Open Trailer Car Shipping
Affordable & Reliable Open Auto Transport
Shipping a vehicle with an open trailer is the most common and affordable way to transport a car in the United States. Open auto transport carriers are the same trucks you see on highways carrying 6–10 vehicles at a time across the country.
Because of their availability and efficiency, open car shipping is fast, safe, and budget-friendly. It’s the top choice for standard vehicles, sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and daily drivers.
🚚 How Open Trailer Car Shipping Works
1️⃣ Get an Open Car Shipping Quote
To calculate your open auto transport cost, carriers use:
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
- Vehicle make and model
- Whether the vehicle runs
- Preferred pickup date
Providing accurate details helps ensure the car shipping quote is realistic and final.
2️⃣ Book Your Open Auto Transport
Once you approve the price, the shipment is booked.
Open trailer car shipping usually offers a 1–3 day pickup window, depending on route demand and carrier availability.
3️⃣ Prepare Your Vehicle for Open Transport
Before pickup:
- Remove all personal items
- Leave about ¼ tank of fuel
- Take photos for condition records
- Fold mirrors and remove loose aftermarket parts
This helps ensure a smooth vehicle pickup and faster loading.
4️⃣ Vehicle Pickup
The carrier meets you at a nearby accessible pickup location, such as:
- A wide residential street
- Parking lot
- Open commercial area
- You and the driver will:
- Inspect the vehicle together
- Record condition on the Bill of Lading
- Sign the pickup report
The vehicle is then loaded onto the open car carrier using ramps.
5️⃣ Transport on an Open Auto Carrier
Your car travels on a multi-car open hauler, alongside other vehicles.
Because open transport routes are the most common nationwide, transit times are usually faster and more efficient.
6️⃣ Vehicle Delivery
At delivery:
- Inspect the vehicle
- Compare condition with the pickup report
- Sign the delivery section of the Bill of Lading
Most open car shipping services accept payment at delivery unless prepaid.
⭐ Benefits of Open Trailer Car Shipping
- Lowest car shipping cost option
- Faster pickup times than enclosed transport
- Nationwide availability
- Suitable for most vehicle types
- Trusted by dealerships and individuals
✅ When Open Auto Transport Is the Best Choice
Open trailer shipping is ideal for:
- Sedans, SUVs, and trucks
- Daily-driver vehicles
- Cross-country car shipping
- Interstate auto transport
- Cars that don’t require special protection
If your vehicle is luxury, exotic, classic, or low-clearance, enclosed auto transport may be a better option. Otherwise, open car shipping offers the best value for most customers.
📞 Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote
For an exact price on your route, use UWON Carriers’ quote form, call us at +1 (216) 412-4411, or email quote@uwoncarriers.com
