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The industry standard: fast, affordable, fully insured

Open Carrier Car Shipping

Open carrier transport is fast, easy, and the most affordable option when shipping a car.

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The Service

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.

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Open carrier car shipping
The Process

How Open Carrier Car Shipping Works

Shipping a car shouldn’t be complicated. We’ve simplified the process into three easy steps:

01

Get a Quote & Book

Enter your pickup and delivery zip codes into our instant quote tool. Select your vehicle type and desired timeframe.

02

Carrier Assignment

We match your order with a vetted, fully insured carrier from our nationwide network who is already driving your route.

03

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.

Know Your Options

Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Shipping

It is important to understand your options so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Most Popular

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.

Premium Protection

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.
Why RunBuggyOne

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.

Transit Times

Timing & 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
1–2 Days
500–1,500 miles
3–5 Days
1,500–2,500 miles
5–7 Days
2,500+ miles
7–10 Days
Coast to Coast

(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)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about open carrier car shipping.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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