carriers can access most residential areas—their size is manageable for standard driveways and streets
• Inspection process: Thorough vehicle condition documentation at pickup and delivery using the Bill of Lading

Maximizing protection with open transport

• Apply fresh wax before shipping to provide extra protective coating against dust and moisture
• Clean your vehicle thoroughly before pickup to accurately document its condition with photos
• Retract or remove antenna to prevent damage from wind and overhead clearances
• Secure any loose parts or accessories that could be affected by highway-speed wind
• Empty the vehicle completely—remove personal items and anything not attached to the car
• Fold in side mirrors if they extend significantly and could catch wind or contact loading equipment
• Ensure convertible tops are properly closed and latched for maximum weather seal
• Document existing condition extensively with 15-20 photos to establish baseline for delivery inspection
• Understand that dust accumulation is normal—plan for a wash after delivery rather than stressing about it