Open Carrier: Open Auto Transport (Service)

What does Open Carrier mean?

An open carrier is a type of transport truck used to move vehicles from one place to another. It is called an "open carrier" because of its design, which exposes the vehicles to the outside environment during transport. Open carriers are the most commonly used method for car shipping due to their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness.

Meaning of Open Carrier

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Understanding Open Carriers: Most Common Way

Let's see what open carriers are [1], how they work, and why they are commonly used.

What is an Open Carrier?

An open carrier is a large truck designed to transport multiple vehicles at once.

Here are some key features:

• Open Design:
  The vehicles are loaded onto the carrier without any covering, meaning they are exposed to the elements like rain, sun, wind, and dust.
• Multiple Levels:
  Open carriers often have two levels, allowing them to carry more cars at a time.

How Does Open Carrier Transport Work?

• Loading the Vehicles:
  Cars are driven or loaded onto the carrier, typically in two rows, one on top of the other.
  
• Transporting the Vehicles:
  Once all the cars are secured, the carrier begins its journey to the destination.
• Unloading the Vehicles:
  Upon arrival, the cars are carefully unloaded and delivered to their owners.

Exposure to Elements

Because of their open design, vehicles transported on open carriers are exposed to various conditions:

• Weather:
  Cars might get wet from rain, dusty from the wind, or even slightly sun-bleached during transport.
• Road Debris:
  Small rocks or other debris from the road can occasionally hit the vehicles, though significant damage is rare.

Why Use an Open Carrier?

Open carriers are the most popular method for car shipping. Here’s why:

• Cost-Effective:
  Open carriers are usually the cheapest way to transport a car. The ability to carry multiple vehicles at once reduces the overall cost.
  
• Widespread Availability:
  Because they are so common, it's easy to find an open carrier service, and the scheduling tends to be more flexible.
  
• Efficient:
  Open carriers can move many cars at once, making them an efficient choice for dealerships, auctions, and individuals alike.

Benefits of Open Carrier Transport

• Affordability:
  The lower cost makes it accessible for most people who need to ship a car. [2]
  
• Accessibility:
  With so many open carriers on the road, finding one to transport your vehicle is relatively easy.
• Efficiency:
  They are efficient for transporting a large number of cars at once, which is why they are frequently used by car manufacturers and dealerships.

Perfect for Standard Cars

Open carriers are a widely used and economical choice for vehicle transportation. Their open design allows for the transport of multiple cars at once, making the process efficient and cost-effective, despite the exposure to the elements. This method is ideal for most people looking to ship their car without spending too much.

What to Consider

While open carriers are convenient and cost-effective, it's important to consider the exposure to weather and road conditions. If your car needs extra protection, you might want to explore other options like enclosed carriers, which provide additional shielding but at a higher cost. [3]

     

References

1. uShip: Open Car Carrier
   
2. American Journal of Transportation: Benefits of Open Car Shipping
   
3. Transport Reviews: What is the difference between and open and an enclosed carrier?