There are various car shipping services available in the market when it comes to shipping your car. The most common and popular type of car transport is open car transport. In this article, we will discuss everything about its cost, its benefits, and how it differs from all other shipping options.
What is open car transport?
It is the most common and popular car shipping method. As its name suggests, it is an open-air trailer without a closed roof and sides. It is easier than enclosed car transport because it is the cheapest and most easily available option.
Cost of open auto transport
The average shipping cost in the USA ranges from $500 to $1500 but there are several factors that affect the shipping cost such as vehicle type, shipping option, time, etc., and below we have shared a list of the factors to let you know what are the major factors and how they affects the shipping cost.
- Distance– The total distance between the pickup and the delivery address is calculated.
- Transport type– The transport type you choose between open and enclosed car transport, open car transport is more cost-effective than enclosed car transport is expensive.
- The date and time of the shipping also determine the shipping cost. If you are shipping during the summer or some other peak season then it will cost more than the off-season and winter shipping.
- Fuel cost, route, and location of the shipping also affect the shipping cost.
- If you choose a door to door shipping then it will cost more than the terminal to terminal shipping.
Pros of open transport car shipping
When you are shipping your car the most important step you need to take is to choose a reliable car transport company it is the cost-effective car shipping option, below we have shared a few benefits of it.
- It is the most affordable car transport type than the enclosed car transport.
- It is available in the market, you need not have to book in advance.
- You can ship multiple vehicles at the same time, it can haul up to seven to eight vehicles.
- It offers the flexibility you can ship anywhere at anytime.
- It offers improved visibility, you can easily inspect your car inside the trailer.
Difference between open and enclosed transport
We know that shipping a car might be challenging, but before you hire an auto transport company, you need to be familiar with open and enclosed car transport. This will help you choose the best option for your car.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
| Cheapest car transport | Expensive car transport |
| Easily available | Limited availability |
| No need to book in advance | Need prior booking |
| Capacity to haul eight vehicles | Capacity to load only one to three vehicles |
| Offers flexibility | Does not offer flexibility |
Types of Open Transport Car Shipping
There may be some differences between open-air and closed-air conveyance.
A single car
When fully extended, the term “single-car open-air transport” refers to a trailer with capacity for only one vehicle. Throughout the transfer, your vehicle will be secured and left in its designated location on the trailer.
This mode of transportation eliminates the need to wait for the delivery of other automobiles or concerns about different vehicles, so there will be no need to wait.
Despite this, it is still quite expensive, as you must pay for the entire journey rather than splitting the cost with other passengers. This prohibits cost-sharing with other consumers.
Only one tier
Your vehicle will travel alongside a limited number of other vehicles, as single-level Open Carrier Car Shipping can accommodate many automobiles.
You are not required to interact with other consumers; it is still a rapid method. It is more affordable and accessible compared to single-car open-air transportation.
Multi-Level
Multiple-level open carriers are frequently used for vehicle transportation because they can convey the majority of automobiles in a single trip.
They have the most affordable rates and are simple to schedule, but they transport many vehicles on each voyage, which may cause a delay.
When do you need to choose an open auto transport?
You can use open car transport in some scenarios only because your car is not just a vehicle
It represents your hard work and it is a valuable asset. Choose the transport type by considering your budget and the safety of your vehicle.
We have shared a few important scenarios here that will help you determine when and where you want to choose this option.
- It is the best and perfect option for transporting ordinary vehicles, so if you are shipping your daily-use vehicles, you can choose this transport type.
- If you are purchasing a vehicle from some other state then you can select this option because it is the affordable car transport type.
- You can also choose it when you are shipping your non-expensive vehicle.
- If you are flexible with the date and time of the shipping then you can select this because it offers flexibility.
Open auto transport process
The car shipment process is not too easy, but we are here to guide you. With our help, you can book and ship your vehicle within three steps.
- You need to provide the details of your vehicle such as your vehicle type, model size, etc and then you have to choose the transport type after that when you submit the form auto transport company will send you a shipping quote.
- On the day of shipment, the driver will come to your address, pick up your vehicle, and then depart for the shipment.
- On the day of delivery, the driver will unload your car at your doorstep. If you are not available at the time of delivery, you can nominate someone to pick up your car, and in that situation, you have to inform the auto transport company.
Conclusion
When you plan to ship a car, your first priority should be its safety. So, it is most important to choose the right car shipping method, and you need to know the shipping cost and the factors that affect it. If you are shipping a daily-use, non-expensive vehicle, open car transport is the best, but if you are shipping a high-value car, you should choose enclosed car transport.
