Open Car Shipping

For over ten years, Number 1 Auto Transport has been the leader in providing the BEST nationwide open car shipping services for customers seeking affordable, secure, and reliable transport of their vehicles.

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Effortless Retrieval

Effortlessly Arrange Car Pickup

Swift Delivery

Safe and Timely Car Drop-off

Reliable Transport

Protected with Insurance

We offer premium open auto transport services with a focus on excellence

"I have now used Number 1 Auto Transport a few times. Most recent was from Long Island to California. I worked with James and he was able to set up everything very quickly and efficiently. "

Amy Brown

"I moved from NY to Florida and the only smooth part was my auto transport with Rob. He gives such fair prices and got the car to me two days early. They picked up when they said and had zero issues with the car upon return."

Nic Gee

"Excellent service. Treated my wife's car with respect and like it was a million dollar car. Would recommend without hesitation or reservations and will use them again if I am ever in the need for a trnsporter."

Marc P

Understanding Open Car Transport

Open car shipment, also known as open transport, is a widely-used method of transporting vehicles on an open carrier. Unlike enclosed transport, where vehicles are enclosed within a protective container, open carriers are designed as multi-level trailers that can carry multiple vehicles at once.

Suitable for Shipping Everyday Vehicles and Short Distances

Open car shipment is an excellent choice for everyday vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. If your vehicle doesn’t have any specific requirements for extra protection, such as luxury or classic cars, open transport is a practical and budget-friendly option.

Why Trust Us

Proven Reliability

Number 1 Auto has a consistent track record of successfully transporting vehicles, earning a reputation for reliability and dependability in the industry.

Customer Satisfaction

Our customer-centric approach ensures your satisfaction with transparent communication, dedicated support, and regular updates throughout the shipping process.

Diverse Service Options

Choose from a wide range of services, including open and enclosed carriers, expedited shipping, and custom solutions tailored to your specific needs.

The Cheapest Way To Ship Your Car: Open Auto Transport Carriers

The cheapest vehicle transport is within an open auto transport carrier. Car dealers use open carriers because they can hold up to ten vehicles simultaneously, reducing the per-vehicle expense. Another important reason to use open auto transport carriers is for cars driven daily. Granted, your goal is not to drive the car across the country. The vehicle is driven daily; it can withstand the elements and not depreciate how a collectible or exotic vehicle would fall under the same conditions. Since people like yourself are looking to ship their “daily drivers,” this keeps expenses down.

Safely Use Open Auto Transport Carriers to Ship Your Vehicle

There are regulations for open auto transport carriers to ensure cars are expertly secured to prevent shifting and calamity if there’s a sharp turn or sudden stop. Your car’s safety is ensured because it needs to be driven onto the open car transport trailer to be secured. The back of the transport is a drawbridge-style tailgate that locks the cars in place for a safe and secure ride.

How Long Does It Take To Transport a Car on a Open Carrier?

Depending on the car’s location, most pickup windows are 24-72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. This window could take up to 5 days in remote areas.

  • Open Car Transport turnaround time for a destination under 1,000 miles in 2-3 days.
  • From 1,000-1750, the transit time is estimated to be 4-6 days.
  • From 1,750-2,500, the transit time is estimated at 7-10 days.

What are the Pros and Cons of Open Car Transport?

Pros of Open Car Shipping:

Open transport is faster and cheaper than enclosed transportation. Because more open-air carriers are in service, this shipping method offers more accessible and convenient shipping and arrival times. The fact that so many open-air carriers are on the road, plus the lesser fuel costs due to the lighter trailer, makes it the more affordable option.

Cons of Open Car Transport:

However, open-air transportation has its drawbacks. Because there is no covering during transport, cars are not protected from road debris and weather hazards. This is something to consider, mainly when vehicles are transported through harsh climates. Although the final destination may have mild weather, sometimes trucks travel through sleet, ice, hail, and snow.

Open Car Shipping FAQ's

Yes, open car shipping is considered safe for everyday vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. Reputable open car shipping companies use industry-standard strapping and securing methods to ensure the vehicles are stable during transit and minimize the risk of damage.

Open car shipping is generally more affordable than enclosed transport. The cost difference is primarily due to the added protection and specialized handling provided by enclosed carriers. If your vehicle doesn’t require extra protection, open car shipping offers a budget-friendly option.

Vehicle transportation services, whether open or enclosed, are accomplished via truck. Attached to this truck is either an open-aired trailer with multiple vehicles or an enclosed trailer carrying one or multiple vehicles to their destination. Open-air trailers offer no protection from the elements but are suitable for the standard sedan, pickup truck, or SUV. Enclosed vehicle transportation involves shipping the vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer. This offers a higher level of protection and security for the car. Also, it provides more peace of mind for owners of new, high-value, rare, and antique vehicles.

Open car shipping is suitable for everyday vehicles, such as standard sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. If your vehicle doesn’t have specific requirements for extra protection, open transport is a practical option.