An open-carrier option for everyday vehicles, with a quote tailored to your route.
Open car transport carries your vehicle on a trailer without an enclosed outer shell. The car travels in the open air, exposed to the weather and ordinary road debris, rather than inside a covered trailer. For many everyday vehicles, that makes open shipping a practical balance between transport cost and the level of protection needed.
It can be useful when you are moving home, buying a car in another state or arranging a seasonal move and want the vehicle delivered instead of driving the route yourself. Van 3 arranges the shipment through a carrier network; the assigned carrier operates the truck and handles pickup, transit and delivery.
The choice should reflect the vehicle you are shipping. Tell us about its running condition, size, modifications and any concerns about the finish or loading clearance. If added protection is a priority, compare enclosed transport before booking. For either option, pickup and delivery are arranged at an accessible address or a nearby safe meeting point.
A practical option for a car you use every day, whether you are relocating, returning from a seasonal stay or buying a vehicle from another state. Give us the pickup and delivery ZIP codes and the car’s running condition so the quote reflects your move. If another person will hand over or receive the vehicle, discuss that arrangement before pickup.
Open transport can suit SUVs and pickup trucks, provided the carrier can accommodate the vehicle’s size and loading requirements. Tell us about lift kits, oversized tires, roof equipment and other modifications when requesting a quote. A modified truck may need different arrangements from the standard model, so accurate dimensions and running-condition details matter.
Consider open transport when keeping the shipping cost lower is a priority and your vehicle does not require a covered trailer. Compare the proposed service as well as the price: pickup flexibility, access at both ends and any special loading needs should be clear before you book. Ask the team about your route rather than assuming every quote covers the same arrangements.
Need more protection?
A restored finish, collector vehicle or particular concern about exposure may make enclosed car transport a better fit. Discuss the vehicle and the available equipment with the team before choosing; the right option depends on what matters most for your car.
A more economical transport option. Open shipping generally costs less than enclosed transport, making it worth considering for everyday vehicles and moves where budget is a major factor. A route-specific quote lets you compare the actual offer rather than relying on a general price range.
Broader carrier availability. Open carriers are generally more widely available. That can provide more pickup possibilities on a suitable route, although the carrier’s schedule, your locations and the vehicle requirements still determine what can be arranged.
Less driving to organize. Shipping the car lets you plan the rest of the move without completing the same journey behind the wheel. You still need to prepare the vehicle and arrange someone to attend the pickup and delivery inspections.
Exposure during the trip. An open trailer does not shield the vehicle from weather or ordinary road debris. If protecting a delicate finish or limiting exposure is especially important, discuss enclosed transport and the equipment available for your vehicle.
Dates need to be discussed. Broader availability does not make a pickup or delivery date automatic. Distance, traffic, weather and the carrier’s route can affect timing, so explain any deadline early and confirm the proposed estimates with the team.
Loading and access still matter. A non-running car, low clearance, modifications or a restricted street can change the practical arrangements. Tell us about these details before booking, and inspect the car with the driver at both handovers.
Open transport generally costs less than enclosed shipping, but the price for your move depends on the actual route and vehicle. Carrier availability is a separate part of the decision: a lower-cost transport type does not automatically mean pickup on a particular day. Review the price and the proposed schedule together before booking.
Read our car shipping cost guide for a fuller explanation, or request a quote using your pickup and delivery ZIP codes.
Tell us the make, model and running condition, along with any modifications. A large SUV, an oversized truck or a car that cannot be driven onto the trailer can require different space or loading arrangements. Accurate details help the team discuss the right equipment before you book.
Distance is only part of the journey. Pickup and delivery locations, truck access and carrier availability along the route also affect the arrangements. If the truck cannot reach an address safely and legally, the carrier will discuss a nearby suitable meeting point with you.
Season, the carrier’s existing schedule and the flexibility of your requested dates can affect pickup availability. Tell us about any deadline early, and ask the team to distinguish the pickup estimate from the expected time in transit. Confirm what is available for your route rather than assuming a fixed turnaround.
Your quote is locked for 48 hours after you receive it, with no hidden fees. If you do not book during that period, the offer may change; an updated quote is locked for another 48 hours. Review the Price Lock terms alongside the service details before confirming.
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FAQ
What is open car transport?
Open car transport moves your vehicle on a trailer without a covered outer shell. It is commonly chosen for everyday cars, SUVs and trucks because open carriers are generally more widely available and usually cost less than enclosed transport. The vehicle remains exposed to weather and ordinary road debris. Tell the team about running condition, size and any modifications so the proposed arrangements suit the actual car being shipped.
Is open transport safe for my car?
Open transport is a common option for everyday vehicles, but the right choice depends on the car and the protection you want. Van 3 checks carrier authority, insurance, safety records and previous performance as part of its vetting process. Discuss any delicate finish, unusual value or loading concern before booking. Ask about the coverage relevant to your shipment and inspect the vehicle with the driver at pickup and delivery, recording its condition on the paperwork.
When should I choose enclosed instead?
Consider enclosed transport if reducing exposure to weather and road debris matters more than keeping the transport price lower. A restored classic, delicate finish or particularly valuable vehicle can make that discussion worthwhile. Enclosed trailers and loading equipment vary, so describe any low clearance or handling requirements and ask what is available for your route. See enclosed car transport to compare the options.
How long does open transport take?
Pickup availability and time in transit are separate parts of the schedule. Distance, the carrier’s route, traffic, weather and flexibility in your requested dates can all affect timing. Provide the date the car will be ready and tell us about any deadline before booking, then confirm the proposed pickup and delivery estimates with the team. The carrier will call before pickup to arrange the details. Read how car shipping works for the sequence from quote to delivery.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
No household goods may be shipped in the vehicle. Any permitted items left in the car must be under 100 lb in total and remain at the owner’s risk; they are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. Do not treat the vehicle shipment as a substitute for a household move. Ask Van 3 about anything you are unsure whether to remove, and tell the team in advance if items will remain in the car.
Tell us about your route and vehicle.
