What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is the most widespread and cost-effective method. For automobile owners, dealerships, and manufacturers, this method uses an open trailer to move multiple vehicles.
Open car transport is the best if you need to ship cars hundreds or thousands of miles across the country. Your vehicle is on an open trailer with several others, making each vehicle's cost cheaper. Also, additional delivery and pick-up times are available to accommodate your schedule.
Many individuals, dealers, and manufacturers prefer open carrier car shipping. It's ideal for standard vehicles whose owners want to ship long or short distances, no matter whether you’re relocating, buying it from a distant dealer, or sending it to relatives. Open carrier car transport capacity of hauling multiple vehicles works well for dealerships and manufacturers, transporting several cars at once.
Open vehicle transport ships vehicles on an open carrier that provides optimum vehicle safety. However, it can't cover your car from external elements in bad weather conditions. Standard vehicles are tough enough to handle the weather elements, but luxury or antique vehicles need to go with a more secure option like enclosed car transport.
Benefits Of Open Auto Transport
Open car shipping is the cheapest and most favored way to transport cars nationwide. Whether you are moving, buying a car from a dealership, or buying it from an auction, open car transport offers the best and economical way out. Open transport car shipping involves transportation of your vehicle on an uncovered trailer with several other automobiles, and this is the inexpensive and most convenient option. Here's why open vehicle transport remains the best option for most customers.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant advantages of open car carrier transport is that it is cost-effective. Open carrier shipping has the capacity to carry several cars at a time, making each customer's costs much lower. In comparison to enclosed transport, open carrier shipping is an affordable option for standard vehicle transportation without sacrificing reliability.
2. Outstanding Availability
Open carrier car transport is the most popular vehicle shipping method, with more frequent scheduling and quicker transit times. When you require speedy and flexible shipping, open car carrier shipping provides a smooth ride with more transporters on different routes.
3. Versatility
Unlike enclosed transport, which is confined to specific vehicle types, open carrier car shipping can handle different models, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and even motorcycles. Whether you're shipping a personal car as an individual or shipping multiple vehicles as a dealership, open car transport offers a convenient and versatile solution.
4. Increased Visibility for Inspections
With open car shipping, your car is kept in sight along the way, making it simple for you and the shipping company to inspect the car. By maintaining transparency, drivers are able to check the status of every vehicle and minimize the occurrence of concealed damage. Open auto transport also reduces the possibility of theft, as cars are always visible at all times.
How Does Open Car Transport Work?
At Rapid Auto Shipping, our open vehicle transport process is easy and hassle-free. To book your standard car shipment, follow these simple steps:
1. Request an Instant Auto Shipping Quote: Obtaining a shipping quote is the first step to ship a car. Fill out the details in the auto shipping calculator, or get in touch with us by email or call +1 (833) 233-4447.
2. Booking of the Shipment: Once you get the auto transportation quote, you need to schedule your shipments. For your convenience, we provide electronic contracts. An email containing a link will be sent to you so you can conveniently schedule your shipment online.
3. Pickup: Our skilled auto transport driver will pick up your vehicle on the appointed day and within the scheduled time limit. Before loading the car on the carrier, the operator will inspect and record its condition.
4. Transportation: The carrier will contact and provide you with an estimated arrival time a few hours before delivery. If you are unable to do so, you can ask a reliable person to accept the car on your behalf.
Cost Of Open Car Shipping?
One of the most concerning questions that vehicle owners have is about how much it costs to ship a car. Usually the cost of shipping a car is calculated based on several factors. At Rapid Auto Shipping, we are not solely working to make a profit, we are a nation-serving company. Thus, we provide the most competitive, reasonable, and affordable vehicle shipping rates in the United States without compromising our services. Average car shipping costs are mentioned below to help get a general idea of the pricing structure.
Distance | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost |
0 - 500 Miles | 1 - 2 Days | $350 |
500 - 1500 Miles | 2 - 4 Days | $770 |
1500 - 2500 Miles | 4 - 7 Days | $1,070 |
2500 + | 7 - 9 Days | $1,580 |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Open Transport Car Shipping
The price of open auto transport varies based on several factors such as distance, vehicle details, and demand season. Knowing these factors will enable you to budget and get the best rates for open car shipping.
1. Distance & Route
The longer distance your car has to travel, the more expensive it will be because of fuel usage, tolls, and labor of the driver. Transporting to major cities with well-traveled roads is generally less expensive than shipping to outlying or rural areas.
2. Vehicle Type & Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more room on an open car carrier shipment, which increases the shipping cost. Smaller cars, however, are simpler to fit in, thus being less expensive to ship.
3. Seasonal Demand
Open car shipping prices vary seasonally. Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is a peak season with higher demand, which pushes prices up. Booking in off-season months can get you better rates for open vehicle shipping.
4. Model & Manufacturer
Luxury or high-end cars can need extra care, adding to the total cost of transport. Although open carrier car transport is safe in most cases for regular cars, exotic or premium vehicles may need extra attention, which can increase the price.
5. Vehicle Length
Compact cars occupy less space on an open carrier, enabling transporters to carry more cars on one trip. This cost-effective use of space can lead to reduced expenses, which in turn makes open transport car shipping cost-effective for smaller cars.
Pros And Cons Of Open Auto Transport
Open auto shipping is the most common way to ship cars because it is economical and efficient. But, just like any shipping method, it has pros and cons. Knowing these will enable you to determine whether open carrier car transport is suitable for your requirements.
>> Pros of Open Carrier Transport
1. Cost-Effective: The most affordable method is open car transport since several cars are transported simultaneously, lowering the per-car cost. This option is best for individuals, dealerships, and car manufacturers that need a cost-effective solution.
2. High Availability & Faster Scheduling: Due to the fact that open carrier shipping is the most widespread shipping method, carriers are available easily. This provides quicker scheduling and a faster turnover than enclosed transport.
3. Flexible & Ideal for Most Cars: Open car transport can handle a range of cars, from sedans and SUVs to trucks and motorcycles. It's the go-to option for regular cars that don't need additional protection.
4. Effective & Reliable: Open transport car shipping uses optimized routes with frequently scheduled carrier departures, making deliveries reliable and on time.
5. Increased Visibility for Inspection: As cars are exposed, transporters can inspect them easily while in transit, minimizing the chances of undetected damage or concealed problems.
>> Cons of Open Auto Transport
1. Exposure to Weather and Road Conditions: As the car is shipped on an open trailer, it comes under exposure to weather conditions such as rain, dust, and snow. But that is not a problem for most cars as they can tolerate outdoor conditions.
2. Potential for Minor Road Debris Contact: Open carrier transport exposes cars to more dirt, dust, and minor road debris. Although damage is unlikely, some customers want enclosed transport for extra protection, particularly for luxury or vintage cars.
3. Less Privacy: Your car is exposed during the trip with open car carrier transport. Although this can be more secure, some owners would like enclosed shipping for privacy.
For most standard vehicles, open auto transport is still the best option, offering the best balance of cost, availability, and efficiency. If additional protection is required, enclosed transport might be worth considering.
Who Should Use Open Car Transport?
Open car shipping is the perfect solution for individuals seeking a budget-friendly, hassle-free method of transporting a car. Whether relocating to a new town, buying a vehicle over the internet, or running a car dealership, open carrier auto shipping provides a convenient, cost-effective solution.
>> Individuals Relocating on a Budget: If you are moving nationally and require a low-cost means to ship your vehicle, open vehicle transport is the cost-effective way to do this without having to drive your vehicle long distances.
>> Car Dealerships & Fleet Managers: For dealerships transferring multiple vehicles together, open car transport is their preferred method of choice. They can transport lots of vehicles as bulk in large quantities at relatively lower prices and manage inventory at a reduced price.
>> Online Car Buyers & Sellers: In case you bought a vehicle from a seller out of your state, open car carrier shipping makes delivery hassle-free and budget-friendly to your place.
>> Auction Buyers & Classic Car Enthusiasts: Auto auction buyers usually opt for open car transport due to its affordability and convenience, particularly while buying multiple cars.
For the majority of regular cars, open transport car shipping provides the ideal mix of affordability, convenience, and dependability.
Tips For A Successful Open Car Transport Experience
Simply follow these easy steps to have a hassle-free and smooth open auto transport experience:
1. Wash Your Car: A clean vehicle makes it simpler to photograph any existing damage prior to shipping.
2. Disable Alarms: Avoids unnecessary disruptions and a smooth transport experience.
3. Take Out Loose Accessories: Remove or secure removable items such as spoilers, bike racks, or antennas to prevent damage during shipping.
4. Check Tire Pressure & Fluid Levels: Well-maintained tire pressure and fluid levels ensure safe loading and unloading.
5. Limit Personal Items: Most carriers permit up to 100 lbs of personal items, but leaving valuables behind is advisable.
6. Offer a Spare Set of Keys: Carriers mandate a set of keys in case the vehicle must be relocated during loading or unloading.
By taking these precautions, a smooth and hassle-free open car shipping experience can be ensured. Require professional advice? Our transport experts are one call away for help.
Open Auto Transport Vs. Enclosed Car Transport
Selecting between open auto transport and enclosed car transport is based on your budget, vehicle type, and protection requirements. Here's a brief comparison:
Feature | Open Auto Transport | Enclosed Car Transport |
Cost | More affordable | Higher due to added protection |
Protection | Exposed to weather & road elements | Fully enclosed for maximum protection |
Availability | Widely available, faster scheduling | Less common, limited availability |
Best For | Standard vehicles, daily drivers | Luxury, classic, exotic, or specialty cars |
For the majority of vehicles, open carrier car shipping is the most suitable option because it is affordable and readily available. But if you're transporting a high-value or collector's vehicle, enclosed auto transport provides additional protection.
Rapid Auto Shipping: Your Trusted Partner For Open Auto Transport
When you need dependable, budget-friendly, and stress-free open auto transport, Rapid Auto Shipping is the company you can count on. Whether you are relocating coast-to-coast, buying a car online, or coordinating a dealership's inventory, we make shipping easy and hassle-free.
Why Rapid Auto Shipping?
1. Clear Pricing: No surprise charges, no advance payments—just transparent, competitive pricing.
2. Fully Insured Transport: Your ride is insured from pickup to drop-off, providing you with ultimate peace of mind.
3. Nationwide Carrier Network: We utilize thousands of pre-screened, insured carriers to deliver the best shipping options across the country.
Expert Team & 24/7 Support: Our qualified shipping experts are on hand 24 hours a day to help you every step of the way.
Whether you're shipping a sedan, SUV, truck, or motorcycle, Rapid Auto Shipping simplifies open auto transport and makes it affordable and reliable. Get your free quote today by simply filling out our online form or call at +1 (833) 233-4447 and enjoy hassle-free vehicle shipping!