Top 5 Safety Tips When Using Open Car Transport Service

If you're planning to ship your car using an open car transport service, it's important to know how to keep your vehicle safe during the journey. Open carriers are the most common type of vehicle shipping service in Tampa, USA. These trucks can carry between six and nine cars at a time, all exposed to the weather and road conditions. That’s why it’s important to make sure the transport company follows safety steps to protect your vehicle.

Now you might wonder, “Are open carriers safe enough?” The truth is, yes, they are used more than enclosed trailers because they cost less. In fact, in 2024, about 14 million cars and trucks were sold in the U.S. All of these had to be delivered from factories to dealers and finally to customers. Most of these vehicles were transported using open carriers. Why? Because it helps businesses save money. Open carriers cost at least 30% less than enclosed ones, and businesses often get even bigger discounts when they ship cars in bulk.

Let’s take a quick look at crash statistics to understand the risk. In 2024, about 168,971 large trucks were involved in crashes. This number includes all kinds of trucks, not just car hauliers. If we assume each open carrier carries an average of eight vehicles, then around 1.9 million trips would have been needed to move all 14 million cars. Even if every crash involved an open car haulier (which is highly unlikely), that would only make up about 8.75% of the total. And again, most of these crashes involved other types of cargo trucks like those used for construction or moving services. So the actual risk for open car transport is quite low.

Still, it's always smart to take extra steps to protect your car. Here are five important tips to help keep your car safe when using an open car transport service.

1. First, ask if the transport company uses professional vehicle securement methods. 

You want to make sure they have a solid way of keeping your car firmly in place during the trip. Your car will be travelling a long distance, often over highways at high speeds, and it will face bumps, wind, and other road elements. A good car shipping company will use strong tie-down systems and straps to hold the vehicle in place. These systems should secure the car at four points, keeping it steady without damaging it. Make sure to ask the company exactly how they secure vehicles, and if their team is trained to handle this job professionally.

2. Second, ask the company about how they handle bad weather. 

When cars are transported on open trailers, they are exposed to rain, snow, dust, and sunlight. A good transport company understands this and has ways to protect your car. Many carriers use special covers made for car transport. These covers are much stronger than the regular car covers people use at home. They’re made to stay in place even when the trailer is going fast on the highway. They protect against rain, dust, and even small debris that can fly up from the road. Some companies may not offer this unless you ask, so don’t be shy about bringing it up.

3. Third, make sure the company follows safe loading and unloading procedures. 

Getting the car onto and off the trailer is one of the riskiest parts of the process. A professional company will have experienced workers who know how to do this safely. They use high-quality equipment like hydraulic ramps that can hold all kinds of vehicles, including ones that don’t run. These ramps often have non-slip surfaces and safety locks to make sure your car doesn't move or slide. The trailers also come with deck systems that allow vehicles to be spaced correctly and secured properly. Make sure the carrier you choose doesn’t cut corners when it comes to loading and unloading.

4. Fourth, get proof of insurance and document your car’s condition before shipping. 

Your car is a big investment, so you need to be protected in case something goes wrong. Any professional transport company should have insurance, and they should be willing to show you proof. Ask what kind of coverage they provide and what situations are included. Before your car is picked up, take clear pictures of it from all angles. Note any dents, scratches, or damage it already has. That way, if there’s a new scratch or dent when it arrives, you have proof that it happened during transport. Also, make sure to get a copy of the inspection report from the carrier.

5. Fifth, follow all vehicle preparation steps before handing it over. 

Preparing your car correctly can make a big difference in keeping it safe. Start by removing all custom or loose parts on the outside of your car. Items like spoilers, roof racks, and antennas can break or cause damage during transport. Store these items safely inside the car, like in the trunk or backseat. Also, make sure the fuel tank is about a quarter full. This keeps the weight down but still allows the car to be driven on and off the trailer. 

Check your car’s battery and make sure it’s charged and securely mounted. A dead battery can make loading harder and delay the whole process. Also, slightly lower the tyre pressure. This helps the car handle better during transport and reduces the chance of tyre damage. Make sure all fluids are at proper levels and that there are no leaks. If your car has any special features, performance upgrades, or mechanical issues, tell the shipping company. They need to know about things like custom suspension, low-ground clearance, or special starting instructions.

Also, consider where your car is going. If it's being shipped to a cold place like Alaska, you need to check antifreeze levels and battery strength. If it's going somewhere hot like Florida, tyre condition and fluid levels become more important. Good transport companies understand this and will guide you through the process based on your car’s destination. Preparing your vehicle the right way may take a little extra time, but it helps avoid problems and keeps your car safe. Good transport companies usually give you a checklist to follow. Some may even help you with the preparation. Don’t skip any steps, even if they seem small. A loose antenna or low tyre pressure can cause bigger problems down the line.

Conclusion:

Using an open car transport service is a safe and cost-effective way to move your vehicle, especially when selecting a trusted provider for auto transport in Tampa, USA. To ensure a smooth experience, ask the right questions, verify the company’s insurance, and read customer reviews. Properly preparing your car—removing personal items, checking fluids, and documenting its condition—can help prevent issues during transit. While open transport exposes your vehicle to weather, it remains a popular and reliable option. By taking the right precautions, you can feel confident that your vehicle will arrive safely and on time.