Almost every car shipping decision comes down to one question: open or enclosed? Both get your vehicle there safely and fully insured. The difference is exposure, price, and how much peace of mind you want along the way.
Open transport — the default for most cars
Open carriers are the two-level trailers you see hauling eight to ten vehicles down the highway. It is how roughly nine out of ten cars in the country are shipped, and for good reason.
- Most affordable — you share the trailer, so the cost is spread across many cars
- Widely available — more open carriers means faster pickup and more route options
- Proven and safe — the same method dealerships use to stock their lots
The tradeoff is exposure to weather and road debris during transit. For a daily driver, a commuter car, or a standard SUV, that is a non-issue.
Enclosed transport — for when the car is the point
Enclosed carriers haul your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from rain, dust, and debris. Expect to pay 30% to 60% more than open transport.
It is worth it when you are shipping:
- Classic, antique, or collector cars
- Exotics and luxury vehicles
- Low-clearance sports cars that need lift-gate loading
- A freshly restored or show vehicle
- Anything where a single rock chip is a real financial loss
How to decide
If the cost of one paint repair would ruin your week, ship enclosed. If it would just annoy you, open transport is the smart financial call.
For most people, open transport is the right answer — it is cheaper, faster to book, and completely safe. Reserve enclosed for vehicles where condition is tied to value.
Not sure which fits your car? Get a free quote and tell us what you are shipping — we will recommend the right option and price both.
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