Open Carrier
What is open carrier car shipping?
Open carrier car shipping is a method of vehicle transportation where the car is transported on an open trailer. This is the most common and cost-effective way to transport a car as it allows the transport of multiple vehicles at once. However, as the car is not enclosed, it may be exposed to weather elements and road debris during transit. Open carrier car shipping is typically the preferred method for those transporting standard vehicles that do not require any special handling or protection during transportation.
How Door-to-Door Car Shipping Works
Shipping a car shouldn’t be complicated. We’ve simplified the process into three easy steps:
Get a Quote & Book
Enter your pickup and delivery zip codes into our instant quote tool. Select your vehicle type and desired timeframe.
Carrier Assignment
We match your order with a vetted, fully insured carrier from our nationwide network who is already driving your route.
Pickup & Delivery
The driver contacts you to schedule the pickup. They inspect your vehicle, load it, and drive it to your destination. You get automated status updates along the way and sign off on delivery once it arrives.
Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Shipping
It is important to understand your options so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Open Carrier
This is the budget-friendly, industry-standard option. Your vehicle is exposed to the weather and road conditions, but it is transported quickly and efficiently. Because there are thousands of open carriers on the road, it is usually much faster to book an open transport truck.
Enclosed Carrier
This is a premium option where your car is shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer.
- Weather Protection: Your vehicle is more protected from rain, snow, dust, and road debris.
- Higher Cost: Because enclosed trailers hold fewer vehicles and offer specialized equipment, this service typically costs 30% to 50% more than open transport.
- Best For: Classic cars, exotics, high-value luxury vehicles, or cars with low ground clearance.
How Much Does Open Carrier Shipping Cost?
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 1–500 miles | $3.44/mile | $3.57/mile |
| 501–1,500 miles | $1.16/mile | $1.87/mile |
| 1,500+ miles | $0.69/mile | $0.85/mile |
Several factors determine the final cost of your car shipping service, including the type of vehicle you are shipping, the total distance, and your timeline.
Because open carrier shipping is the most widely used method, it is inherently the most cost-effective way to transport a vehicle. To help you budget your upcoming move, we have compiled the average cost per mile to ship a standard-sized, operable vehicle.
(Note: These are baseline averages. For an exact, locked-in price tailored to your specific vehicle, use our Instant Quote Tool or call us at )
Customize Your Car Shipping Service
We know every car and every timeline is different. RunBuggyOne offers multiple services that seamlessly combine with open carrier transport:
Best for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, sports cars, and low-clearance vehicles.
The Details: For vehicles that need extra protection, enclosed shipping shields your car from rain, dust, road debris, and weather. It offers “white glove” service for your prized possessions.
Best for: Last-minute moves, urgent deadlines, or corporate relocations.
The Details: In a rush? Expedited shipping prioritizes your vehicle for the fastest available pickup. While standard shipping might have a 1-5 day pickup window, expedited services aim for pickup within 24-48 hours.
Best for: Lifted trucks, duallys, Sprinter vans, and modified vehicles.
The Details: Not every car fits on a standard hauler. If you have a large vehicle or an oversized truck, we have specialized carriers with the equipment needed to handle the extra height, weight, and width safely.
The Advantages of Shipping with RunBuggyOne
We aren’t just a broker; we are a technology company that has revolutionized car shipping.
Verified Carriers
Every driver in our network undergoes rigorous background checks and insurance verification.
Automated Status Updates
No more wondering where your car is. Our technology allows for transparency with our Tracking Portal throughout the shipment.
No Hidden Fees
The price you see is the price you pay. We don’t believe in bait-and-switch tactics.
Nationwide Coverage
From Miami to Seattle or Los Angeles to New York City, we cover every route in the 48 contiguous states.
Timing and Delivery: What to Expect
“How long will it take?” is the most common question we get. While exact transit times vary based on traffic and weather, here are general estimates for door-to-door transport:
- 0-500 Miles: 1 to 2 Days
- 500-1,500 Miles: 3 to 5 Days
- 1,500-2,500 Miles: 5 to 7 Days
- 2,500+ Miles (Coast to Coast): 7 to 10 Days
(Note: These are transit times (time on the road) and do not include the time it takes for your order to be claimed by a transporter)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my car safe on an open carrier?
Yes. Open carrier shipping is incredibly safe and is the exact same method dealerships use to transport brand-new vehicles. While your car is exposed to weather and standard road dust, it is securely strapped and protected from major damage.
Is my car insured during open carrier transport?
Yes. All RunBuggyOne carriers are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance. Additionally, RunBuggyOne provides a secondary layer of “contingent cargo insurance” for extra peace of mind.
Can I pack personal items in my car?
We generally recommend against it. Auto carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household goods. Personal items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance if they are damaged or stolen. If you must leave items, keep them in the trunk and under 100 lbs.
How do I pay for open carrier shipping?
With RunBuggyOne, you don’t pay a dime until we have successfully assigned a carrier to your order. We accept all major credit cards for a seamless, secure transaction.
