The most affordable and widely used auto shipping method in America. Reliable open carrier transport for everyday vehicles, with door-to-door delivery in all 50 states.
Open car transport is the most common, cost-effective method of shipping a vehicle across the United States. Your car is loaded onto a standard multi-level open-air carrier — the same type of trailer auto dealerships and manufacturers use to deliver new vehicles to showrooms every single day. These carriers typically transport between seven and ten vehicles at a time, which is what makes open auto transport the most affordable option in the auto shipping industry.
At Razorback Auto Transport, open carrier service is our most-requested option, accounting for more than 90% of the vehicles we move annually. Whether you're relocating across the country, purchasing a vehicle online from another state, sending a car to a college student, or shipping a daily driver during a snowbird migration, open car transport is almost always the right choice.
The process of shipping your vehicle on an open carrier is straightforward, transparent, and managed end-to-end by a dedicated logistics specialist. Here's exactly what to expect:
The overwhelming majority of vehicles shipped in the United States travel via open auto transport — and for good reason. Here's what makes it the smart choice:
Because open carriers haul up to ten vehicles per trip, the cost is split among all the vehicles on the trailer. Open car transport is typically 40–60% less expensive than enclosed auto shipping, making it the budget-friendly choice for sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, crossovers, and most daily drivers.
Open carriers are far more numerous than enclosed carriers, meaning shorter wait times for pickup. In most major metropolitan areas, Razorback can typically dispatch an open carrier within one to three business days of booking — sometimes the same day for high-demand corridors.
Open auto transport is how new vehicles travel from factories and ports to dealership lots all across the country. Modern open carriers feature secure wheel straps, hydraulic ramps, and weather-resistant tie-downs that keep your vehicle stable through every mile of the journey.
Razorback's open carrier network reaches every ZIP code in the continental U.S. From dense urban centers like Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and New York, to rural towns and remote pickup locations, our nationwide carrier base ensures consistent open auto transport availability across all 50 states.
Did you know? Open car transport is exactly how automakers like Ford, Toyota, and Honda ship brand-new vehicles from their assembly plants to dealerships. If it's safe enough for a $60,000 new pickup straight off the factory line, it's safe enough for your car.
Open car transport is the right fit for the vast majority of personal vehicles, including:
If you're shipping a luxury, exotic, classic, vintage, or low-clearance high-value vehicle, you may want to consider our enclosed auto transport service instead for maximum protection.
The cost of open car transport depends on several factors: distance, route popularity, vehicle size and weight, time of year, and current fuel prices. For a standard sedan moving across the country (roughly 2,000–2,500 miles), open auto transport pricing typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Shorter regional moves of 500 miles or less typically run $500 to $750. Razorback provides instant, all-inclusive open car shipping quotes online with no hidden fees and no surprise charges at delivery.
Since 2009, Razorback Auto Transport has delivered more than 250,000 vehicles via open carrier service to customers in all 50 states. Our Arkansas-based dispatch team, nationwide carrier network, and commitment to transparent pricing have made us one of the most trusted names in the auto shipping industry. Get your free open car transport quote today, or call (866) 605-0281 to speak with a logistics specialist.
Common questions about open car transport
Open car transport pricing depends on distance, route, vehicle size, and seasonality. As a general guide, regional moves under 500 miles cost $500–$750, mid-range moves of 1,000–1,500 miles cost $750–$1,100, and cross-country open auto transport averages $1,000–$1,500. Razorback provides instant, all-inclusive online quotes with no hidden fees.
Yes. Open car transport is the same method used by automakers and dealerships to deliver new vehicles, and modern open carriers are engineered for vehicle safety. Your car is secured with industrial wheel straps and ratcheted tie-downs throughout the entire journey. Every shipment is also covered by $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Most open auto transport shipments take 1–9 business days depending on distance. Short regional moves under 200 miles can deliver in 1–2 days. Mid-range routes of 1,000 miles typically take 3–5 days. Coast-to-coast open car transport generally takes 7–9 business days.
Yes — open carriers expose vehicles to the elements during transit, similar to driving the car yourself. Rain, road dust, and minor debris are normal and pose no risk to a standard vehicle. If you are shipping a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle, enclosed auto transport is the better choice for full weather protection.
You or a designated representative (a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker over the age of 18) must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. Razorback coordinates the appointment window directly with you in advance.
