How to Safely Ship a Car with Open Transport: What Most People Get Wrong

Corja & Blog

When most people think about shipping their car, they assume enclosed trailers are the only safe option. But here’s the truth: open transport is the most commonly used, cost-effective, and efficient way to move vehicles across the U.S.—and it’s exactly what we specialize in at Corja Auto Hauling.

We’ve been doing this for over 10 years, with fully insured, professional car hauling services. Here’s how to make sure your open transport experience is smooth, safe, and stress-free.


1. Understand What Open Transport Really Means

Open auto transport is when your car is loaded onto a two-level trailer along with 7–9 other vehicles. It’s the same method used by dealerships and manufacturers across the country. Your car is exposed to the elements, but the risk of damage is extremely low—especially when handled by experienced carriers like Corja.


2. Prep Your Vehicle the Right Way

Before your scheduled pickup, take these steps:

  • Wash your vehicle so you can easily inspect for any scratches or dings

  • Take photos of all sides, interior, and wheels

  • Remove personal items, toll passes, and garage openers

  • Check tire pressure and battery condition

  • Keep gas to about a quarter tank—enough to load/unload

These steps aren’t just about safety—they help avoid disputes and delays.


3. Choose a Carrier, Not a Broker

Brokers don’t own the trucks—they just post your job to a load board and take a cut. With Corja, you work directly with a family-run operation that owns the trucks and manages every detail of your transport.

That means:

  • No surprise fees

  • Direct contact with your driver

  • Greater accountability


4. Know What’s Covered

We are fully insured, and every vehicle we transport is covered during the journey. Still, check your own auto insurance policy as well—some offer supplemental coverage for vehicle shipping. If you ever have questions, our team walks you through everything.


5. Be Flexible with Pickup Windows

Open transport trucks move on optimized national routes. This means pickup windows are usually 1–3 days. Having some flexibility helps us get your car shipped faster and more affordably.


6. Communicate for a Smooth Drop-off

When the driver gets close, they’ll coordinate with you to find the best spot for delivery. Large trucks can’t access tight neighborhoods or dead-end streets, so you may need to meet at a nearby parking lot or open area. Clear communication helps prevent delays.


Why Open Transport with Corja is a Smart Move

  • ✅ Over 10 years of reliable hauling experience

  • ✅ Fully insured for peace of mind

  • ✅ Nationwide service to all 48 continental states

  • ✅ Honest, direct pricing with no broker middlemen

  • ✅ Friendly, family-run operation that puts you first

 

Open transport is safe, fast, and trusted by auto dealers and private owners alike. Get a free quote from Corja Auto Hauling and experience stress-free car shipping done right.