Shipping a standard vehicle requires a proven, efficient transport method. Over 90% of standard vehicle moves across the United States rely on open auto transport. This method provides a balance of speed, availability, and cost-effectiveness for everyday sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Carriers load vehicles onto an open-air trailer, similar to the trucks that deliver new cars to dealerships. This industry-standard approach gets your vehicle from point A to point B safely. Our network of over 25,000 professional carriers handles these shipments daily.
Tempus Logix operates as a fully licensed and insured broker under USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120. We maintain BBB accreditation to guarantee high service standards. Every shipment includes real-time GPS tracking and a dedicated transport coordinator. Our team oversees every detail from dispatch to final delivery.
Booking online through our website remains entirely free with no upfront payments. We only process charges if you choose to finalize a booking by phone. Secure your reservation today with our AI-powered pricing tool.
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What is Standard Vehicle Shipping?
Open shipping is a car shipping method where vehicles are transported on an open trailer, exposed to elements like wind, rain, and dust. It is the most common and affordable option for shipping standard vehicles.
Carriers utilize a multi-car carrier, typically a multi-level trailer, to haul up to ten vehicles simultaneously. The open design reduces the total weight of the truck. This lower weight increases fuel efficiency and lowers operational costs. Carriers pass these fuel savings directly to the customer.
Standard open-air trailers measure up to 80 feet long. Professional drivers secure each vehicle using soft tire straps to prevent suspension damage. The cars travel securely fastened to the metal framework, ensuring stability over long highway distances.
Exposure to the elements means your car might arrive dusty or with a few bug splatters. This exposure mirrors a standard road trip across the country. Road debris protection remains minimal, but severe damage happens very rarely. Statistically, less than 5% of open transport vehicles experience any transit damage.
Open car shipping dominates the auto transport market due to high availability. You will find more open carriers on the road than any other equipment type. This high volume means faster pickup times and more flexible scheduling options. Customers shipping standard sedans, commuter vehicles, or used car purchases almost always choose this method.
Dealerships rely heavily on open carrier transport to stock their lots. Manufacturers ship brand-new inventory across the country on open multi-level trailers every day. This widespread commercial use validates the safety and reliability of the open transport method.
Open carrier transport carriers operate different types of trailers to accommodate various shipping needs. Single-level trailers haul three to four cars for shorter regional deliveries. Hotshot flatbed trailers pull one or two vehicles for expedited car shipping or hard-to-reach residential areas.
Inoperable vehicle shipping requires specialized open transport equipment. Carriers must use a winch to pull a non-running car onto the trailer. Drivers charge an additional fee to load and unload inoperable cars due to the extra labor involved.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Should You Choose?
This transport method is more affordable and suitable for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers added protection for luxury or classic cars at a higher cost.
| Feature | Standard Vehicle Shipping | Enclosed Auto Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Most affordable option | 30% to 50% more expensive |
| Availability | Extremely high (faster booking) | Lower (requires advance notice) |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road dust | Fully protected from elements |
| Best For | Daily drivers, used cars, standard SUVs | Luxury, classic, high-value vehicles |
| Trailer Type | Multi-car open trailer | Soft-sided or hard-sided enclosed trailer |
Choosing between open car shipping and enclosed transport depends primarily on your vehicle’s value. A standard Honda Civic or Toyota RAV4 perfectly suits an open carrier. The cost savings of open transport easily outweigh the minor risk of road dust. An antique Porsche or a customized supercar requires the premium protection of an enclosed trailer.
Open carrier transport saves you money. Carriers haul up to ten cars at once, dividing the fuel and labor costs among multiple customers. This shared space model makes open transport the most economical choice for long-distance relocations.
Faster scheduling stands out as another major benefit of open transport. Over 90% of the trucking fleet consists of open trailers. This massive capacity means dispatchers can typically secure a driver within one to five days. Enclosed transport often requires a longer wait time due to limited truck availability.
Open shipping offers greater flexibility for door-to-door delivery. Many enclosed trailers sit very low to the ground and struggle to navigate tight residential streets. Open carriers, especially smaller three-car haulers, can often get closer to your actual home address.
Visibility provides a unique advantage during open transport. The driver can clearly see all vehicles in their rearview mirrors during transit. They can quickly spot a loose strap or a shifting load and pull over to correct it.
How Does Open Car Shipping Work?
Open carrier transport involves loading vehicles onto an open trailer, securing them, and transporting them to the destination. The process includes scheduling, pickup, transit, and delivery.
The auto transport process follows a strict sequence to ensure safety and efficiency. Our network operates using a streamlined, transparent workflow for every customer.
- Request an Online Quote: Start by entering your vehicle details, pickup location, and destination into our pricing tool. The system calculates an accurate rate based on current market data. Booking online remains completely free with no upfront payments required.
- Carrier Assignment: Our dedicated transport coordinators broadcast your order to our vetted network. We verify the carrier’s MC #86120 compliance and check their active cargo insurance policies. We secure a driver who matches your specific route and timeline.
- Vehicle Preparation: Wash your car before the driver arrives. Clean vehicles make the initial inspection process much faster and more accurate. Remove all custom accessories, toll tags, and parking passes.
- Pickup and Inspection: The driver arrives for door-to-door delivery. You and the driver conduct a thorough vehicle inspection together. The driver records any existing scratches or dents on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Both parties sign this legal document before loading.
- Loading and Transit: The driver drives your car onto the multi-level trailer. They secure the vehicle using over-the-tire straps to prevent suspension damage. The truck departs, and you receive real-time GPS tracking updates.
- Delivery and Final Inspection: The carrier arrives at your destination. You will inspect the vehicle again to ensure it arrived in the exact same condition. Compare the car against the original Bill of Lading. Once satisfied, you sign the final BOL and pay any remaining balance directly to the driver.
This proven process minimizes delays and protects your asset. Terminal-to-terminal shipping rarely occurs in modern transport, so drivers almost always deliver directly to your specified address.
Is This Transport Method Safe?
Yes, standard vehicle shipping is safe for most vehicles. While cars are exposed to the elements, they are securely fastened, and the risk of damage is minimal.
Your vehicle receives comprehensive cargo insurance coverage from the moment it drives onto the trailer. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict safety and insurance requirements for all commercial carriers. Tempus Logix double-checks every carrier’s insurance certificate before assigning them to your order.
Transit time depends entirely on the total distance of your route. A carrier legally drives a maximum of 500 miles per day due to federal hours-of-service regulations. A 1,000-mile trip usually takes two to three days of driving time. A coast-to-coast transport typically requires seven to ten days on the road. Seasonal shipping trends, winter weather, and highway traffic occasionally impact these timelines.
You must prepare your vehicle properly before the carrier arrives. Maintain a quarter tank of gas to reduce overall trailer weight and ensure safety. A full tank creates an unnecessary fire hazard during transit. Top off all essential fluids and check your tire pressure so the driver can easily steer the car onto the ramps.
Most drivers permit up to 100 pounds of personal items stored securely in the trunk. The carrier’s cargo insurance does not cover these personal belongings. You ship any extra items entirely at your own risk. Do not pack electronics, firearms, or fragile goods inside the vehicle. The cabin must remain completely empty to give the driver a clear line of sight during loading.
Trust the Open Carrier Transport Experts
Tempus Logix delivers unmatched reliability in the auto transport industry. We operate as a fully licensed brokerage under USDOT #3117533 and MC #86120. Our strict vetting process ensures only the most professional carriers handle your vehicle.
We maintain a rigorous BBB accreditation to guarantee transparent, ethical business practices. Our dedicated transport coordinators manage your shipment from the first quote to final delivery. You never have to navigate the complex logistics network alone.
Our network provides access to over 25,000 professional carriers nationwide. This massive capacity allows us to secure reliable transport even during peak moving seasons. We handle standard sedans, heavy-duty trucks, and inoperable vehicles with equal expertise.
Every shipment features real-time GPS tracking for total peace of mind. You always know the exact location of your vehicle on the highway. We prioritize clear communication, sending prompt updates at every major milestone.
Secure your booking easily through our website with no upfront payments.
Get a Free Quote
Call +1 (866) 607-8459
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Open Shipping Cost?
Open auto transport typically costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on factors like distance, vehicle size, and season.
* Distance: Longer routes cost more overall but less per mile.
* Vehicle Size: Large SUVs take up more space and increase fuel costs compared to compact sedans.
* Seasonality: Snowbird seasons and summer months drive up demand and pricing.
* Use the Tempus Logix online quote calculator for an instant, accurate rate.
What happens if my car is inoperable?
Inoperable vehicles can still be shipped via open transport, but they require a winch or a forklift for loading and unloading. This specialized equipment and extra labor typically incur an additional fee. You must inform your transport coordinator about the vehicle’s condition beforehand.
Can I ship a modified vehicle?
Yes, modified vehicles with lifted suspensions or large spoilers can easily ship on an open carrier. You must provide the exact dimensions to the carrier in advance. This ensures the dispatcher assigns a trailer with adequate clearance for your specific vehicle.
What is a guaranteed pickup?
A guaranteed pickup is a service where the carrier commits to a specific date for vehicle collection. Most standard contracts use a one-to-five-day pickup window. Guaranteed dates require expedited car shipping logistics and cost significantly more.
What is a dry run fee?
A dry run fee is charged if the carrier arrives for pickup or delivery but cannot complete the task. This occurs if the vehicle is not ready, or the location remains inaccessible. Accurate communication prevents these unnecessary charges.
Related Auto Transport Services
Explore our comprehensive resources to make the best decision for your vehicle shipping needs.
- Auto Transport Guide: Return to our main pillar page for a complete overview of the car shipping industry, pricing factors, and carrier networks.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Discover the benefits of fully enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles requiring maximum protection.
- Motorcycle Shipping: Learn about the specialized pallets and tie-down equipment used to transport motorcycles safely across the country.
- Heavy Equipment Transport: Review our logistics solutions for moving oversized construction machinery, tractors, and commercial vehicles.
- Expedited Car Shipping: Find out how to secure guaranteed pickup dates and faster transit times for urgent relocation deadlines.