Open Auto Transport: The Most Affordable Way to Ship a Car | Open-Air

10/19/2025

When budget and efficiency matter most, open auto transport stands out as the cheapest and most common method to move a vehicle across the country.

Cheapest Auto Carrier is Open Auto Transport.

You’ll receive reliable service, professional handling, and the peace of mind that your car is transported safely and all at the lowest possible rate.

Why Open Transport is the Cheapest Way

When shipping a car, choosing between open auto transport and enclosed auto transport is one of the most important decisions. If cost is your primary concern, open auto transport is the cheapest way to ship a car. It is the most commonly used method, offering significant savings without compromising safety for standard vehicles.

Open Transport: Cheapest Car Shipping Option

This article explores the key reasons why open car shipping is more affordable than enclosed transport and provides a cost comparison to highlight the price differences.

Cheapest way to ship a car is by open transport carrier.

Why Open Auto Transport Costs Less

Here are some of the reasons that make open auto transport the cheapest way:

Higher Vehicle Capacity

Open carriers can transport more vehicles per trip than enclosed carriers, reducing the cost per vehicle.

Open transport carriers typically hold 7 to 10 vehicles at a time.
Enclosed transport carriers usually accommodate only 1 to 6 vehicles per trip.

Because the cost of fuel, labor, and tolls is divided among more cars, each customer pays less when using an open carrier compared to enclosed transport.

Open Carrier Types

Lower Operational Costs

Open transport trailers are more affordable to operate and maintain due to their lightweight design and lower maintenance costs.

Enclosed trailers are heavier, requiring more fuel to operate, which increases the price for the customer.
Open trailers have a simpler structure, resulting in lower repair and maintenance expenses.

Since open carriers run more efficiently, transport carriers can offer lower prices while maintaining profitability.

Cheapest Ways: Open Transport

Greater Availability = More Competitive Pricing

Open auto transport is the most widely available car shipping option, meaning there are more carriers operating on popular routes. This high availability results in:

Lower wait times for shipping
More competition among carriers, which drives prices down
Faster vehicle pickups compared to enclosed transport

Because open transport is the standard choice for most vehicle shipments, the increased supply naturally keeps pricing more affordable.

Benefits of Open Transport

Economies of Scale Reduce Costs

Since open transport is the industry standard, companies can take advantage of economies of scale to lower pricing further. With more shipments being completed using open carriers, businesses can:

Reduce per-unit costs by optimizing routes and maximizing trailer loads
Offer volume discounts due to high demand
Improve efficiency, leading to more competitive pricing for customers

This widespread usage and efficiency make open auto transport the most budget-friendly car shipping method available.

Most Common Method

Which one is better between Open Transport or Enclosed Carrier?

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Price Comparison

To illustrate the cost difference between open and enclosed auto transport, let's consider some average price ranges for shipping a standard sedan over a distance of 1,000 miles.

Open Auto Transport:
The average cost to ship a car using an open carrier ranges from $600 to $800. This price includes standard services like pickup, delivery, and basic insurance coverage.
Enclosed Auto Transport:
The average cost to ship the same car using an enclosed carrier ranges from $1,200 to $1,500. The higher cost reflects the premium services offered, such as enhanced protection and higher insurance coverage.

Let’s look at a specific example to see the price difference more clearly:
Shipping a Sedan from New York to Miami (1,300 miles):

Open Carrier: $700
Enclosed Carrier: $1,400

Shipping an SUV from Los Angeles to Chicago (2,000 miles):

Open Carrier: $1,000
Enclosed Carrier: $2,000

In these examples, the cost of using an enclosed carrier is approximately double that of an open carrier, highlighting the significant savings achieved by choosing open auto transport.

Final Thoughts: Open Transport is the Most Cost-Effective

For most vehicles, open auto transport is the best choice because it is:

More affordable than enclosed transport
Readily available, reducing wait times
Reliable and widely used, ensuring safe and efficient delivery

While enclosed transport is ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic cars, the added protection comes at a high price. If your goal is affordable and efficient car shipping, open auto transport remains the cheapest way to transport a vehicle across the country.

Open Auto Transport