Open Auto Transport: How Open Car Shipping Works

With open car transport, your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-level carrier trailer without walls or a roof. Vehicles are secured with straps or wheel nets and exposed to rain, sun and road dust — the same conditions as normal driving. Because a carrier can move several vehicles per trip, open trailers are the most widely available option on most routes.

1. Request an estimate with your ZIP codes, vehicle, transport type, condition and pickup date.
2. Our team reviews your shipment and arranges a carrier for your route and dates.
3. At pickup, the driver inspects the vehicle and records its condition before loading.
4. The vehicle is secured on the trailer and transported to the delivery location.
5. At delivery, the vehicle is inspected again and the condition report is signed.

For the full process, see how shipping with Ship My Ride works.

• Daily-driver sedans, hatchbacks and coupes
• SUVs, crossovers and minivans
• Pickup trucks within standard trailer dimensions
• New or used vehicles bought out of state
• Vehicles being relocated for a move, job or school

If you would be comfortable driving the vehicle the same distance on the highway, open transport is usually a sensible choice.

Open trailers carry more vehicles and are easier to schedule, which generally makes them the lower-cost option. Enclosed trailers fully cover the vehicle, protecting it from weather and road debris, and often use specialized loading equipment. Learn more in our enclosed car transport guide.

Choosing open transport is one input. Your estimate also depends on pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size, condition, pickup timing and current demand. For a detailed breakdown of each factor, read what affects car shipping cost or our guide to how much it costs to ship a car.

Open carriers are large trucks, so pickup and delivery happen as close to your address as the truck can legally and safely reach. Narrow streets, low trees or HOA restrictions may mean meeting the driver at a nearby open lot. Have someone available at both ends to complete the inspection, and remove personal belongings before pickup.

A running vehicle can be driven on and off the trailer. A vehicle that does not run can still ship on an open carrier if the carrier has a winch or other suitable equipment. It should still roll, steer and brake where possible. Select the correct condition in the estimate form so the right equipment is planned.

Distance matters, but routes between major cities and along common highways are often easier to fill than remote pickups. A flexible pickup window gives more scheduling options than an urgent date, and seasonal demand can change how much trailer space is available on a route. See auto transport cost by distance for how mileage fits into the picture.

Consider enclosed transport for classic, exotic or high-value vehicles, freshly restored or show cars, and lowered vehicles that may not clear a standard ramp — or whenever exposure to weather and road grit is unacceptable to you.

Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle details, choose open transport, then select the condition and preferred pickup date. You will see an estimated price and a Quote ID right away. Read about how our car shipping estimate works.