Widely available
Open carriers operate on many common nationwide routes, which makes open carrier auto transport easier to schedule.
OPEN CARRIER SERVICE
Open auto transport from Florida, nationwide.
Open auto transport moves a running car, SUV, or pickup on a multi-car carrier. It is best for daily drivers that do not need a covered trailer. Azimuth Ship Auto coordinates licensed carriers, confirms the written price before dispatch, and shares the carrier name before pickup.
Azimuth Ship Auto is a bonded auto transport broker, not a carrier. MC 1745295 · USDOT 4434495. Offices in St. Augustine and Fort Lauderdale.
Get an open auto transport quote
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What is open auto transport?
Open vehicle transport uses a two-level open trailer. Cars are strapped by the wheels. A full open car transporter often carries 8 to 10 vehicles.
A door to door open car transport service picks up at the address when the truck can stop safely. Narrow streets use a nearby lot. See door-to-door car shipping.
Azimuth Ship Auto is the car hauler broker. Open carrier car shipping means a licensed carrier hauls the car, and you get that carrier’s name before pickup.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
What to know before booking.
Cost-conscious option
Open transport usually costs 30–40% less than enclosed.
Visible exposure
Vehicles remain exposed to weather and normal road conditions during open vehicle transport.
Vehicle compatibility
Oversized, modified, or inoperable vehicles may need a different plan than standard open car transport.
How is the car protected on an open carrier?
Protection is the inspection, the carrier check, and the paperwork, not a covered trailer. Before dispatch, Azimuth Ship Auto confirms the motor carrier’s active authority and asks for proof of cargo insurance. You receive the carrier name and USDOT number before pickup. At both ends, the driver and you, or a representative 18 or older, complete the Bill of Lading (BOL). New damage is noted on that BOL before anyone signs.
Can I request top-load placement?
Yes. Top-load placement puts the car on the upper deck of the multi-car carrier. That keeps it off the lower deck, away from fluid drips from a vehicle above and farther from road debris kicked up by the tires. It is not a covered trailer. If the carrier can reserve the upper deck, we quote that preference as a small, separate premium before you book. It is never added at pickup.
Weather exposure remains part of open transport car shipping. Road dust and rain are normal. Cargo insurance responds to transport damage from an accident or driver negligence, not to dirt that washes off. Personal items in the trunk are generally excluded.
THE PROCESS
From quote to delivery.
The numbered path is quote, carrier check, Bill of Lading at pickup, transit under FMCSA driver-rest rules, then delivery inspection.
01
Request a quote
Provide the route, vehicle details, and preferred pickup timing.
02
Review the plan
Confirm service type, timing, pricing, and carrier details.
03
Prepare for pickup
Remove belongings, document condition, and provide working keys.
04
Accept delivery
Inspect the vehicle and complete the delivery process.
How long does open auto transport take?
Transit is counted after the car is loaded. Short trips move faster. Coast-to-coast trips include FMCSA driver rest hours. Request a written quote for your car. We do not publish a booked rate on this page.
| Distance tier | Typical transit after pickup |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–4 days |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | 3–6 days |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | 5–8 days |
| Coast to coast | 7–10 days |
Florida to New York is usually a few days after pickup. See Florida to New York and cross-country car shipping.
Should I ship my car open or enclosed?
Ship open if the car is a daily driver and price matters. Ship enclosed if the finish cannot take weather. The table is the comparison.
| Feature | Open auto transport | Enclosed auto transport |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | Baseline, usually 30–40% cheaper | 40–60% premium over open transport |
| Capacity | 7 to 10 vehicles per multi-car carrier | 1 to 6 vehicles per enclosed trailer |
| Weather exposure | Exposed to rain, sun, and road debris | Protected from weather and road debris |
| Best suited for | Daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, and fleets | Exotic cars, vintage classics, and low-clearance vehicles |
Need a covered trailer? See enclosed auto transport or classic car shipping.
What affects open transport cost?
Open transport cost depends on distance, route popularity, vehicle size and weight, whether the car runs, and seasonal demand. Short trips under 500 miles often take 1 to 3 days. Cross-country shipments usually take 6 to 10 days. Request a written quote for your route and vehicle.
| Route example | Transit after pickup |
|---|---|
| Miami / Fort Lauderdale → New York | 3–6 days |
| Orlando → New York | 3–5 days |
| Tampa → New York | 3–5 days |
| Jacksonville → New York | 2–5 days |
| Florida → California | 6–10 days |
Request a written quote for your car. We do not publish a booked rate on this page. See cross-country car shipping.
Which city-to-city routes ship open?
Florida to New York
Both directions
Florida to New Jersey
Shorter Northeast lane
Florida to California
Cross-country timing
Expedited auto shipping
If the pickup date cannot move
Customer reviews
What our customers say
Ready for an open carrier quote?
Nationwide open transport car shipping, coordinated with licensed carriers.
Open auto transport questions
Is my car insured during open auto transport?
The assigned carrier must carry active cargo insurance. Ask for the certificate, the limit, and the deductible before pickup. Cargo insurance is not all-risk: it applies to transport damage from an accident or driver negligence, not to road dust, and not to items left in the car. Azimuth Ship Auto will not call a shipment fully covered.
How long does open car shipping take across the USA?
Transit times depend strictly on total mileage. Generally, short-distance routes under 500 miles take 1–3 days. Coast-to-coast cross-country shipments, such as New York to California, typically require 7–10 days, depending on weather, traffic, and mandatory FMCSA driver rest hours.
Can I put personal belongings inside the car during open transport?
Department of Transportation rules restrict household goods inside a shipped vehicle. Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items secured in the trunk, below the window line, entirely at the owner’s risk and outside cargo insurance.
Is open transport the cheapest shipping option?
Yes. Open transport is typically 30% to 40% cheaper than enclosed transport because multi-vehicle open carriers can fit up to 8–10 cars at once.
What factors affect the quote?
Total distance, route popularity, car dimensions and weight, whether the car runs, and seasonal demand.
Is open auto transport safe for standard vehicles?
Yes. It is the standard industry method used by dealerships, manufacturers, and everyday drivers.
Will my car get dirty or damaged by weather?
Since the trailer is open, the vehicle is exposed to normal weather, rain, wind, and road dust.
Is service door-to-door?
Most open carriers offer door-to-door delivery if the driver can safely maneuver a large truck onto the street. If the street is too narrow, the driver meets you at a nearby open lot.
Do I have to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or a representative 18 or older must inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading.
How much gas should be in the tank?
Keep the fuel tank around one-quarter full so there is enough for loading and unloading without extra weight.
How should I prepare my vehicle for pickup?
Clean the exterior, photograph existing scratches, disable toll tags and the alarm, and check tire pressure and fluids. See how it works.