Open Transport
The most popular and affordable way to ship your car. Trusted by 85% of our customers. 12,000+ vehicles transported.
Get Free Quote 719-249-6543Open auto transport is the standard, most affordable way to ship a vehicle in the United States. It's the same method used by car manufacturers to deliver new vehicles from factories to dealerships. At Bronco Car Hauling, approximately 85% of our 12,000+ total vehicle shipments have been on open carriers, making it far and away our most popular service over the past 15 years.
Open carriers are the large multi-level auto haulers you see on every highway. They hold 8 to 10 vehicles on two tiers and deliver them along a planned route. Your car shares the carrier with other vehicles heading the same direction, which is what keeps the price low. The shared costs across multiple cars make open transport 30% to 50% cheaper than enclosed.
The vehicles are exposed to the open air during transit, which sounds concerning but rarely causes issues. Think about it: your car sits in the open every time it's parked in a lot, at the grocery store, or on the street. Open transport is no different, and the vehicles are elevated off the road, reducing the risk of kicked-up debris. For everyday sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans, open transport is the right call.
TL;DR
- Most popular auto transport method, chosen by 85% of customers
- 30% to 50% cheaper than enclosed transport
- Carriers hold 8 to 10 vehicles on a two-tier open trailer
- Same method used by manufacturers to deliver new cars to dealerships
- Best for everyday vehicles: sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
How Open Transport Works and What to Expect
Open transport works by loading your vehicle onto a multi-level carrier along with 7 to 9 other cars heading in the same general direction, sharing the route and splitting the cost. You request a quote, confirm your booking, and we schedule a carrier that's running your route. On pickup day, the driver arrives at your address, inspects your vehicle, documents its condition with a Bill of Lading, and loads it onto the trailer.
Your car rides on the carrier for the duration of the trip. The driver makes scheduled stops along the route to drop off and pick up other vehicles. These stops are part of why open transport is priced lower. A carrier running from Denver to Los Angeles might stop in Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas along the way.
When the carrier reaches your area, the driver calls 30 to 60 minutes before arrival. You inspect the vehicle, confirm it matches the pickup condition report, and sign the delivery paperwork. The entire pickup and delivery process takes about 15 to 20 minutes each.
Open Transport Rates from Colorado
Open auto transport is the most budget-friendly shipping option, with rates from Colorado typically ranging from $600 to $1,300 depending on the distance and size of your vehicle. Here are typical ranges: Colorado to California $700 to $1,100. Colorado to Texas $600 to $950. Colorado to Florida $1,000 to $1,300. Colorado to the Midwest $700 to $1,000. Colorado to the Pacific Northwest $800 to $1,200.
Sedans and compact cars are cheapest because they're lighter and take up less space. Full-size trucks and SUVs cost more. The time of year matters too: summer (June through August) and early fall are peak season with higher demand, while January and February tend to be the cheapest months for open transport.
Every open transport quote from Bronco Car Hauling includes door-to-door service, full insurance, real-time tracking, and zero hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Last updated: April 1, 2026
What Our Customers Say
“Shipped my 2020 Honda Accord from Fort Collins to Atlanta on an open carrier. Cost me $1,050 and it arrived in 6 days looking exactly the same as when it left. Bronco Car Hauling made the whole thing simple. No surprises, no drama.”
“I was nervous about open transport but Aaron at Bronco Car Hauling explained how it works and put me at ease. My Rav4 went from Denver to Phoenix in 3 days. Not a scratch on it. Open carrier was the right call and saved me hundreds over enclosed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is open auto transport?
Open auto transport moves your vehicle on an uncovered multi-level carrier alongside other cars. It's the most common and affordable vehicle shipping method, used by car manufacturers and private customers alike.
Is open transport safe for my car?
Yes. Open transport is how millions of vehicles are shipped every year, including brand-new cars from factories. Vehicles are secured with professional tie-downs and insured throughout transit. Damage is extremely rare.
How much cheaper is open transport than enclosed?
Open transport is typically 30% to 50% cheaper than enclosed. For example, a route that costs $1,000 on open might cost $1,400 to $1,500 on enclosed.
How many cars fit on an open carrier?
Standard open carriers hold 8 to 10 vehicles on two tiers. Your car shares the trailer with other vehicles heading the same direction, which is what keeps the price affordable.
What vehicles are best suited for open transport?
Open transport is ideal for everyday vehicles: sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans. If your car is a standard commuter or family vehicle valued under $40,000 to $50,000, open transport is the practical choice.
Will my car get dirty during open transport?
Your car may pick up some road dust during transit, just like it would driving on a highway. A quick wash after delivery takes care of it. Actual damage from debris is very rare.
How long does open transport take from Colorado?
Transit times depend on distance. Neighboring states: 1 to 3 days. West Coast: 3 to 5 days. Texas and Midwest: 2 to 5 days. East Coast: 5 to 7 days. Open carriers make more stops than enclosed, which can add a day.
What if it rains during open transport?
Modern vehicles handle rain without issue. Your car sits in rain every time you park outside. Open transport rain exposure is similar. If you're concerned about water spots on a freshly detailed car, enclosed transport is the alternative.
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