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
02Bold Auto Transport
03Easy Auto Ship
04We Ship Cars
05My Way Auto Transport
06SGT Auto Transport
07Number 1 Auto Transport
08Nexus 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. Instant quotes are available online. For most standard open carrier moves across the lower 48, RoadRunner is the first call.
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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
- Real-time tracking portal
Cons
- Pickup windows can extend during peak season
- Door-to-door not always available in very rural areas
- Quote requires contact info upfront
2.Bold Auto Transport
★★★★☆4.5 / 5
One dedicated coordinator handles your shipment start to finish
Bold assigns a single coordinator to each shipment rather than routing calls through a general support line. That person knows your vehicle, your route, and your timeline. Open and enclosed both available; inoperable vehicles accepted. Dallas-based, operating nationally. Some BBB complaints about no-shows are on record; newer company with a shorter track record than others on this list.
Pros
- Single coordinator per shipment
- Price match guarantee
- Open and enclosed; inoperable vehicles accepted
Cons
- BBB complaints about no-shows on record
- Newer company; shorter track record
3.Easy Auto Ship
★★★★☆4.3 / 5
Clean booking process with some useful extras
Easy Auto Ship has a straightforward booking process and customer service that is generally reachable. They include rental car delay coverage and a free car wash on qualifying shipments. Coverage extras have eligibility conditions worth reading before booking. A reasonable option for first-time shippers who want a frictionless experience.
Pros
- Low-friction booking process
- Rental delay coverage on qualifying shipments
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- Mid-range pricing
- Coverage extras have eligibility conditions
4.We Ship Cars
★★★★☆4.1 / 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. Customer reviews on standard moves are adequate. Not a lot of differentiation, but they do the basics without much friction.
Pros
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Simple, direct booking process
- Adequate customer reviews
Cons
- Limited service beyond standard open carrier
- Variable experience by carrier
5.My Way Auto Transport
★★★☆☆3.9 / 5
Flexible scheduling and multiple transport options
My Way Auto Transport handles open carrier alongside enclosed and flatbed options. They advertise flexible scheduling and work across all 50 states. Customer reviews are mixed; some report solid experiences while others note communication issues. A serviceable mid-tier option if you need flexibility on pickup timing.
Pros
- Flexible scheduling options
- Open, enclosed, and flatbed available
- All 50 states covered
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews on communication
- Variable experience by carrier
6.SGT Auto Transport
★★★☆☆3.9 / 5
Lower-cost option for budget-conscious shippers
SGT comes in at the lower end of the pricing range on standard open carrier routes. Broad carrier network, straightforward booking, adequate reviews. Service is functional rather than attentive. The right choice if price is the primary concern and you do not need much hand-holding.
Pros
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Broad carrier network
- Straightforward booking process
Cons
- Minimal proactive communication
- Enclosed transport not a strength
7.Number 1 Auto Transport
★★★☆☆3.6 / 5
Broker with a wide range of vehicle types and routes
Number 1 Auto Transport handles cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles on open carrier routes across the lower 48. They offer door-to-door service and work with a broad carrier network. Reviews are mixed; some customers report solid communication while others note delays and responsiveness issues.
Pros
- Handles multiple vehicle types
- Door-to-door service available
- Broad route coverage
Cons
- Mixed reviews on communication and delays
- Variable experience by carrier
8.Nexus Auto Transport
★★★☆☆3.2 / 5
Functional option for straightforward moves
Nexus handles the basics adequately: competitive pricing on standard routes, nationwide coverage, and customer service that is reachable. No standout feature separates them from the field. A dependable enough option for a straightforward move where you are not chasing a specific feature.
Pros
- Competitive pricing on standard routes
- Nationwide coverage
- Reachable customer service
Cons
- No standout differentiator
- Variable experience by carrier
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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