Reliable Open Auto Transport Services Nationwide
Open auto transport is a popular and affordable way to ship cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and other road vehicles across the USA. Since 2008, All State-to-State Auto Transport has coordinated vehicle shipping using open carriers.
No Upfront Payment
FMCSA registered
Most Affordable Method
Insured Carriers Nationwide
Get Instant Quote Now +1 (800) 550-1515What Customers Say About All State to State Auto Transport
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is the most common, widely available, and cost-effective way to ship standard vehicles like cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer, alongside other vehicles, on routes built for efficient, affordable delivery.
Because open carriers move multiple vehicles at once, the cost is split across more shipments, which keeps pricing lower. The tradeoff is that vehicles are exposed to weather, dust, and road debris during transit. If you're shipping a luxury, exotic, classic, or otherwise high-value vehicle, our enclosed transport service offers more protection.
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Types of Open Auto Transport
Choose the transport option that fits your vehicle, distance, and shipping needs.
Open Single-Car Transport
An entire open carrier reserved for one vehicle. More expensive than shared options and typically used for inoperable vehicles or other specialized shipping needs.
Single-Level Carrier
Carries 2 to 3 vehicles at a time. Common for shorter-distance shipping, where your vehicle travels with just a few others.
Two-Level Carrier
The most common type of open transport, carrying 8 to 10 vehicles on a two-level trailer. Widely available and typically the most affordable option, since more vehicles share the cost of the trip.
Need help choosing the right option?
Tell us about your vehicle and we'll help you find the right fit.
Simple, Reliable Vehicle Shipping
Ship your car with confidence using open auto transport. It's affordable, widely available, and ideal for most everyday vehicles.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
A few simple steps can help make pickup and delivery smooth and hassle-free.
Remove Personal Belongings
Take out valuables and personal items before pickup.
Document the Condition
Take clear photos from multiple angles, including existing damage.
Check the Fuel Level
Keep the tank at a low, reasonable level rather than filling it.
Secure Loose Items
Remove or secure exterior accessories that could come off in transit.
Check the Vehicle
Make sure the tires are properly inflated and the vehicle is ready for loading.
Have Keys Ready
Have the necessary keys ready for the carrier at pickup.
Special Conditions?
Non-running, modified, oversized, or other special requirements should be flagged in advance.
How Open Auto Transport Works
A straightforward process from quote to delivery.
Request a Quote
Tell us about your vehicle, pickup location, and destination.
Get Matched
We assign an open carrier suited to your vehicle and route.
Pickup
Your vehicle is inspected and loaded onto the trailer.
Transit
Your vehicle travels to its destination with tracking available.
Delivery
Inspect your vehicle against your pre-shipment photos before signing off.
Benefits of Open Auto Transport
Open transport combines broad carrier availability with competitive pricing.
Wide Availability
Most carriers run open trailers, making this option easy to book.
Cost-Effective Pricing
Multiple vehicles share the carrier, helping keep shipping costs lower.
Top-Load Option
Request an upper-deck position to reduce exposure to fluids and debris.
Faster Turnaround
Greater carrier availability can make scheduling and dispatch quicker.
Flexible Scheduling
Suitable for individual vehicles, dealer moves, relocations, and seasonal shipping.
Improved Visibility
Vehicles remain visible to the driver throughout the trip.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Compare the two most common vehicle shipping methods.
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Level of protection | Medium | High |
| Shipping capacity | Up to 8–10 vehicles per load | Usually 6 or fewer |
| Availability | Widely available | More limited |
| Best for | Everyday cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles | Luxury, classic, exotic, collector vehicles |
| Weather protection | Exposed to normal weather | Fully covered |
| Road debris | Some exposure | Reduced exposure |
Open transport is the most widely used shipping method in the country, largely because most carriers on the road run open trailers, and its cost is split across more vehicles per load. It's well suited to daily-use vehicles, dealer inventory, and seasonal or repeat shippers who want to keep costs down.
If your vehicle is high-value, modified, or otherwise needs extra protection from weather and road debris, enclosed transport is worth considering instead. Whichever option you choose, our team handles every shipment with the same care and safety standards.
Bottom line: for most everyday vehicles, open auto transport is the practical, affordable choice. For luxury, exotic, classic, or highly valuable vehicles, enclosed transport offers the added protection worth paying for.
How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
Open auto transport typically costs $0.55 to $1.20 per mile, though your final price depends on distance, route, vehicle size and condition, and current season and demand. As a rule, total cost rises with distance, but the cost per mile tends to drop the farther you ship, since fixed costs are spread across more miles.
Longer routes usually cost more overall.
Larger vehicles may require additional carrier space.
Carrier availability varies by route.
Non-running vehicles may need special equipment.
Prices can change with demand.
Hard-to-access locations can affect pricing.
The most accurate way to know your cost is to request a personalized quote based on your vehicle and route
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get a personalized open auto transport quote based on your vehicle and route.
Get a Free Quote →Open Transport Made Simple
For most everyday vehicles, open auto transport offers a practical combination of availability, flexibility, and affordability. For vehicles requiring additional protection, enclosed transport provides a covered alternative.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost of shipping a car using open auto transport typically ranges from $0.55 to $1.20 per mile. However, the final price depends on several important factors.
Shipping distance, Chosen shipping route, Vehicle size and condition, Season and market demand
Average Open Car Shipping Costs by Distance
Longer distances result in a higher total cost but a lower cost per mile. Fixed expenses are spread across more miles as distance increases.
| Distance (Miles) | Total Cost (Open Transport) | Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 501 | $200 - $600 | $1.20 |
| 501 – 1,000 | $500 - $800 | $0.80 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | $750 - $1125 | $0.75 |
| 1,501 – 2,001 | $1,050 - $14,00 | $0.70 |
| 2,001 – 2,500 | $1,300 - $1,625 | $0.65 |
| 2,501 – 3,000 | $$1,500 - $1,800 | $0.60 |
| 3,001 – 3,500 | $1,650 - $1,925 | $0.55 |
| 3,501 – 4,000 | $1,750 - $2,000 | $0.50 |
Key Insight: As distance increases, the cost per mile decreases even though the total price rises.
Average Open Auto Transport Costs by Vehicle Type (500 Miles)
| Vehicle Type | Total Cost | Cost Per Mile | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $450 | $0.90 | 500 miles |
| SUV | $500 | $1.00 | 500 miles |
| Pickup Truck | $600 | $1.20 | 500 miles |
Why Choose All State-to-State Auto Transport?
No Upfront Payment
We don't charge until a driver is assigned to pick up your vehicle.
Door-to-Door Service
We coordinate pickup and delivery as close to your requested locations as safely accessible.
Insured Carriers
We work with properly insured carriers that meet applicable insurance requirements.
FMCSA Registered
We are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
18+ Years of Experience
Since 2008, our experienced team has coordinated vehicle transportation from pickup through delivery.
Real-Time Tracking
Stay informed about your vehicle throughout the transportation process.
Open Auto Transport Coverage
