Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping: A Decision-Maker’s Guide
When transporting your car, you’ll encounter two options: open and enclosed car shipping. Open car shipping is preferred for its affordability and convenience, making it the more commonly used option for regular sedans and SUVs. On the other hand, enclosed shipping prioritizes protection and security, making it the choice for luxury, high-end, and exotic cars. While enclosed car shipping is more expensive, open car shipping provides a more affordable solution
Key Points
- Open car shipping involves transporting your vehicle on an open-air carrier, exposing it to potential damage from weather conditions, road debris, and accidents.
- In contrast, enclosed car shipping transports your vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer, providing protection from environmental factors and road hazards.
- While enclosed shipping offers superior protection, it comes at a higher cost and is less commonly chosen compared to open car shipping.
What is Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping refers to the transportation of a vehicle on an open trailer, usually with no walls or roof to protect it from external elements. This is the most commonly used method for car shipping due to its lower cost compared to enclosed car shipping. In this section, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-car shipping, as well as situations where it may be appropriate or inappropriate.
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than enclosed shipping, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Availability: More carriers offer open transport, making it easier to book.
- Efficient: Faster shipping times due to higher availability and more frequent schedules.
Cons
- Exposure to the elements: Vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and potential damage. Cars can arrive dirty from exposure to the elements during transit, especially on long routes, making it not recommended for luxury or exotic cars.
- Higher risk of scratches and dings: Open trailers carry multiple vehicles, and they’re secured close together. This can increase the chance of minor scratches or dings happening during loading, unloading, or transit due to shifting or loose items in other vehicles.
When to Choose or Avoid Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping is a suitable choice when cost is a primary concern, especially for standard vehicles not sensitive to weather or road conditions. It’s ideal for short-distance moves, where exposure to the elements is minimal, and offers convenience with more readily available carriers and potentially faster delivery.
However, it’s best to avoid open car shipping for high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles that need extra protection from weather, debris, and theft. For long-distance shipments, severe weather conditions, or vehicles requiring climate control or extra security, enclosed car shipping provides the necessary safeguards and enhanced protection.
What is Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping is a method of transporting a vehicle on a trailer that is fully enclosed with walls and a roof. This method provides maximum protection for the vehicle during transportation, making it ideal for high-value or classic cars that require extra care. In this section, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of enclosed car shipping and provide examples of situations where it may be appropriate or inappropriate.
Pros
- Protection: Offers superior protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage.
- Security: Enhanced security, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.
- Ideal for High-Value Vehicles: Recommended for luxury, classic, or exotic cars needing extra care.
Cons
- Cost: More expensive than open shipping due to the added protection and limited availability.
- Availability: Fewer carriers offer enclosed transport, which can result in longer booking times.
- Capacity: Enclosed carriers typically hold fewer vehicles, potentially leading to wait times longer.
When to Choose or Avoid Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping is the ideal choice for transporting high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles that require superior protection from weather, road debris, and theft. It’s especially beneficial for long-distance moves or in severe weather conditions where exposure to the elements could pose a risk. This method is also suitable for vehicles needing climate control or special handling.
However, if cost is a major concern and the vehicle is standard or the move is short-distance, open car shipping might be more practical, as enclosed shipping tends to be significantly more expensive and may not be necessary for less sensitive vehicles.
Types of Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping comes in various types, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some common types:
1. Single-Level Open Carrier
- Description: These carriers have a single deck and typically transport fewer vehicles at a time.
- Benefits: Usually offers a more direct route and faster delivery. Ideal for transporting fewer vehicles or high-value cars that still need to travel in an open environment.
2. Multi-Level Open Carrier
- Description: These are the most common open carriers, featuring two or more levels that can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously.
- Benefits: More cost-effective for shipping multiple cars due to its capacity. Widely used for standard car transport needs.
3. Ramp-Style Open Carrier
- Description: This type includes carriers with ramps for easy loading and unloading of vehicles.
- Benefits: Suitable for cars with lower ground clearance or special loading requirements. Provides easier access for various types of vehicles.
Types of Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed Car Shipping comes in various types, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some common types:
1. Enclosed Liftgate Trailer
- Description: Equipped with a hydraulic liftgate for easy loading and unloading, especially useful for vehicles with low ground clearance.
- Benefits: Facilitates the safe transport of vehicles that might otherwise be difficult to load onto a standard trailer.
2. Enclosed Luxury Transport
- Description: Designed specifically for high-end and luxury vehicles, often featuring additional amenities like plush interiors and custom fittings.
- Benefits: Provides the highest level of care and protection for extremely valuable or rare vehicles.
3. Enclosed Shipping Container
- Description: Uses a shipping container to transport vehicles, often used for international shipping or long-distance moves.
- Benefits: Offers excellent protection and is ideal for secure transport across different countries or continents.
| Auto Transport Company | Open Prices | Enclosed Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | $979 | $1179 |
| AutoStar Auto Transport | $795 | $1595 |
| AmeriFreight | $1200-$1500 | $1500-$2000 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $600- $1,200 | $1,000- $2,000 |
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1350 | $1,830 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1200 | $1,850 |
Factors to Consider
When calculating the true cost of shipping your vehicle, it is important to consider several factors beyond just the carrier’s fees. These factors include:
- Insurance rates: Make sure you understand the insurance coverage provided by the carrier, and whether it is adequate to cover any potential damage to your vehicle during transport. If not, you may need to purchase additional insurance coverage.
- Fuel prices: The cost of fuel can impact the carrier’s fees, so it is important to factor in fuel prices when calculating the true cost of shipping your vehicle.
- Additional fees: Some carriers may charge additional fees for services such as pick-up and delivery, or for transporting oversized vehicles. Make sure you understand all of the carrier’s fees before making a decision.
Determining the Best Option
When deciding between open and enclosed car shipping, it is important to consider the value and condition of your vehicle, the distance it needs to travel, the weather conditions during transport, and the level of security provided by the carrier. While enclosed car shipping is more expensive, it may be worth the extra expense if you have a high-value or classic car that is in excellent condition, or if you are shipping your vehicle over a long distance or in an area prone to severe weather conditions.
Choosing a Car Shipping Company
Choosing the right car shipping company is critical to ensuring the safe and smooth transport of your vehicle. In this section, we will discuss the factors that readers should consider when choosing a car shipping company, as well as provide tips on how to research and compare car shipping companies to avoid scams and fraudulent operators.
Tips for Researching and Comparing Car Shipping Companies
Get multiple quotes
Shop around and get quotes from several car shipping companies to compare pricing and services. Be wary of companies that offer significantly lower prices than their competitors, as this could be a sign of poor quality service or hidden fees.
Read the contract carefully
Before signing a contract with a car shipping company, read it carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions. Look for any hidden fees or clauses that could impact the cost or safety of your vehicle during transport.
Check licensing and registration
Make sure the car shipping company is licensed and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has a valid Motor Carrier Number (MC#). You can check a company’s FMCSA registration status on the agency’s website.
To avoid scams and fraud
Watch out for car shipping companies demanding excessive upfront deposits or cash/wire transfer payments. Legitimate ones usually request a deposit of 10-25% with the rest due on delivery. Beware of those lacking a physical address or phone number on their website, as they might be fraudulent
Conclusion
Choosing between open and enclosed car shipping depends on your needs and priorities. Open shipping is cost-effective with quicker delivery, while enclosed shipping offers enhanced protection for valuable vehicles. Consider your budget and consult professionals to determine the best option for you.
FAQ’s
Is enclosed car shipping suitable for all types of vehicles?
While enclosed car shipping is suitable for most vehicles, it is particularly recommended for luxury cars, classic automobiles, and any vehicle with high value or sentimental significance.
Will my vehicle be insured during the transportation process?
Reputable car shipping companies provide insurance coverage for vehicles during transportation. It’s important to review the insurance policy and ensure it meets your requirements.
How long does it take to transport a vehicle using open car shipping?
The duration of open car shipping varies depending on the distance and route. However, it generally has shorter transit times compared to enclosed car shipping due to higher carrier availability.
Can I track the progress of my vehicle during transportation?
Many car shipping companies provide tracking services, allowing you to monitor the progress of your vehicle during transportation. It’s recommended to inquire about tracking options with the chosen car shipping company.
Is open car shipping safe for my vehicle?
Yes, open car shipping is safe for regular vehicles. Your car will be secured and tied down to prevent damage.
a4AutoTransport is a group of auto transport researchers and experts that comes in handy for anyone who wants to move their car/vehicle without putting extra miles on the odometer. At a4AutoTransport, We researched over a hundred car shipping companies, interviewed real customers and industry leaders, and collected nearly 500 quotes to find the nation’s best auto transport companies. With our combined 5 years of industry experience and research, we’ll help you find the right car shipper for your budget.
