Open car transport is the most affordable and widely used method of shipping vehicles nationwide. Cars are loaded onto an open multi-vehicle trailer and transported safely to your destination. Whether you are relocating, buying a car online, or shipping a vehicle to a new owner, open carriers provide a fast, secure, and budget-friendly option.
Quick Glance: Open Car Transport
- Most affordable option for vehicle shipping across the US.
- Ideal for: sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and daily-use vehicles.
- Cost per mile: $2–$3 (short routes), $0.7–$1.5 (medium), $0.5–$0.7 (long-distance).
- Transport type: Multi-vehicle open carriers.
- Delivery: Door-to-door with nationwide coverage.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport uses large multi-level trailers that carry several vehicles at once. This method is popular because:
- It is the most cost-efficient shipping option
- It handles nearly all car types, from sedans to SUVs
- It allows quick pickups due to high carrier availability
- It follows standard loading, securing, and delivery procedures
Around half of all vehicle shipments in the U.S. use open transport, making it the industry’s most common method.
Average Costs for Open Auto Transport
Open carrier pricing is calculated per mile, and the cost per mile typically decreases with increasing distance.
Short Routes (1–500 miles)
- $2.0 – $3.3 per mile
- Ideal for quick city-to-city or neighboring state moves
Medium Routes (501–1,500 miles)
- $0.7 – $1.5 per mile
- Common for regional or multi-state relocations
Long Routes (1,500+ miles)
- $0.5 – $0.7 per mile
- Best value for cross-country shipping
Cost by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Short Route | Medium Route | Long Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $2.1–$2.2 | $1.3–$1.5 | $0.5–$0.55 |
| SUV | $2.1–$2.3 | $1.2–$1.4 | $0.5–$0.6 |
| Minivan | $2.8–$3.0 | $0.7–$0.8 | $0.5–$0.6 |
| Pickup Truck | $3.1–$3.3 | $0.8–$0.9 | $0.6–$0.7 |
Factors that affect pricing:
- Vehicle size and weight
- Seasonal demand
- Route availability
- Pickup from rural areas
- Delivery urgency
Why Many Car Owners Choose Open Car Transport
Open car carriers ship thousands of vehicles daily and offer:
- Affordable pricing
- Fast availability
- Nationwide coverage
- Safe loading with industry-standard securement
- DOT & FMCSA-licensed carriers
- Insurance protection included
It’s the preferred choice for shipping everyday cars and family vehicles across long distances.
Why Open Car Transport Is Considered Safe
While vehicles are exposed to weather or dust, safety remains high due to:
- Professional carrier drivers
- Secure tie-downs and multi-point anchoring
- Strict FMCSA safety requirements
- Regular equipment inspections
- Insurance coverage for transit
For maximum protection, enclosed transport remains an option, but open carriers are safe for most standard vehicles.
Nationwide Coverage for All Types of Vehicles
Open car transport works for:
- Sedans
- Hatchbacks
- SUVs
- Crossovers
- Minivans
- Pickup trucks
Calculate Your Open Car Transport Cost
Because prices vary by demand and route, the most accurate way to estimate your cost is to use a quote calculator.
Most quotes are guaranteed for 30 days, allowing you to plan your move without surprise rate increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open shipping uses exposed trailers; enclosed shipping protects vehicles inside covered carriers. Open transport is cheaper and the most common.
How much does open car shipping cost?
Costs range from $2–$3 per mile for short trips and $0.5–$0.7 per mile for longer routes.
Is open transport safe?
Yes. Although cars are exposed to weather, professional carriers secure them properly, and insurance covers any potential damage.
Is open shipping cheaper than enclosed?
Yes. Open carriers are significantly more affordable because they transport multiple vehicles at once.
Key Takeaways
- Open car transport is the most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle nationwide.
- Costs decrease per mile on longer routes and vary by vehicle size and demand.
- Most standard sedans, SUVs, and minivans are shipped on open carriers.
- Transport is insured and handled by DOT-licensed, FMCSA-compliant carriers.
- Open carriers offer reliable delivery, though vehicles remain exposed to weather.
Patrick Peterson is a passion-driven automotive expert with over 8 years of hands-on experience in car care, maintenance, and detailing. He combines practical, real-world advice with a friendly, easy-to-understand style—perfect for everyday car owners. When he’s not writing how-to guides or testing products, Patrick is most likely under the hood of his vintage Mustang or exploring scenic drives.