BBB Rated • 500K+ Vehicles Shipped

Open Auto Transport Services

Reliable Open Car Shipping Across the U.S. at Competitive Rates

    Our call center is offline right now i Current Office Hours of Operation
    Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
    Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)

    Fill the contact form to receive a rapid quote

    Choose transport type
    Car Condition
    RunningNot-Running
    1
    Destination
    2
    Vehicle
    3
    Date

    We never sell or misuse your information

    Your Information Is Being Processed

    Please do not close your browser or hit refresh.

    It can take up to 30 seconds.

    4.9/5
    Customer Rating
    50 States
    Coverage
    18+ Years
    Experience
    25000+
    Carriers

    What is Open Carrier Car Shipping?


    Open carrier car shipping, or open auto transport, is the most popular and cost-effective way to ship vehicles. Your car, SUV, or truck is securely loaded onto an open trailer transport, often alongside 6–10 other vehicles. It is safe, reliable, and the best choice for all types of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to pickup trucks.

    This method is fast and flexible, making scheduling and pickup easier. With more carriers available, you can save money compared to other shipping options. Millions of vehicle owners trust open vehicle transport services every year for hassle-free, efficient, and proven vehicle shipping. It is the ideal solution for anyone looking for a safe and dependable auto transport service.

    What is open car transport?

    Why Customers Love Our Open Auto Transport Service!

    Explore the trusted review site ratings that validate our exceptional reputation.



    Open Auto Transport Services by AutoStar Transport Express

    Trusted Open Auto Transport Services Nationwide


    Are you worried about unreliable carriers, hidden fees, or late deliveries when shipping your vehicle? Moving for work, relocating to a new city, or transporting a car to college or for seasonal needs can be stressful, especially if you try to handle it on your own.

    As a trusted auto transport company with 18+ years of experience, AutoStar Transport Express offers open auto transport, providing a simple and dependable solution that allows your car, SUV, or truck to travel safely on an open trailer transport. With access to 25,000+ carriers and fully FMCSA-compliant operations, your vehicle is in safe hands from pickup to delivery.

    Cost-Effective Way to Ship Your Car

    Our reliable open carrier car shipping and open car carrier transport services offer nationwide coverage, including Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, ensuring fast and secure service. Thousands of happy customers trust us because open car transport combines speed, reliability, and flexibility, making open vehicle transport the preferred choice for standard vehicles.

    Request an open car transport quote today!

    Read More

    What is the Cost and Time for Open Car Transport?

    Shipping a vehicle with open car shipping is fast, reliable, and cost-effective. Costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and other factors, while transit times depend on the route and carrier availability. Here’s a clear breakdown:


    How Much Does Open Auto Shipping Cost?


    • Short distances (under 500 miles): $0.40 – $0.70 per mile
    • Long distances (over 500 miles): $0.30 – $0.60 per mile

    For example, shipping a car 1,000 miles could cost between $300 and $600. Prices can vary depending on vehicle size, weight, pickup and delivery locations, seasonal demand, and carrier availability.

    How Long Does Open Vehicle Transport Take?


    • Short routes: Typically 1–5 days, depending on distance and scheduling
    • Long routes: Usually 5–14 days for cross-country shipments

    These are estimated transit times, and exact timing depends on route, pickup flexibility, and carrier schedules. Open car transport offers a reliable, hassle-free way to move your vehicle efficiently, whether it’s a short or long route.

    See How Much Open Car Transport Costs and How Fast It Arrives

    Estimated costs and delivery times for open transport of a standard-size sedan based on distance:


    Distance (Miles)Transport TypeEstimated PriceEstimated Days
    0-500Open$450 – $5501 – 5 days
    500-1,000Open$650 – $7503 – 7 days
    1,000-1,500Open$850 – $9505 – 9 days
    1,500-2,000Open$950 – $1,0506 – 10 days
    2,000-2,500Open$1,050 – $1,1507 – 12 days
    2,500-3,000Open$1,100 – $1,2008 – 13 days
    3,000+Open$1,150 – $1,20010 – 14 days

    Notes: Prices are estimated and may vary based on vehicle size, weight, seasonal demand, pickup and delivery locations, and carrier availability. Transit times are approximate and depend on route and scheduling.

    Get Your Free Open Car Transport Quote Today!

    No upfront payment • No hidden charges • Fully insured • A+ BBB Rating

    Why Choose AutoStar Transport Express for Open Car Transport?


    At AutoStar Transport Express, we make open carrier car shipping simple, secure, and cost-effective. Here’s why customers across the U.S. trust us for reliable open auto transport services:

    Transparent Pricing

    Transparent Pricing

    We provide honest, upfront rates for open car transport, with no hidden fees. You get clear pricing so you can make the best decision without unexpected costs by starting with your auto shipping quote.

    Positive Reviews

    Positive Reviews

    Our top-rated reviews reflect our commitment to delivering dependable service. Drivers nationwide choose us for hassle-free open auto transport thanks to our focus on safety, communication, and peace of mind.

    Years of Experience

    18 Years of Experience

    With nearly two decades of experience in open vehicle shipping, we’ve helped thousands with everything from state to state auto transport to local moves—always with care and professionalism.

    Live Tracking Updates

    Shipping Updates

    From pickup to delivery, we keep you informed with regular updates. Whether you’re shipping coast-to-coast or need cross country car shipping, you’ll always know where your vehicle is and when it will arrive.

    Car Icon

    18+ Years
    of Experience

    Earth Icon

    50 States Coverage Across Country

    Truck icon

    25,000 + Carriers for Auto Delivery

    Square icon

    30,000+ Vehicle Moves a Year



    How Open Car Transport Works

    Clean Vehicle

    1. Get a Quote and Book Your Transport

    Share your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and transport preference to receive a transparent, no-hidden-fee quote. Choose a payment option that works best for you—pay in full or split the payment for convenience.

    Remove Personal Belongings

    2. Prepare and Pickup Your Vehicle

    Clean your car, remove personal items, check tire pressure and fluids, and take photos to document its condition. Your vehicle can be picked up from any location across the U.S., with updates keeping you informed during transit.

    Check Fluids & Tires

    3. Transport and Delivery

    Licensed FMCSA-registered carriers handle your vehicle safely throughout the journey. Upon arrival, inspect your car to confirm its condition. The team ensures a smooth, reliable, and stress-free open car transport experience from start to finish.

    Watch Open Car Shipping Made Simple


    Multiple Cars being Shipped Across Country on a Multi Level Car Hauler Trailer

    What are the Benefits of Open Car Transport?

    Discover the advantages of choosing open auto transport:


    1

    Quick Turnaround

    Open car carriers are readily available, ensuring faster pick-up and delivery times compared to other shipping methods.

    2

    Cost-Effective for Everyday Vehicles

    This method provides excellent value for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks, making long-distance shipping affordable without compromising safety.

    3

    High Availability of Carriers

    With a large fleet of open carriers nationwide, it’s easier to schedule transport on your preferred dates without long waits.

    4

    Ability to Ship Multiple Vehicles

    Open carriers can transport several vehicles at once, making it ideal for families, dealerships, or businesses needing multiple cars moved simultaneously.

    5

    Adaptable Loading Options

    Open auto transport allows flexible positioning on the trailer, reducing exposure to other vehicles’ weight or movement.

    6

    Coverage Across All States

    Whether shipping across the continental U.S. or to islands like Hawaii and Puerto Rico, open transport can reach virtually any destination.

    Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping: Which is Right for You?


    Multiple Cars being Shipped Across Country on a Multi Level Car Hauler Trailer

    Open Auto Transport

    Open auto transport is a widely available option where vehicles are shipped on open trailers. Though cars are exposed to the elements, it’s a practical choice for standard vehicles, offering an efficient solution for many customers.

    Get an Open Car Transport Quote

    Enclosed Auto Transport

    Enclosed Car Transport

    Enclosed auto transport uses fully enclosed trailers, providing protection from weather, road debris, and theft. This method is ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars, offering enhanced protection at a higher cost and less availability.

    Get an Enclosed Car Transport Quote

    How to Save Money on Open Vehicle Shipping

    Shipping your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how to save while using open car shipping:

    Choose Open Transport Over Enclosed

    Ideal for standard vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, and significantly cheaper than enclosed shipping.

    Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates

    Allowing carriers to optimize routes can lower your open auto transport cost.

    Book Early or Off-Season

    Early bookings and off-peak times often result in better rates and faster availability of open trailer transport.

    Types of Open Trailer Car Transport


    Single-Level Open Trailers

    These trailers transport one or two vehicles and are ideal for short distances, offering easy access and quick loading.

    Multi-Level Open Trailers

    Multi-level trailers can carry up to 10 vehicles, making them perfect for long-distance shipping and high-capacity transport, like for dealerships.

    Flatbed Open Trailers

    Flatbed trailers provide extra space for larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs, offering more flexibility for transporting oversized or specialty cars.

    Does Open Auto Transport Offer Door-to-Door Service?


    Yes, open auto transport includes door-to-door auto transport service. Our carriers will pick up your vehicle from your chosen location and deliver it directly to your specified address. It’s a convenient option designed to ensure your vehicle’s safe and efficient transport. Please be aware that in areas with restricted access, we might need to arrange alternative pickup or delivery locations.

    Examples of Open Car Shipping: Vehicles on Open Trailers


    Red Dodge Charger and a Blue Sedan being Shipped Across Country on a Multi Car Hauler Trailer
    White Lexus LS being Shipped Across Country on a Multi Car Hauler Trailer in the Rain
    Car Transporter Multiple Vehicles White SUV Vintage el Camino
    Multiple Cars being Shipped Across Country on a Multi Level Car Hauler Trailer
    Open car carrier truck hauling vehicles at sunset with American flag and palm trees

    Frequently Asked Questions Open Car Transport


    Is open auto transport safe for my vehicle?

    Open auto transport is a secure option for most vehicles. It provides reliable and cost-effective shipping, with vehicles usually arriving in the same condition they were loaded.

    What types of vehicles can be transported using open carriers?

    Open auto transport is suitable for various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans. It’s an excellent choice for standard vehicles and those that don’t require extra protection from the elements.

    How are vehicles secured on open carriers?

    Vehicles are securely loaded onto the carrier using straps and braces. Professional drivers are trained to ensure vehicles are positioned safely for transport. To understand more about vehicle placement, including top loading, learn what top load car shipping is.

    Are there any size or weight restrictions for open auto transport?

    Open carriers typically have size and weight limits, but they can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to larger SUVs and trucks.

    Is open auto transport a cost-effective option?

    Yes, open auto transport is generally more affordable than enclosed transport. It’s a preferred choice for budget-conscious individuals.

    How many cars fit on an open transport trailer?

    Most standard open car haulers can carry 7 to 10 vehicles, depending on size and weight. Smaller trailers may carry fewer cars.

    Is open transport suitable for long-distance car shipping?

    Yes, open transport is commonly used for cross-country auto shipping due to its balance of affordability and reliability.

    How do I prepare my car for open auto transport?

    Clean your car, remove valuables, disable alarms, and leave only a quarter tank of fuel. Take dated photos of your car for documentation before pickup.

    Can open transport be used for inoperable vehicles?

    Typically no. Inoperable vehicles often require enclosed or specialized transport with a winch system. However, some open carriers may accept non-running cars with proper equipment.

    Is open car transport safe in winter?

    Yes, open carriers operate year-round, including winter. However, extreme weather conditions may affect delivery timelines or routing.

    Why do dealerships prefer open auto transport?

    Dealerships frequently use open car transport due to faster scheduling, lower costs, and efficient delivery of multiple vehicles at once.

    How early should I book open auto transport?

    Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best rates and scheduling.

    Can I ship multiple vehicles using one open carrier?

    Yes, open carriers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, making it a cost-effective option for shipping more than one car.

    Find Answers to Common Car Shipping Questions