FMCSA & US Dot Approved

Open Transport

Best American Auto Transport Inc provides professional, secure, and reliable Open Transport. Designed specifically for budget-conscious shippers, daily drivers, and standard vehicle owners seeking the most affordable option, our logistics team ensures a smooth experience by focusing on the most cost-effective and fastest dispatch method for transporting any standard vehicle nationwide. With industry-standard multi-car open trailers carrying 7-10 vehicles at once for maximum route efficiency, you can trust us to handle your vehicle with the utmost care.

Open Transport

About Open Transport

Open auto transport is the backbone of the American vehicle shipping industry, accounting for approximately 75% of all vehicle shipments in the United States. It is the same method used by automakers to ship brand-new vehicles from factories to dealerships across the country — reliable, safe, and remarkably cost-effective. Best American Auto Transport Inc open transport service uses industry-standard multi-car haulers that carry 7-10 vehicles simultaneously. By leveraging this shared-load model, we pass the economies of scale directly to you — delivering fully insured, door-to-door nationwide shipping at rates significantly lower than enclosed or dedicated transport. Your vehicle is professionally loaded onto the carrier using wheel straps and safety chains, secured at designated tie-down points by FMCSA-certified drivers. All carriers in our network carry a minimum of $100,000 cargo insurance coverage for each load. Open transport does not mean unsafe transport. Your vehicle is exposed to the same road and weather conditions it would experience during a normal highway drive — which is why automakers and dealerships rely on this method exclusively for millions of new vehicle shipments every year. With 2026 AI-driven dispatch technology, we identify optimal carrier routes in real time, matching your vehicle to the fastest available carrier along your specific route. Transparent fixed-rate quotes, no hidden fees, and real-time GPS tracking make open transport with Best American Auto Transport Inc the smart choice for everyday vehicle shipping.

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Estimated Cost

$400 - $1,200

Based on average shipping distance. Final price depends on route, vehicle type, and transport method.

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Estimated Transit Time

3-7 business days

Solo drivers cover 400-500 miles/day. Expedited team drivers cover up to 1,000 miles/day.

Why Choose Best American Auto Transport Inc?

Best American Auto Transport Inc operates one of the largest open carrier networks in our region, giving us unmatched access to available carriers across all major U.S. routes. Our AI dispatch platform processes thousands of route options in seconds to find you the most competitive rate and the fastest pickup window. With 9+ years of open transport experience, we have shipped everything from compact sedans to full-size pickup trucks across every state in the country.

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Factors that Affect Open Transport Costs

Distance

The farther your car travels, the more you’ll pay. However, longer trips often cost less per mile than shorter ones.

Route

Shipping along major highways is cheaper and faster. Rural or off-the-beaten-path routes cost more due to limited carrier access.

Season

Summer and snowbird season drive prices up. Shipping during slower months, like fall or early spring, can save you money.

Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks take up more space and use more fuel. Expect to pay more than you would for a standard sedan.

Traffic Patterns

Busy travel weeks, like Thanksgiving, can slow down delivery times. Booking during lighter traffic windows helps keep costs and delays down.

Carrier Availability

During peak season, carriers fill up fast. You may wait longer for pickup, so book early to lock in your preferred dates.

Open vs Enclosed

Open trailers are the most affordable option. Enclosed trailers offer extra protection but cost more — ideal for luxury or classic cars.

Population Density

Shipping to or from a busy city can cost more. Dense urban areas have more traffic and tighter access for large carriers.

Open Transport FAQs

How do I prepare my vehicle for transit with this service? +
Remove personal belongings and document existing damage with photos. Ensure your gas tank is about a quarter full, disable alarms, and ensure the vehicle is operational unless stated otherwise.
Is my vehicle insured during transport? +
Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in our network is required to carry active cargo insurance to cover any damage that may occur in transit.
How far out should I schedule my pickup service ? +
For most shipments, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. During peak summer and snowbird seasons, booking 2–4 weeks ahead helps lock in preferred dates.
How do I pay for my auto transport? +
No payment is due at the time of booking. You provide a payment method to secure a carrier. The balance can be paid in full by card, or you can pay the remaining balance to the driver on delivery day using cash or a certified check.
Can I pack personal items inside my vehicle? +
Your shipment generally includes up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. Note that carriers are not responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle.
Do I need to be present at both pickup and delivery? +
Yes, it is important that you or a trusted adult is present for pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition.
What's the difference between Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport? +
Open transport is the most affordable and common method, where your car rides on an open-air carrier. Enclosed transport shields your vehicle from weather and road debris in a covered trailer, ideal for luxury or classic cars, but typically costs 30-40% more.
TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

Pro Tip for Open Transport

Expect normal road dust upon arrival — a quick car wash is all you will need. Remove all personal belongings from inside the vehicle before pickup, as DOT regulations prohibit personal cargo inside transported vehicles.

Flexible Pickup & Delivery

Choosing a five-day window for pickup and delivery can lower your shipping cost. Carriers can plan routes more easily with flexible dates, which means more options and better pricing for you.

Hub City Advantages

For your auto transport needs, choose a location near major highways. Spots close to major interstates attract more carriers, giving you more options and more competitive rates on your shipment.

Open Trailers

Open trailers cost less than enclosed trailers and work well for most standard vehicles. If your car doesn’t need extra protection from the elements, an open trailer is the smart, budget-friendly choice.

How Open Transport Works

1

Get an Instant Quote

Use our calculator to get a transparent rate with zero hidden fees.

2

Carrier Assignment

A fully vetted, licensed carrier is assigned and will pick up your vehicle typically within 1–5 business days.

3

Safe Delivery

Your car arrives at its destination safely. Inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and you're good to go.

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Lock in your price today

Talk to an auto transport expert now or get an instant quote online.

(302) 355-5544

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★

"Best American Auto Transport Inc shipped my vehicle from Virginia to California in just 5 days. The driver was professional, communication was excellent, and the price was exactly what was quoted. Highly recommend!"

— Sarah M.
Verified Customer · Google Reviews
★★★★★

"As a military family doing a PCS move, we needed reliable transport. Best American gave us a military discount and handled everything seamlessly. Our car arrived in perfect condition. Will use again for our next move."

— James T.
Verified Customer · Trustpilot
★★★★★

"I was nervous about shipping my classic Mustang but the enclosed transport option gave me peace of mind. Zero scratches, delivered on time. The no-deposit policy sealed the deal for me."

— David R.
Verified Customer · BBB
★ 4.9 out of 5 based on 1,247 verified reviews
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Marcus Reid
Senior Logistics Coordinator at Best American Auto Transport Inc

Marcus Reid is a Senior Logistics Coordinator at Best American Auto Transport Inc with over a decade of experience coordinating cross-country freight and specialized vehicle transport for individual, military, and corporate clients.