Open Carrier Car Shipping

Open carriers are not covered transport, so your vehicle is exposed to road conditions and handled by multiple people during loading and unloading. Remove all valuables, electronics, and personal items from the interior and trunk before pickup. Most carriers will not accept vehicles with items inside, and SAC is not liable for personal belongings left in the vehicle.

This includes loose change, chargers, sunglasses, documents, and any aftermarket accessories that aren’t permanently installed. If you have a garage door opener clipped to the visor, remove it. These items can shift during transport and either get lost or damage the interior.

A clean car makes the pre-transport inspection significantly easier and more accurate. When your vehicle is dirty, it’s harder to identify and document existing scratches, dings, or paint chips. A clean surface ensures the Bill of Lading condition report is accurate, which protects you if any claims arise at delivery.

You don’t need a full detail. A basic exterior wash is sufficient. The goal is visibility, not showroom shine. Pay special attention to bumpers, door panels, and lower rocker panels where road grime tends to hide pre-existing damage.

Carriers can refuse a vehicle that is actively leaking fluids, as it can damage other vehicles on the trailer. Before pickup, check for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks and address them if possible. Also ensure the battery is charged and the vehicle is in running condition unless you’ve pre-arranged inoperable vehicle handling.

If your vehicle has a known mechanical issue that makes it non-operable or difficult to load, let your SAC coordinator know in advance. We can arrange specialized carriers with winching equipment, but this needs to be pre-arranged, not disclosed at pickup.

Remove or deactivate any E-ZPass, SunPass, or other electronic toll transponders from your windshield. Drivers travel across state lines on highways where toll sensors may register charges to your account during transport. Also remove parking permits that may be location-specific and could fall off or be misread during the trip.

If you can’t remove your toll transponder (e.g., it’s hardwired), cover it with a foil pouch or aluminum foil to block the signal during transit. This is a quick, simple step that prevents unexpected charges on your account.

Before the driver arrives, take time-stamped photos and videos of your vehicle from all angles: front, rear, both sides, wheels, undercarriage (if accessible), and interior. Note any existing damage. Compare your records against the Bill of Lading the driver completes at pickup.

This documentation is your best protection in the unlikely event of a damage claim. Be sure to include close-up shots of any pre-existing scratches, chips, or dents. Store the photos somewhere secure and accessible. Cloud storage or email to yourself works well.

A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the carrier load. Most transport companies recommend keeping fuel at around ¼ tank: enough to load, unload, and drive off at delivery, but not so much that it adds excess weight. This is especially relevant for longer hauls where carrier weight limits come into play.

On the flip side, don’t empty the tank completely. The driver needs some fuel to move your vehicle on and off the trailer. A quarter tank is the sweet spot: enough to operate, light enough not to impact the load.

Open carrier trucks are large, sometimes 75 to 80 feet long. Make sure there’s room for the truck to safely access your pickup and delivery locations. Narrow streets, low-clearance bridges, or gated communities may require meeting the driver at a nearby open lot or parking area.

Communicate any access restrictions to your SAC coordinator in advance to avoid delays on pickup day. Shopping center parking lots, church lots, and highway rest stops are common meet points when residential streets aren’t accessible. Your coordinator will help coordinate a convenient alternative if needed.