Reliable Open Auto Transport Services
Experience stress free open vehicle shipping with Neon Auto Transport. We move standard cars, SUVs, and trucks quickly and securely using FMCSA approved open carriers. No upfront payments. No hidden fees. Just dependable service from pickup to delivery.
Calculate Your Car Shipping Cost
Neon Auto Transport is fully licensed, insured, and approved by the FMCSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Full Insurance Coverage
Neon Auto Transport offers full insurance coverage during vehicle shipment, providing protection of up to $500,000 for both enclosed and open vehicle transport.
Guaranteed Pick Up
We offer guaranteed pickup and delivery for all our customers. This ensures your vehicle is shipped on time without unnecessary delays.
What is open carrier car transport?
Open car transport is a cost effective auto shipping method where vehicles are loaded onto an open air trailer. Open Transport is suits operable sedans, SUVs, and daily use vehicles.
Open Vehicle shipping method reduces cost, increases availability, and speeds up scheduling. Vehicles are exposed to weather, but protected by DOT compliant securing protocols and handled by FMCSA licensed carriers.
Example: If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Houston, shipping your Toyota Camry with open transport can save you up to 60% compared to enclosed carriers. It also guarantees timely and insured delivery.
How much does open car transport cost Services?
Most open vehicle transport rates range from $600 to $1,600 for distances between 500 and 2,000+ miles. Shipping rates depend on specific factors such as total mileage, the type of vehicle being transported (e.g., sedan vs. SUV), the number of available trailers, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Open transport uses multi load trailers. They share costs across several cars. This makes it the cheapest way for cross-state or interstate deliveries.
Example: A Nissan Altima shipped from Dallas, TX to Jacksonville, FL costs around $870 in the fall. That same route in winter may drop to $750 due to slower seasonal demand.
| Distance Range | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Short distances (under 500 miles) | $600 – $700 |
| Mid-range (500–1,000 miles) | $790 – $1,110 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $990 – $1,330 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $1,160 – $1,570 |
| Long distances (2,000+ miles) | $1,100 – $1,600 |
Factors That Affect Open Transport Cost
Open vehicle shipping costs vary due to many real world variables. Each factor adjusts the final price a carrier may quote. Here are the main cost drivers:
1. Distance: Longer trips increase the total but reduce per mile rates. For instance, a 1,000 mile route may cost $0.70/mile, while a 200 mile route may run $1.30/mile. Route density also matters urban to urban is cheaper than rural to remote.
2. Vehicle Type: Larger or modified vehicles must more trailer space or custom loading. SUVs, lifted trucks, or oversized vans cost more than sedans.
Delivery Speed: Expedited open transport commands premium pricing. Standard time frames are 4–7 days, but faster delivery can add 20–40% more.
Time of Year: Peak seasons, including summer relocations or snowbird migration in winter, cause demand surges. Pricing rises due to carrier shortages.
Route Popularity: Common shipping lanes cost less due to carrier frequency. Rare or indirect routes result in higher fuel, time, and effort costs.
Pickup & Delivery Locations: Door to door in metro zones is often included. But if your vehicle is in a gated community, narrow street, or remote lot, expect a last mile surcharge.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car with an Open Carrier?
Most open carrier shipments take 3 to 7 days, depending on pickup location, total miles, and route availability. Shorter routes under 300 miles often deliver within 1–2 days, while cross country moves may extend to 6–7 days.
Example: Shipping a sedan from Houston, TX, to Phoenix, AZ, usually takes 3 to 4 days. Weather and the timing of the car’s dispatch can change this timing. Choosing expedited shipping can shorten delivery time, particularly when demand is low during non peak seasons.
| Route | Estimated Distance | Transit Time (Days) | Example Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX → Dallas, TX | 240 miles | 1 – 2 days | Toyota Corolla |
| Houston, TX → Atlanta, GA | 800 miles | 2 – 4 days | Ford Explorer |
| Houston, TX → Miami, FL | 1,180 miles | 3 – 5 days | Chevrolet Traverse |
| Houston, TX → Los Angeles, CA | 1,550 miles | 4 – 6 days | Honda Accord |
| Houston, TX → New York, NY | 1,630 miles | 5 – 7 days | BMW X5 |
| Houston, TX → Chicago, IL | 1,080 miles | 3 – 5 days | Nissan Altima |
| Houston, TX → Denver, CO | 1,050 miles | 3 – 5 days | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Houston, TX → Seattle, WA | 2,300 miles | 6 – 8 days | Lexus RX |
| Houston, TX → Phoenix, AZ | 1,170 miles | 3 – 5 days | Subaru Outback |
| Houston, TX → San Francisco, CA | 1,900 miles | 5 – 7 days | Tesla Model 3 |
How Does the Open Auto Transport Process Work?
The open auto transport process includes getting instant pricing, flexible booking, professional pickup, and safe delivery.
Instant Quote
Customers receive a real time estimate through our car shipping calculator. This quote reflects distance, vehicle type, and delivery urgency. It uses internal routing data, which aligns with Google’s Candidate Answer Passage (CAP) model.
Easy Booking
Customers receive a real time estimate through our car shipping calculator. This quote reflects distance, vehicle type, and delivery urgency. It uses internal routing data, which aligns with Google’s Candidate Answer Passage (CAP) model.
Safe Pickup & Delivery
A certified open carrier arrives at your specified location for pickup. Your vehicle is secured using hydraulic ramps and soft straps. Delivery is made directly to your preferred destination with real time tracking enabled. Each stop follows DOT driver hour limitations and Bill of Lading inspections.
What Is the Difference Between Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping?
Open Car Shipping uses multi vehicle trailers, typically carrying 7–10 cars. These carriers are cost effective and ideal for standard vehicles. They align with what most dealerships and auctions use. Vehicles face outside elements like rain, dust, and heat. Still, they are secured with strong strapping systems.
Enclosed Car Shipping transports high value, exotic, or classic vehicles in covered trailers. These trailers are sealed from external exposure. Lift gate loading, climate control, and soft tie downs keep collector cars, rare models, and low ground clearance vehicles safe.
Pricing Comparison:
➤ Open transport is 30%–50% cheaper than enclosed.
➤ Limited enclosed carriers require advance booking.
When Should You Choose open transport car shipping?
Choose open vehicle transport when shipping standard cars, multiple vehicles, or when seeking budget friendly nationwide delivery.
Open car transport is the industry standard solution for everyday sedans, SUVs, and light trucks. It’s widely preferred by dealerships, rental fleets, and auction platforms due to high capacity and lower cost per mile. Open transport is fast, scalable, and affordable. It’s great if you’re moving, buying a used car online, or shipping multiple vehicles.
For example, dealerships in Houston regularly ship 7–10 vehicles at once via open carriers to auctions in Atlanta or Miami, balancing efficiency with cost.
This method is ideal when vehicle exposure to weather is acceptable and you want faster scheduling. Open transport carriers are easier to find and serve more routes than enclosed haulers.
Why Choose Neon Auto Transport?
Nationwide Coverage
Our auto transport company operates coast to coast across all 50 states. No matter if you’re moving from Florida to California or shipping a car from Chicago to Dallas, our wide carrier network guarantees pickup and delivery. We even service remote ZIP codes.
Licensed & Insured
We only dispatch carriers with valid DOT and MC numbers, fully insured under FMCSA regulations. Every vehicle we transport has cargo liability insurance. This provides you with legal assurance and financial protection during the journey.
Real Time Tracking
Clients receive real time tracking through GPS enabled systems. You’ll know the exact location of your vehicle during transit. You can get status updates through SMS, email, or phone. This keeps you fully informed from start to finish.
FMCSA Approved
Our operations are fully approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This makes sure every carrier follows the safety rules, hour limits, and transport laws.
How to Prepare Your Car for Open Car Transport?
Clean your car inside and out. Remove loose items and disable alarms. Keep the gas tank under one quarter full. Check tire pressure, brakes, and battery. Take dated photos from all angles as pre shipping condition proof.
What Documents Are Needed for Shipping?
You’ll need the original vehicle title or lien holder authorization. Also, bring a valid government issued ID and the booking confirmation. Some carriers may request proof of insurance or vehicle registration for record validation.
Is My Vehicle Fully Insured During Open Transport?
Yes. Neon Auto Transport ships all vehicles with FMCSA compliant cargo insurance. This coverage goes up to $500k. Coverage includes physical damage during loading, transit, and unloading. Ask your rep for the carrier’s COI (Certificate of Insurance) before dispatch.
What Payment Methods Are Available?
We accept major credit/debit cards for deposit. The remaining balance is payable upon delivery via certified check, cash, or Zelle. You do not need to make a full upfront payment. Transparent billing with no hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Ship a Modified or Lifted Vehicle Using Open Transport?
Yes, but oversized or modified vehicles may require custom quotes due to height or clearance issues. Please let us know when you book. This way, we can assign the right carrier with extended ramps or extra support.
Do Open Car Carriers Ship in All Weather Conditions?
Open carriers operate in most weather conditions, but routes may be adjusted for safety during storms. In extreme conditions, delivery may be slightly delayed. All transport schedules factor in seasonal forecasts.
Will My Car Be Exposed to Damage on an Open Trailer?
Open transport exposes your car to weather and road elements, but damage is rare. All shipments are insured. Our carriers know how to load and secure vehicles safely. They use multi point tie down systems to make sure everything is safe.
Can I Choose My Pickup and Delivery Dates?
Yes, we offer flexible scheduling windows. You can ask for a preferred date range. Our dispatch team will match it with carrier availability. Expedited pickup is also available at additional cost.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Open Transport?
Booking at least 5–7 days in advance ensures better pricing and carrier selection. Book early in peak seasons. This secures your favorite routes and helps you dodge last minute price hikes.
What If My Vehicle Is Not Driveable?
Non running cars can be shipped on open trailers if winches are available. Please notify us in advance, as we may require special equipment, which will be reflected in the quote.
Does Open Transport Work for Dealership or Auction Deliveries?
Absolutely. We serve dealerships and auto auctions with multi car open transport solutions. This method is cost effective and ideal for delivering fleet inventory or wholesale vehicles.