Industry Standard
90% of all vehicles shipped in the USA use open transport — including brand new cars from manufacturers to dealerships.
Most Popular Service
Open Car Transport — Safe, Reliable, and Affordable
The most popular way to ship a car in America. Used for 90% of all vehicle shipments. Trusted by over 100,000 Safeeds customers nationwide.
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
FMCSA Certified
BBB Accredited
90%
Industry Standard
of All Shipments Use Open Transport
100K+
Trusted Service
Cars Shipped Successfully
All 50
Nationwide Coverage
States Covered
About Open Transport
What Exactly Is Open Car Transport?
Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air multi-car carrier — the same type of truck you see on the highway every day — and transported safely to your destination.
It Is Safe
Professionally secured with heavy-duty straps and wheel chocks on a licensed, insured carrier operated by a vetted driver.
It Is Affordable
Costs 30–50% less than enclosed because carriers move more vehicles per load — the most cost-efficient option available.
It Is Fast
More open carriers on the road than any other type — faster pickup availability and shorter wait times on every route.
If car manufacturers trust open carriers to ship brand new vehicles from factories to dealerships — your car is in safe hands.
Safety First
Is Open Transport Safe?
Yes. Here is Why.
This is the most common question we get. Here is the honest answer.
Industry Standard
Ford, Toyota, BMW, Tesla — all use open carriers to ship new vehicles from factories to dealerships across America. If it is good enough for brand new factory vehicles it is good enough for yours.
Professionally Secured
Every vehicle on an open carrier is secured using heavy-duty wheel straps and chocks — the same securing systems used by every professional carrier in the industry. Your car does not move an inch during transit.
Licensed & Insured
Every carrier Safeeds uses is fully FMCSA licensed and carries mandatory cargo insurance. Your vehicle is covered from the moment it is loaded to the moment it is delivered at your door.
Vetted Drivers
Safeeds only works with carriers who pass our vetting process — valid operating authority, clean safety record, and verified insurance. No exceptions.
Note: The only real limitation of open transport is exposure to weather and road elements during transit. For everyday vehicles this is a non-issue. For luxury or classic cars — enclosed transport is the better choice.
Simple 7-Step Process
How Open Car Transport Works
From Quote to Delivery
Your complete journey in seven simple steps — transparent, professional, hassle-free
Get Your Free Quote (60 seconds)
Takes 60 Seconds
Enter your pickup location, delivery location, vehicle details, and preferred dates. Get an instant transparent quote with zero hidden fees.
Book With Zero Deposit
No Upfront Payment
Confirm your booking. Most routes require zero deposit. Confirmation sent to your email immediately.
Carrier Assigned
1-3 Days Before Pickup
1–3 days before pickup you receive your carrier name, truck details, and driver's direct phone number.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Prep Checklist
Wash your car, photograph every angle, remove personal belongings, leave a quarter tank of fuel, disable toll tags.
Pickup at Your Door
Door-to-Door Service
Driver arrives, you complete a walkaround inspection together, both sign the Bill of Lading, vehicle is loaded and secured.
Vehicle in Transit
Real-Time Tracking
Track your shipment in real time. Contact your driver or Safeeds support anytime during transit.
Delivered to Your Door
Mission Complete
Driver calls before arrival. You inspect the vehicle at delivery, compare to pickup Bill of Lading, sign and receive your keys.
Make the Right Choice
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Both are safe. Both are professional. The right choice depends on your vehicle and your priorities.
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower — baseline price | 30–50% more than open |
| Best For | Everyday vehicles, sedans, SUVs, trucks | Luxury, classic, exotic, or modified cars |
| Protection | Fully secured, exposed to weather | Fully secured, protected from weather |
| Availability | High — more carriers available | Limited — fewer carriers on most routes |
| Industry Standard | 90% of all shipments | 10% of all shipments |
| Pickup Speed | Faster — more trucks on every route | Slower — may wait longer for carrier |
Bottom Line
Choose Open Transport if: You are shipping an everyday vehicle and want the most cost-effective, widely available service. This is the standard choice for 90% of all shipments.
Choose Enclosed Transport if: You have a luxury, classic, exotic, or heavily modified vehicle where maximum protection from weather and road debris justifies the premium price.
Transparent Pricing
How Much Does Open Car Transport Cost?
Real average prices based on thousands of real shipments. Get your exact price in 60 seconds.
Short Distance
Under 500 miles
$300–$600
avg. price
Most Popular
Mid Distance
500 – 1,500 miles
$550–$950
avg. price
Cross Country
1,500+ miles
$950–$1,400
avg. price
Pricing Factors
What Affects Your Open Transport Price
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Distance | Primary cost driver — longer = higher total, lower per mile |
| Vehicle size | SUVs and trucks cost 10-20% more than standard sedans |
| Season | Summer and snowbird season = peak pricing |
| Pickup flexibility | Flexible 5-day window saves 5-10% |
| Location | Rural areas may cost more due to limited carrier access |
| Booking timing | 2+ weeks advance booking = best rates |
Savings Tip
Book at least 2 weeks early. Give a flexible 5-day pickup window. Ship in September or October. Use a Safeeds discount code. These four steps combined can save you $100-$300 on your open transport shipment.
Vehicle Guide
Is Open Transport Right for Your Vehicle?
Great For Open Transport
Standard sedans
Camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu, etc.
SUVs
CR‑V, RAV4, Explorer, Highlander, etc.
Pickup trucks
F‑150, Silverado, Ram 1500, Tacoma, etc.
Minivans
Odyssey, Sienna, Pacifica, etc.
Standard sports cars
Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, etc.
Electric vehicles
Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other EVs.
Recent model year vehicles
Newer vehicles in standard condition.
Consider Enclosed Instead
Luxury vehicles
Higher-value trims and premium brands.
Classic cars
Older vehicles with irreplaceable parts.
Exotic sports cars
Low-clearance or high-value exotics.
Fully restored show cars
Concours or freshly restored builds.
Any vehicle $75,000+
When extra protection is worth it.
Custom paint or bodywork
Wraps, fresh paint, or custom panels.
Common Questions
Open Transport Questions — Answered
Is open car transport actually safe?
Yes, and here's the proof: Ford, Toyota, BMW, and Tesla all use open carriers to ship brand-new vehicles from factories to dealerships. Every vehicle is secured with heavy-duty wheel straps and chocks, and every Safeeds carrier is FMCSA-licensed and required to carry cargo insurance.
How much does open car transport cost?
Short routes under 500 miles typically run $300–$600. Cross-country (1,500+ miles) averages $950–$1,400. Book 2+ weeks early, keep a flexible pickup window, and use a Safeeds discount code; that combination alone can save you $100–$300.
What's the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport is 30–50% cheaper, has faster pickup availability, and is used for 90% of all shipments. Enclosed adds weather and debris protection at a premium. For everyday vehicles, open is the smart choice. For luxury, classic, or exotic cars, enclosed is worth it.
Will my car get dirty or damaged from the weather during open transport?
Light dust and road grime are normal; that's what a car wash is for. Actual weather damage during transit is extremely rare. The same carriers move brand-new vehicles across the country daily. For everyday cars, it's a complete non-issue.
How long does open car transport take?
1–3 days for short hauls, 2–5 days for mid-range routes, and 5–10 days coast-to-coast. Open transport is actually faster than enclosed because there are far more open carriers on every route, meaning shorter wait times for pickup.
Can I ship an SUV or pickup truck on an open carrier?
Absolutely. Open carriers regularly transport F-150s, Silverados, Highlanders, Explorers, and everything in between. Larger vehicles cost roughly 10–20% more than a standard sedan, still far cheaper than driving it yourself.
Do I need to pay a deposit to book open transport?
Most Safeeds routes require zero upfront deposit. You don't pay until a carrier is assigned and you've confirmed the price. No money taken before you're ready, that's how reputable brokers operate.
Can I put personal belongings in my car during transport?
It's not recommended. Carriers are only insured for the vehicle itself, not personal items inside it. Customs and DOT regulations also restrict what can travel in a shipped vehicle. Keep the car empty to avoid any complications.
What is a Bill of Lading and why does it matter?
It's the official condition report signed by you and your driver at both pickup and delivery. It documents any pre-existing damage before loading. If anything changes between pickup and delivery, the Bill of Lading is your proof; it's your most important protection during the entire shipment.
How do I get the best price on open car transport?
Four things: book at least 2 weeks early, offer a flexible 5-day pickup window, ship in September or October (off-peak), and ask about Safeeds discounts for military, students, seniors, and returning customers. Get your locked-in price in 60 seconds, no hidden fees, no obligation.
Customer Reviews
What Open Transport Customers Say
Real stories from real shipments. Here is what customers say about shipping their vehicles on an open carrier with Safeeds.
"Shipped my Honda Accord from New York to Florida on open carrier. Picked up driveway on Monday, delivered to my new apartment on Thursday. Driver was professional and communicative the entire time. For an everyday car this was perfect condition in 4 days. The whole process was easier than I expected and undamaged. Exactly what I needed."
"I was nervous about open transport for my Ford F-150 but my rep explained everything clearly and put my mind at ease. Truck was delivered in perfect condition in 4 days. The whole process was easier than I expected and the price was very fair."
"Third time using Safeeds for open transport and every single time has been flawless. Pickup is always on time, drivers are professional, and the car always arrives exactly as it left. I recommend Safeeds to everyone I know who needs to ship a car."
Fast & Easy
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