Reliable shipping services
If this is your first time shipping a vehicle and you would like to understand the process better, check out the first-time shipping guide.
Welcome to Horizon Car Transport. We offer many options to ship your vehicle. We ship personal vehicles, car dealerships, military personnel and corporate relocation. Open and enclosed carriers are both available.
Definition of open carrier. This type of shipping does not protect your vehicle from the elements. Your vehicle is exposed on the outside of the truck, but more vehicles fit on the truck and that lowers the cost of shipping your vehicle. Damage from the elements is rare, but can occur. Most people are willing to take the small risk to save a considerable amount of money.
Why open carrier auto shipping?
As mentioned above, open carrier shipping is by far the most popular form of car transport. It is not just used by people on a tight budget. Many dealerships, auctions, collectors and individuals use open car carriers to transport their vehicles because it is a cost effective option.
Door-to-door car transport
Door-to-door shipping costs less than terminal-to-terminal shipping, and you can save a considerable amount of time. There is no need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal. The carrier picks it up and drops it off at the location you choose. Terminal drop-off and pickup is possible, but door to door is how we ship.
Terminal-to-terminal auto shipping
Terminal-to-terminal shipping requires the customer to both drop off and pick up the car at a tow company or terminal. Open carrier terminal-to-terminal shipping is the most affordable auto shipping service currently available.
Next step
Get my quote or call (800) 303-3986. For more questions, see the common questions.
Most asked questions about car transport
How long does it take to ship my vehicle?
These delivery times are estimates after pickup and are not promises. East coast to west coast, or the reverse, is approximately 7 to 14 days. Central US to the east coast, or central to the west coast, is approximately 5 to 8 days. Southern states to northern states, or the reverse, is approximately 5 to 8 days. Pickups and deliveries within your state take approximately 1 to 3 days. East coast to Hawaii is approximately 20 to 30 days, and west coast to Hawaii approximately 10 to 20 days. These times are averages and can change. If your car is not picking up or delivering in a major city, it may need a second truck, which can cause a delay.
Is your shipping service door to door?
Yes. The truck driver gets as close to your door as he can legally and safely. Many cities restrict large trucks from some residential areas, and car transport trucks are big and need room to maneuver and turn around. If your home is on narrow streets with low-hanging trees, low bridges, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask you to meet the truck at a nearby location.
How far in advance should I schedule the shipping of my vehicle?
Next-day shipping is available at a premium price, but we recommend that you schedule your car transport as far out as you can. That helps ensure a smooth pickup and delivery.
Do I need insurance coverage for my vehicle?
Make sure your vehicle is insured. The carriers carry coverage for your vehicle, but if the insurance company denies a claim for any reason, you do not want to be stuck with the bill or fighting the insurance company on your own.
Can I leave personal items in my vehicle during shipping?
Up to 100 lbs in the trunk is allowed. However, the US Department of Transportation prohibits carrying personal items on a truck licensed only for carrying automobiles, and a violation can lead to a fine for the carrier. Personal belongings left inside the vehicle are not insured, and the carrier and Horizon Car Transport are not responsible for missing or damaged items.
What is the difference between an open and an enclosed carrier?
An open carrier does not protect your vehicle from the elements. Your vehicle is exposed to the weather, but more vehicles fit on the truck and that lowers the cost of transport. Damage from the elements is rare, but it can occur, and most people are willing to take that small risk to save a considerable amount of money. An enclosed carrier protects your vehicle from weather, rocks and theft. In many cases enclosed costs more than open, and enclosed drivers are used to high-end vehicles.
Get your quote
Tell us the route and the vehicle. We will send you a quote.