Open Auto Transport Services Across the USA
Affordable, Door-to-Door Car Shipping Nationwide
Auto Express Inc offers reliable open auto transport services for customers shipping cars across all 50 states. Open carrier car shipping is the most popular and budget-friendly way to move a vehicle — used for over 90% of cars shipped in the U.S.
Free Open Transport Quote
Firm quote in about 1 minute. No obligation.
(RV, Boat, Heavy Equip, Trailer, etc.)
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport uses a multi-car carrier — the same type of trailer you see delivering vehicles to dealerships. Your car is loaded onto an open trailer alongside up to 9 other vehicles and secured with industrial straps.
Because carriers move multiple cars per trip, open transport costs 30–40% less than enclosed shipping, making it the standard choice for everyday sedans, SUVs, trucks, and most daily drivers
90%
of U.S. shipments
40%
cheaper than enclosed
Open Transport by Auto Express Inc.
Why Choose Open Car Transport with Auto Express Inc.
We combine experienced drivers, modern equipment, and honest pricing. Here’s what sets our open auto transport service apart.
Affordable Pricing
Open carrier shipping is the most cost-effective way to transport your vehicle. Transparent, all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise add-ons at delivery.
CDL-Licensed Master Car Haulers
Every driver in our network is fully CDL-licensed, insured, bonded, and trained to handle vehicles with the same care as a brand-new car at the dealership.
Door-to-Door Pickup & Delivery
Our drivers pick up and deliver as close to your address as legally and safely possible. No need to drive to a terminal — we come to you, saving time and effort.
Full Insurance Coverage
Every vehicle is fully insured during transit. We provide carrier insurance certificates upon request, so you have complete peace of mind from pickup to drop-off.
Nationwide Coverage, 25+ Hubs
With over 25 hubs across the country — from California to Florida, Texas to New York — we offer faster pickup times and more flexible routing than smaller regional brokers.
On-Time, Reliable Service
We commit to honest delivery windows and keep you updated at every stage. No bait-and-switch pricing, no fake reviews — just dependable car shipping you can trust.
How Open Auto Transport Works
Four simple steps — from quote to delivery. No stress, no surprises.
1
Step 1
Get a Free Quote
Visit our website and complete the quick quote form, or call us directly at 877-428-8697. You’ll receive a fast, firm auto transport quote in about 1 minute.
2
Step 2
Book Your Shipment
Once you approve the quote, we confirm pickup details, preferred dates, and the pickup and delivery addresses. A small deposit reserves your spot with one of our Master Car Haulers.
3
Step 3
Vehicle Pickup
Our CDL-licensed driver arrives at your location, performs a full vehicle inspection, documents existing condition on the Bill of Lading, and securely loads your car onto the open trailer.
4
Step 4
Safe Delivery
Your vehicle is delivered to the destination address within the agreed timeframe. We complete a final inspection together, and you sign off on the Bill of Lading. Simple, transparent, stress-free.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Which Should You Choose?
Open auto transport is the best fit for most vehicles, but enclosed shipping is the right call for high-value cars. Here’s how to decide:
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30–40% cheaper | Premium pricing |
| Protection | Exposed to weather/debris | Fully covered trailer |
| Capacity | Up to 10 vehicles | 1–7 vehicles |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited carriers |
| Best For | Daily drivers, used cars | Luxury, classic, exotic |
Open Transport Is Best For:
- Standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
- Daily drivers and used vehicles
- Online purchases (eBay, Carvana, Cars.com)
- Relocations and PCS military moves
- Snowbirds and seasonal travelers
- Budget-conscious shipping needs
Enclosed Transport Is Better For:
- Luxury, exotic, and sports cars
- Classic and vintage vehicles
- Vehicles with lowered suspension or soft tops
- Cars with high-end paint, T-tops, or rare finishes
- Show cars and collector vehicles
How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
Open car shipping rates depends on several factors. Short routes under 500 miles cost less per mile, while cross-country shipments offer better per-mile value.
Distance
Short hauls cost less per mile; cross-country routes offer better per-mile value.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger or heavier vehicles take more space on the carrier and cost more to ship.
Operational Condition
Non-running vehicles require special equipment and typically cost more to load.
Time of Year
May–September is peak season. Booking in advance or off-peak saves money.
Pickup & Delivery Flexibility
Flexible first/last available dates give carriers more options — often lowering your price.
Fuel & Carrier Availability
Route popularity and current fuel costs affect real-time pricing on every shipment.
Open Auto Transport to Every State
We ship vehicles to and from every U.S. state, with primary hubs in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Arizona, Georgia, Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington. Whether you need cross-country auto transport or a regional move, our nationwide carrier network covers every major route.
New Jersey
North Carolina
Arizona
Colorado
Georgia
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Washington
Illinois
Maryland
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Please fill out the form below to get started.
Quick Quote Form
Get a fast, free, and firm quote in under a minute.
No Sales Calls or Marketing
The information submitted via this quote is never sold or shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vehicles can be shipped with open auto transport?
Open carriers can transport most standard vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and crossovers. We can also accommodate many specialty vehicles depending on size, weight, and ground clearance.
Is my car safe on an open carrier?
Yes. Open carrier shipping is the same method dealerships use to transport new cars. Vehicles are secured with industrial straps and inspected before and after transport. While cars are exposed to weather, damage during open transit is rare and fully insured.
Can I put items inside my car during shipping?
DOT regulations limit personal items to 100 lbs in the trunk. We recommend removing valuables, electronics, and loose items. Personal belongings are not covered under the carrier’s insurance policy, so please pack only what’s allowed and secure.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or an authorized representative (18 or older) must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and complete the vehicle inspection. We coordinate timing in advance to make this convenient for you.
Is open auto transport insured?
Yes. Every vehicle we ship via open carrier is fully covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. We can provide a copy of the insurance certificate upon request, so you have full documentation before your vehicle is loaded for transport.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle on an open trailer?
Yes, but please let us know in advance. Non-running vehicles require a carrier equipped with a winch or special loading equipment. Additional fees may apply, and we’ll match you with the right truck and driver for your inoperable car.
How do I prepare my car for open auto transport?
Wash your car so existing damage is visible, document its condition with photos, remove personal items, keep the fuel tank a quarter full, disable alarms, and ensure the battery is charged. Provide one set of keys to the driver at pickup.