Introduction When it comes to shipping a vehicle, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between open and enclosed auto transport. This choice is critical as it impacts everything from the cost and delivery time to the level of protection your vehicle receives. To help you make an informed decision, let’s break down the key differences between these two popular car shipping methods.

Open Auto Transport: The Standard and Most Common Option Open transport is the most common and cost-effective way to ship a car. Your vehicle is loaded onto a carrier that is open to the elements, similar to the trucks you see on the highway delivering new cars to dealerships.

• Pros:
  • Cost-Effective: This is the cheapest option, often saving you hundreds of dollars compared to enclosed transport.
  • Widely Available: There are more open transport carriers on the road, which means it’s easier to find a hauler and you’ll typically have more flexible scheduling.
  • Faster Service: Due to the higher availability of carriers, open transport often has a shorter pickup and delivery timeframe.
• Cons:
  • Exposure to Elements: Your vehicle is exposed to weather, road debris, dust, and dirt.
  • Less Protection: While damage is rare, it’s possible for rocks, hail, or other road debris to cause minor nicks or scratches.

Enclosed Auto Transport: The Premium, High-Protection Choice Enclosed transport involves shipping your vehicle in a trailer that is fully covered on all sides. This option is often preferred for high-value, luxury, classic, or custom vehicles that require maximum protection.

• Pros:
  • Maximum Protection: Your vehicle is completely shielded from weather conditions, road grime, and flying debris.
  • Peace of Mind: This method offers the highest level of security, making it ideal for rare or sentimental vehicles.
• Cons:
  • Higher Cost: Enclosed transport is significantly more expensive—sometimes 40% to 60% more than open transport.
  • Less Availability: Fewer enclosed trailers are on the road, which can lead to longer wait times and less flexibility in scheduling.

Which One Should You Choose?

Most of the time, we recommend open trailers. Even dealerships send brand new cars on open trailers. The only time we recommend an enclosed trailer is when:

• Your car is lowered less than 4 inches from the ground.
• It is a convertible with a soft top.
• It is a very, very expensive car.

Conclusion

Whether you choose open or enclosed transport, a reliable car shipping company should be able to provide you with excellent service. By understanding the differences, you can select the option that best fits your vehicle, budget, and peace of mind.

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