Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping: A Decision-Maker’s Guide
When shipping your car, you’ll choose between open vs enclosed car shipping. Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option, perfect for everyday cars like sedans and SUVs. It’s fast, reliable, and widely used.
If you have a luxury, classic, or exotic car that needs extra protection, enclosed transport is the way to go. It keeps your vehicle safe from weather and road debris but comes at a higher cost. The right choice depends on your car’s value, protection needs, and budget.
Key Points
- Open Car Shipping – A cost-effective transport method, but vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris. Common types:
- Two-Car Hauler – Best for short distances.
- Single-Level Multi-Car Trailer – Faster loading/unloading.
- Double-Level Multi-Car Carrier – Most affordable for long distances.
- Enclosed Car Shipping – Offers full protection from weather and debris, ideal for high-value vehicles. Common types:
- Soft-Sided & Hard-Sided Transport – Varying levels of protection.
- Single & Multi-Car Enclosed Trailers – For individual or bulk vehicle transport.
- Liftgate Enclosed Transport – Safe loading for low-clearance cars.
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. To learn more about how this method works and what to expect, check out our detailed guide on open carrier 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.
Types of Open Car Transport
Two-Car Hauler
Ideal for short-distance moves, this small trailer carries two vehicles at a time, offering flexibility and quicker delivery.
Single-Level Multi-Car Trailer
A flatbed-style carrier that holds multiple cars on a single level, commonly used for local or expedited transport.
Double-Level Multi-Car Carrier
The most common method for long-distance shipping, these large carriers transport multiple vehicles on two stacked levels, making it the most cost-effective option.
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. However, there are certain issues with enclosed transport that you should consider before choosing this option. 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.
Types of Enclosed Car Transport
Soft-Sided Enclosed Transport
A covered trailer with flexible, weather-resistant sides that protect vehicles from dust, debris, and light weather conditions. Ideal for standard luxury cars.
Hard-Sided Enclosed Transport
A fully enclosed, rigid trailer that offers maximum protection against harsh weather, road debris, and potential damage. Perfect for high-end or classic cars.
Single-Car Enclosed Trailer
A private, fully enclosed trailer designed to transport a single vehicle with ultimate care and security—ideal for exotic, rare, or vintage cars.
Multi-Car Enclosed Trailer
A secure, enclosed trailer capable of transporting multiple vehicles at once, providing high protection at a lower cost per car compared to single-car options.
Liftgate Enclosed Transport
Features a hydraulic liftgate for safe, level loading and unloading—essential for low-clearance, luxury, or specialty vehicles that require extra care.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Cost:
- Transport Type: Open transport is more affordable than enclosed shipping.
- Distance & Route: Longer distances and less-traveled routes cost more.
- Vehicle Size & Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles increase shipping costs.
- Seasonal Demand: Prices rise during peak seasons like summer and snowbird season.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuating fuel costs impact overall shipping rates.
- Pickup & Drop-off Locations: Door-to-door delivery is costlier than terminal-to-terminal.
- Shipping Speed: Expedited shipping comes at a premium.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Time:
- Distance: Longer routes naturally take more time.
- Route & Traffic Conditions: Busy highways vs. rural roads affect speed.
- Weather Conditions: Storms, snow, and extreme weather can cause delays.
- Carrier Availability: High demand periods may lead to longer wait times.
- Pickup & Drop-off Method: Door-to-door transport can take longer than terminal-based shipping.
- Regulatory Inspections & Checkpoints: Border crossings and DOT inspections may slow transit.
How to Choose Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping
Deciding between open and enclosed car shipping comes down to your vehicle’s value, travel distance, weather conditions, and security needs. Open transport is budget-friendly and works well for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers premium protection—ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars. If your vehicle is traveling a long distance or through harsh weather, the extra cost of enclosed shipping may be worth it for added peace of mind.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is enclosed car shipping suitable for all types of vehicles?
Will my vehicle be insured during the transportation process?
How long does it take to transport a vehicle using open car shipping?
Can I track the progress of my vehicle during transportation?
Is open car shipping safe for my vehicle?
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.
