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

Why Customers Love Our Open Auto Transport Service!
Explore the trusted review site ratings that validate our exceptional reputation.
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.
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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 Type | Estimated Price | Estimated Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 | Open | $450 – $550 | 1 – 5 days |
| 500-1,000 | Open | $650 – $750 | 3 – 7 days |
| 1,000-1,500 | Open | $850 – $950 | 5 – 9 days |
| 1,500-2,000 | Open | $950 – $1,050 | 6 – 10 days |
| 2,000-2,500 | Open | $1,050 – $1,150 | 7 – 12 days |
| 2,500-3,000 | Open | $1,100 – $1,200 | 8 – 13 days |
| 3,000+ | Open | $1,150 – $1,200 | 10 – 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
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
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.

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.
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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.
How Open Car Transport Works

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.
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.
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
What are the Benefits of Open Car Transport?
Discover the advantages of choosing open auto transport:
Quick Turnaround
Open car carriers are readily available, ensuring faster pick-up and delivery times compared to other shipping methods.
Cost-Effective for Everyday Vehicles
This method provides excellent value for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks, making long-distance shipping affordable without compromising safety.
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.
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.
Adaptable Loading Options
Open auto transport allows flexible positioning on the trailer, reducing exposure to other vehicles’ weight or movement.
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?

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.

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.
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.
Customers Rate AutoStar Transport Express as the Best for Open Vehicle Shipping
Examples of Open Car Shipping: Vehicles on Open Trailers
Frequently Asked Questions Open Car Transport
Is open auto transport safe for my vehicle?
What types of vehicles can be transported using open carriers?
How are vehicles secured on open carriers?
Are there any size or weight restrictions for open auto transport?
Is open auto transport a cost-effective option?
How many cars fit on an open transport trailer?
Is open transport suitable for long-distance car shipping?
How do I prepare my car for open auto transport?
Can open transport be used for inoperable vehicles?
Is open car transport safe in winter?
Why do dealerships prefer open auto transport?
How early should I book open auto transport?
Can I ship multiple vehicles using one open carrier?
Expert Tips for Easy Open Vehicle Shipping
Explore key tips from our experts to ensure a smooth open transport experience.







