How to ship a vehicle with an open trailer?
By Robert Wilson · Nov 26, 2025
Shipping a vehicle with an open trailer is the most common and affordable way to transport a car in the U.S. Open carriers are the same trucks you see on highways carrying 6–10 vehicles at a time. They’re fast, safe, and budget-friendly, which makes them the top choice for everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks.
1. Get a Quote With Your Details
Carriers calculate your price based on:
Pickup & delivery ZIP codes
Vehicle make/model
Whether the car runs
Preferred pickup date
The more accurate the info, the better the quote.
2. Book the Shipment
After confirming the price, you book the transport.
Open trailer shipping usually gives a 1–3 day pickup window, depending on route demand.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup:
Remove personal items
Leave 1/4 tank of fuel
Take photos of the car (for condition report)
Fold mirrors and remove loose aftermarket parts if possible
This helps prevent issues and speeds up loading.
4. Vehicle Pickup
The driver meets you at a nearby accessible spot—wide street, parking lot, or open area. You walk around the car together and sign the Bill of Lading, which documents the vehicle’s condition.
The car is then loaded onto the open carrier using ramps.
5. Transport on the Open Trailer
Your vehicle travels alongside others on an open, multi-car hauler. The process is fast and efficient because these carriers run on the busiest routes nationwide.
6. Delivery to the Final Location
Upon arrival:
You inspect the car
Compare condition with the pickup report
Sign the delivery section of the Bill of Lading
Most payments are made at delivery unless prepaid.
Benefits of Open Trailer Shipping
Lowest price compared to enclosed trailers
Fastest pickup times because open carriers are common
Nationwide coverage
Suitable for most vehicles
When Open Shipping Is a Good Choice
It’s ideal for:
Sedans, SUVs, trucks
Daily drivers
Out-of-state moves
Cars that don’t require special handling
If you need full weather protection or have a luxury/exotic vehicle, enclosed transport is better — otherwise open shipping is the best value.
1. Get a Quote With Your Details
Carriers calculate your price based on:
Pickup & delivery ZIP codes
Vehicle make/model
Whether the car runs
Preferred pickup date
The more accurate the info, the better the quote.
2. Book the Shipment
After confirming the price, you book the transport.
Open trailer shipping usually gives a 1–3 day pickup window, depending on route demand.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup:
Remove personal items
Leave 1/4 tank of fuel
Take photos of the car (for condition report)
Fold mirrors and remove loose aftermarket parts if possible
This helps prevent issues and speeds up loading.
4. Vehicle Pickup
The driver meets you at a nearby accessible spot—wide street, parking lot, or open area. You walk around the car together and sign the Bill of Lading, which documents the vehicle’s condition.
The car is then loaded onto the open carrier using ramps.
5. Transport on the Open Trailer
Your vehicle travels alongside others on an open, multi-car hauler. The process is fast and efficient because these carriers run on the busiest routes nationwide.
6. Delivery to the Final Location
Upon arrival:
You inspect the car
Compare condition with the pickup report
Sign the delivery section of the Bill of Lading
Most payments are made at delivery unless prepaid.
Benefits of Open Trailer Shipping
Lowest price compared to enclosed trailers
Fastest pickup times because open carriers are common
Nationwide coverage
Suitable for most vehicles
When Open Shipping Is a Good Choice
It’s ideal for:
Sedans, SUVs, trucks
Daily drivers
Out-of-state moves
Cars that don’t require special handling
If you need full weather protection or have a luxury/exotic vehicle, enclosed transport is better — otherwise open shipping is the best value.
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