What You Need to Know Before You Choose Open Car Shipping

When you are planning to transport your vehicle, there are many ways to ship it, but selecting the auto transport company is crucial. You will get different types of shipping methods, but the most common method is open car shipping. This method offers several benefits, and in this guide, we will discuss and elaborate on it.

What is Open Car Shipping?

Open transport is the most popular and common auto-shipping method, and this is the most cost-effective way of shipping. Open car shipping involves transporting a vehicle on an open-air trailer along with other vehicles. Your vehicle will be picked up from your address and then delivered to your address.

Open transport is easy to arrange and does not require advance booking. This method exposes your vehicles to external elements, but it is the secure and best method for those looking for affordable shipping.

Why People Choose Open Transport 

People select this auto-shipping method because of its cost and availability. There are many reasons for choosing open transport, but the top reason is its cost and availability. Here, we have shared a few of the common reasons for selecting an open trailer.

• Open trailers are readily available in the market, and they do not require a prior booking. Easy to schedule.
  
• It is cost-effective and less expensive than enclosed transport.
  
• People select this method because of its vehicle hauling capacity, and it can load multiple vehicles at a time.
  
• This auto-shipping method is mostly used by automobile dealers, manufacturers
  
• This method is used by those who need fast pickup and delivery.

Factors Influencing The Cost of Open Trailer

Shipping cost is affected by several factors that significantly impact the cost of open transport and all the other shipping options. They are the following,

• Distance: Shipping costs are impacted by distance, which plays a major role in determining the car shipping cost. Pickup and delivery address are calculated.
  
• Vehicle Size and Weight: The size, weight, and model type influence the shipping cost. Large, oversized vehicles will cost more because they occupy much more space than standard everyday vehicles.
  
• Transport Type: The type of trailer you have selected affects the cost and the additional services, such as expedited shipping, door to door auto transport delivery, and insurance coverage, which affect the overall shipping cost.
  
• Time Frame of Shipping: The date and time of shipping impact the shipping costs. Demand for auto shipping varies depending on the season. Peak season shipping will cost more, and offer season shipping will cost less.  

Difference Between Open and Enclosed Transport

• Open Carrier

Your vehicle will be transported in an open trailer, and it will be exposed to external elements. This method is mostly used to ship daily-use vehicles and non-expensive vehicles such as trucks, motorcycles, cars, etc., and it is the best option for the shipment of standard vehicles and for those who want to save money.

• Enclosed Carrier

In an enclosed car transport, your vehicle will be shipped in a closed trailer, protecting your vehicle from getting exposed. It offers high-security features, and you will get a GPS tracking facility.  It is the best option for the shipment of high-value luxury and elite vehicles.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car 

Usually, auto shipping takes between three and seven days and sometimes a few days to weeks based on the factors, but transit time does not include the time taken for the pickup and delivery. The factors which affect the shipping time include the following,

• Weather conditions
  
• Shipping Distance
  
• Trailer Type: Open transport is fast
  
• Route and location: Rural shipping takes time
  
• Season of Shipping: Shipping during summer and holidays takes longer because of the increase in the demand for shipping.

How Does Open Transport Work?

Shipping vehicles from one point to another is not as difficult as you think. Follow the steps below to get the car shipping quote.

• Get the Shipping Quote: Choose a professional auto transport company and research it. Submit details such as its type, model size, etc., and decide on the transport type. After you submit the form, the auto transport company will send you a shipping quote.
  
• Get Your Vehicle Picked up: The driver will pick up your vehicle and load it into a trailer.
  
• Get Your Vehicle Delivered: The driver will unload your car at your doorstep. If you are not available at the time of delivery, you can nominate someone to pick up your car, and in that situation, you have to inform the auto transport company prior.

Advantages of Open Transport

Open transport has its benefits, and we have shared a few pros and cons. This guide will help you better understand open transport’s pros and cons.

• Open transport is the cheapest way to ship a car, and it is the most cost-effective way of shipping.
  
• Widely available in the market.
  
• Easy and secure loading and unloading of your vehicle.
  
• Capacity to load up to seven to eight vehicles.
  
• Fast and speed vehicle delivery

Disadvantages of Open Transport

• Exposure of vehicles.
  
• Limited security and protection
  
• Not suitable for transporting premium vehicles

Open trailers are one of the best and most popular shipping methods, and 90% of people choose them. Whether you select open or enclosed, car preparation and proper strategic planning are most important.