Open vehicle transport moves automobiles on an uncovered carrier designed to carry multiple vehicles at once. It is commonly used for everyday cars, SUVs, crossovers, pickups, and vans traveling between cities or states.
Because the carrier is open rather than enclosed, the vehicles experience normal outdoor weather and road exposure during transportation. Understanding how open auto shipping works can help you decide whether it fits your vehicle and transportation needs.
What Is Open Vehicle Transport?
Open vehicle transport uses a carrier with an exposed upper and/or lower loading deck rather than a fully enclosed trailer.
You’ve probably seen these carriers traveling on interstate highways carrying several automobiles.
The basic transportation process generally includes:
- Providing vehicle and route information
- Coordinating transportation and pickup
- Preparing the automobile
- Documenting its condition
- Loading and securing the vehicle
- Transporting it along the carrier’s route
- Coordinating delivery
- Inspecting the automobile at arrival
What Vehicles Can Use Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport can accommodate many common passenger vehicles, including:
- Sedans
- Coupes
- Crossovers
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- Some classic automobiles
- Other passenger vehicles
Vehicle size, weight, condition, and modifications should be accurately disclosed before transportation.
A lifted pickup, oversized SUV, or modified automobile may have different loading requirements than its factory configuration.
Why Is Open Vehicle Transport Common?
One advantage of open vehicle transport is the ability to carry several automobiles on one carrier.
Instead of using a separate truck for each car, a multi-vehicle carrier can move several customer vehicles along a transportation route.
This makes open carriers a common sight on major highways and an important part of vehicle transportation.
For owners of everyday passenger automobiles, open transportation is often one of the first carrier types worth considering.
Open Car Shipping vs. Enclosed Transport
The major difference is whether the automobile travels on an exposed or enclosed carrier.
How Open Car Shipping Works
With open car shipping, the vehicle is loaded onto an uncovered carrier.
It will experience normal outdoor conditions such as:
- Sun
- Rain
- Dust
- Wind
- Normal road exposure
The vehicle remains secured to the carrier during transportation.
How Enclosed Vehicle Shipping Works
Enclosed transportation places the automobile inside a covered trailer, providing additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
It may be considered for:
- Exotic automobiles
- Collector cars
- Classic vehicles
- Restored automobiles
- Luxury cars
- Particularly valuable vehicles
The appropriate choice depends on the automobile and the owner’s transportation preferences.
How Should You Prepare for Open Vehicle Transport?
Preparing the automobile before pickup can help make the process smoother.
Before open vehicle transport:
- Remove valuables and unnecessary belongings.
- Have the vehicle keys ready.
- Make sure the automobile is accessible.
- Secure loose exterior accessories.
- Check for significant fluid leaks.
- Disclose known mechanical issues.
- Mention important modifications.
- Confirm your contact information.
- Photograph the vehicle.
Good preparation can help prevent avoidable problems when the carrier arrives.
Why Vehicle Condition Matters for Open Auto Shipping
Accurately describe the vehicle’s operating condition before transportation.
Tell the provider whether it:
- Starts
- Drives
- Rolls
- Steers
- Brakes
These details are especially important for damaged or non-running vehicles.
A car that doesn’t start but rolls freely presents a different loading situation from an automobile with wheels that won’t move.
Providing accurate information helps the transportation provider evaluate the shipment before pickup.
What Happens During an Open Transport Inspection?
Before loading, document the automobile’s condition.
Take clear photographs of:
- Front
- Rear
- Driver side
- Passenger side
- Wheels
- Windshield
- Existing dents
- Existing scratches
- Other noticeable damage
Keep these photographs until transportation is complete.
This provides a useful visual record of the automobile before open vehicle transport begins.
How Are Cars Loaded on an Open Auto Carrier?
Vehicles are driven or otherwise appropriately loaded onto the carrier according to the equipment and vehicle condition.
Once positioned, automobiles are secured for transportation.
The carrier may have upper and lower loading positions, and the driver determines vehicle placement according to factors such as dimensions, weight, route, and scheduled deliveries.
Cars may sometimes need to be repositioned as other vehicles are picked up or delivered.
Does Open Vehicle Transport Expose Cars to Weather?
Yes. Vehicles traveling by open vehicle transport are exposed to normal outdoor weather.
Depending on the route, that can include:
- Rain
- Sun
- Wind
- Dust
- Changing temperatures
Long-distance routes can pass through several different weather systems.
A vehicle could leave an area with clear skies and encounter rain or other conditions later in the trip.
Customers wanting additional protection from direct weather and road exposure may want to ask about enclosed transportation.
Can Open Car Shipping Pick Up at Your Home?
Pickup can often be coordinated as close to the requested location as safely and legally practical.
However, open auto carriers are large commercial vehicles.
Access may be limited by:
- Narrow streets
- Tight turns
- Low tree branches
- Gated communities
- Steep roads
- Weight restrictions
- Parking restrictions
- Limited loading areas
If an exact address isn’t accessible, a nearby meeting location may need to be coordinated.
How Long Does Open Auto Transport Take?
The timeline for open auto transport depends on the shipment rather than carrier type alone.
Factors can include:
- Distance
- Route
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Carrier availability
- Weather
- Traffic
- Construction
- Other scheduled stops
Longer routes generally require more transit time, but mileage alone doesn’t provide an exact delivery date.
Do Other Vehicles Affect an Open Transport Schedule?
An open carrier may transport several customer automobiles at once.
That means a vehicle shipping route can include additional pickups and deliveries.
These stops are a normal part of multi-vehicle transportation.
The carrier’s schedule may also be influenced by traffic, road conditions, weather, construction, and safe commercial driving requirements.
Can SUVs and Trucks Use Open Vehicle Transport?
Yes, many SUVs and pickups can travel by open vehicle transport.
However, larger vehicles can occupy more carrier space and may have different loading requirements.
Tell the transportation provider about significant modifications such as:
- Lift kits
- Oversized tires
- Lowered suspension
- Roof accessories
- Custom body components
Accurate dimensions and vehicle information help the provider understand what is being transported.
Can a Non-Running Car Use Open Auto Transport?
It may be possible, depending on the vehicle and available loading arrangements.
If the automobile doesn’t run, explain whether it rolls, steers, and brakes.
Don’t wait until pickup to disclose a non-running vehicle.
Providing that information when arranging open car transport helps prevent unexpected loading issues.
Is Open Car Shipping Good for Long-Distance Transport?
Open carriers are commonly used for both regional and long-distance vehicle transportation.
Whether the route covers neighboring states or a much longer distance, the same basic considerations apply:
- Accurate vehicle information
- Proper preparation
- Realistic scheduling
- Accessible pickup and delivery locations
- Clear communication
The vehicle will remain exposed to normal outdoor conditions throughout the trip.
How Do You Choose an Open Auto Transport Provider?
Don’t make your decision based only on a price quote.
Make sure the provider understands your:
- Exact vehicle
- Vehicle condition
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Preferred dates
- Modifications
- Transportation requirements
Consumers can research motor carrier information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and review federal transportation information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Webster Hauling also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Open Vehicle Transport FAQs
Is Open Vehicle Transport the Same as Open Car Shipping?
The terms are commonly used to describe transporting automobiles on an uncovered auto carrier rather than inside an enclosed trailer.
Are Cars Covered During Open Auto Transport?
No. With open vehicle transport, automobiles travel on an uncovered carrier and experience normal outdoor weather and road exposure.
Can Open Car Transport Move an SUV?
Many SUVs can be transported on open carriers. Provide the exact year, make, model, and significant modifications so transportation requirements can be evaluated.
Can Open Auto Shipping Move a Pickup Truck?
Many pickups can be transported using open auto shipping. Lift kits, oversized tires, and other modifications should be disclosed beforehand.
Is Enclosed Shipping Better for a Classic Car?
Enclosed transportation provides additional protection from direct weather and road exposure. Owners of classic, collector, exotic, restored, or particularly valuable vehicles may want to consider that option.
For more information about vehicle transportation, visit Webster Hauling’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Arrange Open Vehicle Transport
Successful open vehicle transport starts with accurate vehicle information, proper preparation, realistic scheduling, and clear communication.
Vehicle size, condition, route, carrier availability, weather, traffic, and pickup and delivery accessibility can all influence the transportation process.
Webster Hauling helps customers coordinate open auto transportation for moves, purchases, sales, relocations, and other vehicle shipping needs.
Have your vehicle year, make, model, condition, pickup location, destination, and preferred dates ready when you contact Webster Hauling.
