Open Vehicle Transport: The Industry Standard for Auto Shipping
Look out your window on any major interstate, and you will undoubtedly see an open car hauler carrying vehicles across the country. As the most widely used auto transport method in the United States, Open Vehicle Transport offers the perfect balance of efficiency, speed, and cost-effectiveness for your daily driver.
Quick Summary: What is Open Auto Transport?
Open vehicle transport is a car shipping method where your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-level, open-air trailer (typically holding 7 to 9 vehicles). Because the trailer has no solid walls or roof, the vehicles are exposed to the outdoors during transit. Over 90% of all vehicles in the U.S.—including brand-new cars heading to dealerships—are shipped using this highly secure and economical method.
Why 90% of Customers Choose Open Transport
There is a reason Open Transport dominates the logistics industry. Unless you are shipping a multi-million-dollar exotic supercar or a fragile antique, open transport is universally recommended by brokers and carriers alike. Here is why:
Most Cost-Effective
Because open haulers can transport up to 9 vehicles simultaneously, the operational costs (fuel, tolls, driver pay) are split among more customers, making it 40% to 60% cheaper than enclosed transport.
Faster Dispatch Times
With an overwhelming majority of the nationwide fleet consisting of open carriers, it is incredibly easy for brokers to find a truck matching your route, resulting in much faster pickup windows.
Dealership Trusted
Major automotive manufacturers rely on open transport to deliver zero-mileage vehicles to dealerships across the country, proving its high level of safety and reliability.
The Reality of Weather and Road Debris
The most common concern clients have with open transport is the exposure to the elements. Will it rain on my car? Yes. Will it get dirty? Likely.
However, the exposure your vehicle experiences on an open trailer is the exact same exposure it faces when you drive it down the highway yourself. The only difference is that your vehicle's engine and transmission are completely at rest, saving you thousands of miles of mechanical wear and tear.
While minor dust or a dead bug on the windshield is common, severe damage from road debris is incredibly rare. The metal framework of the trailer itself acts as a massive cage, deflecting the majority of rocks or debris kicked up by other vehicles on the road.
Top Load vs. Bottom Load: Which is Better?
When booking open transport, you may hear the term "Top Load Preferred." Standard open carriers have two decks: an upper level and a lower level. Here is how they compare:
The Top Deck (Premium Position)
Cars on the top deck are furthest from the road. This completely eliminates the risk of road debris bouncing up and hitting the car. Furthermore, because there is no vehicle parked above it, there is zero risk of an older car leaking motor oil or brake fluid onto your vehicle's paint. You can often request a "Top Load Guarantee" for an additional fee (usually $50 - $100).
The Bottom Deck (Standard Position)
Cars on the bottom deck are perfectly safe and secure, but they sit closer to the highway. While rare, they are slightly more exposed to road dust and potential fluid leaks from older vehicles parked on the ramp directly above them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my car insured on an open carrier?
Can I pack personal items in my car on an open carrier?
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