Car Shipping Guides...
Open Car Shipping with AutoStar Transport Express
Open car shipping is the most common way to move a car in the United States: the car rides on an open trailer, usually with several others. AutoStar Transport Express arranges open transport nationwide with vetted carriers, from one car to dealership and fleet volumes.
What open car shipping is
Open carriers are the multi-car trailers you see on highways. Because they carry more vehicles per trip, open transport usually costs less than enclosed, and there are more open carriers on most routes.
Who it suits
- Everyday cars, SUVs and pickup trucks
- Relocations and online purchases
- Dealership and auction vehicles
- Fleet moves
For classic, exotic or low-clearance vehicles, many owners choose Enclosed Auto Transport. See Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping to compare.
How it works with AutoStar
- Request a quote. Vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, and dates.
- We match your car with a carrier. From a network of 25,000+ vetted carriers.
- Pickup and inspection. You and the driver note the condition of the car, with photos.
- Transport. We stay in touch about the schedule. Windows are estimates.
- Delivery and inspection. Check the car against the notes from pickup before you sign.
What AutoStar brings to open transport
- 19+ years arranging vehicle transport
- More than 30,000 vehicles a year
- 25,000+ vetted carriers
- AutoStar Transport Express is an Inc. 5000 Honoree and has been recognized among America's fastest-growing private companies
- Power Partner Award 2023, Operations & Logistics category
- Licensed property broker, FMCSA MC #600908 and USDOT #2239014
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 across more than 7,600 customer reviews
Preparing your car for open transport
Wash the car, take dated photos, keep the tank at about a quarter full, remove personal items, and note anything the driver should know.
Insurance
AutoStar does not carry an insurance policy for vehicle transports, as we are not the carrier. Coverage for transport-related damages is provided by the assigned carrier, which AutoStar screens and selects.
FAQ
Yes. Open transport is a safe and reliable method of vehicle shipping and is the most commonly used option in the industry. Vehicles are securely loaded onto specialized multi-car carriers and transported by licensed and insured carriers across the country every day. Because the vehicle is transported on an open trailer, it will be exposed to weather, dust, and normal road conditions during transit. Coverage for transport-related damage is provided by the assigned carrier's cargo insurance policy. For owners seeking additional protection from the elements and road debris, enclosed transport is also available and is often preferred for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Yes. Open transport is usually less expensive than enclosed transport because carriers can transport multiple vehicles on the same trailer, allowing transportation costs to be shared among several customers. It is the most popular shipping option and offers an excellent balance of affordability and reliability. Enclosed transport typically costs more because it carries fewer vehicles and provides additional protection from weather, road debris, and other outside elements. While open transport is the preferred choice for most vehicles, enclosed transport is often selected for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value cars.
Yes. Tell us the condition when you ask for the quote.
Transit time depends on several factors, including the distance being traveled, the route, weather conditions, traffic, and carrier availability. Shorter shipments may take only a few days, while cross-country transport can take a week or more. Because every shipment is unique, AutoStar provides an estimated pickup and delivery timeframe with your quote. While carriers work to stay on schedule, unforeseen factors such as weather, road conditions, and delays along the route can occasionally affect transit times.