The most popular and cost-effective way to ship a car to any location safely, open carrier car shipping has long been the most common way to ship a car because of the availability of carriers. Also known as open car transport.
The vehicle is open to the elements but it is the shipping method that works with most individuals and companies. It is available via door to door or terminal to terminal shipping as well.
Learn more about open carrier shipping...
Open transport car shipping is the industry standard and very popular as the most cost effective way to ship a car from one location to another. Open transport car shipping carriers travel anywhere from a few hundred miles, to thousands of miles coast to coast.
As of 2024 to ship a car 100-200 miles will be $1.75 per mile. Shipping 200-300 miles will typically be $1.50 per mile. If you take a trip that is over 500 miles, like a state to state transport , you will then look at a rate of about $1.20 per mile. Finally, if shipping a car 1,000 you are looking at $0.90 a mile. After which the price per mile will drop significantly, as 2000 miles can cost $0.50-0.60 cents a mile and considered cross country car transport.
Since open car carriers are everywhere, they are quick. It can take as little as 1-3 days to get a pickup. This is if it is in a major city or populated area. Car shipping from remote locations can take us a week plus to get because it takes longer to find a truck that will be going through those areas.
Since it's the most popular way to ship a car, open transport has many advantages over other kinds of auto transport. Here are some of the advantages that open car shipping has to offer.
Open auto transport is the fastest way to ship a car., even for long distances, it's quick and easy. Since just about every car transport company uses an open air carriers, they are available to pick up vehicles on short notice all across the country.
Vehicles shipped on open auto transport carriers are safe for a variety of reasons. One of which is because they keep all four wheels off the ground. They are also safe because they are subject to demanding regulations enforced by the D.O.T. It is the the best solution that balances safety, cost, and speed. This makes moving cars in this way the most viable option.
Open auto transport has full insurance coverage. Coverages vary from $100-250,000 motor cargo depending the size of the carrier and $750,000+ liability.
Although highly popular, open car shipping is not with some drawbacks. Since it's the most economical way to ship a car to another state, or across the country, there won't be extra protection that may be necessary for certain vehicles.
One of the main downsides of open auto transport is that the vehicle is exposed to weather conditions. It might face rain, hail, snow, or intense sun depending on the route and season, which could potentially cause damage to the vehicle's exterior.
The vehicle is also susceptible to flying road debris, dust, and dirt while in transit since there is no enclosure protecting it. This could result in minor scratches, dents, or dirtying of the car.
Compared to enclosed auto transport, open auto transport doesn't offer as much protection from potential road accidents or vandalism during stops. If an unfortunate incident were to happen, the vehicle would have less protection in an open carrier than in an enclosed trailer.
We mention both here at NX. We are experts with both these methods of car transport. But what are the noteworthy differences?
Transporting vehicles via open trailers, where they remain exposed to natural elements like wind, rain, and dust, is known as open transport car shipping. This method, while cost-effective, is predominantly preferred for several cars traveling a few hundred miles to thousands of miles.
Car dealerships, rental service providers, and individuals ferrying their cars to dealerships frequently utilize this method. Its convenience and affordability allow businesses, especially dealerships, to move their cars to different places without hefty expenses.
Typically, this approach best suits the shipping of common vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and minivans, as these are not only widely used but also relatively affordable. A significant advantage of using open trailers is their capacity to haul several vehicles at once, further reducing the cost per vehicle compared to alternative shipping methods.
For those seeking the utmost protection for their vehicles during transport, enclosed transport car shipping is the way to go. Vehicles are housed within a sealed trailer, safeguarding them from environmental threats like wind, rain, and external debris. This method is especially favored by those who own luxury, classic, or exotic cars, to make sure they remain pristine and unharmed.
Often, car aficionados, dealerships with rare collections, or individuals with premium vehicles like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Koenigsegg prefer this method. Such high value and high-end cars not only vastly expensive, but also demand specialized handling and care throughout the vehicle shipping process. Enclosed transport offers this very care, providing owners with full assurance of their prized vehicle's safety during transit.
These are also the most widely recognized trucks on the road when it comes to the auto transport business. You see them coming in and out of dealerships. They run on major highways such as the one pictured here. The average car carrier travels anywhere from 300-500 miles a day. To get the full details , read about how long it takes.
Auto shipping, especially open car transport, has been prone to scams because of its popularity. It’s incredibly important to watch for unrealistic low-ball quotes, verify the company’s licensing and insurance, read verified reviews, and confirm the broker or carrier’s identity before allowing you vehicle to be picked up. Choosing a trusted, transparent provider will make sure that your vehicle is shipped safely and you avoid problems such as late pick up or delivery, price switching, and even a lost or stolen vehicle.
We value your business and of course your time. We know you have choices out there to ship your car and vehicle transport is very competitive. With our spotless reputation, you can count on quality service from our professional team of car shipping advisors. You are never lost in a sea of holds and transfers. Or even worse, endless voicemail! You have a dedicated open car transport expert on the phone there to provide you with excellent customer service. Our car shipping advisors have decades of combined experience.
Choose a car shipping company that is qualified. We move more vehicles than nearly anyone. Car owners and dealers alike, come back over and over again. We have been in the business of auto transport, and likewise open carrier car shipping for many years. We have built our open vehicle shipping service from the ground up to provide auto transport services that offer complete customer satisfaction. This is done by putting the focus on the reward of a job well done and not just charging money for a car shipment. That's the difference between shipping with us and other car shipping companies. Ship your vehicle door with NX, for excellent service every time.
Rest assured that we very carefully fully screen carriers that meet our strict requirements before showing up at your door. All information is verified each time we use the same carrier. Specifics like the carrier's central dispatch rating, insurance policy, if they run enclosed or open air carriers, and how long they have been in business as a car transporter.
Not only is open carrier car shipping an economical option, it's also a reliable option because we use the best and newest carriers in the industry. You will see this the moment the carrier arrives at the vehicle's location.
Remember how we vet open car carriers? Well, since we carefully choose who will provide auto shipping for our valued customers, open auto transport with National provides both economy and value. As a highly rated auto transport company, we know what it takes to provide quality and cost effective vehicle shipping.
Haven’t decided if we’re the right auto transport service for you? No problem, make sure you check our great reviews and get your free quote instantly so you are ready.
Yes—open car shipping is widely used and considered reliable. The main drawback is exposure: your vehicle travels uncovered, so it faces potential risks from weather and road debris. That said, damage is uncommon, and most vehicles arrive without issues.
The longer the transport, the less it is per mile. Open car shipping typically ranges from $0.60 to $1.75 per mile, depending on distance. Shorter trips cost more per mile—for example, a 300-mile shipment often runs $1.50–$2.00 per mile—while longer routes reduce the per-mile rate.
100–200 miles: about $1.75 per mile
In general, the longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile, making cross-country transport the most economical on a per-mile basis.
Watch out for warning signs like quotes that seem too good to be true, unclear communication, or requests for upfront payment through wire transfer. To protect yourself, always research the company, confirm their licensing and insurance, read verified reviews, and only book with a trusted, established auto transport provider.
4360 Peters Rd Suite 9
Plantation, FL 33317
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sales@nxat.com
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