As its name suggests, open car shipping involves transporting vehicles via an open trailer. This is the most common method of auto transportation. Vehicles transported via this method are exposed to natural elements including rain, sun, dirt, dust, but despite this, open car transport is still considered a very safe form of auto transportation.

Additionally, there are generally many more carriers that offer open auto transport versus enclosed car shipping, therefore the process of finding and booking an open car carrier is easier and faster than enclosed car shipping.

Advantages of Open Auto Transport

The biggest advantages of open auto transport include faster booking speeds, wider availability, and lower costs.

Because more carriers offer open car transport than enclosed car transport, the process of finding carriers is faster. Additionally, because there is a wider selection of carriers that offer open car transport, you have more options available – this means you’re able to be more selective and pick the auto transport company that best suits your needs, in terms of pickup and delivery scheduling, price, and general customer reviews. And speaking of price, open auto transport is more affordable, so you’ll be able to transport your car for a lower cost than enclosed shipping.

How the Process Works

The process of open car transport is pretty simple. Overall, it breaks down into these four steps:

Receive a Quote and Book a Service

First and foremost, before getting your vehicle shipped, you’ll need to find a car shipping company, provide them with your information such as your vehicle’s make, model, as well as the pickup and drop-off location, and receive a quote. If you’re satisfied with their quoted rate, you will book the service and schedule a pickup with a driver.

Vehicle Pickup

Next, you’ll meet the carrier at the scheduled pickup location. Before they load your vehicle, the carrier will inspect it for any existing damage and document it in the Bill of Lading (BOL). Once this is completed, they’ll load your vehicle into their trailer and begin the transportation process.

Transport Process

You will have the carrier company and driver's phone number should there be a need to check the status of your vehicle transport. Keep in mind that open car carrier trailers carry multiple vehicles (usually around 6-10 cars), which might cause minor delays due to multiple stops. Additionally, since the vehicle is exposed to the elements (rain, dust, road debris), we recommend washing the car upon arrival.

Vehicle Delivery and Inspection

For the final step, you’ll meet the carrier at the agreed pickup location. This is where they’ll unload your vehicle and do one final inspection with you. You’ll compare the vehicle’s condition with the BOL to ensure that your vehicle hasn’t been damaged during the transportation process. If all looks good, you’ll complete any final payments (if needed) and take your vehicle. And that’s it!

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The greater the distance, the higher the price.

Time of Year

Prices may fluctuate based on seasonal demand, with prices typically higher during peak moving seasons.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather can impact pricing and timing.

Speed of Delivery

Those who need their cars shipped faster can choose express shipping, though it costs more than standard service.

1

Budget-Friendly Options

Open auto transport is considered the most budget-friendly option available for shipping one’s car. This is because carriers haul multiple cars at once, which reduces the per-vehicle cost. Those looking to save extra costs do have other options, however – flexibility in shipping dates can save you money as well, as shipping costs vary daily.

2

Friendly Customer Service

Axis Auto Logistics offers excellent customer service, which is available both online and over the phone. Our customer service phone line can be reached at (864)-249-4838.

3

Seasonal Discounts

Axis Auto Logistics offers seasonal discounts, including the "Snowbird Discount," which is designed for customers who are relocating to warmer climates during colder months. This discount provides special savings for such seasonal moves. To take advantage of this offer, you can contact Axis Auto Logistics at (864)-249-4838. Outside of a seasonal discount, we also offer a Military Discount, Student Discount, and Senior Discount – up to 10% off. Additionally, if you ship more than one car, we offer a Multiple Cars Discount, where users can save up to 20% off car hauling services.

4

No Hidden Costs

Axis Auto Logistics is always fully transparent with its prices and never has hidden fees.

Cost-Efficiency

Open car transport is the most affordable option. It allows multiple vehicles to be shipped at once, significantly reducing the cost per car. Whether you’re an individual shipping a single vehicle or a business moving an entire fleet, open car transport ensures cost savings without compromising on service quality.

Eco-Friendly Transport

Open car shipping is a more environmentally friendly option compared to enclosed transport. Because trailers can carry multiple vehicles at once, fewer trips are required, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. This makes open auto transport a more sustainable choice for customers concerned about their environmental impact.

Affordability & Flexibility

The lower costs associated with open transport make it an attractive choice for most vehicle owners. Because it is the most used method, the competition among carriers helps keep prices reasonable and accessible to a range of customers.

Also, there are more carriers out there that offer open transport versus enclosed car transportation, it’s easy to find a transport service that aligns with your exact timeline. This makes open car transport the most convenient option for transporting a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions about Open Car Shipping

How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?

It’s hard to say exactly how much open auto transport costs without knowing key information including your pickup and drop-off location, overall distance, current weather conditions, and fuel costs in your area. The cost of transportation will also usually vary from one shipper to another.

Is Open Auto Transport Safe?

Absolutely. Despite exposing your car to the open road, open auto transport is very safe and reliable – and is the most popular type of auto transportation.

Why Open Auto Transport is the safest way to ship your car

Open auto transport is a very safe method of transporting and shipping cars thanks to the safety measures and modern equipment that car haulers use for transporting vehicles. Additionally, reputable car hauling companies are highly experienced, so there is little to worry about.

How much will my open auto transport cost?

The cost of open auto transport depends on several factors, including a delivery’s overall distance, season and weather, vehicle type, and the cost of fuel in your respective area. Generally, open car shipping is the most cost-effective option, though there is no flat rate price for open auto transport – to know how much it will cost, you will need to request a quote. Keep in mind that rates fluctuate weekly and quotes will only be valid for 7 calendar days.

How long does it take to ship a car with open auto transport?

The length of time it takes to ship a car depends on several factors including the distance between your pickup and drop-off locations, current weather conditions, traffic, and the time of year. Delivery time may range anywhere from a few days and two weeks.

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

More affordable

Open car transport is more affordable than enclosed shipping, so it’s perfect for anyone looking to move their car on a budget.

2

Wider availability of carriers

Because open car shipping is the most common form of car shipping, more carriers offer the service.

3

Faster booking and delivery times

Since open car haulers can fit more cars per trailer versus enclosed shipping, delivery and booking times are typically also faster!

1

Exposure to the open road

As the name suggests, open car transport involves a car being hauled by an open trailer. Therefore, it’s exposed to weather conditions and road debris. While this is usually not an issue, open car hauling is overall less protective compared to enclosed shipping.

2

Greater likelihood of vehicle accumulating dirt and grime

Your car may also accumulate dirt and grime during the transportation process. This isn’t a huge deal, but if you’d prefer to keep your car clean, enclosed shipping may be your preferred option.

The biggest challenges that open car shippers typically encounter are delays due to multi-car transportation, or on rare occasions, cars being damaged during the transportation process – but these are few and far between and can be mitigated by booking with a reliable and trustworthy car hauling company.

If you’re interested in booking with an open car hauling company, consider Axis Auto Logistics. Our team is highly experienced, trustworthy, and happy to help with any of your car hauling needs. Contact us at (864)-249-4838.

What is Open Car Shipping?

Open car shipping is the most popular form of car shipping available. Thanks to the lower cost and wider availability, it is the preferred method of car shipping for most people.

How Open Auto Transport Works

Benefits of Open Auto Transport

The biggest benefit of open auto transport is the price. Compared to enclosed auto transport, open auto transport is more affordable.

Advantages of Open Auto Transport

How the Process Works