Open Car Transport Is
The Most Economical Car Shipping Choice
Price match
Best price guaranteed
Guaranteed pick-up
Your choice of pick-up
Express shipping
Reduced transit time
Safe transport
Full insurance coverage
Open car transport experiences
SGT Auto Transport delivers on-time, reliable, car shipping and excellent customer service
Stacey K
SGT was a great choice from start to finish. They helped answer our questions, and transported our car for us from Philadelphia to St. Louis with no problems. Thanks SGT
5/15/2023
Cristine C
Very timely and responsive! Moe explained step by step the entire process.
Glad I found this Company!
4/20/2023
Tom L
I am very satisfied with the service I received from the SGT Auto Transport Group. All went very smoothly. Thank You.
5/12/2023
Paul D
Our driver showed up on time, communication with dispatch was easy and adequate. I Would definitely use this company again to ship a vehicle.
5/12/2023
Tara S
SGT Auto Transport fulfilled all our requests. The driver picked up our car on time and delivered it to our home on time, and the car was in the same condition inside and outside!
5/16/2023
BA C
Good communication, reliable services and I would definitely recommend.
04/25/2022
Scott P
"Great communication! On time!
A+++++++++++++++"
5/15/2023
Jens W
Great experience from initial call to delivery of my car. The SGT team was very communicative and were very fast and thorough with my car. I would certainly use them again and recommend them 100%.
05/15/2023
Eugene T
On time for pickup, driver very careful and courteous. Car was in same condition as loaded. Would recommend to any persons needing transport.
15/5/2023
What is open car transport?
Open auto transport is the most common type of car shipping service. It’s easy to arrange, convenient, and excellent value for money. A car shipping company transports your car, together with other vehicles, using open trailer transport.
They pick up and load your vehicle from a location of your choice and deliver it to your chosen location. It exposes your car to the elements, but it’s still the safest and most secure option if you’re on a tight budget.
What is the difference between enclosed and open auto transport?
Open vs enclosed car transport are two very different things. Book open carrier auto transport and your vehicle is transported on an open trailer. The cost is lower but your vehicle is exposed to the elements. It's the preferred method for our customers because it's easy, quick and secure. Enclosed auto transport means your vehicle is protected on all sides for extra protection.
When you are making the decision of car transport, open vs enclosed, you’ll want to keep all of these things in mind. We find that for most vehicles and their owners, open air car transport is sufficient for their needs. While there is a slightly higher risk of road damage, it is minimal and the open car transport cost is lower.
When is open car transport recommended?
There’s lots of choice when it comes to choosing car shipping, but we recommend open carrier car transport if your vehicle is standard and you want to keep the cost to a minimum. Car dealerships choose it for this reason, and because it’s a safe, reliable, and fast option.
Open and enclosed car transport are both reasonable options, but they are each needed for specific circumstances, and we find that open car carrier transport will accommodate the vast majority of car transports.
Is open car transport a door-to-door service?
Yes it is door-to-door transport. Shipping your vehicle using open carrier transport means the carrier picks it up from a location of your choosing and delivers it to your door. If it’s not safe or legal to do so, the open car transport company will make alternative arrangements. Rest assured, they will arrange pick-up and delivery locations as close as they can to your door.
Is open car transport a safe option for shipping your vehicle?
Yes it is. It exposes your vehicle to the elements, but that’s no different than if you parked your vehicle on the street. The construction of an open trailer provides a high level of protection from road debris. Your vehicle will also be carefully secured or locked into the trailer.
You get added peace of mind knowing your vehicle has full insurance coverage. Enclosed car carrier transport in an enclosed trailer is mainly preferred for the most expensive and rare, classic cars.
Is open auto transport the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open carrier auto transport is the most common and cheapest way to ship a car. There are more open transport carriers, which means the price to transport a car is more affordable. Carriers are able to transport more cars on one truck, which also helps to keep the price low. To get a car shipping quote, use the link below.
|
Distance |
Type of |
Avg. price |
Sample distance |
Sample price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 milesmiles |
Open | $0.80 | 250 miles | $200 |
| 500-1000 milesmiles |
Open | $0.73 | 700 miles | $511 |
| 1000-1500 milesmiles |
Open | $0.70 | 1000 miles | $700 |
| 1500-2000 milesmiles |
Open | $0.48 | 1750 miles | $840 |
| 2000-2500 milesmiles |
Open | $0.37 | 2400 miles | $888 |
| 2500-3000 milesmiles |
Open | $0.35 | 2700 miles | $945 |
| 2500-3000 milesmiles |
Open | $0.35 | 2700 miles | $945 |
| 3000+ milesmiles |
Open | $0.33 | 3200 miles | $1122 |
The Avg. price per mile rates shown up above are reflective of current market conditions as of January 2020. The rates are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.
Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?
We go above and beyond with our open car transport
Check out some of our valued customers stories
2016 Ferrari California
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
Shipping a car for the first time can be a scary experience, but we do everything to make our customers feel at ease. The proud owner of this red beauty was able to monitor the entire process to ensure the safe handling of his precious baby. Rather than offer open car transport, this customer decided to book enclosed auto transport for 100% protection.
2019 Porsche Panamera
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
Enclosed and open auto transport are our specialties, but we also provide a door-to-door service. We delivered this Porsche Panamera right to the customer’s front door. The delivery took place early in the morning, and the first thing the owner saw when he woke up was his dream car outside. So pleased was he with the service that he tipped the driver for a job well done.
2018 McLaren 720
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
If you’re ever lucky enough to receive a gift like this from your father for graduation, we’ll make sure we select the best possible carrier to carry out the auto transport service. The carrier we chose for this shipment wasn’t the standard open car transport. Instead, we arranged enclosed auto transport to ensure the pick-up from New York and the delivery to San Francisco when according to plan.
1969 Buick LeSabre
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
What an absolute classic this Buick LeSabre is. Some might call it a muscle car, but whatever the label, there’s nothing else you could need. We shipped this beauty from the heart of Chicago to a restoration shop in East Bronx. The customer required no more than three cars on the trailer, which meant it wasn’t the standard open auto transport service.
1970 Chevy Corvette
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
For this shipment, we were hired through uShip. This customer had a very firm timeframe for pick-up and delivery. He required a pick-up within 24 hours because he wanted to be there to see the car get loaded and complete the inspection report himself. We arranged an enclosed trailer rather than open car transport and met his expectations. The delivery passed with flying colors.
2017 Porsche Panamera
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
This “snowbird” customer has been shipping their vehicle with us since 2017. The car is shipped twice a year from New Jersey to Key West Florida and back again. Open car transport is one option, but the customer chooses enclosed auto transport for optimum safety, security, and protection.
Chevy Impala
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
The owner of this Chevy Impala is a repeat client from Bobo’s Rods & Customs. We’ve been providing enclosed and open auto transport for them since 2016. So if you’re looking for a stunning motor, check out their inventory.
Lamborghini Huracan
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
We were hired to pick up this vehicle and deliver it to the famous Liberty Walk tuning shop. As is usual with this type of car, we arranged enclosed rather than open car transport. After the aftermarket additions, the car was loaded back on the same truck and delivered to the customer in Houston, Texas.
Bentley Continental
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
The previous shipper of this vehicle canceled at the last minute, which left the customer stranded. Lucky for them, they found us late in the afternoon on Friday, with a special request to arrange the transportation over the weekend due to time restrictions. As a result, we successfully delivered the vehicle seven days later from Boston to Seattle.
Monster truck
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
Open auto transport was the service of choice for this oversized beast of a vehicle. We delivered it to the Monster Truck Show in North Carolina on a flatbed because it didn’t fit the standard trailer.
Ford Mustang
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
The owner of these two Ford Mustangs asked us to arrange an open car transport service for these beauties that he’d restored. As he is a muscle car restorer, we’ve had the pleasure of shipping a few more cars for him.
Chevrolet Corvette
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
Bought from a private seller in Arizona, we loaded the car without any issues. The open auto transport carrier was super impressed to see such a vehicle in pristine condition. The customer required a few photos and video at the pick-up. The process went smoothly from start to finish.
Audi R8
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
An excellent ending to this open auto transport service comes when the customer takes a photo of the carrier unloading his new Audi R8. Right after the picture, the customer jumped into his new car to ride in the city. To say thanks for such a good service, he very kindly sent us a bottle of wine.
1957 Triumph
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
The owner of this 1957 Triumph TR3 hires us on uShip. This was a very challenging pick-up as the seller of the car had owned it for the last 60 years. Needless to say, open car transport wasn’t the best option for such a beloved classic. We successfully managed to load the vehicle and safely deliver it to the new owner’s home.
1940 Nash Lafayette
Proudly shipped by SGT Auto Transport
This was a really cool load for us. We picked up this 1940 Nash Lafayette from Salem, OR, for the American Pickers TV show.
How our open car transport services works
Ship your vehicle in 3 easy steps
1. Get a quote and book your order
Get your free instant quote using our online calculator. It’ll take just a few seconds of your time. Provide us with some basic information, such as: pick-up city and state, delivery city and state, vehicle year, make and model, condition of vehicle, transport type, and first available shipping date (this is the first date your car will be ready to be picked up).
It’s also possible, if you prefer, to call, email, or use Live Chat. Our dedicated open auto transport shipping advisors are always on hand to help.
The open trailer transport price you receive is fully inclusive. It includes insurance coverage, and there are no hidden fees, guaranteed. When you make your booking, we require no payment in advance. Cancellation is possible, free of charge, if you decide not to book at this time.
If you’re not satisfied with the price, contact us immediately. We’ll do our best to meet your price expectations, or do what we can to match the price you received from a direct competitor.
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2. We pick up your vehicle
A few hours before your assigned carrier is scheduled to pick-up your vehicle they will contact you. This is to confirm the arrangements and check that the pick-up location is accessible for large commercial vehicles. If it’s not legal or safe, you can make alternative arrangements at this time. There are a range of different locations you can use for the pick-up, for example, a nearby parking lot, where you work, or in a wider street close by. The carrier also needs to make sure someone is available to release the vehicle. You can nominate a third party, such as a neighbor, friend, relative, or colleague, to act on your behalf. Show more
3. You receive your vehicle
It won’t be long before your vehicle is almost home. Before you know it, you’ll be getting a call to let you know delivery will be in a few hours. If you’re unavailable at the scheduled time, you can nominate a representative to accept the delivery on your behalf. It could be a neighbor, relative, friend, or acquaintance. They do, however, have to be 18 years of age or older. Show more
Why car owners prefer our open carrier auto transport service
Learn why we are one of the top car shipping companies
Zero payment required upfront
Book your open transport service with us and you pay nothing in advance. Get a free instant open car transport quote using our online quote calculator. Alternatively, phone or use our Live Chat. Only when we find a carrier and dispatch your vehicle is payment taken.
The most trusted car transport company at uShip
In uShip’s list of most trusted car transport providers we come in at number one. Spend a few minutes reading our customer reviews and you’ll understand why they put us in such an excellent position.
Full insurance coverage for your vehicle
You get peace of mind knowing your vehicle is fully insured and secure because we include full insurance coverage in our open auto car shipping rates.
Customizable transport and personal service
We can tailor your open auto transport service to meet your needs. No two customers are the same, which is why we decided to make it fully customizable. Get in touch with our shipping advisors by phone or Live Chat. They’ll secure the best car shipping rates and be on hand to guide you through the car shipment process.
Customer support available 24/7
We’re able to provide a smooth and trouble-free shipping service for all our customers because we keep our eye on the ball at all times. Our committed team of shipping advisors are available around the clock so they can monitor your shipment and be available for questions.
$0 to pay if you cancel
You pay no penalties if you want to cancel your order before we assign a carrier. If you cancel after we’ve assigned a carrier, we’ll keep the non-refundable small partial payment. You can use the deposit if you decide to ship a car with us again, within six months.
Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?
The benefits of using our open car shipping service
Learn about the advantages of open car transport
Fast and efficient service
Open carrier auto transport is one of the fastest ways to ship a car. More than 90% of trucking companies use an open trailer. With so many to choose from, you stand a better chance of finding the right open car shipping service when you need one and the best car shipping rates.
A guaranteed pick-up can be arranged
If your schedule is tight and you need your vehicle picked up on a specific day, a guaranteed pick-up is the best auto transport service.
Top load placement is an option for additional protection
With open car transport you can request top load placement. This means that the carrier will not load a vehicle above yours. Choose this option if you'd like a little extra protection for your vehicle. Speak with one of our shipping advisors for an all-inclusive rate.
Trusted network of open car carriers
We have a trusted network of open car carriers at our disposal. They’re chosen because of their high quality standards. We put each one through a strict vetting process before adding them to our list of approved open auto transport carriers.
Best open transport prices
Get your free instant quotes using our online calculator, by phone or Live Chat, and you’ll see how good our prices are. Our goal is to secure the fairest and most competitive open trailer transport rates for you.
Your vehicle is completely safe
Your car is exposed to the elements during an open car transport service, but that’s no different than parking your car on the street. Open transport car shipping is one of the safest and most secure transport services. It also saves unnecessary mileage and wear and tear, saving you even more money.
When we recommend open car transport
If you’re looking for an auto transport option that fits your budget, open transport car shipping is what we recommend. If your vehicle is a standard model, and you want to keep the cost of shipping your car to a minimum, open auto transport is the best option. Open car shipping is one of the safest, most secure, and budget-friendly ways to ship a car.
When open car transport is not recommended
Open car transport suits many people but there are occasions when it’s not the recommended auto transport service. If you’re the proud owner of a custom, classic, vintage, antique, luxury, or high-end vehicle, for example, we’d recommend you opt for enclosed auto transport. Similarly, if you have modified your vehicle or it has low ground clearance, enclosed auto transport should be the service of choice.
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Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?
Open car transport hints & tips
Open car transport advices from experienced car shippers
Open car transport: Is it safe enough?
When it comes to shipping a car, many people consider enclosed auto transport to be a far safer option than open car transport, but that’s not strictly true.
Montana Car Shipping and How to Choose an Auto Transport Company
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6 Things to Consider When Shipping a Car to Montana
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