
Open trailer car transport is a cost-effective way to ship your vehicle to another state or across the country. This method is ideal for people who are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on safety.
The open trailer car transport method is a popular choice for car owners because it's significantly cheaper than enclosed transport. In fact, open transport can save you up to 50% compared to enclosed transport.
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What is Open Trailer Car Transport?
Open trailer car transport is the most cost-effective way to ship your car, but it leaves your vehicle vulnerable to bad weather and road debris. Over 90% of car shipping customers opt for open car shipping due to its affordability and availability.
Open car transport involves loading your car onto an open transport trailer for transit. This shipping option is convenient and widely available, but may not be the best option for all vehicles, such as classic or luxury cars.
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In open car transport, vehicles are loaded onto the trailer and securely fastened in place. Reputable open transport car shipping providers take precautions to ensure the vehicles are secured and protected as much as possible.
The shipping process typically involves door-to-door shipping, where the carrier picks your car up and drops it off as close to your home as possible. This is the most convenient option for many people, especially those moving long distances or relocating for the winter.
You'll also have the option to inspect your vehicle before and after shipping, which is a great way to ensure everything goes smoothly. The driver will help you inspect the vehicle before loading it onto the trailer, and you'll inspect it again when it reaches its destination.
Here are the different types of shipping options you may have:
- Door-to-door shipping: The carrier picks up and drops off your car as close to your home as possible.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping: You drop off your vehicle at a secure location and pick it up from a terminal close to your destination.
Benefits and Advantages
Open trailer car transport offers several benefits and advantages. It's often more affordable than enclosed transport, allowing for more vehicles to be transported simultaneously and reducing the overall cost per car.
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Open auto transport shipping is a cost-effective method, with prices starting at $0.80 per mile for distances up to 500 miles. For example, transporting a car 250 miles would cost around $200.
Open carriers can transport more vehicles on one truck, making it easier to find an available carrier to transport your vehicle. In fact, more than 90% of trucking companies use an open trailer, giving you a better chance of finding the right open car shipping service when you need one.
Here are some estimated prices for open trailer car transport:
Overall, open trailer car transport is a convenient and affordable option for many vehicle owners, with prices that can be estimated based on distance and other factors.
Benefits of Our Shipping Service
Open auto transport is a cost-effective method for shipping your car, often more affordable than enclosed transport. This is because open carriers can transport more vehicles at once, reducing the overall cost per car.
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With over 90% of trucking companies using open trailers, you have a wide range of options to choose from, increasing your chances of finding the right open car shipping service when you need it.
Open carrier auto transport is suitable for most types of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Here are some average prices for open car transport per mile, based on current market conditions as of 2025:
Open car transport is often the fastest way to ship a car, with many options available to choose from. This makes it a great option for those on a tight budget or who need to transport their vehicle quickly.
Experts
Having a team of auto transport experts on your side can make a huge difference in the car shipping process. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from initial quote to vehicle delivery.
Our experts are dedicated to providing car shipping recommendations that meet your specific auto transport needs and budget.
Types of Enclosures
When transporting a car, the type of enclosure used can greatly impact the vehicle's safety and condition during transport.
Soft-sided enclosures are often used for open trailer car transport, as they are lightweight and can be easily loaded and unloaded.
These enclosures are typically made of a durable fabric material and are designed to protect the vehicle from the elements.
Open trailer car transport often uses a type of soft-sided enclosure called a "soft tie-down" system, which uses straps to secure the vehicle in place.
This system is particularly useful for transporting vehicles with unique dimensions or shapes, as it allows for greater flexibility and customization.
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Difference in Enclosure
An open carrier can service up to ten vehicles at a time, making it a more efficient option for transporting multiple cars.
Enclosed carriers, on the other hand, offer less space and come with a higher price tag, but they do provide a shielded environment for your vehicle.
External factors can damage your car during open vehicle transport, but the risk is minimal with high-value insurance coverage for all open shipping orders.
Enclosed carriers are designed to shield your car from view, debris, and inclement weather, making them a great option for those who want to keep their vehicle protected during transport.
Enclosed vs Unenclosed
Enclosed auto transport is a safer option, especially for rare and expensive cars, as it shields them from view, debris, and inclement weather.
Open carrier car transport is the most common and cheapest way to ship a car, with lower prices due to more carriers and the ability to transport more cars on one truck.
Open car transport exposes your vehicle to the elements, just like parking it on the street, but it's still a safe option with high-value insurance coverage.
The average price per mile for open auto transport is around $0.73 for distances between 500 and 1000 miles, according to 2025 market conditions.

Open carriers can transport up to ten vehicles at a time, making it a cost-effective option for most vehicle shipments.
Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, is mainly preferred for classic, rare, luxury, or fragile cars that need extra protection.
The price difference between open and enclosed auto transport is significant, with open transport being the more affordable option.
Here's a rough estimate of the price difference:
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on several factors, including supply and demand, drive availability, route distance, time of year, and the make and model of your car.
Choosing the Right Option
Choosing the right option for open trailer car transport can be overwhelming, especially if you're shipping a car for the first time.
You can choose open auto transport if your vehicle is standard and you want to keep the cost to a minimum, which is why car dealerships often opt for this option.
Open car transport is a safe, reliable, and fast option that will accommodate the vast majority of car transports.
If you're looking for an auto transport option that fits your budget, open transport car shipping is the way to go, especially if your vehicle is a standard model.
When We Recommend

If your vehicle is a standard model, open auto transport is the best option. Open car shipping is one of the safest, most secure, and budget-friendly ways to ship a car.
If you're buying a car from another state, open transport car shipping is often the most cost-effective option. It allows you to transport your newly purchased car to your location without physically driving it across the country.
Open auto transport is typically more affordable than enclosed transport, making it a suitable option for shipping economy cars. This is why car dealerships often choose open carrier car transport for this reason.
Open transport car shipping allows for more flexibility in terms of pickup and delivery times, making it a better option if you need your vehicle quickly.
Here are some scenarios where open auto transport is ideal:
- Standard vehicles such as sedans, trucks, and SUVs that are not sensitive to environmental factors.
- Buying a car from another state and need it transported to your location.
- Shipping economy cars, as it's typically more affordable than enclosed transport.
- When you need your vehicle quickly, as open transport car shipping offers more flexibility in terms of pickup and delivery times.
Everyday Wheels
If you're looking to ship your everyday car, open auto transport is a great option. It's ideal for shipping standard vehicles like sedans, trucks, and SUVs that aren't sensitive to environmental factors.

Open transport car shipping is often the most cost-effective option for buying a car from another state, allowing you to transport your newly purchased car to your location without physically driving it across the country.
Open auto transport is typically more affordable than enclosed transport, making it a suitable option for shipping economy cars.
You can choose open transport car shipping for everyday cars, which will be safely transported by a car hauler and secured with appropriate tie downs and straps.
The flexibility of open auto transport also allows for more flexibility in terms of pickup and delivery times, making it a better option if you need your vehicle quickly.
Here are some scenarios where open auto transport might be the best choice:
- Shipping standard vehicles like sedans, trucks, and SUVs
- Buying a car from another state
- Shipping economy cars
- Needing your vehicle quickly
By choosing open auto transport, you can enjoy a hassle-free car shipping experience with companies like Sherpa Auto Transport or Nexus Auto Transport, which pride themselves on delivering a five-star experience for every customer.
Popular Routes

If you're planning to ship your vehicle, understanding popular routes and their estimated costs can help you make informed decisions.
The cost of shipping a car varies depending on the route, but some routes are more expensive than others.
For example, shipping a car from New York City to Los Angeles can cost between $1,325 and $1,625.
On the other hand, shipping a car from Miami to New York City can be significantly cheaper, costing between $1,000 and $1,525.
Some of the most expensive routes include shipping a car from Los Angeles to New York City, which can cost between $1,350 and $1,925.
Here are some popular routes and their estimated costs:
Safety and Security
Open trailer car transport is a safe option for shipping your vehicle, exposing it to the elements in a way that's no different than if you parked it on the street. The construction of an open trailer provides a high level of protection from road debris.

Your vehicle will be carefully secured or locked into the trailer, giving you peace of mind. The risks of an open car hauler are minimal, thanks to the careful selection of carriers who adhere to all state and federal safety regulations for commercial transport.
Every open car transport carrier we work with is vetted for driving history, equipment quality, customer service, and active insurance policies. This ensures that you're getting the safest and most reliable service possible.
Comprehensive cargo insurance is included with every open transport car shipping order, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is protected in case of any accidents or damage.
Cost and Pricing
Open trailer car transport can be a cost-effective solution for shipping your vehicle. The cost of open auto transport is on the cheaper side because of the thousands of open carriers that are all over the country.
A lot goes into determining the cost, which depends on multiple factors such as route and distance, vehicle size, weight, and operability, pickup window, market conditions, and time of year.
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The cost of open auto transport is estimated to be between $1.55 to $2.50 per mile for shipments under 500 miles. This rate decreases as the distance increases, with estimates ranging from $0.80 to $0.33 per mile for longer distances.
Here's a breakdown of estimated costs per mile for open auto transport:
Open carrier auto transport is the most common and cheapest way to ship a car, with average prices ranging from $0.80 to $0.33 per mile depending on the distance.
Shipping Questions Answered
Nexus Auto Transport fairly assesses open car transport costs according to multiple factors, including supply and demand, drive availability, route distance, time of year, weather, and the make and model of your car.
These factors will affect open car shipping rates, so it's essential to consider them when getting quotes.
Our instant open car transport cost calculator allows you to secure open car shipping quotes within seconds, providing accurate rates to choose from.

You'll need to provide your vehicle size, the zip codes of your pickup and delivery spots, and your desired open car transport time frame to get a quote.
Vehicles shipped on open carriers are exposed to rain, dirt, ice, and dust, which can lead to automobile shipping damage.
However, Nexus ensures that all of our trucking partners have active, high-value insurance policies in effect to protect your vehicle.
Open car transport is the most widely used car shipping service for a reason, offering quality car shipping services at a lower price point.
Enclosed auto transport is a better bet for classic, rare, luxury, or fragile cars, but open auto transport is perfect for most vehicles.
Open automobile carriers can accommodate more vehicles on their trucks, which affects car shipping costs drastically and lowers prices even more.
The most common open auto carriers are the standard ten-vehicle hauler, often used to ship new cars to dealerships and used cars sold by private car owners.
Transporting ten cars at once significantly impacts final auto shipment costs, making it a cost-effective option for customers on a tight budget.
Why Choose Us

We pride ourselves on delivering a five-star experience for every customer, just like Sherpa Auto Transport. Our open auto transport services are trusted by thousands of customers every year, and we're confident you'll be happy with our stress-free approach to car shipping management.
Nexus Auto Transport partners with a modern fleet of open car carriers, operated by experienced drivers who transport vehicles with the utmost responsibility and professionalism. This ensures that every risk involved with open auto carriers is completely covered, with full insurance coverage included in every quote.
Our open auto shipping quotes are competitive and fair, based on current supply and demand, and our car shipping cost calculator is boosted for accuracy by advanced data intelligence.
Fast Efficient Service
At our company, we pride ourselves on providing fast and efficient service. We've found that using an open carrier auto transport is one of the quickest ways to ship a car.
More than 90% of trucking companies use an open trailer, which means you have a better chance of finding the right open car shipping service when you need one.
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Why Choose Sherpa

We pride ourselves on delivering a five-star experience for every customer. Our experienced drivers transport vehicles with the utmost responsibility and professionalism. We maintain a modern fleet of open car carriers, ensuring your vehicle is in good hands.
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we understand the importance of reliability and comprehensive customer service. Our quotes include full insurance coverage from trusted vehicle shipping partners. We ensure that every risk involved with open auto carriers is completely covered.
We're committed to making your life easier with our hassle-free car shipping experience. Whether you choose open or enclosed auto transport, we've got you covered. Our open auto transport services are trusted by thousands of customers every year.
You can trust us to get the job done right, with a stress-free approach to car shipping management. We'll make sure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
A Trusted Company
At Nexus Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on being a trusted company that provides top-notch open auto transport services. Our team of experienced drivers operates a modern fleet of open car carriers, ensuring that your vehicle is transported with the utmost responsibility and professionalism.

We understand that buying a car from another state can be a daunting task, which is why we offer open transport car shipping as a cost-effective option. It allows you to transport your newly purchased car to your location without physically driving it across the country.
Our open auto transport services are designed to be flexible, with more options for pickup and delivery times. This makes us a better option if you need your vehicle quickly.
Here are some key benefits of choosing Nexus Auto Transport:
- Competitive and fair open transport car shipping quotes, based on current supply and demand.
- Full insurance coverage for every shipment, ensuring that every risk involved with open auto carriers is completely covered.
- Comprehensive customer service at affordable prices, trusted by thousands of customers every year.
We're committed to safe open car carrier shipping, and our commitment shows in everything we do.
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