- Typical load
- 7–10 cars
- Dallas → Chicago
- $1,315
- Enclosed costs
- +42%
What open transport is
An open carrier is the two-level car hauler you see on every interstate. Vehicles are driven up ramps, secured at the wheels, and carried on the upper and lower decks. Because each truck carries several cars and there are thousands of these trucks working every day, open transport is both the cheapest and the fastest option to schedule.
For short runs and addresses a 75-foot truck can't reach, dispatchers use smaller two- and three-car wedge trailers pulled by a pickup. The price works the same way.
Open transport rates by distance
These prices are for a running sedan with standard pickup, calculated the same way as your quote. SUVs and pickups cost more because they take more room on the deck.
| Route | Miles | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas → HoustonRegional · TX → TX | 266 | $775 | $1,040 | 1–2 days |
| Chicago → AtlantaMulti-state · IL → GA | 695 | $1,135 | $1,590 | 2–3 days |
| Seattle → DenverCross-region · WA → CO | 1,203 | $1,460 | $2,100 | 3–5 days |
| Chicago → Los AngelesLong haul · IL → CA | 2,056 | $1,880 | $2,745 | 5–7 days |
| Los Angeles → New YorkCoast to coast · CA → NY | 2,885 | $2,205 | $3,255 | 6–10 days |
Is open transport right for your car?
For daily drivers, leased cars, used-car purchases and most relocations, yes. Your car sees the same weather and road dust it would see if you drove it, without adding miles or wear. Damage in transit is uncommon, and any change in condition is documented on the Bill of Lading.
Consider enclosed transport for classics, exotics, show cars, new luxury vehicles, or anything with very low ground clearance.
How to prepare your car
- Wash it so existing scratches and dents are easy to document.
- Take dated photos of every side, the roof and the odometer.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel or less.
- Remove toll tags, parking passes and loose items.
- Turn off the alarm or tell the driver how to disable it.
- Tell your dispatcher about leaks, low ground clearance or modifications.
Questions about open transport
Is open car transport safe?
Yes. Open carriers move most of the cars sold and relocated in the U.S. every year. Your car is exposed to weather and road dust, much like driving it, and its condition is documented on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery.
How many cars fit on an open carrier?
A full-size open carrier usually holds 7 to 10 vehicles on two decks. Smaller two- and three-car trailers handle short hauls and hard-to-reach addresses.
How much cheaper is open transport than enclosed?
From Dallas to Chicago (950 miles), open transport costs about $1,315 and enclosed about $1,870, so enclosed costs about 42 percent more.