Shipping Your Vehicle in an Open-Carrier Trailer

There is a reason open-carrier shipping is the most popular option for transporting vehicles cross-country - it’s the cheapest way to do it. Vehicle owners who need an economical option for transporting their car over the road can use this method with peace of mind. While this option does expose vehicles to the weather and road conditions along the way, it is a generally safe and popular way of getting your car to its new location.

Some vehicle owners will choose to use an enclosed carrier for the extra protection it offers. But this option is considerably more expensive, and most car owners find that the standard shipping method will meet their needs. Here are a few things you need to understand: Multiple Vehicles Are Shipped on One Trailer. The cost of shipping your vehicle on an open trailer is considerably less expensive because you are sharing the cost with other car owners. Multiple cars are shipped on one trailer—these are the same trailers you see on the highway that take cars from the manufacturer to the dealerships. The auto transport company you hire will work with different shipping companies to compare routes and costs, finding you the best deal that fits both your budget and your timeline. Schedule Ahead. Because your shipment has to be coordinated with other car owners going on the same general route as yours, it is important to allow plenty of time for scheduling. Call at least two weeks ahead to make sure you can arrange the best deal. You should be able to get a verified schedule as to when your car will be picked up and when it will be delivered. Delivery Options. There are three basic delivery options, and the one you choose will affect your price. The first is door-to-door service. In this scenario, your vehicle gets picked up at its original location, and delivered to its new location. This is obviously the most convenient option, but also the most expensive. You can also choose terminal-to-terminal delivery. You will drop off and pick up your car at the carrier’s respective terminals. These businesses will not have terminals in every city, so this option may involve having to get transportation to their closest terminal in order to drop off or pick up your car. While that may be more work on your part, it will save you money. Door-to-terminal and terminal-to-door delivery is your third option. In this scenario a driver from the transport company will pick up your car and drive it to their terminal where it will be loaded onto the carrier. When the car reaches its destination, the opposite will occur. It will be unloaded at the terminal, and a driver will deliver it to your door.

Your shipping service is required to carry minimum liability insurance. Check their coverage to make sure this is enough for your vehicle. If not, ask about purchasing additional insurance from the carrier, or check with your own insurance to see if your car is covered during transport.

If open-carrier vehicle shipping sounds like the right option for you, let AutoTransports.org help. Take a minute to fill out our simple online form and you can receive up to four competitive bids customized for your needs. There is no cost to you, and you are under no obligation to buy. To make sure you find the most reliable shipping for your vehicle at the best price, let us help. Use our Quotes tool to locate carriers in your area. Complete the Quote Tool today, and receive up to four custom auto moving quotes. There is no cost to you, and you are under no obligation to buy.