Nationwide Car Shipping You Can Trust
At Prime Path Transport, we provide fast, affordable vehicle transport across the U.S. Most customers choose open car carriers for safe, cost-effective shipping. We work with a trusted network of carriers to deliver your car anywhere nationwide.
How Much Does Open Auto Transport Cost?
Open auto transport rates vary based on current market conditions, vehicle size, distance, and location. Most U.S. car carriers are independent owner-operators, so pricing must be competitive to ensure timely pickup and delivery. At JAQ Global Transport, we find the “golden mean”—the ideal rate that balances cost and speed.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Ship Your Car Include:
How Does Open Auto Transport Work?
Open auto transport is the most common and affordable way to ship a vehicle. Your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer and delivered to your chosen location. Though exposed to weather, this method is safe and widely used, even for new cars. A trusted broker will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and match you with experienced, insured carriers to ensure a smooth delivery.
What is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is the most common and cost-effective way to ship any type of vehicle, whether it’s a daily driver, luxury car, sports car, or SUV. Your car is transported on an open-air trailer, safely secured, and delivered to your destination. It’s the standard method used by dealerships and private customers alike.
Types of Open Car Carriers
This is the most efficient and widely used type of open carrier. These trailers can haul 7 to 10 vehicles at once, making them highly economical for cross-country transport. They’re equipped with hydraulic ramps for smooth loading, and wheel straps are commonly used to protect vehicles during transit. These trailers are ideal for most standard vehicles.
These trailers carry 1 to 3 vehicles and are typically used for short-distance or expedited shipping. They’re easier to maneuver in tight spaces and residential areas, making them a great option when speed and access are a priority. This option is also commonly used for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
This setup uses a pickup truck pulling a small trailer for quick, local, or time-sensitive deliveries. It’s more flexible and doesn’t require a full trailer to be loaded before departure, allowing for faster service. Ideal for modified or low-clearance vehicles, these flatbeds are also suited for non-running cars and specialty transport.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car With an Open Carrier?
Open car transport is typically the fastest and most readily available method for shipping a vehicle. Since open carriers make up about 90% of the U.S. auto transport fleet, it’s easier to schedule pickups and deliveries compared to enclosed trailers. With greater availability, open carriers often offer shorter wait times and faster delivery windows, especially for high-traffic routes. Transit time depends on the distance, but most shipments take between 2 and 7 days after pickup.
How to Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Before booking your shipment, it’s important to verify that the company is properly licensed and insured. Always check that the broker or carrier is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and has an active Motor Carrier (MC) number.