The Most Popular and Affordable Way to Ship Your Car
Open auto transport is the industry standard for vehicle shipping. It's the method used by roughly 90% of all car shipments in the United States — and for good reason. It's affordable, widely available, and perfectly safe for the vast majority of vehicles on the road.
When you choose open transport, your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air car carrier — the same type of multi-level trailer you see on highways carrying new cars from the factory to dealerships. These carriers typically hold 7 to 10 vehicles and are operated by experienced, vetted drivers who specialize in vehicle logistics.
Open transport is the go-to choice for daily drivers, family cars, trucks, SUVs, and any vehicle that doesn't require premium enclosed protection. If you drive it in the rain and park it outside, open transport is more than adequate for shipping it across the country.
The process is straightforward and designed to be as hands-off as possible for you:
The entire process typically takes 3–5 days for regional moves and 7–10 days for coast-to-coast shipments. Shorter routes may be completed in as little as 1–3 days.
Let's be real about those "cons": your car sits outside every day exposed to the same weather and road conditions. The risk of any meaningful damage during open transport is extremely low. It's why every major automaker ships new vehicles this way.
Open transport is the right choice for most people. It's ideal for:
The only time we'd steer you toward enclosed transport is if you have a vehicle worth over $50,000, a classic or vintage car, an exotic or luxury vehicle, or something with significant sentimental value that you'd want extra protection for.
Every carrier in our network carries mandatory cargo insurance. For open transport, coverage minimums are $50,000 per vehicle. This covers any damage that might occur during loading, transit, or unloading.
Before pickup, you and the driver will complete a detailed vehicle inspection together. This documented condition report protects both you and the carrier, ensuring any pre-existing scratches, dents, or wear are noted before transport begins.
If your vehicle is valued above $50,000, we recommend considering enclosed auto transport, which provides coverage up to $150,000.
Vehicle transport rates are dynamic. Market fluctuations occur based on seasonal demand, current fuel prices, and the volume of vehicles moving along specific routes.
Larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks take up more space and affect fuel consumption.
Non-running vehicles require specialized winching equipment to load safely.
Total mileage and the accessibility of your locations determine the base rate.
Choose standard open-air transport or premium enclosed protection for luxury cars.
"Best experience shipping my Tesla. Lepke was transparent and fast."
"Saved $400 compared to Montway. The driver was professional."
"First time shipping a car. They made the process so easy."
Damage during open transport is extremely rare. Remember, this is how every major automaker ships brand-new cars from the factory. Our carriers are experienced professionals, and every vehicle is insured up to $50k during transit. Minor dust or road film is possible but easily washed off.
Pricing depends on distance, vehicle size, route popularity, and time of year. As a ballpark: short routes (under 500 miles) typically run $400–$700, mid-range routes $600–$1,000, and coast-to-coast $900–$1,500. Get an exact quote by filling out our form — it takes 60 seconds.
Regional moves (under 1,000 miles) typically take 3–5 days. Cross-country shipments take 7–10 days. Shorter routes can sometimes be completed in 1–3 days depending on carrier availability.
For most vehicles, open transport is the smart choice. It's safe, affordable, and widely available. Choose enclosed if you have a classic car, luxury/exotic vehicle, or anything valued over $50,000 where you want maximum protection.