Open transport is a method of shipping vehicles on an open, multi-level carrier trailer — exposed to weather, but offering higher capacity and wider availability than enclosed trailers. It's the standard method used across Canada for moving ordinary passenger vehicles between provinces, and it's what most carriers dispatch first when you request a quote.
What It Means in Practice
Open transport is the default for standard sedans, SUVs, pickups, and daily-driver vehicles. Your vehicle rides on a double-deck or tri-level trailer alongside several other cars, secured with wheel straps or chains, fully exposed to sun, rain, road spray, and highway debris the same as if you were driving it yourself.
Before loading, the driver completes a condition report documenting the vehicle's existing state — every scratch, chip, dent, and wheel scuff gets noted and often photographed. You'll do a walk-around with the driver again at delivery to confirm nothing changed in transit. This paperwork is your protection, so don't rush through it at pickup.
Capacity is the real advantage: a single open carrier can typically move six to ten vehicles at once, compared to one or two on an enclosed trailer. That volume is why open transport dominates the Canadian market for everyday vehicles and why it's usually the quickest option to book on busy corridors like Toronto–Calgary or Vancouver–Winnipeg.
Open vs Enclosed at a Glance
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Weather exposure | Fully exposed | Fully protected |
| Capacity per trailer | Six to ten vehicles | One or two vehicles |
| Availability | Widest | Limited |
| Best for | Everyday vehicles | Classics, exotics, show cars |
When It Matters for Your Quote
Weather is the main variable to plan around. Winter storms across the Prairies, freezing rain in Ontario and Quebec, or heavy coastal rain in British Columbia can all push a scheduled pickup or delivery back a day or two — the carrier isn't going to run a loaded trailer through unsafe highway conditions, and neither would you. Build a buffer into your timeline if you're shipping in December through March.
Pre-existing damage documentation matters more on open transport than people expect. Road grime and minor stone chips are considered normal wear from exposure, so a thorough condition report at pickup — with clear photos in good light — is what separates "existing" from "new" if there's ever a dispute at delivery.
If you're moving a classic car, a fresh exotic, a show vehicle, or anything with a finish you can't risk to road spray and debris, that's the point to consider upgrading to enclosed transport instead. For everyday vehicles making a standard trip, open transport remains the more practical and available choice.
Related Terms and Services
Open transport is one of several methods used across car shipping Canada services, and the right one depends on the vehicle and route. A non-running or specialty vehicle might instead move via tow-away transport, while heavier equipment often requires a flatdeck vs step-deck trailer or an RGN lowboy trailer. If you're shipping something oversized, checking beam width requirements ahead of time can prevent surprises at dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my car get damaged by weather on open transport?
Normal road exposure is expected. Serious weather can delay a load. Pre-existing chips and dings should be on the condition report before loading.
How many cars fit on an open carrier?
Typically several per trailer, which is why open transport is usually more available and easier to schedule per vehicle than enclosed.