01
Cost Effective
Because several vehicles can travel on one carrier, open shipping is often more economical than enclosed service.
Nationwide Vehicle Shipping
Open Auto Transport & Car Shipping.
Open auto transport makes it possible to move cars, pickup trucks and SUVs across the United States on open-air vehicle carriers. American Auto Express coordinates nationwide shipping for customers who want a practical balance of availability, convenience and value.
Nationwide Transport
Door-To-Door Coordination
Cars, Trucks & SUVs
Most Common Transport Method
Professional Open Carrier Vehicle Shipping
01
Cost-Conscious Vehicle Shipping
02
Broad Carrier Availability
03
Nationwide Route Coverage
04
Door-To-Door Coordination
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport uses an open-air carrier to move vehicles from one location to another. These are the large multi-level carriers commonly seen on highways and at dealerships.
How Does Open Carrier Shipping Work?
First, vehicles are loaded onto the carrier. Next, each automobile is secured for transportation. The carrier then travels toward the delivery destination.
Finally, the vehicle is unloaded near the requested delivery location. Access depends on local roads, clearance and safety conditions.
Who Should Consider Open Car Shipping?
Open carriers work well for passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers and many electric vehicles. Therefore, this method is commonly selected for everyday automobiles.
However, owners of rare, classic, exotic or very high-value vehicles may prefer an enclosed trailer. That option provides additional protection from normal weather and roadway exposure.
Federal Auto Transport Guidance
Consumers can also review information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before selecting an interstate transporter or broker.
Read The FMCSA Automobile Transporter Advisory →Benefits Of Open Auto Transport.
Open carriers combine broad route availability, efficient multi-vehicle transportation and competitive pricing. Therefore, they remain a popular option for vehicle shipping throughout the United States.
02
Widely Available
In addition, open carriers operate throughout many major highways, cities and popular transportation corridors.
03
Flexible Vehicle Types
For example, many standard cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles can use open carrier service.
04
Nationwide Shipping
Finally, customers can coordinate both regional and long-distance shipments throughout the United States.
Open Carrier Transportation
Built For Everyday Vehicle Shipping.
Open carriers travel established routes across the country. Because several vehicles can travel together, customers often have access to practical transportation options for standard automobiles.
How Open Auto Transport Works.
The shipping process does not need to be complicated. Instead, most shipments move through four straightforward stages from quote request through delivery.
01
Start Here
Request Your Quote
First, provide the pickup location, destination, vehicle details and preferred transportation timing.
02
Coordinate
Schedule Transport
Next, shipment details are reviewed and transportation is coordinated around the requested route.
03
Pickup
Inspect & Load
At pickup, vehicle condition is reviewed. Afterward, the automobile is loaded and secured.
04
Destination
Vehicle Delivery
Finally, the carrier reaches the destination. The vehicle is unloaded and its condition is reviewed.
Open Transport Pricing
What Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
There is no single price for every shipment. Instead, the cost depends on several transportation factors.
For example, distance, vehicle size, location and seasonal demand can affect pricing. Carrier availability can also influence the final quote.
Therefore, the best estimate uses your actual pickup location, delivery location and vehicle information.
Explore Vehicle Shipping Costs →
Pricing Factor
Distance & Route
Longer routes generally require additional transport time and fuel.
Pricing Factor
Vehicle Size
Likewise, larger vehicles require additional trailer capacity.
Pricing Factor
Vehicle Condition
Meanwhile, a non-running vehicle may require additional loading equipment.
Pricing Factor
Pickup Location
Carrier availability can vary between major cities and more remote locations.
Pricing Factor
Time Of Year
In addition, seasonal demand can affect available transportation capacity.
Pricing Factor
Scheduling Needs
Finally, flexible dates may differ from shipments that require faster coordination.
Open Or Enclosed? Compare Your Options.
Both methods can move vehicles nationwide. However, the right choice depends on your vehicle, budget and desired level of exterior protection.
Most Common Choice
Open Carrier Service
Open shipping offers a practical combination of availability and value. Therefore, it works well for many everyday automobiles.
Cars, pickup trucks and SUVs
Broad carrier availability
Competitive transportation pricing
Suitable for many daily drivers
Added Exterior Protection
Enclosed Carrier Service
By comparison, an enclosed trailer surrounds the vehicle during transportation. As a result, it reduces normal weather and roadway exposure.
Covered trailer environment
Reduced outside exposure
Popular for specialty automobiles
Premium transportation option
Compare Enclosed Vehicle Shipping →
All Makes & Models
Vehicle Shipping For Virtually Any Make.
American Auto Express coordinates transportation for many domestic, imported, electric and luxury vehicle brands. In addition, we can coordinate shipping for many specialty automobiles. Select a brand below to explore make-specific vehicle information.
Don't see your vehicle listed? American Auto Express can coordinate shipping for many additional makes, models and specialty automobiles. Therefore, include your exact vehicle details when requesting a quote.
Before Pickup
How To Prepare Your Vehicle.
Preparing your vehicle in advance can make pickup easier. In addition, it can help make the inspection and delivery process smoother.
01
Remove Personal Items
First, remove unnecessary belongings and valuables before the carrier arrives.
02
Check Vehicle Condition
Next, review the exterior condition. Also consider taking clear photographs before pickup.
03
Keep Fuel Limited
Generally, only a small amount of fuel is needed for loading, unloading and necessary vehicle movement.
04
Provide Working Keys
In addition, have a working set of keys available when the vehicle is picked up.
05
Share Vehicle Modifications
Finally, tell us about lift kits, lowered suspension, oversized tires or other changes that could affect loading.
Open Car Shipping Questions
Open Auto Transport FAQ.
Open auto transport moves vehicles on an open-air
carrier instead of inside a fully covered trailer.
Therefore, it is commonly used for everyday cars,
pickup trucks and SUVs.
Generally, open shipping is the more cost-conscious
option because one carrier can move several vehicles.
However, pricing still depends on distance, vehicle
size, timing and carrier availability.
For example, many sedans, SUVs, crossovers, pickup
trucks and electric vehicles can use open carriers.
Modified or oversized vehicles may require additional
planning.
Yes. Because the trailer is open, vehicles experience
normal outdoor and roadway conditions. Therefore,
customers seeking additional exterior protection may
prefer enclosed transportation.
In many cases, pickup can be coordinated near the
requested address. However, large carriers may require
a nearby meeting location if local roads are not safely
accessible.
First, provide the pickup and delivery locations.
Next, provide the vehicle year, make, model and
condition. Finally, include your preferred shipping
dates.
Nationwide Vehicle Shipping
Ready To Ship Your Vehicle?
Tell us what you're shipping and where it needs to go. Then, provide your preferred transportation dates. American Auto Express can help coordinate the next step.