Open Carrier Transport - Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Open carrier transport is the most popular way to ship cars nationwide, offering reliable service at budget-friendly prices. We've shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2015, and our open carrier network covers every major route in America.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
How Does Open Carrier Transport Work?
Open carrier transport loads your vehicle onto a two-level trailer that carries 6-10 cars at once, with your car visible and exposed to weather during transit. The driver secures your vehicle with heavy-duty chains and straps, then follows major highways to deliver vehicles along the route.
Here's what most people don't know: those big car carriers you see on I-95 or I-10 are actually delivering to multiple customers on one trip. That's exactly why open transport costs 40-60% less than Enclosed Auto Transport - we're splitting fuel and labor costs across multiple vehicles.
The whole process is surprisingly straightforward. Your car gets picked up from your driveway, loaded onto the trailer in about 15 minutes, and delivered to your door 1-7 days later depending on distance.
Why Choose Open Carrier Transport Over Other Options?
Open carrier transport offers the best value for money when shipping standard vehicles, costing $500-$1,200 for most routes compared to $1,200-$2,500 for enclosed service. You're getting the exact same professional drivers and insurance coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Here's the real deal: 97% of new cars get delivered to dealerships via open transport. If a $65,000 BMW can handle open transport from the factory, your daily driver can too. We've shipped everything from 1998 Honda Civics to 2024 Tesla Model S vehicles with zero weather-related damage claims.
The carrier availability is also way better. Open carriers make up about 90% of the auto transport fleet, so you'll get faster pickup times and more scheduling flexibility than enclosed options.
What Does Open Carrier Transport Cost in 2024?
Open carrier transport typically costs $0.40-$1.20 per mile, with most customers paying between $600-$1,400 for cross-country shipments. Short hauls under 500 miles usually run $500-$800, while coast-to-coast routes average $1,200-$1,800 for standard sedans.
Season makes a huge difference in pricing. Summer months (June-August) cost 15-25% more due to college students and snowbirds moving vehicles. Winter routes from northeast to Florida can spike 30% higher during peak snowbird season from December to February.
Vehicle size affects your quote too. Compact cars and sedans get base pricing, while SUVs and trucks add $100-$200, and oversized vehicles like lifted trucks can add $300-$500. For reference, shipping a standard Honda Accord from auto transport in Los Angeles to Miami typically costs $1,150-$1,350.
How Long Does Open Carrier Transport Take?
Open carrier transport takes 1-7 days for delivery, with most shipments completing within 3-5 business days of pickup. Routes under 500 miles usually deliver next-day or within 48 hours, while cross-country hauls take 5-7 days on average.
The timeline depends heavily on your specific pickup and delivery locations. Major metro areas like Chicago, Phoenix, or Seattle get daily carrier service, so pickup happens within 1-3 days of booking. Rural areas might wait 3-5 days for pickup since carriers need to coordinate multiple stops to make the route profitable.
Weather can add 1-2 days to your timeline. Ice storms in the Midwest or heavy snow in mountain passes will delay carriers for safety reasons. We always keep you updated with real-time tracking and driver contact information once your vehicle is loaded.
Who Should Choose Open Carrier Transport?
Open carrier transport works best for daily drivers, commuter cars, and standard vehicles under $40,000 in value that don't require special protection from elements. If you're moving for work, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to college, open transport offers excellent value without unnecessary premium costs.
We recommend open transport for customers shipping sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and crossovers that regularly drive in rain, snow, and sun anyway. These vehicles are built to handle weather exposure, and the minimal transit time (usually 3-5 days) poses virtually no risk to paint or mechanical components.
Avoid open transport if you're shipping a classic car worth over $50,000, exotic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs. For those situations, our Enclosed Auto Transport service provides the extra protection that valuable vehicles deserve.
Insurance Coverage and Safety Guarantees
Every open carrier transport includes comprehensive insurance coverage up to $250,000 per vehicle, protecting you against damage, theft, or total loss during transit. Our carriers maintain commercial auto insurance plus cargo coverage that exceeds FMCSA minimum requirements by 400%.
Here's something most brokers won't tell you: the carrier's insurance is primary, meaning their policy pays first before involving your personal auto insurance. You won't see rate increases or claims on your personal policy for transport-related incidents. We provide full insurance certificates and carrier details before pickup.
Our safety record speaks for itself. Less than 0.3% of shipments experience any damage claims, and 99.8% of those are minor issues like small scratches that get resolved quickly. We pre-inspect every vehicle with photos and documentation, plus conduct another inspection at delivery to ensure everything arrives exactly as shipped.
How It Works
Get Your Free Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or visit our website for an instant quote based on your pickup/delivery locations and vehicle details.
Book Your Shipment
Secure your spot with our dispatch team and receive carrier assignment within 24-48 hours of booking.
Vehicle Pickup
Carrier contacts you directly to schedule pickup time, inspects your vehicle, and loads it onto the transport trailer.
Safe Delivery
Track your shipment in real-time and receive your vehicle at the destination with final inspection and paperwork.
Open Carrier vs Enclosed Transport Comparison
| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $600-$1,400 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Transit Time | 1-7 days | 2-10 days |
| Weather Protection | None | Complete |
| Capacity | 6-10 vehicles | 1-6 vehicles |
| Availability | Excellent | Limited |
| Best For | Daily drivers | Luxury/Classic cars |
| Insurance | $250K coverage | $250K coverage |
Book your open carrier transport for Tuesday-Thursday pickup to save 10-15% on pricing. Carriers prefer mid-week schedules, and you'll avoid the weekend rush that drives up costs. Also, shipping during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offers the best combination of good weather and reasonable pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.