When it comes to shipping a vehicle across cities or even across the country, one of the first questions people ask is: should I choose open or enclosed transport? The confusion often stems from not knowing what each service offers—and more importantly, how it impacts cost, safety, and convenience. This uncertainty can delay decisions, increase stress, or lead to paying more than necessary for features you might not even need.

The truth is, open car trailer transport is the most popular and widely used method of auto shipping across the United States—for good reason. At Minute By Minute Logistics, open trailer shipping is a core offering that blends affordability, efficiency, and reliability in one seamless process. Whether you’re a dealership moving multiple vehicles or an individual relocating across state lines, open car haulers often provide the best value.

This blog walks you through everything you need to know about open car trailers, including how they work, when to use them, and the key benefits they offer over other shipping methods.

Understanding Open Car Haulers

Open car trailers are exactly what they sound like—carriers without side or roof enclosures. These trailers are often seen on highways transporting new vehicles from manufacturers to dealerships. They typically carry 7 to 10 vehicles at once, secured carefully and transported across long distances.

Because the vehicles are exposed to the elements, some may assume it’s a risky or unsafe method. But the reality is far more reassuring. With modern equipment, trained carriers, and insurance coverage, open car shipping is both safe and efficient.

At Minute By Minute Logistics, every open trailer we deploy follows strict safety protocols. From the moment your vehicle is picked up to its final delivery, it’s carefully handled and fully insured throughout the journey.

Cost-Efficiency: One of the Biggest Reasons People Choose Open Trailers

The most compelling reason customers choose open car transport services is affordability. Open trailers are more readily available and cost significantly less than enclosed options. Because multiple vehicles can be transported at once, the cost per vehicle drops considerably. This makes open transport ideal for budget-conscious individuals, seasonal travelers, military relocations, and dealership deliveries.

At Minute By Minute Logistics, we work with a large network of carriers that operate open trailers across the country. Our model allows us to match your shipment with available space on existing routes, which means faster pickups and more competitive pricing for our clients.

Faster Pickup and Delivery Times

Open trailers are not only more affordable but also more available. Since most carriers in the U.S. use open haulers, scheduling a pickup is quicker and easier. This is especially helpful for people with tight schedules or those using expedited car shipping services.

Because of the higher frequency of open trailer routes, Minute By Minute Logistics can offer shorter wait times and faster turnarounds for vehicle shipping. Whether you're moving to a new city or shipping your car ahead of a seasonal vacation, open transport gives you flexibility without compromising on quality.

Safe and Secure, Even Without a Roof

A common myth surrounding open vehicle transport is that it’s unsafe. While it's true that open carriers expose vehicles to natural elements like rain or dust, it's important to understand that safety does not depend solely on enclosure. Secure strapping, tiered loading systems, and experienced drivers all contribute to safe delivery.

Every vehicle transported by Minute By Minute Logistics undergoes a pre-loading inspection. The carrier documents the condition of the vehicle, ensures it’s properly secured, and takes precautions to prevent contact with debris or other vehicles. Additionally, all shipments are insured, giving our customers extra peace of mind.

Ideal for Most Types of Vehicles

Unless you’re transporting a rare collectible, luxury supercar, or a vintage showpiece, an open trailer is usually more than sufficient. For the average sedan, SUV, minivan, or pickup truck, open auto shipping meets every need in terms of care and reliability.

Businesses especially benefit from open car hauler services because they can move entire fleets or multiple units at once. Car dealerships use open trailers to transport inventory from auctions or distribution centers. Rental companies often move large batches of vehicles between locations using this method.

Minute By Minute Logistics frequently works with corporate clients who need consistent, cost-effective shipping of commercial or employee vehicles. Our team ensures these moves are coordinated with precision, using open carriers that meet both timeline and budget requirements.

Nationwide Coverage and Accessibility

Another advantage of open trailer shipping is the ability to access more areas across the U.S., including rural or hard-to-reach regions. Because the equipment is more common and maneuverable than enclosed trailers, it allows carriers to cover longer routes and reach wider delivery zones.

At Minute By Minute Logistics, our door-to-door car transport service often leverages open trailers to complete pickups and drop-offs efficiently. Whether you’re shipping from a small town in Kansas or a busy metro in California, we coordinate logistics to match you with the best carrier for your route.

Lower Weight and Fuel Consumption

Open carriers are lighter than enclosed ones, making them more fuel-efficient. This not only brings down the cost but also has a lesser impact on the environment. For businesses that are environmentally conscious or tracking their carbon footprint, using open transport options is one way to ship responsibly.

Minute By Minute Logistics is committed to efficiency, not just in operations but also in sustainability. Our network partners use route-optimization technology to minimize empty miles and reduce emissions—without sacrificing speed or service.

When Is Enclosed Shipping a Better Option?

While open trailers are sufficient for most customers, there are times when enclosed transport is more appropriate. This includes:

Luxury or exotic vehicles
Antique cars
Custom-painted or low-clearance vehicles
High-value sports cars

In these cases, the added cost of enclosed shipping is justified by the need for enhanced protection. However, for over 80% of our customers, open trailer transport offers the perfect balance of price, protection, and performance.

Why Open Transport Makes Sense for First-Time Shippers

If you're shipping a car for the first time, the idea of handing over your vehicle to a third party can feel daunting. That’s why simplicity and clarity matter so much. Open shipping is easier to schedule, easier to track, and comes with fewer restrictions.

At Minute By Minute Logistics, we guide every first-time customer through the process with full transparency. From instant quotes and real-time tracking to clear documentation and direct communication with the driver—we make sure you’re in control of your vehicle’s journey, even when you’re not behind the wheel.

Conclusion

Choosing the right transport method for your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. For most customers—whether shipping a personal car or managing logistics for a business—open car trailer shipping is the smart, affordable, and reliable choice. With benefits ranging from cost savings and faster delivery to wide availability and proven safety, it’s easy to see why open haulers dominate the vehicle shipping industry.

At Minute By Minute Logistics, we specialize in making vehicle transport simple, secure, and stress-free. Our open car transport services are backed by a trusted network of carriers, full insurance coverage, and unmatched customer service. Whether you’re moving one car or coordinating logistics for a fleet, we’re here to get your vehicle from Point A to Point B—on time, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is open car shipping safe for long-distance transport?
Yes. With professional strapping, inspections, and experienced carriers, open trailer transport is safe and widely used—even for cross-country routes.

How much does open car shipping cost?
It varies by distance, vehicle type, and time of year. Open trailers are generally 30-40% cheaper than enclosed options. MBM provides free, no-obligation quotes.

Does weather damage cars on open trailers?
While cars are exposed to the elements, actual damage is rare. Vehicles are insured, and many are shipped cleanly without any impact from weather conditions.

How long does open auto transport take?
Most shipments are completed within 3–10 days, depending on the route. MBM offers both standard and expedited timelines based on your schedule.

Can I ship a non-running car on an open trailer?
Yes. As long as the car can roll and steer, non-running vehicles can be shipped. Just inform MBM in advance so we can assign a carrier with proper equipment.

Why Open Car Trailers Remain the Smart Choice for Auto Transport