Open Carrier Auto Transport

Open carrier transport is the most popular way to ship a vehicle in America — and for good reason. It is affordable, readily available and perfectly safe for the vast majority of cars, trucks and SUVs on the road.

What is open carrier transport?

An open carrier is the multi-car hauler you have seen countless times on the interstate, carrying anywhere from two to ten vehicles on an open-air trailer. It is the same method manufacturers use to deliver brand-new cars to dealerships across the country, which tells you everything about how routine and trusted it is.

Because open carriers move many vehicles at once, the cost per car is lower than any other transport method. That efficiency, combined with the sheer number of open carriers on the road, makes this the default choice for most of our customers.

Why open transport is the smart default

For everyday vehicles, open transport offers the best balance of price, speed and availability. There are far more open carriers operating than enclosed trailers, so your vehicle gets matched with a driver faster and your pickup window is typically shorter. You also benefit from more competitive pricing on popular lanes.

Your vehicle is exposed to the open air during transit, the same as it would be driving down the highway. For a standard car this is a non-issue. The carriers we dispatch load and secure each vehicle professionally with wheel straps and soft ties to keep it stable for the entire journey.

Is open transport safe for my car?

Yes. Open transport has an excellent safety record and is used for millions of vehicles every year, including new cars worth tens of thousands of dollars. Your vehicle is fully covered by the carrier's cargo insurance throughout the move, and we verify that coverage before loading.

The main consideration is simply exposure to the elements — road dust, rain or the occasional bit of highway debris, just as in normal driving. If your vehicle is exceptionally valuable, rare or has a show-quality finish you want to keep pristine, that is when we would suggest considering enclosed transport instead.

What open transport costs

Open transport is the most economical shipping method available. Your exact price depends on distance, the size and weight of your vehicle, your timing, and how flexible your dates are. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost a bit more than compact cars because they take up more space and weight on the trailer.

We provide a single all-inclusive quote with no hidden fees. Choosing flexible pickup dates and booking a little ahead are the two easiest ways to get the best possible rate on open transport.

Open vs enclosed at a glance

Choose open transport if you are shipping a standard car, truck or SUV and want the best value and quickest availability. Choose enclosed transport if you are shipping a luxury, exotic, classic or otherwise high-value vehicle that warrants full protection from the elements. When you are unsure, your Neptune specialist will help you weigh the options for your specific vehicle.