Open Car
Shipping
The most popular, most affordable way to ship a vehicle nationwide. Industry-standard open carriers covering all 50 states, door-to-door.
Over 90% of all US auto shipments use open transport. FMCSA-licensed carriers, full cargo insurance, no upfront payment required.
Get an Open Car Shipping Quote
Fast, safe, and transparent car shipping.
Quick Answer
Open car shipping uses a multi-car open trailer — typically carrying 7–10 vehicles — to transport vehicles from pickup to delivery without a sealed trailer enclosure. It is the industry standard, used for more than 90% of all domestic auto transport in the United States. Open carriers are operated by FMCSA-licensed motor carriers who are federally required to maintain active cargo insurance. It is the most affordable transport method and is safe for standard everyday vehicles, sedans, SUVs, trucks, EVs, and most specialty vehicles.
What Is Open Car Shipping?
Open car shipping — also called open auto transport, open carrier shipping, or multi-car transport — is the process of loading a vehicle onto an open-air, multi-deck trailer and transporting it over the road to its destination. Open carriers are the same style of truck you see on the interstate every day delivering new vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships. The trailer is open on all sides, exposing the vehicles to ambient weather conditions during transit.
A standard open carrier transports 7–10 vehicles simultaneously across two decks — an upper deck and a lower deck. Upper deck positions are generally preferred for standard vehicles because they offer cleaner loading and less exposure to road spray from the tractor unit. Lower deck positions are typically used for heavier or larger vehicles (full-size trucks, large SUVs) because lower deck loading is structurally more appropriate for heavy vehicles.
Vehicles are secured using professional-grade tie-down strap systems. Each vehicle is typically secured with four tie-down straps — one at each wheel well — anchored to the trailer's structural tie-down rails. Some carriers use a combination of wheel nets and axle straps for improved security. DOT regulations govern the tie-down requirements for vehicle transport, and FMCSA-licensed carriers must comply with federal securement standards under 49 CFR Part 393.
Open transport accounts for over 90% of all domestic auto transport volume in the United States. The same method is used by every major automobile manufacturer — Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, BMW — to distribute new vehicles from production plants and port-of-entry processing facilities to dealership lots. This is not a budget or lower-quality alternative to enclosed shipping — it is the industry standard that has safely moved tens of millions of vehicles.
90%+
of US auto transport uses open carriers
7–10
vehicles per open carrier load
$600–$2,150
typical door-to-door price range
How Open Car Shipping Works — Step by Step
Request your quote
Start with a free quote — either through our online calculator or by calling (888) 508-2175. You'll need your pickup and delivery zip codes, vehicle year/make/model, estimated pickup date, and transport type preference. Quotes are all-inclusive with no hidden fees. For non-running vehicles or oversized vehicles, additional details are required for accurate pricing.
Book your shipment
Once you accept the quote, a small deposit confirms your booking and initiates the carrier assignment process. No large upfront payment is required. You'll receive a booking confirmation with your transport details, estimated pickup window, and a direct contact at EZ Auto Movers.
Carrier dispatch & route optimization
EZ Auto Movers matches your shipment with a licensed, insured open carrier running your specific route. Carrier selection takes into account the route, vehicle size, pickup timing, and carrier safety record. Route optimization for open carriers considers lane availability, current demand, and carrier proximity to minimize pickup windows. Carrier assignment typically takes 1–5 business days.
Vehicle pickup & inspection
The carrier arrives at your pickup address within the agreed pickup window. Before loading, the driver performs a visual inspection of the vehicle, documenting existing condition — scratches, dents, chips, and any pre-existing damage — on the Bill of Lading. Both you (or your representative) and the driver sign the pickup BOL. You'll receive the driver's contact information at pickup.
Bill of Lading completion
The Bill of Lading is the shipment's official condition record. Review it carefully before signing. Ensure all pre-existing damage is documented — including any damage that may be difficult to see in low light or at a distance. Keep a copy of the signed pickup BOL for your records. Photograph all sides of the vehicle at pickup before it's loaded.
Transit
Your vehicle travels on the open carrier toward its destination. Transit time depends on route distance: 1–3 days for regional routes under 500 miles, 3–5 days for mid-distance routes, and 6–10 days for cross-country hauls. The driver maintains contact availability during transit. EZ Auto Movers provides transit status updates upon request.
Delivery inspection
At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly — ideally in daylight — before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. Compare its condition against the pickup BOL. If you notice any new damage that wasn't present at pickup, note it clearly on the delivery BOL before the driver leaves. Never sign a clean delivery BOL if damage is present. Photograph any delivery-condition discrepancies immediately.
Final confirmation
After delivery is complete and the BOL is signed, the remaining balance (if applicable) is settled. If any discrepancies exist, EZ Auto Movers' support team is available to help coordinate communication with the carrier. For Premium Protection Car Shipping customers, dedicated claims coordination assistance is available.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping — Full Comparison
Choosing between open and enclosed transport is the most common decision in auto shipping. The right answer depends on your vehicle type, budget, and how much cosmetic protection during transit matters to you.
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $600–$2,150 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Weather protection | Exposed to elements | Fully sealed, no exposure |
| Carrier availability | High — nationwide daily runs | Limited — specialty carriers |
| Vehicles per load | 7–10 vehicles | 2–6 vehicles |
| Transit speed | Standard — same as enclosed | Standard — similar routes |
| Insurance required | Yes — FMCSA mandated | Yes — FMCSA mandated |
| Best for vehicle types | Sedans, SUVs, trucks, EVs | Luxury, exotic, classic, collector |
| Booking lead time needed | 3–7 days typical | 5–10 days recommended |
| Price premium | Base rate | 30–60% above open rate |
| Industry usage share | 90%+ of all shipments | Under 10% of shipments |
Choose Open Transport When:
- Shipping a standard vehicle — sedan, SUV, truck, minivan
- Budget is a priority and the vehicle isn't collectible
- The vehicle is less than $75,000 in value
- Weather exposure during transport is acceptable
- You want the fastest carrier availability
- Military, college, snowbird, or dealer transport
Choose Enclosed Transport When:
- Shipping a luxury, exotic, or supercar
- Vehicle is a classic, collector, or show car
- Vehicle value exceeds $75,000
- Cosmetic perfection during transit is required
- The vehicle has been freshly restored
- Route includes extreme weather conditions
Open Car Shipping — Best For Every Vehicle Type
Open transport serves a remarkably wide range of vehicles and customers. Here is a complete guide to how open car shipping works for each major vehicle category and customer type.
Sedan Shipping
Standard sedans — including Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, and similar models — are the most common vehicles shipped on open carriers. Their standard dimensions fit easily on both upper and lower deck positions, and their value-to-cost profile makes open transport the logical choice. Whether you're relocating across state lines, purchasing a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, or moving a second car during a long-distance move, open transport delivers your sedan safely and affordably.
SUV & Truck Shipping
SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and pickup trucks are routinely transported on open carriers. Larger vehicles occupy more trailer space and may be placed on the lower deck for weight distribution purposes. Full-size trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500) and three-row SUVs (Suburban, Expedition, Yukon XL) are shipped regularly with standard open carriers. Extended-cab or long-bed configurations should be disclosed at booking. Lifted trucks with aftermarket suspension — generally above 7 inches of lift — may require oversized transport coordination.
EV & Tesla Shipping
Electric vehicles — including Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, R1S, Lucid Air, Polestar 2, and other EV models — ship well on open carriers. The transport process is essentially identical to standard vehicles. For EV shipping, ensure the battery is at 40–60% charge before pickup, disable autobraking and parking sensors that may interfere with loading, and confirm the vehicle can be driven onto the carrier. EZ Auto Movers has experience coordinating EV transport nationally, including for high-performance variants.
Luxury Car Shipping
Open transport is appropriate for many luxury vehicles — BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Cadillac, Genesis, and similar models are regularly shipped on open carriers without incident. However, for ultra-luxury, exotic, or exceptionally high-value vehicles where cosmetic protection during transit is a priority, enclosed transport is the professional recommendation. The 30–60% price premium for enclosed shipping is worth it for vehicles where a single stone chip or weather-related mark would be unacceptable. EZ Auto Movers can recommend the right service level for your specific vehicle and budget.
Classic Car Shipping
Classic and vintage vehicles — muscle cars, antiques, collector models, and restored vehicles — may be shipped on open carriers under many circumstances, but enclosed transport is the preferred recommendation by most classic car professionals. The concern is not structural — it is cosmetic. A freshly restored classic that has been protected in a garage for decades can accumulate road grime, bug impact, or minor stone chips during an open-carrier cross-country haul. For vehicles you've invested significantly in restoring, enclosed transport provides the peace of mind that matches the investment.
Military Relocation Shipping
Military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves are one of the most common use cases for open car shipping nationwide. When service members relocate to a new duty station, shipping the vehicle rather than driving cross-country is often the most practical option — particularly when one spouse is traveling separately or when the relocation is time-sensitive. EZ Auto Movers offers military discount pricing on open transport for active duty members, veterans, and their families. We service virtually every major military installation across the continental United States.
Snowbird Transport
Snowbirds — retirees and seasonal residents who spend summer in northern states and winter in Florida, Arizona, or Texas — are one of the largest consumer segments for open car shipping. The October–February southbound surge and the spring northbound return create a predictable seasonal demand pattern that affects pricing and carrier availability. Booking snowbird transport 3–4 weeks in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for Florida-bound routes from the Midwest and Northeast during October and November, when capacity tightens significantly.
College Student Car Shipping
College students moving between home and campus — particularly for freshmen arrivals, semester transitions, and summer breaks — represent a consistent segment of open carrier customers. August and late May are peak periods for college-related transport, when students relocate between states for school and parents need vehicles shipped rather than driven long distances. EZ Auto Movers offers student pricing on open transport. Open carriers are the standard recommendation for student vehicles — the savings are significant and the service level is identical.
Dealer & Auction Vehicle Transport
Car dealers and fleet managers rely on open carriers to move inventory efficiently and affordably. Whether purchasing at Manheim, ADESA, Copart, or inter-dealer trade transactions, open transport is the standard method for dealer inventory movement. Speed of dispatch and reliable delivery windows matter for dealers managing floor plan costs and customer delivery commitments. EZ Auto Movers coordinates dealer and auction transport with dedicated account management and volume coordination for higher-frequency shipping needs.
How Much Does Open Car Shipping Cost?
Open car shipping prices are not fixed — they reflect the dynamic economics of carrier capacity, fuel, route demand, seasonality, and vehicle specifications. Understanding each factor helps you book smarter and avoid overpaying.
| Route Distance | Typical Price Range | Est. Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Under 250 miles | $400–$800 | 1–2 days |
| 250–500 miles | $600–$1,000 | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | $850–$1,300 | 2–4 days |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $1,100–$1,550 | 3–5 days |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $1,300–$1,900 | 5–7 days |
| 2,000+ miles (cross-country) | $1,550–$2,300 | 7–10 days |
Factors That Affect Open Car Shipping Price
Distance
The single largest pricing variable — more miles means higher cost.
Route demand
High-traffic corridors (FL↔NY, CA↔TX) are often cheaper than low-volume routes.
Season & timing
Summer and snowbird season (Oct–Feb) increase demand and raise prices.
Vehicle size
Full-size trucks and XL SUVs take more space, typically $50–$200 more than sedans.
Pickup location
Urban locations cost less. Rural areas may add a positioning fee.
Delivery location
Remote destinations may require a terminal or positioning premium.
Booking lead time
Booking 1–2 weeks ahead nearly always yields better pricing than same-week.
Vehicle condition
Non-running vehicles requiring winch loading may add $100–$300.
Fuel prices
Diesel price fluctuations affect carrier operating costs and rates nationally.
Expedited pickup
Priority dispatch within 24–72 hours carries a premium on most routes.
Popular Open Car Shipping Routes
Open carrier pricing and availability vary significantly by route. These are the highest-volume auto transport corridors in the country — with pricing, transit, and demand intelligence for each.
California to Florida
Demand: Very HighDistance
~2,750 miles
Price Range
$1,550–$2,300
Transit
7–10 days
One of the highest-volume auto transport corridors in the country. Pricing is competitive due to frequent carrier runs. Summer northbound (FL→CA) sees the most price variation. Early booking strongly recommended.
Florida to New York
Demand: Very HighDistance
~1,280 miles
Price Range
$900–$1,450
Transit
3–5 days
High-demand snowbird corridor — northbound in spring (March–May) and southbound in fall (October–November). One of the most trafficked auto transport lanes. Pricing is generally competitive due to consistent carrier availability.
New York to Florida
Demand: Very HighDistance
~1,280 miles
Price Range
$900–$1,450
Transit
3–5 days
Mirror of the FL→NY lane. Fall southbound surge (October–December) is the peak demand window as snowbirds head south. Book 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season for best results.
Texas to California
Demand: HighDistance
~1,500 miles
Price Range
$1,100–$1,700
Transit
4–6 days
Heavily trafficked lane with consistent carrier availability. Tech sector relocations, military moves (Fort Hood, Fort Bliss to Pendleton, Edwards), and private buyers represent the primary shipping volume.
California to Texas
Demand: HighDistance
~1,500 miles
Price Range
$1,100–$1,700
Transit
4–6 days
High carrier traffic in both directions. Business relocations and tech sector moves from California to Texas have increased demand significantly over recent years. Pricing is generally competitive.
Illinois to Florida
Demand: HighDistance
~1,330 miles
Price Range
$950–$1,500
Transit
3–5 days
Strong snowbird corridor. Chicago metro departures heading to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota are particularly common. Fall demand surge mirrors other Midwest-to-Florida routes.
Pennsylvania to Florida
Demand: HighDistance
~1,100 miles
Price Range
$850–$1,400
Transit
3–5 days
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allensburg to Orlando, Miami, and Tampa represent some of the most consistent shipping volumes. Snowbird demand drives fall and spring rate shifts.
Georgia to New Jersey
Demand: Moderate-HighDistance
~850 miles
Price Range
$800–$1,250
Transit
2–4 days
Atlanta to New Jersey (Newark, Jersey City, Trenton) is a common corporate relocation and dealership inventory lane. Carrier frequency is consistent, making this a reliable and competitively priced route.
Arizona to Washington
Demand: ModerateDistance
~1,420 miles
Price Range
$1,000–$1,600
Transit
4–6 days
Phoenix to Seattle or Spokane is a growing tech-relocation corridor. Less carrier density than major coastal routes, so booking 1–2 weeks ahead is recommended for consistent pricing.
Why Customers Trust EZ Auto Movers
How We Vet Every Carrier
Not every carrier that offers to transport your vehicle meets the same standards. Before any carrier is assigned to a customer shipment, EZ Auto Movers verifies FMCSA operating authority status through the SAFER system, confirms active cargo insurance and liability insurance filings, reviews safety rating records, and checks carrier performance history. Carriers with unsatisfactory FMCSA safety ratings, lapsed insurance, or unresolved complaints are excluded from our network.
This vetting process is continuous — not just at onboarding. Insurance certificates must remain active, and operating authority must remain in good standing throughout the carrier relationship. You deserve to know that the carrier moving your vehicle has been verified before dispatch.
Insurance & Coverage Explained
Every FMCSA-licensed motor carrier is required by federal law to maintain active cargo insurance covering the vehicles they transport. The federally mandated minimum cargo coverage is $10,000 per vehicle, though most reputable open carriers carry $100,000–$250,000 in cargo insurance. The carrier's cargo insurance is the primary financial protection for physical damage to your vehicle during transit.
EZ Auto Movers is a licensed broker (MC #1203677, USDOT #3572212) — not a carrier. We do not transport vehicles ourselves; we match customers with FMCSA-licensed carriers. For customers who want an additional layer of shipment oversight, documentation support, and claims coordination assistance, we offer Premium Protection Car Shipping as an optional upgrade.
What FMCSA Compliance Means for You
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial motor vehicle safety in the United States. An FMCSA-licensed auto transport carrier has registered with the federal government, maintains required insurance filings, submits to safety audits, and holds an active MC number verifiable by anyone through the public SAFER database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
When you ship with an FMCSA-licensed carrier through an FMCSA-licensed broker, you have federal regulatory protections — including required insurance coverage, operating authority verification, and access to FMCSA's complaint and dispute process. Always verify your carrier's MC number before shipping.
Learn More About FMCSA ComplianceWhat Is the Broker/Carrier Relationship?
EZ Auto Movers operates as an FMCSA-licensed auto transport broker. A broker acts as the coordination layer between the customer and the carrier: we match your shipment to the right licensed carrier, handle logistics, verify compliance, support you throughout the process, and provide a single point of contact for questions and concerns. The physical transport is performed by the carrier — an independent licensed motor carrier who owns and operates the trailer. This model gives you access to a nationwide carrier network rather than a single carrier's limited routes and scheduling, which typically results in better availability and more competitive pricing.
FMCSA Licensed Broker
MC #1203677
USDOT Registered
#3572212
BBB Accredited
A+ Rating
No upfront payment
Small deposit only
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Open Transport
Proper vehicle preparation before pickup helps ensure a smooth handoff, complete documentation, and protects your ability to file a claim if anything goes wrong. These steps take 30–60 minutes and make a significant difference in shipment outcomes.
Get a Free Quote
Open Car Shipping Quote
Tell us your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred pickup date. Instant pricing, no obligation.
Get My Free QuoteCall (888) 508-2175What's Included
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery
- 7–10 vehicle open carrier
- FMCSA-licensed carrier matching
- Cargo insurance on every shipment
- Bill of Lading at pickup & delivery
- Carrier contact information
- Transit status updates
- No upfront payment required
On This Page
Our Credentials
- FMCSA Licensed Broker — MC #1203677
- USDOT #3572212
- BBB Accredited Business · A+ Rating
- Open and enclosed transport options
- No upfront payment required
- All 50 states covered
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Premium Protection Car Shipping
Open transport is safe and FMCSA-insured — but for customers who want an additional layer of oversight, documentation support, and claims coordination throughout the process, Premium Protection Car Shipping is available as an optional add-on.
Premium Protection is an optional shipment support program — not an insurance product — that adds carrier insurance verification, pre-shipment documentation guidance, shipment oversight, and dedicated claims assistance. It is available for qualifying open and enclosed transport shipments.
- Carrier insurance verification before dispatch
- Pre-shipment documentation checklist
- Dedicated claims coordination assistance
- Priority issue escalation support
- Where eligible: contingent cargo protection review
Premium Protection Includes
Carrier verification
Insurance and authority confirmed before dispatch
Documentation guidance
Pre-shipment photo and BOL checklist provided
Claims coordination
Dedicated support if issues arise at delivery
Contingent cargo review
Available where eligible — subject to terms
Premium Protection is an optional support program, not an insurance product. Subject to eligibility and applicable terms.
Open Car Shipping Knowledge Center
Detailed answers to the most common open transport questions — from cost and safety to insurance and route pricing.
Open Transport Basics
6 topicsSafety & Insurance
6 topicsBooking & Preparation
7 topicsVehicles & Use Cases
7 topicsNationwide Car Shipping Coverage
Ship your car to or from any state with licensed and insured carriers. Explore routes, pricing, and service details across the U.S.
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Select any state on the map to view car shipping routes, estimated pricing, and popular auto transport lanes.
- 50-state coverage
- Door-to-door delivery
- Open & enclosed transport
- Licensed & insured carriers
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