Open Car Shipping at the Best Price
Open auto transport is the most affordable and most available way to ship a car. Your vehicle rides on the same type of multi-car carrier that delivers new cars to dealerships — with Best Price Guarantee, $0 deposit, 100% satisfaction or money back, 24/7 updates, same-day pickup and a guaranteed delivery date.
- Best Price Guarantee
- $0 Deposit Required
- 100% Satisfaction or Money Back
- 24/7 In-Transit Updates
- Same-Day Pickup Available
- Guaranteed Delivery Date
What is open car transport?
Open transport moves your vehicle on a two-level carrier that holds 7–10 cars. Because the trailer cost is shared by several customers, it is typically 30–50% cheaper than enclosed transport and has far more trucks on the road, which means faster pickup dates.
Roughly 9 out of 10 cars shipped in the U.S. travel on open carriers, including brand-new vehicles going to dealerships. Your car is exposed to normal weather and road conditions — the same as driving it — but it adds zero miles and zero wear.
Who should choose open shipping?
- Daily drivers, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks
- Relocations, college moves and snowbird trips
- Online car purchases and dealer trades
- Anyone who wants the lowest price and the fastest pickup
If your car is a high-value exotic, a restored classic, or has very low ground clearance, consider enclosed car shipping instead.
What it costs
Open transport typically runs $500–$900 under 500 miles, $800–$1,300 for 500–1,500 miles and $1,300–$1,900 coast to coast for a standard sedan. Larger vehicles, inoperable cars and same-day pickups cost more. Every quote is protected by our Best Price Guarantee.
Is my car protected on an open carrier?
Yes. Every carrier we dispatch is FMCSA-licensed and carries cargo insurance, and your vehicle is inspected and photographed at pickup and delivery on the bill of lading. Top-loading positions are available on request for extra protection from road debris.
Every Shipment Comes With 8 Written Guarantees
Most car shipping companies list features. We put promises in writing — before your car ever leaves the driveway.
Best Price Guarantee
Show us a lower written quote for the same shipment and we will match or beat it. How it works →
$0 Deposit
Book for free. Nothing is charged until a licensed carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
100% Satisfaction or Money Back
If we don't deliver the service promised in your confirmation, you get your money back.
24/7 Updates
Pickup, in-transit and delivery updates around the clock by text and email.
Same-Day Pickup
Available in most metro areas when you book early in the day — plus same-day local delivery.
Guaranteed Delivery Date
Pick the day you need your vehicle and get it in writing.
Supercars & Exotics
Enclosed trailers, liftgates and soft tie-downs for high-value vehicles.
100,000+ Insured Carriers
Licensed, insured carriers with coverage up to $2 million available.
How Car Shipping Works
- Get your free quote. Enter your route and vehicle — your price is protected by our Best Price Guarantee.
- Book with $0 down. Pick same-day pickup or a future date, plus an optional guaranteed delivery date.
- Door-to-door pickup. A licensed, insured driver inspects and photographs your vehicle, then loads it.
- Track 24/7. Get updates by text and email the whole way.
- Inspect and receive. Compare the condition report, sign the bill of lading and drive away.
What Affects Open Car Transport Car Shipping Prices?
Distance
Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. A 300-mile move may run $1.50–$2.00 per mile, while coast-to-coast often drops to $0.50–$0.70 per mile.
Route popularity
Busy interstate lanes in and out of your area fill trucks quickly, which keeps prices lower. Rural pickups far from a highway may cost more.
Season
Summer moves, college move-in, holidays and snowbird season raise demand. Booking 1–2 weeks early locks a better rate.
Vehicle size & weight
SUVs, pickups, vans and EVs take more space or weight on the trailer and usually cost $100–$400 more than a sedan.
Open vs. enclosed
Open transport is the most affordable. Enclosed transport protects exotics and classics but typically costs 40–60% more.
Running condition
Inoperable vehicles need a winch or liftgate and usually add $100–$300.
Pickup timing
Same-day pickup and guaranteed delivery dates are premium services. A flexible 3–5 day window gets the best price.
Fuel & demand
Diesel prices and the balance of trucks entering vs. leaving your area shift rates week to week — your quote reflects the current market.
CTS vs. a Typical Car Shipping Company
| What you get | CTS Auto Transport | Typical shipper |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $0 | Often $100–$250 |
| Price protection | ✓ Best Price Guarantee | Price may change |
| Pickup | ✓ Same-day available | 1–5 day window |
| Delivery date | ✓ Guaranteed date option | Estimate only |
| Updates | ✓ 24/7 text & email | Business hours |
| Satisfaction | ✓ 100% or money back | Rarely offered |
| Exotic handling | ✓ Enclosed, liftgate, up to $2M coverage | Limited |
Tips to Save on Open Car Transport Car Shipping
✓ Ship off-peak
Avoid the first and last weeks of the month and major holidays when demand peaks.
✓ Be flexible
A 3–5 day pickup window lets dispatch match you with a carrier already on your route.
✓ Use a hub city
Meeting the driver near a major city or interstate can trim the price and speed up pickup.
✓ Choose open transport
For everyday vehicles, open carriers are safe and the most affordable option.
Choose Your State
- Alabama
- Alaska
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- Delaware
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- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
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- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
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- Massachusetts
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- Montana
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- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open car shipping safe?
Yes. Open carriers move millions of new and used cars every year. Your car is secured with wheel straps, inspected at pickup and delivery, and covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.
How much cheaper is open transport than enclosed?
Open transport is usually 30–50% cheaper than enclosed transport for the same route because each carrier hauls more vehicles.
Can I request the top deck?
Yes. A top-load position can be requested for a small fee to reduce exposure to road debris and fluid leaks from vehicles above.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No. There is no deposit — you pay only after a licensed carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
How fast can you pick up my vehicle?
Same-day pickup is available in most metro areas when you book early in the day; standard pickups are usually within 1–3 days.
Can I get a guaranteed delivery date?
Yes. Choose a guaranteed delivery date when you book and it is written into your confirmation.
What if I find a lower price?
Send us the written quote. Our Best Price Guarantee means we match or beat a lower written quote for the same shipment.
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Best Price Guarantee · $0 deposit · 100% satisfaction or money back · same-day pickup · guaranteed delivery date · 24/7 updates.
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