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Open Auto Transport

Open Auto Transport for Everyday Vehicles

Ship your car, truck, or SUV on an open carrier – the most affordable and widely available way to move a vehicle across the country. Open auto transport is how most vehicles ship in the U.S., and AutoHaul Direct keeps the process clear from quote to delivery.

Most common way to ship a car
Lower cost than enclosed transport
Available on nearly every route
Door-to-door pickup and delivery

Free, no obligation — takes about 20 seconds.

Get Your Shipping Quote

Get Quote

Customer Reviews Drivers Trust Autohaul Direct With Their Vehicles

Google
4.9 (1,212 reviews)
Trustpilot
4.8 (642 reviews)
TransportReviews
4.9 (330 reviews)
Miami → NY · Open
★★★★★

“Quoted price never moved, and they picked up two days early. I had one person’s direct number the whole time.”

Daniel R. · Google
Verified review
CA → TX · Enclosed
★★★★★

“First time shipping a car and nervous about scams. They walked me through the MC number and it checked out on SAFER.”

Priya S. · Trustpilot
Verified review
Phoenix → Seattle · Open
★★★★★

“No deposit until they found my driver. Answered every call. The price was the price.”

Marcus T. · BBB
Verified review
Chicago → Tampa · Open
★★★★★

“The driver called before pickup and again before delivery. Everything was clear, simple, and exactly what they promised.”

Alyssa M. · Google
Verified review
Dallas → Denver · Enclosed
★★★★★

“They treated my classic car like it mattered. Photos at pickup, photos at drop-off, and no surprise charges.”

Robert K. · Trustpilot
Verified review
Atlanta → LA · Open
★★★★★

“I expected the usual runaround, but they kept it straight. Pickup window, driver info, and delivery timing were all handled.”

Nina P. · Google
Verified review
open auto transport autohaul

Service Overview What Is Open Auto Transport?

Open auto transport is the standard method of shipping a vehicle in the United States. Your car is loaded onto a multi-car open trailer, the same kind of car hauler you’ve likely seen on the highway carrying vehicles between dealerships and secured for transport alongside several other vehicles.

Because open carriers can move more vehicles per trip and run on nearly every major route in the country, open auto transport is typically 20-40% cheaper than enclosed transport and has shorter wait times for pickup. It’s the go-to option for daily drivers, dealer transfers, online vehicle purchases, and long-distance moves.

Your vehicle is inspected and documented at pickup, secured to the trailer for the drive, and inspected again at delivery so you have a clear record of its condition at both ends of the trip.

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Open auto transport

Ships vehicles on an uncovered, multi-car trailer. It’s the most common, most affordable, and most widely available way to ship a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle in the U.S.

Best For A Practical Option for Standard Vehicle Shipping

Sedans, hatchbacks, and everyday vehicles ship well on open carriers with no extra protection needed for the trip.

Daily Drivers

Sedans, hatchbacks, and everyday vehicles ship well on open carriers with no extra protection needed for the trip.
Open transport works for most standard makes and models, from compact cars to full-size SUVs and family vehicles.

Sedans and SUVs

Open transport works for most standard makes and models, from compact cars to full-size SUVs and family vehicles.
A practical option for standard and mid-size pickups, with sizing and rate depending on route and carrier availability.

Pickup Trucks

A practical option for standard and mid-size pickups, with sizing and rate depending on route and carrier availability.

Online Vehicle Purchases

Bought a car from a dealer, private seller, or auction in another state? Open transport is the most common way to get it to your driveway.

College and Relocation Moves

A cost-effective way for students and movers to ship a vehicle to a new city or state without driving it themselves.

How It Works Vehicle Shipping in Three Simple Steps

Step 1
Request Your Quote

Enter your pickup location, delivery location, vehicle details, and preferred shipping date to get an open transport quote.

Step 2
Confirm the Best Option

We match your shipment with a licensed, insured carrier based on your route, timing, and vehicle type.

Step 3
Complete Pickup and Delivery

Your carrier picks up the vehicle, transports it on an open trailer, and delivers it to your destination with a condition report at both ends.

open auto transport

Why Choose Open Transport Why Open Transport Is the Industry Standard

Roughly 90% of vehicles shipped in the U.S. move on open carriers. It’s not the exception, it’s the default, for good reason:

More affordable than enclosed transport: lower cost per mile since carriers move more vehicles per trip
Available on nearly every route: open carriers run daily on most major U.S. laness
Faster to schedule: more trucks on the road means shorter pickup windows in most areas
Works for most vehicle types: sedans, SUVs, pickups, and motorcycles all ship safely on open carriers
Backed by carrier insurance: every carrier in our network carries cargo insurance for the trip

WHY TRUST AUTOHAUL DIRECT Open Transport Support From Quote to Delivery

Open auto transport is common, but the experience still depends on clear communication, proper coordination, and the right carrier fit for your route. Autohaul Direct helps keep the process organized by reviewing your shipment details, explaining your options, and supporting the move from pickup to delivery.

  • We answer questions about your quote, pickup timing, delivery expectations, and transport options before your vehicle moves so nothing is a surprise on shipping day.

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Shipping Cost What Affects Open Auto Transport Pricing?

Open auto transport pricing depends on a handful of factors, here’s what typically moves the number:

Longer routes generally cost more overall, but busier lanes (like LA - Phoenix or NY–Florida) often have better carrier availability and more competitive pricing.

Distance and Route

Longer routes generally cost more overall, but busier lanes (like LA – Phoenix or NY–Florida) often have better carrier availability and more competitive pricing.
Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, which can affect the rate. Sedans and compact cars typically cost less to ship than trucks or SUVs.

Vehicle Type and Size

Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, which can affect the rate. Sedans and compact cars typically cost less to ship than trucks or SUVs.
Flexible pickup dates give carriers more scheduling options and can help lower your rate. Rush or fixed-date pickups may cost more.

Pickup window

Flexible pickup dates give carriers more scheduling options and can help lower your rate. Rush or fixed-date pickups may cost more.
Rates shift based on how many carriers are running your specific route at the time you book, this is why prices can vary week to week.

Carrier availability

Rates shift based on how many carriers are running your specific route at the time you book, this is why prices can vary week to week.
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BEFORE PICKUP How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Open Transport

A few simple steps make pickup and delivery faster for everyone:

Remove personal items from the vehicle before pickup
Keep the fuel level low, usually around a quarter tank
Check for leaks or mechanical issues before transport
Make sure the vehicle can be accessed safely by the carrier
Take photos of the vehicle before pickup
Have keys available for the carrier or approved pickup contact
Confirm the pickup and delivery contact information

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Vehicle Shipping?

Contact Autohaul Direct and our team will help you understand your transport options, pickup details, delivery needs, and next steps.