When selecting a transport company, look for one that provides a clear contract and verifiable insurance. Check that the carrier's cargo insurance covers the full market value of your vehicle while it is on the truck. Some brokers offer "carrier-provided" insurance that may be minimal - read the fine print. A reputable company will also offer a
Dispatch Dudes auto transport services that locks the price and delivery timeline, protecting you from last-minute rate hikes. Avoid any company that demands a large upfront deposit without a written contract; the industry standard is a small deposit (around 10-20%) with the balance due upon delivery. Read online reviews on multiple platforms, and ask for references from recent customers shipping similar vehicles. If possible, choose a carrier that has been in business for at least a few years and maintains an active USDOT number.
Who Should Choose Open Transport and Why Open vehicle transport is the default choice for roughly 85 percent of all vehicle shipments in the United States. It fits the needs of most individual shippers, particularly those moving standard passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUVs across state lines. Buyers and sellers of used cars frequently choose open transport because it keeps the transaction viable - the shipping cost does not eat into the sale margin. Seasonal vehicle owners moving motorcycles, ATVs, or boats also benefit from the lower rates that open carriers offer.
One of the most critical steps is removing all personal belongings from the vehicle. Auto transporters are not licensed to carry household goods, and items left inside can shift during transit, causing scratches or interior damage. Additionally, personal items are not covered by the carrier's insurance policy, so you assume all risk. Clear out the trunk, glove box, and under-seat storage completely. If you absolutely must leave something inside, such as a spare tire or emergency kit, secure it so it cannot move. Many transporters will refuse to load a car that contains unsecured cargo because they can be held liable for loss or theft along the route.
How Much Can You Save with Open Carrier Auto Transport Over Alternatives? The single biggest reason people choose open auto transport is cost. When you compare it to enclosed shipping, the savings are substantial. An enclosed carrier protects the vehicle inside a covered trailer, which is ideal for exotic or classic cars, but it comes at a premium. For a standard sedan or SUV, that premium is rarely necessary.
Yes, supplemental coverage is typically "excess" to the carrier's primary policy. You file a claim with the carrier first, and if their payment does not fully cover your loss (due to limits, deductible, or excluded perils), the supplemental policy pays the remaining amount. Always confirm this order of claims with your supplemental insurer before purchase.
No, standard cargo insurance for auto transport does not cover personal belongings inside the vehicle. The policy covers only the vehicle itself. If you are moving and packing valuables in the trunk, those items are at risk. Remove all personal items before shipping or check with your homeowner's or renter's insurance to see if they cover property in transit.
Beyond the physical securing of the car, carriers mitigate risk through careful route planning. Dispatch teams avoid known construction zones and severe weather when possible, and they schedule drop-offs during daylight hours whenever feasible. Insurance also plays a part: every licensed carrier carries cargo insurance that covers the retail value of the vehicle in transit. If a truck is involved in an accident, the carrier's policy pays for repairs or replacement. On a fleet-wide basis, damage rates for open transport are low-the industry average is well under 1% of all shipments involving any type of claim. For a family relocating from Portland to Denver, the statistical probability that their minivan will arrive without a single scuff is above 99%.
Shipping a car across the country often feels like a leap of faith.
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