The Most Popular Way to Ship a Car
Open Auto Transport
Affordable, reliable vehicle shipping on open-air trailers — the same method used to deliver new cars to dealerships. Final-price quote, $0 due at booking.
Shipment Details
20+ YEARS
of combined auto transportation experience.
10,000+
top-rated, vetted carriers within our network.
$0
due upfront. You only pay when we assign a carrier.
The Basics
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport means your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer — the same kind manufacturers use to deliver new cars to dealerships — alongside several other vehicles, then driven to your delivery location.
Because open carriers are the most widely available trucks on the road, they typically offer the fastest pickup windows and the lowest cost compared to enclosed transport. It's the right choice for the vast majority of daily drivers, and it's how most vehicles are shipped across the country every day.
At NEXLogistix, we match your vehicle with a vetted, insured open carrier from our network of more than 10,000 transporters and give you a final-price quote with $0 due at booking.
Why Choose Open Transport
Built for Cost, Speed, and Reliability
There's a reason open transport is the most popular way to ship a car in the U.S.
Most Affordable Option
Carriers move multiple vehicles per trip, which spreads the cost and keeps your price lower than enclosed transport.
Widest Carrier Availability
Open trailers make up the vast majority of our 10,000+ carrier network, so there are more trucks running your route.
Faster Pickup Windows
More available carriers means we can usually match your vehicle with a truck sooner than with enclosed transport.
Industry-Standard Method
It's the same type of trailer manufacturers use to deliver brand-new cars to dealerships every day.
Safe for Most Vehicles
A great fit for sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and everyday daily drivers — the majority of what we ship.
Door-to-Door Included
Every open shipment is picked up and delivered as close to your addresses as a large truck can safely reach.
Door-to-door shipping →Your Options
Types of Open Car Carriers
Multi-Car Carriers
The large two-level trucks you see on the interstate, typically hauling 7 to 10 vehicles. They run the most routes and offer the lowest cost per vehicle.
Smaller Open Trailers
Single-level wedge and smaller trailers that carry a few vehicles. Handy for shorter routes, tighter streets, and quicker local pickups.
Great Fit for Open Transport
- Daily drivers — sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
- SUVs, crossovers, and minivans
- Pickup trucks
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- New and used vehicles from dealers or private sellers
- Non-running vehicles (with winch-equipped carriers)
Shipping a classic, exotic, or low-clearance car? Consider enclosed auto transport for full protection.
Compare
Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport
Both methods are safe and insured. Open transport wins on price and availability; enclosed adds full protection for high-value vehicles.
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Most affordable | Premium |
| Carrier availability | Very high | Fewer trucks — book ahead |
| Pickup speed | Usually faster | Can take longer to schedule |
| Cars per trailer | Typically 7–10 | Typically 1–7 |
| Weather & road exposure | Exposed to the elements | Fully covered |
| Best for | Daily drivers, standard vehicles | Classic, exotic, luxury, collector |
Rule of thumb: if it's a car you'd drive on the highway without a second thought, open transport is the smart, affordable choice. For irreplaceable or high-end vehicles, enclosed auto transport is worth the upgrade.
Protection
Is Open Car Shipping Safe?
Yes. Open transport is how most vehicles in the country are shipped — including brand-new cars on their way to dealerships. Vehicles are secured to the trailer with straps or chains, and professional drivers check their load throughout the trip.
Like a highway road trip, your car is exposed to weather and road dust along the way. Most vehicles arrive needing nothing more than a quick wash.
Insurance
Covered From Pickup to Delivery
Every carrier we dispatch must hold active federal operating authority and carry cargo insurance. Your vehicle's condition is recorded on the Bill of Lading at pickup and checked again at delivery before you sign.
NEXLogistix is a licensed, bonded, and insured auto transport broker (DOT 4238940 | MC-1641261).
Pricing
How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
Open transport is the most affordable way to ship a car because carriers move several vehicles at once. Here's what determines your price.
Distance & Route
Longer trips cost more overall, but busy interstate routes between major metros are often more efficient per mile than rural pickups.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Full-size trucks, vans, and large SUVs take more trailer space and weight capacity than compact cars.
Running Condition
Non-running vehicles need a winch and extra handling, which can add to the cost.
Season & Demand
Summer and the fall/spring "snowbird" season see higher demand, especially to and from Florida, Arizona, and Texas.
Pickup Flexibility
A flexible pickup window gives us more carriers to choose from — which usually means a better price.
Pickup & Delivery Locations
Addresses near major highways are easier and less expensive for carriers to reach than remote locations.
Your Quote Is Your Final Price
Some companies advertise a low number to win your booking, then raise it once your car is waiting on a truck. We don't. The price we quote is the price you pay — with $0 due when you book.
Get My Open Transport QuoteThe Process
How Open Car Shipping Works
Simple, transparent, and nothing due until a carrier is on the way.
- 1
Request Your Quote
Tell us your vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred dates. You'll get a final-price quote — no hidden fees added later.
- 2
Book With $0 Down
Nothing is due when you book. We match your vehicle with a vetted open carrier running your route.
- 3
Carrier Dispatched
Once a carrier is assigned, a deposit (or full payment, if you prefer) secures your spot. Your driver inspects and documents your vehicle at pickup.
- 4
Delivered & Inspected
Inspect your vehicle at delivery, sign off, and pay any remaining balance directly to the driver.
Get Ready
Preparing Your Vehicle
- Wash your vehicle so its condition is easy to inspect and document.
- Take dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels, and interior before pickup.
- Remove personal items and loose accessories — carrier insurance doesn't cover them.
- Leave about 1/4 tank of fuel or less.
- Fold in mirrors, lower or remove antennas, and secure any removable parts.
- Check for fluid leaks — carriers may refuse a vehicle that drips onto cars below.
- Disable or note any alarm system, and have a full set of keys ready.
Timing
How Long Does It Take?
Transit time depends mostly on distance and route. Shorter regional moves can be completed in a few days, while coast-to-coast shipments commonly take about one to two weeks from pickup.
Because open carriers are so plentiful, pickups are usually scheduled faster than enclosed transport. Need it moving on a deadline? Ask about expedited car shipping.
Once your carrier is dispatched, you'll receive status updates and your driver's contact information so you know when to expect pickup and delivery.
Why NEXLogistix
Open Transport You Can Trust
We're a family-owned auto transport broker based in Lake Jackson, Texas, shipping vehicles nationwide.
15+ Years in Auto Transport
A family-owned business with deep industry experience — we know which carriers show up and do it right.
Vetted Carrier Network
Access to 10,000+ carriers, screened for active authority, insurance, and safety record.
Final-Price Quotes
The price we quote is the price you pay. No bait-and-switch, no surprise fees.
$0 Due at Booking
You don't pay anything until a carrier is actually dispatched for your vehicle.
FAQ
Open Auto Transport FAQs
What is open auto transport?
Open auto transport is a car shipping method where your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer alongside several other vehicles and driven to your destination. It's the same type of trailer used to deliver new cars to dealerships, and it's the most common way vehicles are shipped in the U.S.
Is open car shipping safe?
Yes. Open transport is how the vast majority of vehicles — including brand-new cars headed to dealerships — are shipped every day. Vehicles are secured to the trailer, carriers are fully insured, and your vehicle's condition is documented on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery. Like driving, it does expose your car to weather and road dust along the way.
How much does open auto transport cost?
Open transport is the most affordable way to ship a car. Your exact price depends on distance, route, vehicle size, running condition, season, and pickup flexibility. Request a free quote and we'll give you a final price — not an estimate that changes later.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
For daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, and most everyday vehicles, open transport is the smart, affordable choice. If your vehicle is classic, exotic, luxury, freshly restored, or very low to the ground, enclosed transport adds full protection from the elements.
Will my car get dirty during open transport?
It may arrive with some road dust or water spots — about what you'd expect after a highway road trip. A quick wash is usually all it needs. If keeping your vehicle spotless matters, consider enclosed transport.
How many cars are on an open carrier?
Large two-level open carriers typically haul 7 to 10 vehicles. Smaller open trailers carry a few vehicles and are often used for shorter routes and local pickups.
Can you ship a car that doesn't run on an open carrier?
Yes. Non-running vehicles can be loaded with a winch. Let us know when you request your quote so we match you with a carrier that has the right equipment.
How long does open auto transport take?
Transit time depends mostly on distance. Shorter regional trips can take a few days, while coast-to-coast shipments commonly take one to two weeks. Because open carriers are so widely available, pickups are often scheduled faster than enclosed transport.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. There's $0 due at booking. Once a carrier is assigned, you can either pay a small deposit and the remaining balance directly to the driver at delivery, or pay in full at that point so nothing is due at delivery.
Do you offer open auto transport nationwide?
Yes. As a national auto transport broker, we arrange open car shipping between all 48 contiguous states, from major cities to small towns.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get a free, final-price quote in minutes. $0 due at booking — you don't pay a thing until a carrier is dispatched.
Prefer email? hello@nexlogistix.com
Licensed, bonded & insured broker · DOT 4238940 | MC-1641261