Open Car Transport Nationwide

Open transport is the default for a reason

An open trailer carries between seven and ten vehicles on two decks, uncovered. This is how most vehicles move in the United States, including nearly every new car delivered to a dealership. Because the trailer carries more vehicles per trip, the cost per vehicle is substantially lower than any enclosed option.

Your car is exposed to weather and road spray for the duration, in the same way it would be if you drove the route yourself. For a daily driver that is rarely a real concern. Vehicles arrive dusty and occasionally need a wash, which is worth knowing before you inspect at delivery.

Position on the trailer matters more than people expect. The top deck keeps a vehicle clear of road debris and any fluid drip from the vehicle above it. You can ask for it, though carriers assign positions by weight distribution and delivery order, so it is a request rather than a guarantee.

If you are weighing the trailer type, the guide to open vs enclosed car shipping compares cost, protection and availability.

What to check before booking

• Convertibles with soft tops that are worn or leaking, which handle weather poorly
• Fresh paint or recent bodywork, where road debris is a genuine risk
• Vehicles with very low ground clearance, which can catch on standard loading ramps

Common questions