How open auto transport works
Hermes first prices the route against current carrier demand. After you approve the terms, we offer the shipment to authorized carriers serving your pickup and delivery area. Once a carrier accepts, we confirm its identity, active authority and insurance before dispatch.
The carrier contacts you before pickup, performs a vehicle inspection and records its condition on the bill of lading. At delivery, you inspect the vehicle again before signing the final bill of lading.
What determines the open-carrier price
Distance matters, but it is only one part of the price. Vehicle size, running condition, pickup flexibility, seasonal demand and how far the locations sit from a major route all affect what a qualified carrier will accept.
Hermes separates the carrier payment from our brokerage fee so you can see how the total is built. The carrier balance is usually paid directly at delivery using the method stated in your dispatch confirmation.
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
- Vehicle year, make, model and modifications
- Running or non-running condition
- Pickup window and seasonal demand
- Access for a full-size transport truck
When open transport is the right choice
Open transport fits most insured, roadworthy vehicles. It offers greater carrier availability than enclosed transport and normally produces the lowest market price.
Choose enclosed transport when the vehicle is unusually valuable, has very low clearance, carries an irreplaceable finish or requires protection from normal road exposure.
Straight answers
Common questions
Is an open carrier safe for a normal car?
Open carriers transport dealership and privately owned vehicles every day. The vehicle remains exposed to weather and road dust, so inspect it carefully at pickup and delivery.
Can I put personal items in the vehicle?
Ask before loading anything. Carrier rules and insurance terms vary, and personal property is usually not covered by the carrier’s cargo policy.