What is open transport?

Open auto transport is the most popular car shipping method in the United States. You may even have seen some of our auto transport carriers on the highway. Multiple vehicles are secured on an open trailer, allowing an average open car carrier capacity of 8-10 cars. Your car is exposed to the elements during open car shipping, yet it's rare to sustain even minor cosmetic damage on open car carriers.

Learn more about open carrier auto transport.

Open auto transport is the easiest car carrier transport service to schedule in the US. With the right instant car shipping calculator, you can plan open car shipping services within seconds. The car transport efficiency of open transport vehicle shipping passes makes it the cheapest form of auto transportation in the US. When you’re on a budget, open auto transport carriers are the right option for you.

icon 1
EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE
Instant quotes for efficient, affordable car shipping.
icon 2
RELIABLE OPEN CAR SHIPPING
We only work with reliable, experienced car carriers with full insurance.
icon 3
DEDICATED CUSTOMER SERVICE
Nexus promises complete shipping management for your open auto transport order.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

arrow icon

Open carrier car transport utilizes a multiple-car storage system exposed to the elements. Usually, an open carrier can service up to ten vehicles at a time. An enclosed carrier offers less space and costs more yet shields your car from view, debris, and inclement weather.

External factors can damage your car during open vehicle transport. However, the risk is minimal with the high-value insurance coverage for all Nexus open shipping orders.

Your Car Shipping Questions Answered

Open car haulers typically transport anywhere from 5 to 10 vehicles at a time. Sometimes, these loads consist of multi-car shipments from one or two clients. Other times, a trucker is tasked with servicing 5 to 10 customers on the same route, plotting a timely web of pickups and deliveries.
Yes. Open vehicle transportation by truck is the most affordable and cost-effective form of vehicle shipping in the United States. Shipping a car by plane or boat is often significantly more expensive and requires the client to travel to loading and unloading sites (or arrange for vehicle transport from these sites). Rail transport can be cheaper, but it is often less timely and requires similar travel arrangements. Open shipping eliminates such barriers at reasonable price points.
Our Nexus staff estimates that approximately 95% of all vehicles shipped through our service can be transported safely on an open car hauler. While there are potential risks of minor damage from debris and the elements, these risks are often overblown, and your car will usually arrive at its destination in its original condition. Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles valued at under $70,000, without special paint or body concerns, are ideal for open vehicle hauling.
Our Nexus instant car shipping cost calculator provides an accurate quote within seconds. Just provide your pickup and delivery zip codes, a desired pickup window, and the type of car you're shipping to begin. Once you provide us with a valid email address and phone number, we'll provide you with two quotes – one for paying with debit or credit and a discounted rate for cash transactions. Add special requests and gauge pricing with our sidebar. If you wish, you can save a quote for up to seven days.
Yes. Nexus Auto Transport only selects open car shippers vetted for safety, equipment security and quality, driving records, customer service scores, and overall timeliness. We value experience over cost, both in-house and from the independent truckers who work with us. Rest assured, the open car shipper we assign to your order will handle your car with professionalism and care. Open shipping has minor risks, but they are minimal at worst and do not offset the value of the service itself.
Our experienced dispatching team has decades of experience vetting trucking partners to the benefit of our clients. The vetting process is lengthy and detailed, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of the trucker and their equipment. Areas of focus include quality of equipment, valid insurance, driving records, customer service reviews, and our in-house monitoring of past orders facilitated by Nexus.
The dangers of open vehicle shipping are minimal, mainly when you ship with a vetted trucker through a service like Nexus Auto Transport. Minor cosmetic damage from rocks, dust, branches, elements, and other road hazards is possible when your car is exposed to an open hauler. In sporadic cases, vandalism and potential theft can be threats. However, it is doubtful that your vehicle will make it to its destination in anything but its current condition – especially with the independent truckers hand-chosen by Nexus.
Nexus offers a variety of vehicle shipping discounts to students, military personnel, senior citizens, car dealers, and other eligible groups. We also offer multi-vehicle discounts and various other promotions throughout the calendar year. If you're looking to save money on your open car shipment, call one of our knowledgeable reps at (224) 218-2949. Your representative will field your request and find an affordable solution that’s right for you.

Is open auto transport safe?

Nexus Auto Transport is the leading open transport car shipping provider in the United States. We pride ourselves on our reputation for safe, secure, open transport services. Every open car transport carrier we work with adheres to all state and federal safety regulations for commercial transport. We vet all open auto carriers for driving history, equipment quality, customer service, and active insurance policies.

The risks of an open car hauler are minimal. Open carrier car shipping does expose your car to external factors. However, we only work with the safest auto transport carriers in the nation with the experience necessary to navigate all transport challenges.

Our open car haulers offer comprehensive cargo insurance with every open transport car shipping order. We are an A+-rated, BBB-accredited provider of open auto carriers transport, and we earn that reputation from client to client and from vehicle to vehicle.

Why choose Nexus open auto carrier services?

Nexus Auto Transport partners with a modern fleet of open car carriers. All carriers are operated by experienced drivers who transport vehicles with the utmost responsibility and professionalism. We are the nation's leader in complete open car carriers transport management. Our open transport car shipping quotes are competitive and fair, based on current supply and demand. Every open auto shipping quote you receive from our car shipping cost calculator is boosted for accuracy by advanced data intelligence.

Nexus Auto Transport ensures that every risk involved with open auto carriers is completely covered. Our quotes include full insurance coverage from experienced, trusted vehicle shipping partners. For vehicles transported long distances or just across state lines, we maintain our stress-free approach to car shipping management to make your life easier.

Nexus distinguishes itself with professionalism, reliability, and comprehensive customer service at affordable, open auto transport prices. Our open auto transport services are trusted by thousands of customers every year. At Nexus Auto Transport, our commitment to safe open car carrier shipping shows in everything we do.

How much will my open auto transport cost?

Get affordable prices for open auto transport from our moving experts.

A trusted car shipping company

quote-icon
Friendly, Reasonable Prices

I have used Nexus Auto Transport twice now to ship a vehicle from Florida to Michigan and both experiences have been great. Friendly professional service and reasonable prices. Easy communication with company and driver. Would recommend this car transport company.

quote-icon
Best in the Game

So far the best in the game. I have used them on three occasions and haven’t been disappointed! Thanks guys!

quote-icon
Rough Weather, No Problem

I had an excellent experience and would recommend them highly. They transported my daughter's classic Miata that only has 35,000 miles on it. It was delivered in the exact same shape as it was picked up (From Southern California to Seattle) even through rough weather!!!

Can't say enough good things about Nexus Auto Transport!!!

quote-icon
Effortless and Transparent

Nexus provided me with awesome service. From beginning to end of the transport, the company was very professional and made the process effortless. I really appreciated the communication letting me know when it was picked up and when it was waiting at my home being delivered. Highly recommend this company for your auto transport needs.

quote-icon
Great Experience, Friendly

Great experience with the delivery of vehicle. Professional and friendly. I appreciated that they stayed in touch with me to keep me posted on the delivery.

quote-icon
No More Shopping Around

Nexus found a driver very quickly and for a cheaper price to ship a vehicle cross country (AZ to GA). Driver was very professional and delivered the vehicle on-time and without issue. I have used other transport companies in the past but I will use Nexus from now on. Great job to the Nexus team.

quote-icon
Earned a Repeat Customer

I recently purchased a pre-owned vehicle here in Gilbert, AZ and needed a reliable Auto Transportation company to pick up and deliver my vehicle to Sacramento, CA safely. Richard from Nexus was great and provided on-time delivery for me. The driver was professional and handled my vehicle with care just as I expected. I use transportation service at least twice a year and Nexus will be my choice of Auto Transportation from now on. Thank you Nexus!!

quote-icon
No Hassles, Great Communication

I shipped two cars all the way from west coast to east coast, and both cars were transported with no hassle from the day I booked with Nexus. Customer support was always easily available on phone, once a driver was assigned, their dispatch team was also very communicative. One of my cars were delivered in two days, I wasn’t really expecting it to be this fast.

quote-icon
Calmed My Nerves

I used nexus to send my car from Washington to Florida and back again in 2021. Both times they were up front with the pricing, took very good care of my car and delivered the car earlier than expected. I was nervous to send my new car on an open truck across the country, but now I wouldn’t think twice about using nexus to do it.

quote-icon
I am very happy

I am very happy, with high quality service, which Nexus provided for me, to transfer my car from Michigan to Panama. These are honest and hard working people taking care of your car. Thank you to my friend who recommended Nexus to me.

quote-icon
A New Go-To Company

First I was working with another transport company and for three days I didn't hear anything. So I contacted Nexus Auto Transport and the communication was outstanding. They communicated with me daily and responded within minutes when I needed them. They transported my 65 mustang from Colorado to Houston in no time.

They will be my go-to auto transport company from now on.

quote-icon
Easy, Unexpected Deal

Arranged to have my 1982 Volvo 242 shipped over the phone. The shipping company called and made it easy to schedule the pickup. The driver was great. To my surprise it was an enclosed hauler for a very affordable price. Will definitely use Nexus next time I need a car shipped!

quote-icon
Fair Pricing, Fast Delivery

Used Nexus twice. They delivered early/on time both times. Fair pricing and fast delivery. I recommend their team and will be using them in the future. Honestly still shocked I got my first delivery done in one day and the other one in two days.

quote-icon
Excellent, Efficient Service

The employees at this company were very quick to communicate and arrange for a delivery of my Audi S7 all the way from Iowa to New Jersey, and they also did an excellent job at keeping me updated with the progress of the pick and delivery, I would highly recommend Nexus Auto Transport

quote-icon
Flexible, Affordable, Fast

This was the first time we shipped a car, so it was a little scary but it turned out great. Customer service was always helpful, the price was the best we found and the carrier that picked up our car was reliable and flexible. It was faster than expected and they were happy to change the drop off location (in the same town) at the last minute. Would recommend and use again.

quote-icon
Hassle-Free Car Delivery

Great service. Fast delivery time. Hassle free car delivery. And great prices. Will definitely continue to use them

quote-icon
Planning Another Shipment

Vehicles picked up and delivered on time, even with crazy supply chain issues and fuel prices. Decent rates, and reliable service. The driver who transported our car did a great job loading and unloading, and the car arrived a bit dirty but in perfect condition. I plan on calling them when we ship our car back in the spring.

quote-icon
Nexus Auto Transport's Outstanding Service!

Nexus Auto Transport's customer service was outstanding. They anticipated every concern and responded to my questions promptly and courteously. I recommend them without hesitation, as my vehicle was delivered safely and without incident ahead of schedule.

quote-icon
Professional, Amazing Prices

Process was very professional, the driver was always a call away, we had a small hiccup with the pickup but the driver worked with me and made this whole process extremely smooth. Amazing prices compared to competitors.

quote-icon
Professional Next-Day Service

So I needed my car shipped from California to NJ ASAP. I was able to get a driver the next day! They were very professional. I love that I could reach them anytime to talk to them about my car shipment. I've went through 3 different companies before a friend recommended them to me. .... Recommend. Will definitely use them again in the future.

quote-icon
Quick Response, Smooth Process

Nexus responded quickly to my request and even though I gave them less than a week's notice, they were able to schedule my auto transport. Communication was open and the process was smooth

quote-icon
A Deserved A+ Rating

I did my research! Nexus Auto Transport has an A+ rating on the BBB and I agree! The contractor, Tony, picked up my car and was great with communicating with me along the way. The customer service was great as well with scheduling everything. The price was fair and the service was great! Be cautious with those other companies that under quote - you get what you pay for!

quote-icon
Rare Level of Service

Excellent service, efficiency, and care for my vehicle. Moving cross country was very difficult overall, but not in regards to my vehicle. Our driver was incredibly quick, careful, and caring whilst transporting our car. Customer service is excellent from this firm, which is very rare nowadays. I recommend this company with 0 apprehensions.

quote-icon
Excellent, Friendly Service

The communication was excellent, they made sure the vehicles were delivered quickly and they also coordinated with the pick up location, who was not ready on time. As soon as vehicles were ready, they picked up the same day and delivered the next morning. Driver was friendly and put vehicles right where we wanted them.

quote-icon
On Time, Safe and Sound

I recently hired Nexus to haul a collector car from Iowa to Washington for me. The driver showed up when he said he would, was friendly, and did a great job dropping my car off on the day and at the place he said he would, safe and sound. I would work with Nexus again.

quote-icon
Transparent, Highly Recommended

I was connected with a very reputable auto transport person. My contact with the initial gentlemen was excellent. He answered all my questions and explained how the process would work. There was follow-up contact to be sure my pick-up was scheduled and that all was satisfactory with the arrangements. I would definitely recommend Nexus Auto Transport to anyone in need of this type of service.

quote-icon
BBB #4

In the middle of a moving emergency, the dispatcher hustled for me and scheduled the pick-up of my 2020 Fusion the very next day. The agent offered me a very affordable rate which was hundreds of dollars cheaper than the first company I called. The truck-drivers and Nexus agent were kind people and just overall great in terms of service. I would definitely recommend using to anyone looking to move their car over a long distance