Open carrier is the standard for a reason. Your vehicle rides on an open multi-car trailer alongside other vehicles; the same method dealers use to move cars from factory to lot. It costs less than enclosed, it is widely available, and for most vehicles on most routes it is the practical choice.
The eight companies on this list all handle open carrier transport well. RoadRunner is our top pick; their $0 deposit policy, instant quotes, and 30-year track record make them the most straightforward option for a standard move.
Quick Picks — 2026
01RoadRunner Auto Transport
02AmeriFreight
03Nexus Auto Transport
04We Ship Cars
05Mercury Auto Transport
06SGT Auto Transport
07Easy Auto Ship
08Navi Auto Transport
1.RoadRunner Auto Transport
★★★★★4.9 / 5
Best overall open carrier shipping company
RoadRunner has been shipping cars for 30 years. Their proprietary load board and in-house dispatch team actively match your vehicle with vetted open carriers rather than posting to a shared marketplace and waiting. No deposit is required at booking; you pay only when a carrier is confirmed.
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Pros
- $0 deposit; pay only when carrier is confirmed
- Instant online quotes
- In-house team actively manages dispatch
- 30-year track record
- Nationwide including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Cons
- Pickup windows can extend during peak season
- No international shipping
2.AmeriFreight
★★★★★4.8 / 5
Established broker with generous discount programs and broad availability
AmeriFreight's open carrier service benefits from one of the broadest carrier networks in the industry, backed by a long operational history. Their discount program is a genuine standout for open carrier shippers watching their budget: military, students, first responders, and repeat customers can all qualify for meaningful savings on top of already competitive standard pricing.
Pros
- Strong discount programs (military, students, first responders)
- Long operational history
- Broad carrier network for fast matching
- Optional insurance gap coverage available
Cons
- Pricing structure can be confusing without a discount
- Customer service experience varies by region
3.Nexus Auto Transport
★★★★★4.6 / 5
Strong marks for pickup and delivery reliability on standard routes
Nexus has earned some of the best reviews in the industry specifically for the reliability and efficiency of their pickups and deliveries on open carrier routes, an area where many competitors fall short. Pricing is competitive, coverage is nationwide, and customer service is consistently reachable.
Pros
- Strong reputation for on-time pickup and delivery
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Nationwide coverage
- Reachable, responsive customer service
Cons
- No major specialty differentiator beyond reliability
- Variable experience depending on assigned carrier
4.We Ship Cars
★★★★★4.5 / 5
Straightforward broker with competitive open carrier pricing
We Ship Cars operates as a broker handling open carrier transport across the lower 48. Pricing is competitive on standard routes and the booking process is direct, with adequate customer reviews on standard moves. A solid, no-frills choice for shippers who want a clean transaction without much complexity.
Pros
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Simple, direct booking process
- Adequate customer reviews
Cons
- Limited service beyond standard open carrier
- Variable experience depending on assigned carrier
5.Mercury Auto Transport
★★★★☆4.3 / 5
Broad vehicle type coverage including non-standard vehicles
Mercury handles a wide range of vehicle types beyond standard cars, including RVs, ATVs, and travel trailers, and ships open carrier to all 50 states plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. A guaranteed delivery date option is available, which is uncommon in this industry and a useful feature for time-sensitive open carrier moves.
Pros
- Handles non-standard vehicles including RVs and ATVs
- Ships to Guam in addition to all 50 states
- Guaranteed delivery date option available
Cons
- No vehicle tracking portal; must contact driver directly
- Insurance is FMCSA minimum only unless supplemented
6.SGT Auto Transport
★★★★☆4.3 / 5
Reliable value with the rare option of a specific pickup date
SGT has built a broad carrier network and consistently competitive pricing on standard open carrier routes. One standout feature is the ability to select a specific pickup date rather than the loose pickup window most competitors offer, a meaningful convenience for shippers working around a tight schedule.
Pros
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Specific pickup date selection available
- Broad, reliable carrier network
- Straightforward booking process
Cons
- Less personalized than full-service options
- Enclosed transport less of a specialty
7.Easy Auto Ship
★★★★☆4.0 / 5
Smooth, low-friction booking with thoughtful extras
Easy Auto Ship has built a reputation around making the open carrier process genuinely simple. Quotes are easy to get, the booking flow is clean, and their customer service team is consistently responsive. Rental car delay coverage and a free car wash on qualifying shipments add real value many competitors skip.
Pros
- Low-friction, well-designed booking process
- Rental delay coverage on qualifying shipments
- Consistently responsive customer service
- Strong fit for first-time shippers
Cons
- Mid-range pricing; not always the cheapest option
- Coverage extras have eligibility conditions
8.Navi Auto Transport
★★★☆☆3.8 / 5
Reliable scheduling with strong customer communication
Navi Auto Transport offers nationwide open carrier service with door-to-door delivery, built on a reputation for reliable scheduling and attentive customer support. Customers consistently highlight transparent pricing and clear communication throughout the process. Instant online quotes and an expedited shipping option round out a solid choice for standard moves.
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround on expedited shipments
- 24/7 tracking
- Transparent, instant online pricing
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about open carrier shipping
What is open carrier car shipping?
Open carrier shipping transports your vehicle on an open multi-car trailer. It is the most common method used in the industry. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road conditions during transit, which is generally not an issue for standard vehicles.
Is open carrier safe?
Yes, for the vast majority of shipments. Open carrier is how manufacturers move new cars from factories to dealerships. Road debris and weather exposure are the main risks, but damage rates are low across reputable carriers.
How much does open carrier shipping cost?
Open carrier typically costs between $500 and $1,500 for most routes. Cross-country routes run $900 to $1,400 on average. Enclosed transport costs $200 to $500 more for the same route.
How long does open carrier shipping take?
Most domestic shipments take 1 to 2 weeks. Cross-country moves typically take 7 to 10 days. Expedited options are available from most brokers for an additional fee.
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