Service Updated
Nationwide open carrier vehicle shipping
Open Auto Transport
Open Auto Transport moves everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs on a multi-vehicle open carrier while providing door-to-door coordination and clear updates from pickup through delivery.
- Broad carrier availability
- Pickup and delivery inspections
- Clear terms before carrier assignment
The practical standard
What is open auto transport?
Open auto transport moves vehicles on the open, multi-level carriers commonly seen on highways. First, cars are inspected and secured with professional tie-downs. Then, they travel alongside other vehicles moving on a similar route.
Because more carriers operate this equipment, open transport generally offers broader scheduling availability and a lower cost than enclosed shipping. Vehicles remain exposed to normal road and weather conditions, so owners who want a fully covered trailer should compare enclosed auto transport.
Why drivers choose it
A balanced way to ship most vehicles
Open Auto Transport combines carrier availability, practical pricing, and documented handling for common passenger vehicles.
Practical value
Sharing a multi-vehicle trailer makes standard vehicle shipping more economical than enclosed transport on most lanes.
Broad availability
A larger pool of open carriers supports more routes and gives dispatchers more options when coordinating timing.
Door-to-door coordination
Whenever possible, pickup and delivery are arranged as close to each address as the truck can safely and legally access.
Documented handoff
The driver records vehicle condition at pickup, and you review the vehicle again at final delivery.
A clear four-step process
How open vehicle shipping works
SpeedyWay coordinates the route and carrier while keeping you informed at each handoff.
Request your quote
First, share the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and the dates that work for you.
Confirm the carrier
Next, review the price, pickup window, and transport terms before a carrier is assigned.
Inspect and load
Then, you and the driver document the vehicle condition before it is secured on the open trailer.
Receive and review
Finally, inspect the vehicle with the driver at delivery and sign the final condition report.
Pricing without guesswork
What affects open car shipping cost?
Open Auto Transport does not have one reliable universal rate for every move. A useful quote reflects the specific vehicle, route, access conditions, and timing rather than a generic mileage estimate.
Have your route and vehicle details ready?
Check My RouteMain pricing factors
- Distance and lane demand between the pickup and delivery areas
- Vehicle size and weight, including oversized trucks or SUVs
- Running condition and whether special loading equipment is needed
- Street access for a full-size multi-vehicle carrier
- Season and flexibility around the requested pickup window
- Short-notice scheduling or unusually tight delivery requirements
Choose the right trailer
Open vs. enclosed auto transport
Neither option is right for every vehicle. Compare the tradeoffs before booking.
Who should use Open Auto Transport?
- Daily drivers and family vehicles
- Sedans, SUVs, and pickups that fit standard carrier dimensions
- Customers prioritizing value and carrier availability
- Moves with some flexibility around the pickup window
If your vehicle is modified, inoperable, oversized, or unusually low, disclose that before booking so the right equipment can be arranged.
How to prepare your vehicle
- Wash the exterior so existing marks can be documented
- Remove personal belongings, toll tags, and loose accessories
- Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel
- Secure or remove racks, spoilers, antennas, and aftermarket parts
- Provide working keys and disclose mechanical issues or low clearance
- Review the bill of lading at pickup and delivery
Coordinated from quote to delivery
Why ship with SpeedyWay?
Vehicle shipping has many moving parts, so clear coordination matters. SpeedyWay coordinates the route, carrier assignment, pickup window, and delivery communication, giving you one clear point of contact throughout the move.
For more context on our approach, learn about SpeedyWay or review the service options in our car shipping guide.
Other ways to move a vehicle
Compare related auto transport services
Choose the service that best matches your vehicle, timing, and protection needs.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Covered vehicle transport for added protection from weather and normal road exposure.
Inoperable Vehicle Shipping
Condition-first carrier planning for vehicles that cannot drive or load normally.
Motorcycle Shipping
Bike-focused transport planning for running, custom, and non-running motorcycles.
Open transport questions
Frequently asked questions
Is open auto transport safe?
Open transport is the standard method used for most passenger vehicles. The driver inspects the vehicle and secures it to the trailer, while the carrier maintains cargo and liability coverage. Because the vehicle remains exposed to normal road and weather conditions, enclosed transport may be a better fit for rare, high-value, or highly sensitive vehicles.
How long does open car transport take?
Regional moves may take several days, while cross-country transport commonly takes about a week after pickup. Timing varies with the route, number of stops, traffic, weather, inspections, and safe truck access. Your quote and carrier assignment should provide a more useful window for your move.
What changes the price of open vehicle shipping?
Distance, lane demand, vehicle size and condition, pickup and delivery access, seasonal demand, and schedule flexibility all influence the rate. Accurate vehicle and address details help prevent changes later.
Can an open carrier transport an SUV or pickup truck?
Many SUVs and pickups travel on open carriers. Oversized dimensions, extra weight, lift kits, large tires, or low clearance must be disclosed because they can change the equipment and space required.
What should I do before pickup?
Before pickup, clean the exterior, remove personal items and toll tags, secure loose accessories, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and make sure the driver receives working keys. Take photos and review the condition report before the vehicle is loaded.
What if the truck cannot reach my street?
In some cases, large carriers cannot safely enter a residential street, gated community, or restricted area. The driver will coordinate a nearby legal meeting point, such as a wide road or parking area, for a safe pickup or delivery.
Ready for an open auto transport quote?
Share your route, vehicle, and timing to get a quote built around the actual move.