Open Auto Transport: The Most Affordable Car Shipping Option
Affordable Open Transport Car Shipping for Nationwide Moves
Affordable Open Auto Transport & Car Shipping Solutions
When it comes to affordable car shipping, open car transport is the most popular and economical choice. At Navi Auto Transport, we specialize in open transport car shipping that makes it easy to ship your car anywhere in the U.S. Whether you’re shipping a standard sedan or an SUV, our open transport car shipping option is fast, reliable, and used by most car dealerships across the nation.
What is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is a method of transporting your car on an open trailer, which is the most common method used in the auto transport industry. It is highly efficient, allowing for multiple vehicles to be transported at once, which reduces car shipping costs, making it one of the most affordable auto transport options available. Need to ship a non-running vehicle? We handle inoperable car shipping with winch-load pickup on open carriers. We partner with a trusted network of carriers to ensure that your vehicle is handled with care during its journey.
Calculate Your Open Transport Car Shipping Costs: Rates Per Mile
- $0.75 per mile (0–500 miles)
- $0.70 per mile (500–1000 miles)
- $0.68 per mile (1000–1500 miles)
- $0.48 per mile (1500–2000 miles)
- $0.35 per mile (2000–2500 miles)
- $0.34 per mile (2500–3000 miles)
The average price for open trailer shipping across the distances is approximately $0.55 per mile. Our prices are starting from $199 for this service, depending on distance, route, and vehicle type.
Why Open Car Transport is the Fastest and Best Overall Option
If you’re looking for a quick and cost-effective way to ship your car, open car transport is the fastest option available. Because open trailers can carry several vehicles at once, it ensures quicker turnaround times compared to enclosed transport. It’s also the best overall option for everyday cars, offering the balance of speed, affordability, and safety.
- Topload Available: For customers concerned about exposure to the elements, topload available options place your vehicle on the top row of the trailer, providing added protection from road debris and dust.
- Used by Most Car Dealerships: Open car transport is the preferred choice for dealerships due to its reliability and fast service.
What Our Customers Say About Open Transport
With Navi Auto Transport’s open car shipping service, you get a reliable, cost-effective way to move your vehicle nationwide. Our vetted carriers ensure safe handling, timely delivery, and full transparency every step of the way. Here’s what our customers love about choosing open transport:
The Open Car Transport Experience with Navi Auto Transport
At Navi Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on delivering a top-notch open car transport experience. From start to finish, our process is designed with your convenience in mind:
- Get a Free Instant Quote: Start by using our free instant quote calculator to get a transparent estimate based on your vehicle type and shipping distance.
- No Upfront Payment: We believe in honest pricing, which is why we don’t require any upfront payment. You pay only after your car has been successfully delivered.
- Friendly Customer Service: Our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way, offering personalized support from booking to delivery.
Why Choose Navi Auto Transport for Open Car Transport?
When it comes to shipping your vehicle safely and affordably, Navi Auto Transport stands out as the top choice for open car transport. Here’s why you should trust us with your vehicle:
- Trusted Network of Carriers: We partner with a trusted network of carriers who have years of experience in safely transporting vehicles across the country. You can rely on our team to handle your car with the care it deserves.
- Best Prices: Open car transport is known for being the most cost-effective method of vehicle shipping. At Navi Auto Transport, we offer the best prices in the industry without compromising service quality.
- No Upfront Payment: With Navi Auto Transport, you don’t need to worry about paying upfront. We don’t ask for any payments until your vehicle is assigned to a carrier, ensuring a risk-free booking experience.
- Fastest Transport: Open car transport is the fastest option for shipping vehicles. Because open trailers can carry multiple cars at once, they offer quicker delivery times, especially long-distance routes.
- Friendly Customer Service: Our team of shipping advisors is dedicated to providing you with personalized support. Whether you need assistance booking your transport or have questions during the process, our friendly customer service team is always here to help.
- Used by Most Car Dealerships: Car dealerships trust Navi Auto Transport’s open car transport for its reliability, speed, and affordability. You can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in the same hands trusted by professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Is open transport safe for my vehicle?
Yes! Open auto transport is one of the safest and most widely used auto transport services for standard vehicles. Our trusted network of carriers ensures that all vehicles are transported with care.
How much does it cost to ship a car using open transport?
Car shipping costs vary based on distance, route, vehicle size, and season. Open transport is consistently the most affordable car shipping option, with rates starting around $199 and averaging $0.55 per mile.
What vehicles can be shipped using open transport?
Open transport works best for standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, and daily drivers. Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles may benefit from enclosed transport instead.
Do car shippers provide guaranteed pricing without hidden fees?
Reputable car shipping companies provide all-inclusive quotes with no surprise charges. At Navi Auto Transport, we give guaranteed pricing upfront, which includes fuel, insurance, tolls, and driver fees. If your situation changes (e.g., non-running vehicle or extra luggage), we’ll update you before confirming pickup.
Do car shippers accommodate specific pickup time windows?
Pickup and delivery windows are typically flexible, but carriers can often accommodate specific timeframes when arranged in advance. At Navi Auto Transport, we recommend booking early if you need a narrow pickup window, especially during busy seasons.
What types of vehicles do you ship on open carriers?
Roughly 50% of our open transport shipments are sedans, 30% are SUVs, 15% are pickup trucks, and the remaining 5% includes larger vehicles like passenger vans and buses. If it fits on the trailer, we ship it.
Is open transport actually safe — or is it risky?
The #1 concern we hear from customers is that open transport feels exposed and unsafe. In reality, it’s the same method used to deliver new cars from manufacturers to dealerships. Every carrier in our network is fully insured. Weather and road debris damage is extremely rare — in thousands of shipments, it almost never happens.
How long does open car transport take?
On average, transport times range from 5-7 days depending on the distance and route.
Can I put a car cover on my vehicle during transport?
No, we do not recommend or allow car covers during transport. While it may seem like extra protection, car covers can cause more harm than good. At highway speeds, covers tend to flap against the vehicle’s surface, trapping dirt and debris that can scratch the paint. If the cover comes loose, it can also create a safety hazard for other vehicles on the trailer or on the road.
Your vehicle will be transported securely without the need for a cover. If you want maximum protection, we recommend choosing enclosed auto transport, which shields your car from weather and road debris without the risks that come with a cover.
How much gas should I have in my car when shipping it?
We recommend leaving your gas tank about one-quarter (¼) full when shipping your vehicle.
Safety First: A low fuel level reduces the overall weight of the car and minimizes the risk of leaks during transport.
Enough for Loading/Unloading: ¼ tank is plenty for the driver to load and unload your vehicle on and off the trailer.
Avoid Full Tanks: A full tank adds unnecessary weight and increases safety risks. Some carriers may even refuse a vehicle if the tank is completely full.
Best practice: Keep your fuel between ⅛ and ¼ full on the day of pickup.
How do weather conditions impact car shipping timelines?
Weather plays a big role in delivery times. Snowstorms, hurricanes, and heavy rain can delay pickups and drop-offs by a few days. Summer heat may affect scheduling due to higher demand. Navi Auto Transport monitors routes in real time and keeps you updated if weather impacts your delivery.
What percentage of shipments use open transport?
The majority of our customers choose open transport — it’s the most popular option we offer because it delivers the same safe, insured service at a lower price point than enclosed. For most standard vehicles, there’s simply no reason to pay more.
Has a vehicle ever been damaged during open transport?
Damage does happen in this industry — we won’t pretend otherwise. Our damage rate across all open transport shipments is under 1%, which is a direct result of how we vet the carriers in our network. Every carrier must carry active cargo insurance, and we also offer additional coverage through our insurance partner Tint for customers who want extra peace of mind.