Michael R.
Great price. Great communication. On-time pick up. On-time delivery. Door to door service. Highly recommend!
Jan 15, 2026Google
4.9/5 from 2,500+ reviews
Open Car Transport
The industry standard. 85% of all cars ship on open carriers -- the same trailers dealers and manufacturers use. Affordable, fast, and fully insured.
From $0.50/miavg open
85% Choose This
< 0.2% Damage Rate
Reserve Free
ScottPrice LockGuaranteed price at booking
Get an instant quote
Read what other customers say about their delivery experience
Sarah K.
We had an easy and successful experience with Scott's! Great drivers and excellent communication. Affordable and professional!
Jan 22, 2026Google
James C.
Did a great job transporting my vehicle across the country. Showed up when they said. Very professional staff and drivers.
Feb 1, 2026Google
The industry standard
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport uses multi-vehicle, open-air trailers to ship cars across the country. Your vehicle is loaded onto a two-level carrier -- the same type of trailer you see on highways every day carrying brand-new cars from factories to dealerships. It's the most common, most available, and most affordable method of auto transport in the industry.
The carrier holds 7-10 vehicles on two levels, each professionally secured with soft-touch wheel straps and tire nets. Because the cost is shared across multiple vehicles, the per-car price is significantly lower than enclosed transport. Open shipping is recommended for sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and any vehicle under $75,000 in value.
85%
Of all vehicles ship open
Open transport is the industry default. Manufacturers, dealers, auctions, and the vast majority of individuals choose open carriers.
$0.50
Average cost per mile
Open transport averages $0.50-$1.00/mi depending on distance. 40-60% less expensive than enclosed transport.
< 0.2%
Industry damage rate
Despite being open-air, the damage rate is under 0.2% -- better odds than driving it yourself over the same distance.
1-3 Days
Standard pickup window
Open carriers are the most available. Pickup is typically 1-3 business days after booking.
The process
How Open Car Transport Works
01Get Your Instant Quote
Enter pickup/delivery locations and vehicle details. Our calculator gives you an exact open transport price in under 60 seconds. Reserve your spot free -- no charge until carrier is confirmed.
02
Carrier Matched to Your Route
Within 1-3 business days, we match your shipment with a vetted open carrier heading in your direction. You receive driver details, pickup window, and GPS tracking link.
03Professional Loading & Inspection
The carrier arrives at your address. You and the driver jointly inspect and document the vehicle condition on the Bill of Lading. Your car is loaded and secured with professional wheel straps.
04Delivery & Final Inspection
Your vehicle arrives at the destination. Final joint condition inspection with the driver. You sign the delivery receipt and your car is unloaded -- exactly as it was at pickup.
Get Your Exact Price
Our calculator gives you a real, locked-in price based on your specific route, vehicle, and timing -- not a bait-and-switch estimate.
Comparison
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open transport is right for the vast majority of vehicles. Enclosed is a premium service best reserved for high-value, classic, or exotic cars where maximum protection justifies the 40-60% price increase.
Most popular
Open Transport
$650-$900 (1,000 mi, sedan)
- Chosen by 85% of all customers
- 40-60% cheaper than enclosed
- Fastest pickup -- most carrier availability
- $750K+ cargo insurance included
- Under 0.2% damage rate industry-wide
Premium
Enclosed Transport
$1,000-$1,400 (1,000 mi, sedan)
- Total weather and debris protection
- Ideal for vehicles valued over $75,000
- Hard-side or soft-side trailer options
- 2-6 vehicles per load, more individual care
- Best for luxury, exotic, classic cars
FeatureOpenEnclosed
Carrier TypeTwo-level open-air trailerFully enclosed hard-side or soft-side trailer
Capacity7-10 vehicles per load2-6 vehicles per load
Average Cost (1,000 mi)$650-$900$1,000-$1,400
Cost DifferenceBase price+40-60% premium
Weather ProtectionExposed to elements (like driving)Full protection from all elements
Debris ProtectionMinimal -- same as highway drivingComplete -- sealed from road debris
Carrier AvailabilityHighest -- most carriers are openLimited -- fewer carriers available
Pickup Speed1-3 business days typical2-5 business days typical
Damage RateUnder 0.2% industry-wideUnder 0.01% industry-wide
Best For85% of vehicles -- sedans, SUVs, trucksLuxury, exotic, classic, high-value
Not Sure If Open Is Right for Your Car?
Our experts will recommend the best transport method based on your vehicle value, type, and route. Call us anytime -- 24/7.
Get a free quoteReal numbers
Open Transport Shipping Costs
Open transport pricing is based on distance, vehicle type, and seasonal demand. Here are real numbers -- no bait-and-switch, no hidden fees. ScottPrice Lock guarantees your quoted price.
Cost by Distance (Open Transport, Sedan)
Under 500 miles
$0.75-$1.00/mi
$375-$500
1-3 days
Short haul, higher per-mile cost
500-1,000 miles
$0.58-$0.75/mi
$500-$750
3-5 days
Most common distance range
1,000-1,500 miles
$0.50-$0.65/mi
$650-$975
5-7 days
Optimal per-mile efficiency
1,500-2,000 miles
$0.45-$0.60/mi
$900-$1,200
6-8 days
Long haul discount kicks in
2,000-3,000 miles
$0.40-$0.55/mi
$1,000-$1,500
7-14 days
Coast-to-coast, best per-mile value
Vehicle Type Modifiers
Sedan (Civic, Camry, Corolla)Base priceFits standard carrier positions
Midsize SUV (RAV4, CR-V, Tucson)+$50-$150Slightly larger, heavier
Full-Size SUV (Tahoe, Suburban)+$100-$300Takes more carrier space
Pickup Truck (F-150, RAM, Silverado)+$100-$250Length and height matter
Minivan (Sienna, Odyssey, Pacifica)+$50-$100Standard carrier fit
Non-Running Vehicle+$150-$250Requires winch loading
Non-running vehicle?
Open carriers are equipped with winches for safe loading. Adds $150-$250.
Equipment types
Types of Open Carriers
Not all open carriers are the same. We match your vehicle with the right equipment based on size, route, and timeline.
Standard Multi-Car Carrier
7-10 vehicles
The workhorse of the auto transport industry. Two-level open trailers used by manufacturers, dealers, and individual shippers. The most cost-effective option with the widest route coverage.
Hotshot / Flatbed Carrier
1-4 vehicles
Smaller single-level trailers pulled by heavy-duty pickup trucks. Used for short-haul, expedited, or hard-to-reach deliveries where a full-size carrier is impractical.
Lowboy / Step-Deck Carrier
3-6 vehicles
Specialized trailers with a lower deck height for oversized vehicles -- lifted trucks, tall SUVs, or vehicles with roof racks that exceed standard carrier clearance.
Day of service
What to Expect on Pickup & Delivery Day
12-24 Hours Before Pickup
Your carrier contacts you with a specific arrival window. They call again when 30-60 minutes away so you can be ready.
Joint Vehicle Inspection
You and the driver walk around the vehicle together, documenting any existing scratches, dents, or damage on the Bill of Lading. Take your own photos too.
Professional Loading
The driver carefully drives your vehicle onto the open trailer and secures it with professional-grade wheel straps and tire nets. The process takes 10-15 minutes.
Real-Time GPS Tracking
Track your vehicle 24/7 through our online portal. See exactly where it is and estimated arrival time at any point during transit.
Weather Exposure
Your vehicle is exposed to the same elements as driving on a highway. Rain, dust, and minor road debris are normal. This is why we recommend a car wash at delivery.
Insurance Coverage
Every carrier in our network carries $750K+ cargo insurance. If anything happens, we handle the entire claims process on your behalf.
Ready to ship on an open carrier?
Get started today with a free, no-obligation quote. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions.
The Scott's difference
Why Ship Open with Scott's
Any broker can book an open carrier. The difference is who vetted that carrier, who monitors your shipment, and who picks up the phone when you have a question. Here's what sets Scott's apart.
Get your free quoteScottPrice Lock -- price never changes after booking
Reserve free -- pay only when carrier confirmed
Dedicated coordinator for your shipment
Real-time GPS tracking on every transport
Vetted carrier network -- FMCSA verified, insured
$750K+ insurance per carrier, verified
24/7 U.S.-based phone support
Free cancellation before carrier dispatch
15,000+ vehicles shipped nationwide
4.9/5 rating across 2,500+ verified reviews
15,000+
Vehicles shipped
4.9
Average rating
$0
Hidden fees, ever
Ship any vehicle
Vehicle Types We Transport
From everyday sedans to exotic supercars, we ship every type of vehicle with the right carrier match and protection level.
Car Shipping
Sedans, coupes & hatchbacks
Truck Shipping
Pickups and full-size
SUV Transport
All sizes of SUVs
Motorcycle Shipping
Specialized carriers
RV Transport
Motorhomes and campers
Boat Shipping
Trailer & cradle transport
Non-Running Vehicles
Winch & forklift equipped
Luxury & Exotic Cars
White-glove enclosed
Classic Car Shipping
Handled with care
Who we serve
Shipping Solutions for Every Situation
Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a car online, or heading south for winter -- we have tailored shipping solutions for your specific needs.
Car Relocation
Moving for work or life
Relocating to a new city for a job, family, or fresh start? We handle the vehicle logistics so you can focus on the move. Door-to-door service, flexible scheduling, and real-time tracking included.
Learn moreOnline Car Buyers
Bought it? We ship it.
Purchased a vehicle on Carvana, AutoTrader, Cars.com, or a private seller out of state? We pick up directly from the seller and deliver to your door -- nationwide.
Learn moreSnowbird Shipping
Seasonal relocations
Heading south for winter or north for summer? Ship your car ahead so it is waiting when you land. Thousands of snowbirds trust us for their annual Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes.
Learn moreMilitary Car Shipping
PCS and base transfers
PCS orders, base transfers, and deployment vehicle storage -- we work with active duty, reserves, and military families. Familiar with every major U.S. base and overseas port.
Learn moreTravel Nurses
Relocate with ease
Short-term assignments across the country mean your car needs to keep up. We offer flexible pickup dates and expedited options so your vehicle arrives when your contract starts.
Learn moreCollege Students
Ship your car to school
Driving cross-country before freshman year or transferring campuses? We ship your car safely to any college town so you can fly instead of drive -- parents love the peace of mind.
Learn moreBefore pickup
Prepare Your Vehicle for Open Transport
1
Wash your vehicle so existing damage is visible for the condition report
2
Take timestamped photos of all 4 sides, roof, and any existing damage
3
Remove ALL personal belongings not secured in trunk (carrier insurance does not cover items)
4
Leave fuel at 1/4 tank (enough for loading/unloading, reduces weight)
5
Disable aftermarket alarms to prevent triggering during transport
6
Fold in side mirrors if possible to reduce loading risk
7
Ensure tires are properly inflated and battery is fully charged
8
Remove or secure loose accessories (bike racks, antennas, spoilers)
9
Provide carrier with one set of working keys
10
Note: up to 150 lbs of personal items allowed -- keep below window line
Shipping soon?
Book 2-3 weeks early for the best carrier availability and pricing on your route.
Open transport FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about open car transport, answered by our team.
Open car transport uses multi-vehicle, open-air trailers to ship your car. Your vehicle is loaded onto a two-level carrier alongside other vehicles, secured with professional wheel straps and tire nets. It's the same method used by auto manufacturers to deliver new cars to dealerships -- and the method 85% of individual shippers choose.
Nationwide auto transport
Open Car Transport in Every U.S. State
Open carriers run routes across all 50 states daily. Select a state for local pricing, transit times, and carrier availability.
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Ready for Open Car Transport?
Get a free, no-obligation quote with our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed. Our team is available 24/7.