Car shipping service
How Open Car Transport Works
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Open Car Transport at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.70–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $2,365
- Transit time
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Everyday cars, SUVs and pickups
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a open car transport quote
Ship your car with open car transport in 7 steps
From comparing estimates to signing for your car at delivery.
Enter your route
Add pickup and delivery locations, your vehicle and a pickup window to see estimated prices.
Your part: Share accurate vehicle details, including size and whether it runs.
Compare companies
Compare estimates, transit times, reviews and licensing for companies that offer open transport.
Your part: Check USDOT or MC numbers and recent reviews.
Book and confirm terms
Choose a company and get the price, pickup window, deposit and cancellation terms in writing.
Your part: Read the terms before paying any deposit.
Carrier assigned
If you booked through a broker, it assigns a carrier with space on your route and shares the details.
Your part: Ask for the carrier's name and insurance certificate.
Pickup and inspection
The driver inspects the car with you, records its condition on the Bill of Lading and loads it.
Your part: Take dated photos and check the Bill of Lading before signing.
In transit
The truck follows its route with other stops. Drivers can drive up to 11 hours a day under federal rules.
Your part: Keep your phone on for updates from the company or driver.
Delivery and payment
Inspect the car against the pickup report, note any new damage, then pay as agreed in your contract.
Your part: Write any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign.
Rules that protect you
Federal requirements every licensed company must follow.
Brokers must be bonded
Auto transport brokers need FMCSA broker authority and $75,000 in financial security, usually a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
Source: 49 CFR 387.307Carriers must carry liability insurance
Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA. Cargo coverage for the cars on the truck is set by the carrier, so ask for the certificate.
Source: 49 CFR 387.9Drivers have daily driving limits
Truck drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, which is why long routes are measured in days, not hours.
Source: FMCSA hours of service
Get ready for pickup
Cleaning, fuel level, personal items and the paperwork to have ready — the same for every service.
Ready to ship your car with open car transport?
Enter your route to compare estimated prices, pickup dates and transport companies.