Just because an open carrier is the least expensive shipping option doesn’t mean it’s not the best value. It most definitely is. Open carriers are a little easier to load than other options and they’re also the most common. When you see new cars and trucks being shipped to dealerships, it’s almost always an open carrier. If it’s good enough for brand new cars with fewer than 10 miles on their odometers, then it’s more than acceptable for an average vehicle.
We’ve made the process really easy at shipyourcar.com. The first step is to get a list of quotes to compare from our website. All we need to know is what kind of vehicle you want to ship, where it is now, where you want it to go, and the date you would like it picked up.
On your pick-up date, the driver will contact you with an estimated arrival time. The driver will inspect your vehicle and make notes in a report before driving your car onto the open carrier. Once your car is on its way, you can contact the carrier to find out where the car is and when it’s expected to be delivered. When the car is unloaded from the truck at its destination, the driver compares the condition of the vehicle to what was noted on the pick-up report. This document is known as the Bill of Lading.
Open carriers are more common than enclosed carriers, which makes a difference in prices. They are also less expensive to purchase than enclosed carriers. The cars on open carriers are typically not exotic or classics, so protecting them from the weather isn’t necessary. When a car needs special care, either through a temperature-controlled enclosed trailer or because it’s an uncommon size, prices tend to rise. Open carriers are built to haul cars, trucks and vans that are average sizes.
It’s rare for a vehicle hauler to collect cars from multiple individuals and take them all to their locations in the order they are loaded. Logistically, it’s almost impossible to do. This means your vehicle may be unloaded and reloaded onto the open carrier while in transit.
Most drivers try to keep reorganizing vehicles to a minimum due to the effort and loss of time involved. However, other than reorganizing vehicles on the trailer, your car should not be started or driven while it is being shipped.
Unless the truck pulling the trailer needs a repair, the same driver typically will haul your vehicle for the entire trip. Another instance where it may be a different driver is when a smaller truck collects it for pick-up to bring to the larger auto transporter or to deliver from the larger, less maneuverable hauler.
Vehicle shipping companies wouldn’t be in business long if they made it a habit of damaging vehicles. Not only would their insurance rates skyrocket, but they wouldn’t have repeat customers or favorable reviews online. However, there is always a possibility for small damages. Since open carriers don’t protect vehicles from the weather, events like a hail storm can cause a few nicks. Minor paint chips are also possible from flying rocks and other road debris. One way to reduce or remedy this is to ship your car enclosed transport.
One of the best parts of car shipping is door-to-door service. You get to decide where a vehicle will be picked-up and where it will be dropped-off. Sometimes, car haulers can’t get into tight neighborhoods, heavily wooded areas, or regions near water, but they do their best to get your car where it is and drop it off where you want it.
If you want a list of quotes to determine the shipping costs for your car, you can get an immediate comparison. All we need to know is what kind of vehicle you want to ship, where it is now, where you want it to go, and the date you would like us to get it.
