When it comes to transporting a vehicle across the country or even across states, the first question most people ask is: what’s the most affordable and reliable option? The answer is simple—open carrier car shipping.
This method involves transporting vehicles on an open-air trailer, similar to the ones you’ve likely seen on the highway stacked with cars. It’s the go-to choice for dealerships, manufacturers, and everyday consumers alike. Ship A Car, Inc. has built a national reputation by offering premium open carrier shipping services that balance cost-effectiveness with dependability.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about open carrier car shipping—how it works, its advantages, security measures, pricing transparency, and why Ship A Car, Inc. is the best choice for nationwide transport.
Open carrier transport is the most economical method to move a vehicle. Because each trailer can carry multiple vehicles—typically 7 to 10 cars—costs are shared among many customers, significantly lowering your shipping rate. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a car to a loved one, affordability matters. Open carrier car shipping makes this possible without sacrificing quality.
Open carriers are the backbone of the auto transport industry. They’re more abundant and flexible than enclosed trailers, which means quicker pickup times, more route options, and better availability year-round. With Ship A Car, Inc., you gain access to a vast network of licensed, bonded, and insured open carriers ready to move your vehicle anywhere in the U.S.
Although your vehicle is exposed to the elements during open carrier shipping, it is securely fastened and transported by professional, vetted drivers. Our carriers use industry-standard tie-down systems, and every move is backed by insurance. At Ship A Car, Inc., we only work with carriers that maintain at least a 95% satisfaction rating and full compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
The process is straightforward but backed by logistics expertise. Here’s what happens once you book:
- Scheduling Pickup
You choose your preferred pickup date, and our dispatchers assign your vehicle to a qualified carrier operating in your region. - Vehicle Inspection and Loading
The driver inspects your vehicle and documents its condition. It is then loaded securely onto the trailer using hydraulics or ramps. - Transit and Real-Time Updates
As your vehicle travels to its destination, Ship A Car, Inc. provides updates and support. Our customer service team is available 7 days a week. - Delivery and Final Inspection
Upon arrival, a final inspection is done to confirm the vehicle’s condition. You sign off, and your vehicle is ready to go.
Our most popular open carrier transport routes span coast-to-coast, connecting major metropolitan areas and relocation hotspots across the United States. These routes reflect high demand for auto transport services due to population density, vehicle turnover, and regional economic activity.
Los Angeles is one of the busiest auto shipping destinations in the country due to its massive population, thriving car culture, and status as a major coastal gateway. Whether you’re relocating for work, purchasing a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, Ship A Car, Inc. makes it easy to ship a car to California. With open carrier trucks constantly moving in and out of the region, customers benefit from fast turnaround times and highly competitive rates for door-to-door delivery.
As a major economic hub and transportation corridor in the southern United States, Dallas sees heavy demand for both commercial and personal vehicle shipping. Auctions, dealerships, and individuals regularly use our services to ship a car to Texas, especially given the city’s central location and proximity to highways stretching coast to coast. Open carrier transport in Texas is especially efficient thanks to the wide roads, favorable weather, and strong infrastructure, making it an ideal region for low-cost vehicle relocations.
Known for its appeal to snowbirds, international travelers, and luxury car buyers, Miami is a top destination for vehicle shipping year-round. Many customers use our services to ship a car to Florida before the winter season or after buying or selling a car in this high-turnover market. With ports nearby and consistent demand from seasonal relocations, open carrier car shipping to and from Miami offers excellent scheduling flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Chicago is not only the largest city in the Midwest—it’s a key logistics and distribution hub for the entire region. People and businesses frequently ship a car to Illinois for relocations, university moves, car shows, and dealership transfers. Thanks to its robust transportation network and central location, Chicago is a strategic midpoint for cross-country shipments and offers easy access to rural areas and neighboring states.
The densely populated New York metro area, including Northern New Jersey, consistently ranks among the highest in vehicle transport demand. Many customers choose to ship a car to New York or ship a car to New Jersey when relocating into or out of this crowded urban region, where driving long distances may be inconvenient or impractical. Ship A Car, Inc. offers streamlined open carrier solutions that make navigating tight streets and complex schedules stress-free and dependable.
Ship A Car, Inc. serves all of these cities and thousands more with our coast-to-coast open carrier services.
We provide guaranteed pricing without hidden fees. Unlike many brokers, we don’t entice with low quotes only to raise the cost after booking. What you see is what you get.
Our agents are based in the U.S. and understand the needs of our clients. Whether you’re shipping a car to college or moving your business fleet, you’ll have a dedicated coordinator from start to finish.
Every carrier in our network is FMCSA-registered, DOT-compliant, and fully insured. This ensures your vehicle is covered in the rare event of damage or delay.
You won’t be left in the dark. We provide shipment tracking and live updates so you can always know where your car is.
Preparing your car properly helps ensure a smooth transport. Begin by cleaning your vehicle, inside and out, so any existing damage can be documented during inspection. Remove all personal items, disable alarms, and keep the fuel tank about ¼ full. Finally, take photos of your vehicle’s condition and note any pre-existing damage before handing it off to the carrier.
While open carrier car shipping is generally safe, it’s not recommended for high-value vehicles like luxury or antique cars due to exposure to weather and road debris. In such cases, we recommend enclosed transport. However, for standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks, open carriers offer excellent protection at a much lower price.
Yes! Ship A Car, Inc. can coordinate multi-vehicle shipments for families, dealerships, and fleet operators. Since open carriers have space for several cars, it’s easy to move multiple vehicles at once—often at a discounted rate.
|
Feature |
Open Carrier Shipping |
Enclosed Carrier Shipping |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Most affordable |
30%-60% more expensive |
|
Protection |
Exposed to elements |
Protected from weather and debris |
|
Availability |
Highly available |
Limited capacity and routes |
|
Ideal For |
Daily drivers, used vehicles, standard autos |
Luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles |
|
Transit Time |
Often faster due to high demand routes |
May take longer due to fewer carriers |
- Individuals Relocating
Whether you’re moving across state lines for work, school, or lifestyle, open carrier transport is ideal for getting your car there safely and affordably. - Online Car Buyers
Purchased a vehicle from a dealership or private seller across the country? Ship A Car, Inc. helps you avoid long-distance drives and high fuel costs. - Dealerships & Auctions
Bulk transport is critical for dealers and auctions. Our open carrier solutions keep inventory moving smoothly. - College Students & Military Personnel
Need to ship a vehicle to or from school or base? SAC offers discounted, reliable options with fast turnaround times.
The Environmental Advantage of Open Carrier Car Shipping
Open carriers are surprisingly efficient. By moving multiple vehicles at once, fuel consumption per car is significantly lower than driving each vehicle individually. This reduces overall carbon emissions and congestion. It’s a small step that supports a cleaner planet without costing you more.
“I shipped my car from California to Florida with Ship A Car, Inc. and had zero issues. The process was fast, affordable, and my vehicle arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend open carrier car shipping through SAC!” – Amanda R.
“As a dealership, we’ve used Ship A Car for years. Their open carrier service is reliable, transparent, and always on schedule.” – Tom D., Auto Dealer, TX
Open carrier car shipping remains the most practical, cost-effective, and efficient way to move a vehicle across the country. For over a decade, Ship A Car, Inc. has provided reliable transport solutions to individuals, families, and businesses alike. We’ve earned our reputation by being transparent, timely, and focused on customer satisfaction.
Ship A Car has been providing the best open carrier car shipping for people and businesses who need to ship vehicles from one location to another throughout the US. Our process is seamless, our pricing is fair, and our team is always ready to help.
Ready to ship your car the easy way? Call us today at (866) 821-4555, or use our auto transport calculator to get an instant quote. Ship A Car, Inc. is here to make sure your vehicle arrives safely and affordably—every time.
Yes. All open carrier shipments through Ship A Car, Inc. are insured. The carrier’s insurance covers potential damages during transit. You’ll also receive a Bill of Lading that documents your vehicle’s condition at both pickup and drop-off.
Transit time depends on distance, weather, and traffic. Coast-to-coast shipments can take 7-10 days, while regional moves may take 2-5 days. We always provide estimated delivery windows before pickup.
It’s generally discouraged. While some carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, anything beyond that may violate insurance coverage or DOT regulations. Always check with your coordinator first.
Vehicles that are oversized, extremely low-clearance, or inoperable without advance notice may require special arrangements or enclosed transport. Speak with our team for the best fit.
Simply call us at (866) 821-4555 or fill out the form on our website. A shipping specialist will walk you through the process and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
