Essential Terminology for the Auto Transport Industry

What is an Open Carrier?

An open carrier, sometimes called an open trailer or flatbed car carrier, is a large vehicle that simultaneously enables the efficient transportation of several vehicles. Its open type of carrier does not have any wall or roof protecting the cars, so, during transit, it has been working as a transporter of automobiles and preparing all those cars for various sorts of problems.

How Open Carriers Work

Open carriers are often designed with two or three levels (decks) to transport as many vehicles as possible at once. Chains, straps, or wheel nets secure vehicles firmly onto the carrier, which stops them from moving during transportation. This provides less protection than enclosed carriers but allows for a more cost-effective solution.

Advantages of Open Carriers

• Price: Shipping a car in an open carrier is cheaper than shipping it in enclosed carriers, for it is an essential and high-capacity trailer.
• Operational efficiency: more vehicles per delivery in each movement they make.
• Adaptability: Open carriers can carry most makes and models.

Disadvantages of Open Carriers

• Open carriers, as their name implies, expose the vehicles to any weather that Mother Nature throws at them: rain or shine. Road debris flying up can damage these lovely cars transported at speed on highways!
• Security: Although security mechanisms are built into the carrier, some may consider their vehicles at higher risk of being stolen or vandalized due to the open nature of this rack system.
• Not Enclosed: The lack of enclosure means no protection against dust, dirt, or light scratches.

Despite these disadvantages, open carriers still transport most vehicles because they are cost-effective and efficient. They are used when shipping new cars from manufacturing plants to sales dealers and when shipping used cars between dealers and auction houses.

One will have to consider things like the value and condition of the vehicle and personal preference when choosing between an open or an enclosed carrier. Open carriers are suitable and affordable for most vehicles.

Would you like more information about the differences between open and enclosed carriers?