What is open auto transport?

Open auto transport is the standard, most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle nationwide. Your car is loaded onto a multi-level open trailer alongside other vehicles and transported to its destination. It's how the vast majority of cars are shipped in the US, including dealer inventory, fleet vehicles, and personal cars.

At TS Fast Auto Logistics, we match you with a vetted, fully insured open carrier on your route and coordinate every step from pickup to delivery. Because open trailers are more common, they're usually faster and cheaper than enclosed transport.

How open transport works

Get a free instant quote: enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle type, and preferred date.
Book your shipment: confirm the quote and we dispatch an insured open carrier on your route.
Pickup at your address: the driver calls 24 hours in advance to confirm the pickup window.
Track your vehicle: you receive the driver's contact info and status updates.
Delivery to your destination: inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and pay the carrier.

Why choose open transport?

Open transport is the best balance of price, speed, and reliability. It's ideal for daily drivers, sedans, SUVs, trucks, and most standard vehicles. Because open carriers are so common, they cover more routes and pickup windows are usually shorter than enclosed.

Contrary to a common myth, open transport is safe. Vehicles are secured with soft-strap tie-downs and covered by insurance from the moment they leave your address. Minor dust or road debris is expected on long hauls. A quick wash at the destination is all that's usually needed.

Pricing for open transport

Open transport is the most affordable transport type. Typical estimates:

Over 1,500 miles: about $1.00 per mile, for standard vehicles under 7,000 lbs
1,500 miles or less: an estimated range online, then your confirmed price by email within 2 business hours
Commercial or over 7,000 lbs: a custom quote from an advisor

These are estimates only. The final price is confirmed after your quote is reviewed. Our 30-day TruePrice Guarantee locks your quoted price so it won't increase after booking.

Why Open Transport

Benefits of open auto transport

The most affordable way to ship a car nationwide, used by dealerships, fleets, and millions of private owners.

Most affordable option

Open transport costs 30-50% less than enclosed, making it the budget-friendly choice for most vehicles.

Faster pickup windows

Open carriers cover more routes and run more frequently, so pickup often happens within 1-3 days.

Fully insured

Every open carrier is vetted and fully insured. Your vehicle is protected bumper-to-bumper.

Door-to-door available

Combine open transport with door-to-door service for pickup and delivery right at your address.

Open Transport FAQ

Open transport questions

Is open transport safe for my car?

Yes. Open transport is how the vast majority of cars are shipped in the US, including new vehicles from dealerships. Vehicles are secured with soft-strap tie-downs and fully insured from pickup to delivery. Minor dust is expected. A quick wash at the destination is all you need.

What vehicles can ship on an open trailer?

Almost any standard vehicle: sedans, coupes, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and crossovers. Some very large or heavily modified vehicles may require special equipment or an oversized trailer. Your advisor will confirm this during your quote.

Will my car get dirty during transport?

It may collect dust and road film on long hauls. This is normal. It doesn't damage the vehicle and washes off easily. If a spotless arrival is important to you, choose enclosed transport instead.

How much cheaper is open transport than enclosed?

Open transport is typically 30-50% less expensive than enclosed. For a standard cross-country shipment, that can mean saving several hundred dollars. Enclosed is usually reserved for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles.

Open Auto Transport