If you’ve ever needed to move your vehicle across a long distance, you’ve probably come across the term Open Car Transport. It’s one of the most widely used and cost-effective car shipping methods in North America — but what makes it so popular?
At GFFCA, we specialize in vehicle and container shipping services across Canada and worldwide. Our team of logistics professionals ensures that every shipment — from cars and motorcycles to commercial vehicles — is handled with care, efficiency, and precision. Let’s take a closer look at how open car transport works and why it might be the best choice for you.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is a type of vehicle shipping service where cars are loaded onto open-air trailers that can carry multiple vehicles at once — typically between 6 to 10 cars. These trailers are the same ones you often see delivering new vehicles to dealerships.
Once your booking is confirmed, our experienced carriers collect your car, secure it on the trailer, and transport it safely to its destination. Since this method is widely available, it’s often faster and more affordable compared to other transport options like enclosed car shipping.
Why Open Car Transport Is So Popular
There are several reasons why open transport remains the most common choice for vehicle shipping:
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- Cost-Effective: Because multiple cars are shipped together, the overall cost per vehicle is lower.
- Flexible Scheduling: Open carriers are more frequent, offering greater flexibility for pickup and delivery.
- Trusted by Dealerships: Most car dealerships and manufacturers use open carriers to move vehicles — proof of its reliability and efficiency.
- For everyday vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and minivans, open transport is often the most practical and trusted solution.
Is Open Car Transport Safe?
Many people wonder if their car will be safe during open transport since it’s exposed to weather elements. The truth is, yes — it’s very safe.
At GFFCA, we partner only with licensed and insured carriers who follow strict loading, unloading, and securing procedures. Your vehicle is tightly strapped and monitored throughout the journey. Even though it’s open to elements like wind or rain, damage is extremely rare.
Additionally, we can arrange marine insurance coverage to give you extra peace of mind while your vehicle is in transit.
What Vehicles Can Be Transported via Open Car Transport?
Open transport is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including:
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- Sedans and hatchbacks
- SUVs and crossovers
- Pickup trucks
- Minivans
- Standard motorcycles (in some cases)
For luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles, we also provide enclosed car transport options for extra protection.
How Much Does Open Car Transport Cost?
The cost of shipping a vehicle depends on several factors, such as:
- Distance between pickup and delivery points
- Size and weight of the vehicle
- Seasonal demand and fuel cost
- Vehicle condition (operable or inoperable)
Generally, open car shipping ranges from Get a Quote, depending on distance and route. To receive an exact quote, you can contact GFFCA with your vehicle’s details, including length, width, and height — we’ll provide a transparent, accurate estimate with no hidden fees.
How Long Does Open Car Transport Take?
Delivery times vary depending on distance, route, and traffic conditions.
- Short-distance shipments: 2–5 days
- Cross-country shipments: 7–10 days on average
Because open carriers make multiple stops to pick up and drop off cars, the schedule can be slightly longer than enclosed transport — but it remains one of the most efficient and dependable methods available.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Open Car Transport
Before handing over your car for transport, take these simple steps to ensure a smooth process:
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- Wash your car and take photos to record its condition.
- Remove personal items and valuables.
- Keep your fuel tank about one-quarter full.
- Check for leaks or mechanical issues.
- Disable alarms and toll tags.
These steps help ensure your car is ready for transport and reduce the chances of delays or issues.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
If you’re looking for reliable open car transport services, trust GFFCA to get your vehicle delivered safely and efficiently — wherever it needs to go.
Contact us today for a free quote or to learn more about our vehicle shipping solutions.
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