Open Car Transport
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Open Transport Car Shipping
Our open car transport services are designed to meet your vehicle shipping needs with efficiency and affordability. Whether you’re relocating to a new state, purchasing a vehicle, or simply require a hassle-free way to move your car, our open car transport services have you covered.
We take pride in providing the most trusted and efficient open car transport services in the industry, assuring that your vehicle reaches its destination safely and securely. Learn why open car transport is a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike, and learn how we go above and beyond to make your car shipping experience seamless.
What Is Open Car Shipping?
Open car transport is the standard method of transporting vehicles in the car shipping industry. As the name suggests, vehicles are transported on open car carriers, exposed to weather and road conditions. Your vehicle is subjected to the same elements you encounter while driving, such as sun, snow, dust, debris, and more. Being the most economical way to ship a car, it’s no wonder that a large portion of vehicle shipping (around 80%) is done using open transport carriers. Private individuals, auto dealerships, and even car manufacturers generally opt for open car shipping services.
Benefits of Shipping Your Car on an Open Carrier
There are three primary reasons that open car shipping is the most favored form of shipping vehicles:
Availability and Speed
Open car shipping is preferred because there is a vast number of open auto carriers available, which allows for quicker pickup times, typically within 72 hours. This is compared to other types of carriers, such as enclosed or low-boy carriers, which could take weeks to become available.
Cost-Effectiveness
Open car transport is considered the most economical option in the auto transport industry. The abundance of open carriers to choose from helps keep car shipping costs competitive.
Insurance Coverage
Vehicles transported on open car carriers are fully insured bumper to bumper, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 per vehicle. This coverage ensures that any negligent damage, scratch, ding, or dent is fully covered without any out-of-pocket costs to the vehicle owner.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
When choosing between open and enclosed auto transport, the primary distinction lies in the level of protection offered to your vehicle. Open transport employs open trailers and is cost-effective, but it exposes your vehicle to the elements and potential road debris. In contrast, enclosed transport uses closed trailers, ensuring superior protection from external elements and hazards. This makes it the preferred choice for valuable, classic, or exotic vehicles, offering peace of mind to owners who prioritize the safety and condition of their cars during transportation.
Open Auto Transport
- Cost-effective
- Frequently used by car dealerships, private individuals and industry professionals
- Ideal for transporting evryday vehicles
Enclosed Auto Transport
- Enhanced protection from elements and road hazards
- Ideal for expensive or rare vehicles
- Extra insurance and peace of mind for luxury or exotic car owners
Open and enclosed auto transport each offers distinct advantages. To make an informed decision, consider your budget and the type of vehicle transporting. Whether you prioritize affordability or maximum protection, there’s a transportation solution perfectly suited to your specific requirements.
Open Car Carriers
Open car transport is normally done with a full size car hauler. There are; however, various types of open car haulers available for different requirements.
7-10 Car Hauler
These carriers, as you might suspect, can handle 7-10 autos at a time. Those are the same trucks commonly seen on the road hauling vehicles.
1-3 Car Hauler
One open transport carrier that is seldom used is the 1-3 car hauler or as it is also known, a “hot shot”. It resembles a flatbed tow truck and normally used for short distance routes.
3-4 Car Hauler
An open carrier that uses heavy duty trucks like an F-350 to haul autos is a 3-4 car hauler. It can get into smaller streets and transit times are faster BUT due to the small number of available trucks they’re uncommonly used.
Low Boy/Step Deck
Low boys or step decks are utilized to transport large oversized vehicles. These carriers are capable of transporting vehicles with excess weight such as service trucks, buses, and RV’s.
How Our Open Car Transport Works
Shipping your vehicle with our open car transport service is a straightforward and user-friendly process. We’ve designed it with your convenience in mind, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
1. Get a quote
2. Vehicle pickup
3. Vehicle delivery
Need a quote for open car transport?
Speak to a friendly transport specialist (800) 311-8305 for an instant quote
Why Choose Our Open Car Transport Services
Full Insurance Coverage
Your vehicle is fully covered during transit, offering you added security.
Personalized Approach
Tailor the transport experience to your preferences, with options to suit your specific needs.
Nationwide Door-to-Door Service
No city or town is out of reach.
Help & Support 24/7
24/7 Customer Support: Our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock to address any questions or concerns you may have.
When to Consider Open Car Transport
Choosing the right car transport method is crucial to ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience. Open car transport is an excellent option for many situations. Here, we’ll outline scenarios when you should consider open car transport for your vehicle shipping needs:
Transporting a Standard Vehicle
If you own a standard passenger vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV, or pickup truck, open car transport is an ideal choice. It offers a cost-effective way to move your vehicle safely and securely.
Purchasing a Vehicle Out of State
When you’re buying a vehicle from a seller in another state or region, open car transport simplifies the process. It’s a convenient and reliable way to have your new purchase delivered to your doorstep.
Shipping a Non-Expensive Vehicle
For vehicles that are not considered high-value or exotic, open car transport provides a budget-friendly option without compromising on safety.
When Time Is of the Essence
If you need your vehicle transported quickly, open car transport is often the fastest option. It ensures your vehicle arrives at its destination promptly.
Safeguard Vehicle During Open Transport
While it may seem logical that cars transported through open car shipping are more likely to be damaged, the primary reason for vehicle damage during transport is often negligence. Many damages occur due to inexperienced carriers failing to implement proper safety measures when handling vehicles. Fortunately, our carriers boast over 15 years of experience in vehicle transportation, backed by impeccable safety records. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle:
Wash Your Vehicle
Before shipping your car, we recommend giving it a thorough wash. This not only ensures a cleaner vehicle upon arrival but also allows for a better visual inspection of pre-existing scratches, dings, or dents.
Record Pre-existing Damage
Make detailed notes of any pre-existing damages to your vehicle. These notes can be invaluable when comparing them with the driver’s inspection report.
Take Photographs
In addition to written notes, we strongly advise taking photographs. Capture images of your entire car from various angles, ensuring they are dated. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in case of any disputes.
Confirm with the Driver
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle in the presence of the driver. Ensure that the driver acknowledges any pre-existing damage before releasing the vehicle for transport. Also, have them acknowledge any new damage before accepting the vehicle upon delivery.
By following these steps, you can proactively safeguard your vehicle during transportation and have peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken every precaution possible.
Need a quote for open car transport?
Speak to a friendly transport specialist (800) 311-8305 for an instant quote