Shipping your vehicle across the USA can be a stressful experience if you’re unsure about your options. For most car owners, open carrier car shipping services are the most common and cost-effective solution. In 2025, open carriers remain the go-to choice for individuals and businesses looking to transport their vehicles safely, efficiently, and affordably.
At First Haulers, we specialize in nationwide auto transport and provide customers with clear, transparent service from start to finish. This guide will explain everything you need to know about open carrier car shipping services, including how they work, costs, benefits, and tips for a smooth shipping experience.
What Are Open Carrier Car Shipping Services?
Open carrier car shipping services use multi-level, open-air trailers to transport vehicles. These are the same trailers you see delivering new cars to dealerships. Cars are loaded onto the trailer and secured for transport, with each vehicle exposed to outside elements such as rain, dust, and sunlight.
This method has been the industry standard for decades because it’s reliable, efficient, and affordable. Open carrier shipping is ideal for most daily drivers and non-luxury vehicles.
How Do Open Carrier Car Shipping Services Work?
Using open carrier services is straightforward and involves several key steps:
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Request a Quote – Provide details about your vehicle, pickup, and delivery locations. First Haulers calculates accurate pricing based on real-time carrier availability.
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Schedule Pickup – Choose a convenient date for your vehicle to be collected. Our carriers coordinate directly with you to ensure a smooth process.
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Vehicle Inspection – A driver performs a thorough inspection, documenting any existing damage on a Bill of Lading. This ensures accountability and insurance coverage.
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Loading and Transport – Vehicles are loaded securely onto the trailer using soft straps and wheel nets. The open trailer allows carriers to transport multiple cars at once efficiently.
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Delivery and Final Inspection – Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle to confirm it matches the pre-shipping condition. Sign off on the Bill of Lading to complete the process.
Advantages of Open Carrier Car Shipping Services
1. Cost-Effective
Open carrier shipping is the most affordable method of transporting vehicles in the USA. Because trailers carry multiple cars at once, carriers can keep prices lower for individual customers.
2. Wide Availability
Open carriers are widely available nationwide, which reduces wait times and ensures faster pickup schedules. This makes them ideal for cross-country and regional transport.
3. Efficient and Reliable
Open carriers are designed to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, making them a highly efficient option. For standard vehicles, this method offers dependable and timely delivery.
4. Ideal for Standard Vehicles
Everyday cars, SUVs, and trucks do not require enclosed protection, making open carriers the practical choice for most vehicle owners.
Considerations When Using Open Carrier Services
While open carrier car shipping is safe and reliable, it does come with some considerations:
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Exposure to Elements: Cars are subject to weather, road debris, and sunlight. While significant damage is rare, minor wear like dust or small chips is possible.
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Less Security than Enclosed Transport: High-value vehicles may be at higher risk compared to enclosed carriers. Classic, luxury, or exotic cars are better suited for enclosed transport.
Cost of Open Carrier Car Shipping Services in 2025
Open carrier pricing depends on several factors:
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Distance: Longer routes, such as Ohio to California, will cost more than local or regional transport.
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Vehicle Type and Size: SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles are more expensive due to their weight and space requirements.
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Pickup and Delivery Locations: Urban areas with easy access are cheaper than rural or hard-to-reach locations.
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Seasonality: Prices rise during peak moving seasons (spring and summer) and decrease during off-peak months.
On average, open carrier car shipping costs range from:
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Sedans: $900 – $1,400
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SUVs & Trucks: $1,100 – $1,700
Tips for a Smooth Open Carrier Shipping Experience
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Book Early: Scheduling in advance ensures better pricing and availability.
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Clean and Inspect Your Vehicle: Document your car’s condition with photos to avoid disputes.
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Remove Personal Items: Most carriers prohibit transporting personal belongings inside the vehicle.
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Keep Fuel Tanks Low: Around a quarter tank is ideal for safe transport.
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Track Your Shipment: Choose carriers like First Haulers that provide updates throughout the journey.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Which One Should You Choose?
Open carrier car shipping services are perfect for standard vehicles where cost efficiency is a priority. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, is ideal for high-value, classic, or exotic vehicles that require maximum protection.
If your vehicle is everyday transportation, open transport provides excellent value without sacrificing safety. For collectors or luxury owners, the peace of mind from enclosed transport is worth the additional cost.
Why Choose First Haulers for Open Carrier Car Shipping Services?
First Haulers offers reliable, professional open carrier services across the USA. Our team ensures every vehicle is handled with care and delivered on time.
Why customers trust First Haulers:
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Licensed and insured nationwide carriers
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Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
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Door-to-door pickup and delivery
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Real-time shipment tracking and updates
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Expertise in both standard and high-value vehicle transport
Final Thoughts
Open carrier car shipping services remain the most popular choice for vehicle owners in 2025 due to their affordability, efficiency, and reliability. While they expose vehicles to the elements, they are safe for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.
By choosing a trusted provider like First Haulers, you get peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in expert hands from pickup to delivery anywhere in the USA. Whether moving cross-country, to a new job, or buying a car online, open carrier transport offers a cost-effective and dependable solution for your vehicle shipping needs.
