Home
Blog
What is Open Auto Transport: A Straightforward Guide to Shipping Your Car Across the U.S.
May 11, 2024

What is Open Auto Transport: A Straightforward Guide to Shipping Your Car Across the U.S.

Have you ever dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in your convertible but live on the East Coast? Or are you relocating for a new job and don’t fancy putting thousands of miles on your car? If you need to transport your vehicle across the vast expanse of the United States, open auto transport is likely the answer you’ve been searching for.

Open transport car shipping, also known as open car transport or open carrier transport, is a cost-effective and widely used method for shipping vehicles over long distances. Here at Route One Carhauling, we specialize in open transport services as a reliable auto transport company, ensuring your car gets delivered safely and efficiently to its new destination anywhere within the U.S.

But before we delve deeper, let’s break down the basics:

  • Open Transport Trailers: Unlike an enclosed trailer, open transport vehicles are multi-level trailers that carry several cars simultaneously. These trailers lack walls and a roof, exposing your vehicle to the elements during transport.

  • The Allure of Affordability: Open transport is the most budget-friendly option for auto shipping. Since multiple vehicles can be loaded on a single trailer, the cost is spread out, making it significantly cheaper than enclosed transport.

  • Speed and Efficiency: Open transport services are generally faster and easier to arrange than enclosed options. The high availability of open trailers translates to quicker pick-up times and potentially shorter overall transport durations.

However, it’s essential to understand that open transport comes with its own set of considerations:

  • Exposure to the Elements: As mentioned earlier, your car will be exposed to rain, sun, dust, and other weather conditions during transport. While open trailers are secure, a pristine car might pick up some minor road grime or dust.

  • Limited Protection: Open trailers offer less protection against road hazards like flying road debris or vandalism. Route One Carhauling prioritizes safe and secure transport, but some customers might prefer the added peace of mind offered by enclosed trailers.

How to Ship a Car on an Open Trailer with Route One Carhauling

Shipping your car across the country can be a smooth experience. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how to ship a car on an open trailer with Route One Carhauling:

  1. Get a Free Quote: Our user-friendly online quote system lets you get a transparent and instant estimate for your open car shipping needs. Simply enter your pick-up and delivery locations, car details, and desired transport dates.

  2. Book Your Shipment: Once you’re happy with the quote, booking your auto transport service shipment is a breeze. Our customer service team will happily answer any questions and guide you through the process.

  3. Vehicle Preparation: We’ll provide you with clear instructions on how to prepare your car for transport. This may include disabling alarms, removing loose items from the interior, and ensuring proper tire pressure.

  4. Pick-up and Delivery: Our experienced drivers will carefully load your car onto the open transport trailer and secure it with tie-downs. We’ll update you on the progress of the transport and deliver your vehicle to the designated location within the agreed timeframe.

Open Car Shipping Cost: Understanding the Factors

The open car shipping cost can vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Distance: The distance between your pick-up and delivery locations significantly determines the overall cost. Longer distances naturally translate to higher transport fees.

  • Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles typically cost more to ship due to the additional space on the trailer.

  • Fuel Prices: Like any transportation service, fluctuating fuel prices can impact the shipping cost.

  • Market Demand: Seasonal fluctuations in demand for auto transport services can also influence pricing.

Different car shipping companies might have varying cost structures based on these factors.

Interesting Facts and Pro Tips for Open Car Shipping

Did you know? The auto transport industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar business, moving millions of vehicles across the country every year. Open transport remains the most popular option due to its affordability and efficiency.

Here are some pro tips to keep in mind when considering open-car shipping:

  • Be Flexible with Dates: Being flexible with your pick-up and delivery dates can sometimes lead to better pricing and faster transport times.

  • Consider Non-Peak Seasons: Shipping your car during non-peak seasons like fall or winter can result in lower costs than peak summer months.

  • Inspect Your Car: Before handing over your car, do a quick walkaround inspection and document any existing dents or scratches. This will protect both you and the carrier in case of damage during transport.

Route One Carhauling: Your Trusted Partner for Open Car Shipping

At Route One Carhauling, we understand that shipping your car can be daunting. There’s a lot to consider, from finding a reputable transporter to ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. That’s where Route One Carhauling comes in. We’re committed to providing a transparent, reliable, cost-effective, open-car shipping experience. Our team of experienced professionals will ensure your car gets delivered safely and securely to its new destination, anywhere within the continental United States.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Route One Carhauling as your open car shipping company for your needs:

  • Competitive Rates and Free Quotes: We offer competitive pricing for open car transport and upfront quotes with no hidden fees. One of the reasons for the affordability of open car carriers is their ability to transport multiple vehicles at once, which reduces the individual cost per vehicle owner. Get a free quote today and see how affordable it can be to ship your car!

  • Nationwide Coverage: We provide open car shipping services to all 48 contiguous states. No matter where you’re shipping your car from or to, Route One Carhauling can handle it.

  • Licensed and Insured Carriers: We work only with licensed and insured enclosed car carriers who prioritize the safety and security of your vehicle during transport.

  • Transparent Communication: We understand the importance of keeping you informed throughout shipping. You’ll receive regular updates on the status of your car shipment.

  • Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: We’re committed to your satisfaction. Our customer service team can always answer your questions and address any concerns.

So, whether you’re a college student heading off to a new school across the country, a military service member relocating for duty, or someone looking for a convenient way to transport your car, open car shipping with Route One Carhauling is the perfect solution.

Ready to get started? Visit our website today for a free quote and experience the ease and convenience of open car shipping with Route One Carhauling!

P.S. Wondering why open auto transport is a popular choice? It offers quick and inexpensive shipping, making it the best option for many. Looking for additional peace of mind? We also offer enclosed auto transport services for those who desire maximum protection for their vehicle during transport. Contact us for more information on enclosed car shipping options.