When shipping your vehicle, choosing the right transport method is a critical decision that can affect the safety, cost, and delivery time of your car’s journey. The two main options are open car shipping and enclosed auto transport, each offering distinct advantages depending on your vehicle type, budget, and level of protection needed.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed car shipping comparison between open and enclosed auto transport, helping you determine which option is best for you.
What is Open Car Shipping?
Open car shipping is the most common and cost-effective method of transporting vehicles. In this type of shipping, your car is loaded onto an open trailer, often alongside several other vehicles, and transported to its destination. These trailers are similar to the ones you may have seen transporting new cars to dealerships.
While open car shipping exposes your vehicle to weather, dust, and road debris, it remains a safe and reliable option for most vehicles. It’s typically chosen by car owners transporting standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport offers a higher level of protection by shipping your car in a covered trailer. Unlike open transport, enclosed transport shields your vehicle from external elements such as rain, snow, dirt, and road debris. This method is ideal for high-value vehicles like luxury cars, vintage models, exotic cars, or classic cars that require extra care and protection during transit.
Enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open shipping due to the added protection, lower capacity (enclosed trailers typically hold fewer vehicles), and specialized handling required for these types of vehicles.
Comparing Open and Enclosed Car Transport
Here’s a breakdown of how open car shipping and enclosed auto transport compare based on key factors such as cost, protection, and availability:
- Cost
- Open Car Shipping: This is the most affordable option, making it the preferred choice for most car owners. Since open transport trailers can carry more vehicles (usually 7-10), the cost per car is significantly lower. If you’re looking for cost-effective car shipping, open transport is the way to go.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: The additional protection offered by enclosed transport comes with a higher price tag. Shipping your car in an enclosed trailer can cost 30% to 50% more than open transport. This higher cost is justified for vehicles that need extra care, such as high-value cars, but may not be necessary for standard cars.
If budget is your top priority, open car shipping is the better choice. However, if protection outweighs cost for you, enclosed auto transport is worth the investment.
- Level of Protection
- Open Car Shipping: While safe and widely used, open transport leaves your car exposed to the elements. Your vehicle may encounter weather conditions like rain, snow, or hail during its journey. Additionally, road debris, dirt, and dust can come into contact with your car. However, accidents or serious damage are rare, making open transport suitable for everyday cars that don’t require special protection.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Enclosed transport offers the highest level of protection. Your car is completely covered and shielded from weather, debris, and external factors. This method is ideal for shipping luxury, exotic, vintage, or classic cars that could suffer significant depreciation or costly repairs if exposed to the elements.
If your vehicle is a valuable asset, such as a collector’s car or a luxury model, enclosed auto transport provides peace of mind and guarantees that it will arrive in pristine condition.
- Type of Vehicle
- Open Car Shipping: Open transport is perfect for standard vehicles, such as daily drivers, family cars, SUVs, and trucks. If your vehicle doesn’t have a high market value or sentimental significance, there’s no need to spend extra on enclosed shipping. Open trailers can accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and types.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Enclosed trailers are specifically designed for vehicles that require additional care. If you own a high-end sports car, a vintage car with a custom paint job, or a classic car that needs to be protected from even the smallest scratches, enclosed auto transport is the ideal choice. These trailers often feature hydraulic lift gates to safely load and unload cars with low ground clearance, ensuring they’re handled with extra caution.
For high-value or rare vehicles, the protection provided by enclosed auto transport is essential.
- Availability
- Open Car Shipping: Since open transport is the most common method, it is widely available and easy to book. If you’re on a tight schedule or need your car shipped quickly, open transport is often the faster option because of the high availability of open trailers.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Due to the specialized nature of enclosed transport, it’s less common and may have limited availability. You’ll need to book enclosed auto transport further in advance, and you might have fewer scheduling options, especially during peak seasons.
If time is a factor, open car shipping offers more flexibility in terms of availability and scheduling.
When to Choose Open Car Shipping
- You’re on a budget: If you’re looking for the most cost-effective car shipping option, open transport is the clear choice. It offers safe, reliable service at a lower price.
- You’re shipping a standard vehicle: Open transport is ideal for everyday vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. It’s the default option for most car owners who don’t need extra protection.
- You need fast service: Open transport is widely available and can accommodate last-minute shipments more easily than enclosed transport.
When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport
- You own a luxury, exotic, or classic car: For high-end vehicles, the protection provided by enclosed transport is worth the added cost. Enclosed shipping guarantees that your car will be shielded from any potential damage during transit.
- You want maximum protection: If your car has sentimental or financial value and you want to avoid even the slightest risk of damage, enclosed auto transport is the best option.
- Your car requires special handling: If your car has low ground clearance or delicate parts, enclosed trailers often have special equipment, such as hydraulic lift gates, to ensure safe loading and unloading.
The decision between open car shipping and enclosed auto transport comes down to your vehicle type, budget, and protection needs. For standard vehicles and those looking to save on costs, open transport is a practical, affordable solution. However, if you’re transporting a high-value, luxury, or vintage car, enclosed transport offers the extra protection and peace of mind that you need. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that ensures your vehicle is safely transported to its destination. See some different payment options like pay per card, Bitcoin and other.
