Open Car Transport
Long Island, NY
The most affordable and widely used vehicle shipping method. Your car travels on a standard open carrier — safe, fully insured, and the same method franchised dealerships use to move new inventory across the country.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is the standard method used for shipping vehicles across the United States. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier — a large truck that transports 8 to 10 vehicles simultaneously — and driven to your destination. It's the same method used by car manufacturers to deliver new vehicles to dealerships across the country.
Open transport is the most popular choice for everyday vehicles because it's affordable, widely available, and completely safe. Your vehicle is professionally secured with straps and transported by a licensed, insured carrier. While your car is exposed to the open air during transit, road damage or weather damage is extremely rare.
At Yorkers Auto Transport, all of our open carrier shipments from Long Island are fully insured, door-to-door, and priced transparently. The rate we quote is the rate you pay — no surprises after booking.
Benefits of Open Car Transport
Most Affordable Option
Open transport is 30–40% less expensive than enclosed transport. For most vehicles, it's the smart choice.
Fastest Scheduling
Open carriers are far more common than enclosed. Faster carrier availability means quicker pickup scheduling.
Nationwide Coverage
Open carriers operate on every major US route. We can ship your vehicle to any of the 48 contiguous states.
Fully Insured
Every carrier carries cargo insurance. Your vehicle is documented at pickup and covered throughout transit.
Door-to-Door Service
We pick up from your Long Island address and deliver to any US destination. No terminal drop-offs required.
Locked-In Price
Quote confirmed before pickup. Your price never changes after booking — guaranteed.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport — Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30–40% Less Expensive | Higher Premium Price |
| Scheduling Speed | Faster (More Carriers) | Slower (Fewer Carriers) |
| Weather Protection | Exposed to Elements | Fully Protected |
| Vehicle Capacity | 8–10 Vehicles | 2–6 Vehicles |
| Best For | Everyday Cars, SUVs, Trucks | Luxury, Classic, Exotic |
| Insurance | Standard Cargo Coverage | Higher Coverage Available |
Bottom line: Open transport is the right choice for 90% of vehicle shipments. If you're shipping a standard sedan, SUV, truck, or van — open carrier transport is safe, insured, and will save you significant money over enclosed transport. If you have a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle where paint condition is critical, consider enclosed car transport instead.
Open Car Transport Rates from Long Island, NY
The table below shows estimated open carrier transport rates for a standard sedan from Long Island, New York to popular destinations across the country.
| Route | Distance | Estimated Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island → Miami, FL | ~1,280 mi | $750 – $1,050 | 4–6 days |
| Long Island → Orlando, FL | ~1,090 mi | $700 – $980 | 3–5 days |
| Long Island → Atlanta, GA | ~870 mi | $700 – $950 | 3–5 days |
| Long Island → Chicago, IL | ~800 mi | $650 – $900 | 3–5 days |
| Long Island → Dallas, TX | ~1,570 mi | $900 – $1,250 | 5–7 days |
| Long Island → Houston, TX | ~1,630 mi | $950 – $1,300 | 5–7 days |
| Long Island → Los Angeles, CA | ~2,800 mi | $1,100 – $1,600 | 7–10 days |
| Long Island → San Diego, CA | ~2,770 mi | $1,100 – $1,550 | 7–10 days |
| Long Island → Seattle, WA | ~2,850 mi | $1,150 – $1,650 | 8–11 days |
| Long Island → Phoenix, AZ | ~2,400 mi | $1,050 – $1,450 | 6–9 days |
| Long Island → Denver, CO | ~1,800 mi | $980 – $1,350 | 5–8 days |
| Long Island → Charlotte, NC | ~680 mi | $650 – $880 | 2–4 days |
Rates shown for standard sedan. SUVs and trucks cost 10–20% more. Inoperable vehicles add ~15%. Call (201) 431-5897 for your exact confirmed quote.
Who Should Use Open Car Transport?
How Open Car Transport Works — Step by Step
Open Car Transport — Frequently Asked Questions
Is open transport safe?
Yes. Open car transport is the most widely used method in the auto transport industry — the same method used by car manufacturers and dealerships to move millions of vehicles every year. Your vehicle is professionally secured with straps designed specifically for auto transport. Weather or road damage is extremely rare, and all shipments are covered by the carrier's cargo insurance.
What vehicles are best suited for open transport?
Open transport is ideal for everyday vehicles including sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, crossovers, and motorcycles. Basically any vehicle where the paint and condition are not highly sensitive to minor road exposure. For exotic, luxury, or collector vehicles where pristine condition is paramount, consider enclosed transport.
Can I ship an inoperable vehicle on an open carrier?
Yes. We can transport inoperable or non-running vehicles on open carriers. However, the vehicle must be able to roll, steer, and brake so it can be safely loaded onto the trailer. There is typically a surcharge of 10–15% for inoperable vehicles due to the special handling required.
Areas We Serve for Open Car Transport
We pick up open carrier shipments from Brentwood, Bay Shore, and all of Long Island. Below are our primary pickup locations:
Ready to Ship Your Car on an Open Carrier?
Get a confirmed, locked-in price from Long Island's local auto transport team