The smartest way to ship your vehicle across the country — trusted by thousands and built on the largest carrier network in the U.S.
Open car transport is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping a vehicle in the United States. Your car is loaded onto a multi-level open-air carrier — the same trailers used by dealerships and manufacturers — and delivered to its destination by a professional driver.
Because open carriers can transport 7 to 10 vehicles at a time, the cost per car is significantly lower than enclosed shipping. Pickup is faster too: open carriers make up roughly 95% of the trucks on the road, so finding capacity on your route is rarely a problem.
It’s the perfect choice for daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, leased vehicles, online auction purchases, and brand-new cars going to dealerships. Every shipment is fully insured and tracked from pickup to delivery.
Two ways to ship — different price points and protection levels. Here's how they compare.
Not all open carriers are the same. Here’s what hauls your vehicle and when each type is used.
7–10 vehicles
The standard double-decker trailer you see on every highway. It's the most efficient and affordable way to ship multiple cars at once — and what most customers book.
Best for
Daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, dealership moves
1–3 vehicles
A flat, single-level open trailer without the second deck. Lower loading height makes it ideal for vehicles with reduced ground clearance or custom suspensions.
Best for
Lowered cars, custom builds, inoperable vehicles
1–2 vehicles
A smaller, lightweight setup that tows one or two vehicles behind a heavy-duty truck. Often used for short hauls, expedited moves, or when a full carrier isn't available.
Best for
Short distances, quick pickups, tight routes
The most budget-friendly way to ship a car long-distance, backed by our Best Price Guarantee and discounts for military, students, seniors, and first responders
Open trailers are the most common on the road, so pickup and delivery times are typically faster — even for expedited needs.
Licensed, insured carriers vetted for DOT registration and safety history. Optional gap coverage up to $2,000 available.
Picked up and delivered right to your home, workplace, or the nearest safe location — no terminal trips required.
Ideal for sedans, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles, seasonal 'snowbird' moves, and online car purchases.
Thousands of vetted carriers across all 50 states — matched to your route for the best rate and timing.
Open auto transport typically ranges from $450 to $1,950 depending on distance, vehicle size, and route. Below are realistic ranges to help you plan.
Seasonal demand, weather, and route traffic all affect pricing and availability. Planning around these patterns can save you money and reduce wait times.
Snowbirds heading south drive demand on north-to-south routes, raising prices and extending pickup windows. Book early or ship during off-peak weeks for better rates.
The busiest time of year. College moves, military relocations, and vacation transport flood the market. Expect higher prices and longer scheduling — especially on cross-country routes.
The sweet spot. Demand is steady but not overwhelming, carriers have more open slots, and pricing is typically at its most competitive. Ideal for budget-conscious shippers.
Carriers take time off and terminals close. Expect delays of 3–7 days around major holidays. Booking before mid-December helps avoid the backup.
Get a real, locked-in quote in under 2 minutes — no obligation, no spam calls.
Booking was quick and straightforward. The pickup driver was friendly and kept me updated during transport.
My vehicle arrived earlier than expected and in excellent condition. I appreciate the professionalism and attention to detail.
The support team was responsive and helpful throughout the entire process. They made me feel confident my vehicle was in good hands.
No hidden fees, no surprises. The quote I received was the price I paid. That’s hard to find these days.
This was my first time using an auto transport company, and they made the process incredibly easy. I would definitely use them again.
I was nervous about shipping my classic vehicle, but the team handled everything with care. The car arrived exactly as it left.
My car was transported from California to New York without any issues. Pickup and delivery were both on time, and the vehicle arrived in perfect condition.
After comparing several companies, I chose Care Express Transport because of their competitive quote. The service exceeded my expectations.
Care Express Transport delivered my SUV safely and on schedule. The team was professional, courteous, and transparent about pricing.
What impressed me most was the communication. Every question I had was answered quickly, and I always knew where my vehicle was during transit.
I needed my vehicle shipped from Texas to Florida and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. The driver stayed in touch throughout the trip and my car arrived exactly as promised. Highly recommended.
Common questions about open auto transport. Still curious? Our team is one call away.
Open transport ranges from about $450 for short hauls up to $1,950 coast-to-coast, depending on distance, vehicle size, and current route demand. Get a free instant quote for an exact price.
Yes. Open carriers are the same trailers used by dealerships and manufacturers to deliver new cars. Every shipment is fully insured and handled by vetted, DOT-registered carriers.
Short hauls (under 500 miles) typically deliver in 1–3 days. Coast-to-coast shipments take 7–10 days. Pickup usually happens within 1–5 days of booking.
Your car may collect normal road dust during transit — same as if you drove it yourself. A simple wash on arrival is all it needs. No mechanical or cosmetic damage is expected.
Yes. Our drivers pick up and deliver as close to your address as legally and safely possible. For tight neighborhoods, we’ll meet at the nearest accessible spot.
Door-to-door pickup and delivery, full carrier insurance, real-time updates, and dedicated customer support — no hidden fees, no fuel surcharges.
