What Is Open Car Shipping?

Open auto transport is the most cost-effective vehicle relocation method utilized by 95% of the market. Your car is secured on a multi-level open carrier the same reliable trucks used to deliver new cars to dealerships. It offers the perfect balance of speed, safety, and affordability for shipping across the country.

Cheaper than enclosed shipping

Widespread availability

Reliable for most vehicles

Nationwide service

How Open Auto Transport Works

Open auto transport is simple, efficient, and trusted by millions of customers

1.

Get Your Free Open Car Quote

Start by entering your pickup and delivery zip codes, vehicle details, and preferred shipping dates. In seconds, you’ll receive quotes from multiple companies offering open car shipping across the U.S.

2.

Compare Pricing

Your request goes out to our network of professional transporters. They’ll calculate their best open car transport cost based on your vehicle type, distance, and timing. You can then compare these quotes side by side to find the most affordable and reliable option.

3.

Book Your Shipment and Relax

Once you choose the offer that fits your needs, your company will schedule pickup and transport your car securely on an open trailer car transport. You’ll be kept updated throughout the journey until your car is safely delivered.

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Average Open Car Shipping Rates & Delivery Time

Last-Minute Shipping Cost

Expedited Transit time

Origin Destination Average cost Cost per mile
San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA $1163 $1.44
Denver, CO Chicago, IL $1388 $1.38
Miami, FL Washington D.C. $1294 $1.22
Houston, TX Angeles, CA $1475 $0.95
Philadelphia, PA Dallas, TX $1413 $0.98
Boston, MA Phoenix, AZ $1950 $0.72
Las Vegas, NV Miami, FL $1878 $0.73

Origin

San Francisco, CA

Destination

Seattle, WA

Average cost

$1163

Cost per mile

$1.44

Origin

Denver, CO

Destination

Chicago, IL

Average cost

$1388

Cost per mile

$1.38

Origin

Miami, FL

Destination

Washington D.C.

Average cost

$1294

Cost per mile

$1.22

Origin

Houston, TX

Destination

Angeles, CA

Average cost

$1475

Cost per mile

$0.95

Origin

Philadelphia, PA

Destination

Dallas, TX

Average cost

$1413

Cost per mile

$0.98

Origin

Boston, MA

Destination

Phoenix, AZ

Average cost

$1950

Cost per mile

$0.72

Origin

Las Vegas, NV

Destination

Miami, FL

Average cost

$1878

Cost per mile

$0.73

*Shipping costs are estimated and based on national shipping averages, which are subject to change. For the most accurate quote, please use our calculator.

Mileage Average transit time
0 - 799 Miles 1 - 2 Days
800 - 1499 Miles 2 - 4 Days
1500 - 2399 Miles 4 - 7 Days
2400 Miles and Up 7 - 10 Days

Mileage

0 - 799 Miles

Average transit time

1 - 2 Days

Mileage

800 - 1499 Miles

Average transit time

2 - 4 Days

Mileage

1500 - 2399 Miles

Average transit time

4 - 7 Days

Mileage

2400 Miles and Up

Average transit time

7 - 10 Days

*Transit times are estimated and based on national shipping averages, which are subject to change.

Calculate Shipping Cost

Ready To Ship Your Vehicle?

Get Free Quotes Now

Ready To Ship Your Vehicle?

Get Free Quotes Now

Shipping Across The Entire USA

Select needed state below for more information and company availability in that area

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
New York
New Jersey
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Michigan
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Delaware
Maryland
Alaska
Hawaii
States States

Alabama Shipping Services

Carrier Availability

4/5

Average Pickup Time

3-5 days

Map Vehicle

Ready to Move Your Vehicle with Open Car Shipping?

Unless your vehicle is a rare, luxury, or classic model, open carrier car transport offers the best value.

Compare Transportation Services

Ready To Ship Your Vehicle?

Get Free Quotes Now

Ready To Ship Your Vehicle?

Get Free Quotes Now

Open Car Shipping Services

Simplify open car transport with Compare The Carrier. We connect you with a trusted network of licensed companies offering fast, secure, and reliable open auto transport for urgent vehicle moves.

Door-to-Door Open Car Shipping

This is the preferred choice for 95% of our customers. Door-to-door transport removes the hassle of travel logistics, we pick up the vehicle from your driveway and deliver it directly to your new address.

  • How it works: Our carriers get as close to your front door as legally and safely possible.

  • The "Last Mile" Solution: If you live on a narrow street or in a restricted zone, the driver will simply arrange a meet-up at a nearby large parking lot (like a grocery store or school).

  • Benefit: You get a seamless, stress-free relocation experience without driving to a distant depot.

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Terminal-to-Terminal Open Car Shipping

For customers prioritizing budget over convenience, terminal-to-terminal transport can offer the lowest possible rates.

  • The Process: You drive your vehicle to a designated storage terminal and pick it up from another terminal at your destination.

  • Who is it for? Ideal for flexible travelers, seasonal "snowbirds," or anyone willing to do a little extra driving to lower their open car transport costs.

  • Note: This service depends on terminal availability in your specific route.

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Same Day & Last Minute Car Shipping

Unexpected moves happen. When you are on a tight deadline, standard booking windows won't work.

  • Speed is Priority: Compare The Carrier connects you with a network of "hotshot" drivers and carriers ready for same-day pickup.

  • Guaranteed Dispatch: Whether it’s a job relocation or an emergency move, we prioritize your listing to get your vehicle moving immediately.

  • No Compromise: We ensure fast delivery without sacrificing safety or insurance coverage.

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Ready to Move Your Vehicle with Open Car Shipping?

Open auto transport remains the go-to option for more than 80% of U.S. car shipments every year.

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FAQ

What is open car transport?

Open car transport is when your vehicle is shipped on an open trailer along with several others. It’s the industry’s most common and affordable shipping method.

Is open car shipping safe?

Yes, it is the safe industry standard used to transport 95% of all vehicles, including new inventory to dealerships. Modern carriers utilize advanced soft-tie strapping systems to secure your vehicle by its tires, keeping the risk of damage statistically negligible (less than 5%).

How much does open car transport cost?

Rates typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per mile, depending on the total distance, vehicle size, and seasonality. On average, shipping a standard sedan cross-country costs between $500 and $1,500, making it the most cost-effective auto transport solution available.

Is open carrier auto transport cheaper than enclosed?

Absolutely, open transport is typically 40% to 60% cheaper than enclosed shipping options. Since large multi-car trailers haul up to 10 vehicles at once, the fuel and operational costs are shared among multiple customers, providing you with maximum savings.

Can I ship a luxury or classic car on an open trailer?

While possible, we strongly recommend enclosed transport for high-value, vintage, or luxury vehicles to ensure complete protection. Open trailers expose vehicles to road debris, dust, and weather elements, which poses a risk to cars with custom paint jobs or delicate exteriors.

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