Kevin Wallace
Open carrier transport is the most widely used method for shipping vehicles in the United States. And yet, for anyone shipping a car for the first time, it's natural to have questions. How is the car secured? What happens if something goes wrong? Is it really safe for a long-distance haul?
The short answer is yes — and here's the longer explanation.
What Is Open Carrier Transport?
Open carrier transport means your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-vehicle trailer — the kind you've likely seen on highways carrying several cars stacked on two levels. These carriers are the backbone of the auto transport industry.
It's the same method used to deliver brand-new cars from manufacturing plants to dealerships across the country. If it's trusted for that, it's a reasonable choice for your vehicle too.
How Are Vehicles Secured During Transport?
This is the most common concern for first-time shippers, and it's a fair one.
Vehicles on an open carrier are secured using professional-grade wheel straps and chains that attach to the carrier's frame. Drivers are trained in load securement and responsible for checking tie-downs throughout the trip. The goal is to eliminate any movement during transit — and the equipment is designed specifically for that purpose.
Before the carrier departs, a condition inspection is completed and documented on a form called a Bill of Lading. This report notes any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage on the vehicle. The same inspection happens at delivery, so both parties have a clear record of the vehicle's condition from start to finish.
What Are the Risks of Open Carrier Transport?
Being straightforward matters here. Open carriers do expose vehicles to the elements — weather, road debris, and dust are part of long-distance highway travel. For most everyday vehicles, this is not a meaningful concern. The risks are the same ones your car faces on any highway drive.
That said, open carrier isn't the right choice for every situation. If you're shipping a vehicle where surface condition is a priority — a classic car, a show vehicle, or a high-value exotic — enclosed transport eliminates exposure to the elements entirely and is worth the additional cost.
For the vast majority of everyday passenger vehicles, open carrier transport is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective solution.
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped on an Open Carrier?
Open carriers are built to handle a wide range of standard vehicles, including:
• Sedans and coupes
• SUVs and crossovers
• Pickup trucks (standard height)
• Minivans and vans
• Hatchbacks and wagons
Vehicles that may require special handling include:
• Lifted trucks or oversized vehicles that exceed standard clearance
• Low-clearance sports or performance cars
• Non-running vehicles (possible but requires specialized equipment)
If your vehicle falls outside the standard range, share the details with your transport company before booking. A good provider will tell you upfront what's needed.
Is Door-to-Door Delivery Available With Open Carrier?
Yes, in most cases. Door-to-door means the driver picks up from your location — or as close to it as safely accessible — and delivers to your destination address.
In some cases, large carriers can't navigate narrow residential streets or tight turns. When that happens, the driver will coordinate a nearby meetup point, such as a parking lot or main road intersection, for a safe handoff. Your transport coordinator will flag this if it applies to your pickup or delivery address.
How Does the Inspection and Claims Process Work?
The Bill of Lading is your most important document in the transport process. Here's how it works:
1. At pickup, the driver and vehicle owner walk around the car together and note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading
2. Both parties sign the document before the vehicle is loaded
3. At delivery, the same walkthrough happens — any new damage discovered is noted on the delivery copy
4. If damage occurred during transport, you have the right to file a claim with the carrier's insurance
The key is to do the walkthrough carefully at both ends and never sign a blank or incomplete Bill of Lading.
Open Carrier vs. Enclosed: How Do You Choose?
The decision usually comes down to two things: the vehicle and the budget.
Open carrier is the right choice when:
• You're shipping an everyday passenger vehicle
• Cost efficiency is a priority
• You want faster scheduling due to wider carrier availability
Enclosed carrier is the right choice when:
• You're shipping a classic, exotic, or high-value collector vehicle
• Surface condition is critical
• You want full protection from weather and road debris during transit
Most customers shipping standard vehicles choose open carrier. Most customers shipping show cars or collector vehicles choose enclosed. If you're unsure, a quick conversation with your transport coordinator will point you in the right direction.
Kevin's Take
Many customers struggle whether to use an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. The simple explanation is this. When driving your car on the road no matter the make or model you can easily get stone chips and minor scratches on your vehicle. If you don;t mind how your car looks now then you would be ok to ship on an open carrier. If your car is perfect and you want it to stay that way you better ship it enclosed but remember the enclosed most often is double the price of an open carrier.
Ship With Confidence
Open carrier transport has moved millions of vehicles safely across the country. With the right provider, the right documentation, and a clear understanding of the process, it's a straightforward experience.
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