The open car shipping method dominates the market as the most common and cost-effective way to transport vehicles worldwide, accounting for 90% of non-luxury vehicles in the U.S. It proves reliable when combined with proper safety measures, as open-air trailers expose vehicles to weather and road debris, making adherence to safety protocols essential. Understanding these protocols provides peace of mind when shipping a sedan, SUV, or truck.
Understanding Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping involves loading your vehicle onto a large, open trailer, similar to those you see transporting multiple cars on highways. These trailers function like multi-level parking lots on wheels, accommodating up to 10 vehicles at a time, making it a suitable method for everyday cars, including sedans and SUVs. The term “open” indicates that your car will be exposed to the elements, such as rain, dust, and road debris, during transit. However, this method has been tried, tested, and trusted by millions.
Now, how does it differ from enclosed transport? Think of it like choosing between a standard Uber and a luxury SUV ride. Enclosed shipping uses sealed, climate-controlled trailers, which are ideal for rare, classic, or high-end cars that need extra protection. However, that premium service comes at a cost: enclosed transport is typically 30–60% more expensive than open shipping. For example, shipping a Honda Civic from New York to L.A. might cost 1,200 in an open carrier, while enclosed could run upwards of 1,800. Unless you’re shipping a Ferrari or a vintage Mustang, open transport is the practical choice.
Why is open shipping so popular? Three words: affordability, availability, and efficiency.
- Cost-effective: Shared trailer space needs lower fuel and labor costs per vehicle.
- Widely available: Open carriers make up 80% of the auto transport market, so booking is faster (often within days).
- Fuel-smart: Transporting multiple cars at once reduces carbon footprints compared to single-vehicle enclosed trips
Key Safety Protocols in Open Car Shipping
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) doesn’t just set rules; it keeps everyone safe. They require carriers to hire drivers with spotless commercial licenses, regular drug screenings, and strict limits on driving hours to prevent burnout. Think of it like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist: no shortcuts, no exceptions.
When it comes to securing your car, the Department of Transportation (DOT) ‘s guidelines demand heavy-duty straps and anti-sway tech to keep vehicles rooted to the trailer, even on winding roads. Every strap is stress-tested to handle 10,000+ pounds.
And yes, accidents can still happen. That’s why reputable carriers carry cargo insurance (usually $100K–$250K per vehicle) to cover surprises like fender-benders or hailstorms. Always ask for proof of coverage, and if you’re shipping a Tesla or vintage gem, consider bumping up your policy. Better safe than sorry!
Vehicle Inspection Before Shipping
Before your car hits the road, treat it like a rental car checkout. You and the driver-partner scrutinize every part. Get a checklist and look for dings, scratches, or that weird stain on the backseat. Check the tires, test the lights, and snap a photo of the odometer.
Take time-stamped shots from all angles, close-ups of that bumper scratch, and wide shots of the roof. Could you email them to yourself and the carrier? This isn’t just paperwork; it’s your “before” album. If a new scratch appears later, you’ve got proof it wasn’t your fault.
Drivers sign off on this inspection report, locking in your car’s starting condition. Skip this step, and you might end up arguing over who dinged the door. Trust us: 10 minutes of inspection saves hours of headaches later.
Secure Loading and Unloading Procedures
Expert carriers use heavy-duty ramps with textured surfaces to gently guide low-riding cars like Corvettes or Miatas onto the trailer without scraping their undersides. And it’s not just about muscle. Drivers train for years to master load balancing. For example, they’ll park a 4,000-lb SUV on the lower deck to keep the trailer stable while lighter sedans go up top.
Each wheel gets strapped down in a crisscross pattern, tightened just enough to hold firm without stressing the suspension. In rare cases where straps loosen, say, after hitting a pothole, modern tension sensors alert drivers to retighten them mid-route.
Protection Measures During Transit
Rubber blocks like doorstops for tires wedge against each wheel to stop rolling during sudden stops. Heavy-duty straps, tough enough to tow a small boat, anchor the car to the trailer. If the driver uses the brakes, those straps keep your car from lurching more than an inch sideways.
Open transport means your car faces the elements, but carriers take full precautions to protect your vehicle. Drivers avoid routes through Colorado’s icy mountain passes in January or Arizona’s dust storm alleys in summer. If rain’s in the forecast, they might delay departure by a day or use water-resistant covers. To avoid flying debris, they’ll stay back 150–200 feet from gravel trucks, about the length of two basketball courts.
Worried about theft or detours? GPS trackers ping your car’s location every 15 minutes. If a trailer strays near a high-crime area, the carrier gets an alert faster than you’d notice a missed call. Clients can log into an app to watch their car’s journey in real time.
Preventative Maintenance for Transport Trucks
At Pre Owned Auto Logistics, we keep our trucks in top shape to protect your vehicle. Every truck is checked daily for brakes, fluids, and tire treads. We also run regular emissions tests to meet eco-friendly standards, leading to fewer breakdowns and delays and ensuring on-time delivery.
Steps to Take When Your Car Arrives
- Inspect immediately: Do a quick walk around using your pre-shipping photos. Look for new dings, scratches, or loose parts.
- Note issues on paperwork: Spot a problem? Write it on the delivery form before signing.
- File claims fast: Take photos, submit them online, and we’ll handle the rest. Most small issues (like dirt) wash off with no stress.
Tips for Customers to Enhance Safety in Open Car Shipping
- Empty your car: Loose items can slide around and cause damage.
- Don’t fill the tank: ¼ full is safer and saves weight.
- Share quirks: “The trunk sticks” or “low bumper” helps us handle it right.
- Ask for updates: Track your car in real-time or call us anytime.
Why Choose Pre-Owned Auto Logistics for Safe Open Car Shipping?
When shipping your car, trust matters. Here’s why thousands of customers choose us:
- 20+ years of expertise: We’ve safely moved thousands of vehicles, from daily drivers to vintage classics. Our FMCSA licensing, A+ BBB rating, and hundreds of positive customer reviews reflect our dedication to reliability.
- Safety is non-negotiable: We don’t compromise quality at any cost. Every truck undergoes daily inspections, drivers train in advanced protective techniques, and GPS tracking lets you monitor your car’s journey in real time.
- Real stories, real results: Don’t just take our word for it. Customers like Sarah M. praise, “They shipped my ‘67 Mustang flawlessly, even avoided a storm en route.” Our 99% damage-free delivery rate speaks for itself.
We combine old-school care with modern tech to ensure your car arrives as safely as it left. Ready for stress-free shipping? Get your free quote today and join the drivers who’ve made us their go-to choice.
