Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: How to Choose
When you start shopping for auto transport quotes, one of the first choices you will face is whether to ship your vehicle on an open or enclosed carrier. Both options will get your car from point A to point B safely, but they differ in cost, protection level, and availability. Here is what you need to know to make the right call.
What Is Open Auto Transport?
Open auto transport is the most common method of shipping a vehicle. Your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer, typically alongside 7 to 10 other vehicles. These are the same multi-car carriers you see on highways every day hauling new cars to dealerships.
Open transport accounts for roughly 80% of all vehicle shipments in the United States. It is the standard choice for most people shipping daily drivers, family cars, and trucks.
Pros of Open Transport
- Lower cost: Open carriers are more affordable because they haul more vehicles per trip, spreading fuel and labor costs across more customers.
- Greater availability: Because open trailers dominate the market, you will find more carriers, more routes, and shorter wait times.
- Faster scheduling: Higher availability means pickups can often be arranged within days rather than weeks.
Cons of Open Transport
- Weather exposure: Your vehicle is exposed to rain, snow, sun, and wind during transit.
- Road debris: Small rocks, dust, and road grime can make contact with your vehicle, though significant damage from debris is rare.
- Visibility: Your car is visible to everyone on the road, which may concern owners of high-value vehicles.
What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered trailer to ship your vehicle. The car rides inside a protected container, shielded from all weather conditions, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed trailers typically carry 2 to 7 vehicles at a time.
Pros of Enclosed Transport
- Maximum protection: Your car is completely shielded from the elements and road hazards.
- Higher insurance coverage: Enclosed carriers often carry higher cargo insurance policies, reflecting the value of the vehicles they transport.
- Ideal for high-value vehicles: If you own a luxury sedan, classic muscle car, exotic sports car, or a show vehicle, enclosed transport offers the protection those cars deserve.
Cons of Enclosed Transport
- Higher price: Expect to pay 30% to 50% more than open transport. For a cross-country shipment, that could mean an extra $300 to $700.
- Limited availability: Fewer enclosed carriers operate compared to open ones, which can mean longer wait times for pickup.
- Fewer route options: Enclosed carriers tend to stick to major corridors, so rural pickups or deliveries may be harder to arrange.
Price Comparison
To give you a general idea of the cost difference, here is what typical shipments might look like:
- Regional shipment (500 miles): Open $450-$650 vs Enclosed $600-$900
- Mid-range shipment (1,000 miles): Open $700-$1,000 vs Enclosed $950-$1,400
- Cross-country shipment (2,500 miles): Open $1,000-$1,400 vs Enclosed $1,400-$2,100
Which Should You Choose?
Choose open transport if: You are shipping a daily driver, a standard sedan, truck, or SUV and want the most cost-effective option. Open transport is safe, reliable, and used by millions of customers every year.
Choose enclosed transport if: You are shipping a vehicle worth over $75,000, a classic car, a rare exotic, a custom show car, or any vehicle where cosmetic perfection matters. The added cost is minor compared to the value you are protecting.
Compare Your Options
No matter which transport type you choose, comparing quotes from multiple carriers is the smartest way to get a fair price. Car Ship Deal makes it easy to see rates side by side so you can pick the carrier and transport type that fits your budget and your vehicle. Whichever option you choose, make sure to prepare your vehicle properly before the carrier arrives.