The sight of cars traveling down highways on large open trailers is a familiar one. This method of vehicle transport, known as open car shipping, has become increasingly popular for automobile relocation thanks to its flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. When you need to move a car or truck long distances and driving it is not practical, using an open carrier transport service offers some key benefits that make it an appealing choice over other options.
An open carrier allows multiple vehicles to be hauled at once and picked up or dropped off along the route, offering more flexibility than enclosed transport. Utilizing these professional transport services also saves individuals the significant time and hassle of attempting to drive vehicles extremely long distances on their own.
In this article, we will explore the top advantages of using open car transport for vehicle relocation.
Advantages of Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping, also known as open auto transport, is a popular way to transport vehicles long distances. It offers several key benefits over other methods.
Cost Savings
Open carrier auto transport tends to be more affordable than other shipping methods for most vehicle types. The open design of the trailers allows transporters to haul more vehicles at one time. Loading multiple vehicles brings costs down through economy of scale.
Carriers can pass some of these cost savings directly onto the consumer through reduced transport pricing. Without enclosed overhead, hauling vehicles on open trailers optimizes load space as well. This enables budget-friendly door-to-door shipping across wider distances. Individuals can save money transporting their cars and trucks by leveraging these efficiencies.
Flexible Scheduling
The flexibility makes open transport car shipping convenient for customers needing to coordinate vehicle relocation based on tight, moving timelines, vehicle purchase closing dates, or varied arrival cities. Individuals can get vehicles moved on short notice without needing to drive far distances themselves. Many open carriers allow for more flexible pickup and drop-off scheduling compared to enclosed shipping. Since open carriers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously across various destinations, they can accommodate more customizable timeframes.
Wide Range of Vehicles
Open auto transport trailers and equipment can accommodate everything from small coupes to large vans and trucks. The design of the open trailer allows for configurable ramps and deck space to handle vehicles of vastly different sizes and weights. Not to mention that the ability to ship varying vehicle types makes coordinating efficient relocation plans simple and flexible for dealers, fleet managers, military members, and residential customers.
Nationwide Coverage
Individuals can conveniently ship vehicles door-to-door across long distances, including coast-to-coast relocating. Most open car carriers provide auto transportation services spanning the entire continental U.S. Large transport companies have an extensive network of drivers and routes covering national demand.
Experience Moving Vehicles
The right equipment, techniques, and driver training are critical when hauling expensive automobiles at highway speeds. Reputable open transport companies have specialized expertise in safely moving all vehicle types over any terrain. Their skill and care in handling customer vehicles ensure efficient transport times without damage or issues.
Real-Time Tracking
As you know, monitoring transports electronically provides more transparency and logistics oversight.
Real-time tracking delivers vital communication, projected arrival times, and progress updates that give you confidence and control over the shipping process. You can conveniently track your vehicle’s shipping status and location in real-time using mobile tech and satellite tracking.
Weather Protection
Keeping vehicles stationary and shielding them from the elements prevents damage in transit. On open carriers, vehicles are securely strapped down and further protected from weather using protective coverings when needed. So, ship vehicles worry-free knowing your asset stays safe from rain, wind, storms, and road debris during transport, thanks to diligent security measures.
Better for Non-Running Vehicles
Since vehicles don’t have to drive on and off transport trailers, open shipping works perfectly for non-operational and specialty vehicles. No engine or movement is required to load non-working units using loading ramps and equipment. It means that you can conveniently relocate broken down, classic, and show vehicles that cannot otherwise be driven long distances.
Comparing Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
Many car owners need to relocate vehicles long distances at some point. Whether moving across the country or buying a car out-of-state unseen, transporting your automobile or truck yourself is not always feasible. While professional auto shipping services conveniently resolve this, most people struggle to determine whether open or enclosed carrier transport better fits their needs and priorities for safety, cost, and delivery flexibility.
Open Transport Affordability Vs. Expensive Enclosed Carrier
Open auto shipping offers a more affordable way to move most vehicles long distances by loading multiple units onto uncovered trailers for highway transport. This raises valid weather and damage concerns, though, without the protection of an enclosed trailer. Enclosed shipping resolves this through secure container transport, yet at over 30% higher costs on average – adding up quickly for frequent movers. Enclosed trailers also accommodate far fewer vehicles per load, meaning capacity fills quickly and delivery windows become much less flexible at times.
Advanced Safeguards Bring Open Shipping Up to Speed
Reputable open car carrier companies aim to deliver the reliability of enclosed transport for most vehicles at lower price points through premium equipment, training, and protection options. Modern open trailers come equipped with extensive ratcheting strap systems and rubberized wheel straps to keep cars completely stationary, preventing tire damage over thousands of miles. Hydraulic lifting gates, durable steel ramps, and winching systems further enable the safe securing of vehicles of practically any size and weight.
While open to the elements, custom-fitted weather protection shields are used during covers during heavy rain or snow. The drivers also specialize in advanced securing techniques for open carriers and take meticulous care in loading/unloading to prevent exterior damage.
Making the Best Choice for Your Situation
Evaluating personal price limits against the level of security your particular automobile requires simplifies choosing between open and enclosed shipping. Modern open carriers handle typical sedan relocation securely if you select a reputable national firm. More exotic vehicles still benefit from enclosed containment regardless of higher costs. Discussing needs with a transport specialist makes weighing affordability, protection, and flexibility straightforward based on realities, not outdated perceptions.
Open Vs Enclosed Carrier: A Quick Look
| Open Carrier Transport | Enclosed Carrier Transport |
| Typically 25-40% cheaper cost on average | Generally costs 30%+ more than open shipping |
| Trailers are uncovered, vehicles exposed to elements | Fully enclosed metal container protects vehicles inside trailer |
| More flexible pickup/drop-off scheduling, wider range of routing options | Space fills fast with fewer vehicles per load, tighter scheduling |
| Specialized equipment (ramps, straps, guards) to securely haul vehicles | Minimal specialized loading/securing equipment needed inside containers |
| Provides supplemental weather shields, covers in heavy rain or snow | Fully shielded from weather and road debris already |
| Can transport nearly any vehicle type – coupes, sedans, large trucks | Cargo dimension restrictions preclude larger trucks, SUVs, specialty vehicles |
| Drivers specially trained in securing techniques for open carrier conditions | Enclosed protects vehicles already, less specialized handling required |
| Backed by carrier insurance and vehicle tracking for accountability | Similar vehicle monitoring and damage insurance options as open carriers |
| No mileage limits, can transport vehicles across country efficiently | Not practical for extremely long distance shipping |
When Open Shipping Shines
We caught up with everyday customers around the United States to capture their genuine firsthand accounts using modern open auto transport trailers at some inflection point. Each candid perspective highlights those pivotal moments when an uncommon yet urgent transportation need arose, forcing them to research options. Once deciding open carriers fit their particular circumstances best after initial hesitation, the customers reflect on how customized equipment, strategic routing, and driver care ensured surprisingly positive outcomes worthy of passing along.
Transporting Dad’s Beloved Vintage Truck Home across the Country
“After my dad passed away unexpectedly, I was left with the task of bringing his beloved vintage Chevrolet truck home to Oregon from Florida. This old workhorse of a vehicle meant everything to him but needed special Transport with its age and condition. At first, open auto transport seemed risky, but the enclosed options were too expensive. uShip made it easy to post my unique requests and get bids from drivers with open trailers willing to take extra care.
Exceeding Expectations with a Cherished Family Truck
“Manuel treated my dad’s old C10 like it was his own. His low trailer made gentle loading easy, he secured it thoroughly and even covered it to keep road grime off. The transport fee was half what the enclosed would have cost! Despite worries about sending this sentimental truck in the open air over 2,500 miles, Manuel delivered it damage-free in honor of its previous owner. I’m so grateful we chose uShip and found a carrier up for the special challenge.”
Relocating a Small Bakery across the Country
“As small bakery owners, we had to make the hard decision recently to shut our struggling NYC shop. The issue was how to get our giant custom mixer back to Oregon economically. This hulking 600 lb machine simply wouldn’t fit inside any conventional moving truck, and hiring specialty equipment would bust our tight budget. Discovering uShip felt like a saving grace – it gave us access to people with all kinds of unique transport trucks and trailers for much less.”
Trusting Expert Specialty Transport for Fragile Essential Equipment
“We chose an auto carrier with a removable top section who assured us he could safely strap the mixer low in his trailer. Not only did our mixer make the long cross-country ride without a scratch, but the driver even helped us unload using his winch when it was too heavy for me and my husband. uShip gave us flexibility plus accountability in a stressful time. We’re baking again thanks to the right Transport finding us!”
Some more Words of Trust
- Military Transport: “As an enlisted family, we move stations often. Open auto shipping lets us affordably ship our 2 vehicles to each new base without racking up miles or damaging the cars towing cross-country ourselves.” – Amy, US Navy Spouse.
- College Student Car Relocation: “Sending our son off to UCLA with his used Prius would’ve meant a rickety 20-year-old car breaking down far from home. Open shipping delivered his reliable car to campus for under $700.” – Carl, Parent.
- Seasonal Snowbird Cars: “We split retirement living between Michigan and Arizona. Shipping our SUV and sedan between houses yearly via open carrier lets us avoid driving over 7,000 miles round-trip annually and saves real money on gas and repairs.” – Martha, Retiree.
- Corporate Relocation Fleets: “Our tech company expanded offices from California to Texas in 2020. Open shipping 29 employee vehicles easily between states meant no disruptions settling them into new homes.” – Robin, Corporate HR Director
For most typical vehicles, open trailers provide ideal blends of affordability and accountability during relocations or purchases. Trusted carriers prevent additional mileage or damage transporting cars for military families, students, businesses, and private owners alike.
Conclusion
Moving vehicles long-distance need not elicit headaches attempting amateur delivery or breaking budgets by paying extreme transport premiums. Modern open carriers provide the proven blend of security, savings, and availability, easing car relocation stresses. Now informed on realistic advantages versus alternatives, identify reliable open auto shipper partners ready to shift your vehicles smoothly from coast to coast amid upcoming transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Open Auto Transport
What is open car shipping?
Open car shipping refers to transporting passenger vehicles stacked and secured aboard large uncovered trailers called auto carriers, which can haul around 6-10 vehicles at once between destinations across the country.
How does open-car shipping differ from enclosed shipping?
Enclosed car shipping uses individually enclosed trailers for each vehicle, costing over 30% more on average than open shipping methods that consolidate multiple cars onto each trailer.
What are the cost benefits of open car shipping?
By carrying 6-10 cars consolidated on each trailer, open shipping splits costs across more vehicles for reduced individual rates through economies of scale and optimized routing efficiency benefits.
Is open car shipping safe for my vehicle?
Utilizing extensive securing restraints, regular inspections, real-time GPS tracking, and contingency insurance, over 99% of open carrier shipments deliver vehicles without issues, according to industry reports.
Can I ship any type of vehicle with open-car shipping?
Most mainstream passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs ship reliably aboard open auto carriers. In contrast, more specialty, exotic vehicles like classic cars or high-end sports models often warrant extra protection from enclosed trailers.
How do I prepare my vehicle for open car shipping?
Clean inside and out, check mechanical fluid levels, tire pressure, and cosmetic conditions closely before shipping, turn off alarms, thoroughly document everything with dated photos, and ensure the gas tank is less than 1/4 full.
What factors affect the cost of open-car shipping?
The main factors determining open shipping rates include total distance, home delivery versus terminal drop-off, vehicle dimensions/weight, seasonal volume impacts on supply and demand, insurance upgrades, and any special handling fees.
How long does open car shipping typically take?
Continental US coast-to-coast transit often finishes in 5-10 days, while regional trips to closer destinations under 1,000 miles may take 3-5 days, pending specific geography and route.
Are there any restrictions on what can be shipped via open-car shipping?
Hazardous household goods, weapons, perishables, flammable liquids, and illegal products carry regulations or outright prohibitions over open state-to-state shipping routes.
How can I find a reliable open-car shipping service?
Search FMCSA and TransportReviews licensing databases for safety ratings, read individual customer reviews closely, get quotes from multiple highly-rated firms before booking, and ensure they carry full commercial auto insurance certified for interstate Transport.
