Request a Quote in Two Minutes!
Excellent service and punctual deliveries! The team is professional, and our shipments always arrive on time. Highly recommended!
Great transport company with reliable service and friendly staff. Smooth booking process and timely deliveries every time!
Outstanding experience! Affordable rates, prompt service, and exceptional customer care. A transport company you can trust.
When it comes to moving your vehicle across the country or even just a few states over, one of the most popular and practical options is open auto shipping. Open auto shipping involves transporting vehicles on an open carrier. These carriers are the large trailers you often see on highways, loaded with multiple cars. Unlike enclosed shipping, where vehicles are transported inside a fully covered trailer, open carriers are exposed to the elements.
This method is the industry standard for vehicle transport and is widely used because of its cost-effectiveness, availability, and efficiency. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a car from auction, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, open auto shipping is a proven way to get the job done.
At First Haulers, we specialize in offering top-notch open car shipping services to meet your needs and ensure a hassle-free experience.
Key Takeaways:
Open car transport is the most frequently used method of bringing vehicles across the nation.. The open carriers may have two levels and can carry several cars at once, so it is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for the majority of car owners and car dealerships. The reason behind open style transport is that the vehicles are visible and open car transports do not have any covering during their transportation. Although people may have concerns regarding vehicle damage from weather and road debris, it is important to note that the overwhelming majority of vehicles shipped through open transport channels arrive at their destination without a scratch.
There are a number of different types of open trailers. Each type has its own advantages, and the choice often depends on the specific needs of the shipment, such as urgency, distance, and the type of vehicle being transported.
1. Single-Level Open Carriers: These are smaller trucks that can usually transport 2-3 vehicles. They're often used for local or short-distance transport and are ideal for expedited shipments.
2. Multi-Level Open Carriers: These larger trucks can transport up to 10 vehicles at once. They're the most common type used for long-distance and interstate transport.
3. Hotshot Trailers: They are mostly used for deliveries that have to be expedited or for the transport of one car only. They usually consist of a pickup truck and a flatbed trailer.
4. Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers: These specialized trailers can be lowered to the ground for easy loading of low-clearance vehicles.
There are a large number of benefits of open Car transport. Here are the basic advantages:
Although open transport does mean that vehicles are exposed to weather and road conditions, the majority of the time, this is not an issue when it comes to standard vehicle shipments.
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and debris | Full protection |
| Vehicle Types | Standard vehicles | Luxury, classic, or high-value cars |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited carriers |
Based on the experiences I've had over the years, open Car transport is suitable for a wide spectrum of vehicles. Nevertheless, some are specifically suited to this kind of transport:
It will be better to note that open type transport is appropriate for most vehicles, though the ones that the owners of luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles are not often included for safe transport via closed ones for additional protection.
Several factors influence the cost of open auto shipping, ranging from the size and weight of the vehicle to the distance. On average, open auto shipping is about 35-40% cheaper than enclosed transport. The range in prices usually hovers between $500 and $1,500 for the continental United States in the case of open Car transport. And, this is a pretty wide range, just for your information!
For short distances (under 500 miles), the price will typically be around $400 to $700. Medium-distance shipments (500-1500 miles) usually cost between $700 and $1,000. For long-distance transport (over 1500 miles), prices can range from $1,000 to $1,500 or more.
It is indeed true that these are general estimates. The actual cost may depend on many factors, as will be discussed in the next section.
According to my extensive experience in the auto transport sector, the price of open transport is influenced by several factors:
The shipping charge varies depending on the distance. The longer the distance, the higher the cost. This is primarily because longer distances require more fuel, time, and effort to deliver the car to your specified location. Additionally, route complexity plays a key role in determining the shipment charges. Complex routes with fewer direct options and limited transportation resources tend to increase the cost. For instance, shipping from Alabama to Mobile will generally cost less than shipping from Alabama to Los Angeles, due to differences in distance and route accessibility.
Larger vehicles take up more space compared to standard-size vehicles and require more room on the carrier. As a result, shipping professionals charge extra for larger vehicles due to the additional space and weight. Furthermore, high-value vehicles demand more care to ensure their safety during transport, which can make their shipping costs higher.
Shipping prices fluctuate based on demand, particularly during peak seasons. Car shipping services tend to be in higher demand during the spring and summer months, leading to increased rates. You may notice a visible difference in pricing between the summer and winter seasons.
The type of carrier used for your shipment plays a major role in the overall cost. Shipping in an enclosed carrier generally costs more than shipping in an open carrier. Enclosed carriers offer better protection for your vehicle, especially for high-value cars or those requiring additional care.
If you are unsure about the rate for your car shipping service, don’t hesitate to reach out to a shipping expert. They will listen to your needs and recommend the best car shipping solution tailored to your requirements.
There can be additional costs related to the purchase of insurance in order to cover unexpected situations that may arise during the transportation process.
Recognizing these aspects can help you anticipate expenses and might prompt you to look for ways to decrease the costs of your auto transport.
I have been facilitating open Car transport for an indefinite number of times; that is the reason why I can provide you with a standard scenario:
First Hauler has made the vehicle shipping process simple and hassle-free by streamlining all the steps to make it easier for you. When you contact us, we will ensure everything works out most efficiently and transparently for you.
The process begins with a free, no-hassle quote. Once you provide us with the details of your vehicle and shipping preferences, we offer you a personalized, competitive quote with no hidden fees. After confirming the details, we will schedule a convenient pickup time that works best for you.
Our team takes care of all the transportation. Depending on your preference, we ensure that your vehicle is loaded firmly onto the carrier, be it open or enclosed transport. You will receive updates on the way so you can track your vehicle and stay updated at all times.
We coordinate the delivery of the vehicle to its destination and perform a final inspection to ensure that it is in the same shape as when it was picked up. From local moves to road voyages, we help you make the whole shipping process smooth, reliable, and prompt, according to your needs.
Get an On-Spot Estimate on Your Car Shipping Costs Now!
You can start by navigating to our easy-to-use cost calculator. In the blink of an eye, we will tell you exactly how much shipping your car will cost. Our motive is to be as honest as possible hence, we provide you with the information you need to have a smooth auto transport operation.
Click the below button to calculate your exact personalized auto-shipping quote in a few steps.
No Upfront Payment
We do not ask for any upfront payment before pick-up. No worries about delays in collecting your car.
Competitive Prices
We assure you to give you the best costs available while not compromising our service quality for your vehicle's safety.
Best Track Record
First Haulers has been in the vehicle shipping game for a while, and trust us, our happy customers speak volumes about our top-notch service.
Instant Car Transport Quotes
Get your car shipping quotes online in a few steps. Plan your car transport to save time.
Preferred Carrier Networks
We have a reliable network of carriers nationwide which allows us to ship your vehicles anywhere without hassles.
Personal Concierge
Your own personal concierge will keep you informed and attend to all your needs during the transfer.
Your Satisfaction Guaranteed
We are committed to satisfying our customers by improving our services and exceeding expectations.
Highest Insurance Standards
Your investment is protected by comprehensive insurance coverage on all shipments, allowing you to relax.
Professional and Punctual
Our team is committed to delivering high-quality service punctually, often even ahead of schedule.
Multiple Levels of Service
You have the choice among standard, priority and expedited services that will fit your needs and budget perfectly.
Locked-in Price
Our price quote is fixed. There are no hidden costs or fees. You pay exactly what you were informed. This means you can be assured that the whole car transport process is fair and clear.
Damage-Free Delivery
We take care of your vehicle while in transit. We guarantee no damages will occur. Your car is delivered without any scratches or other types of damage.
Open auto shipping is a practical, affordable, and efficient option for transporting your vehicle across the USA. By choosing a reputable company like First Haulers, you can rest easy knowing your car is in good hands. From short moves to cross-country hauls, we’re here to provide reliable car shipping services tailored to meet your needs. The type of transportation, the price, and the parameters involved have to be learned and analyzed so that an informed decision about your auto needs can be made. Make sure to choose a trustworthy carrier and prepare your vehicle properly, and do not be afraid to ask anything you may want during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions