Understand the differences between open and enclosed transport to make the best choice for your vehicle.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Making the Right Choice
Every shipper faces the same fork in the road: open transport on a multi-level trailer, or enclosed transport inside a covered hard-side trailer. The decision is not about “good vs. bad”—both methods move hundreds of thousands of vehicles safely each year. The right choice depends on vehicle value, weather exposure, clearance, and budget.
How Open Auto Transport Works
Open carriers load vehicles onto two-level trailers with ramps and tie-down chains or straps. Your car is exposed to weather and road spray, similar to driving the highway yourself. Modern open shipping is the industry standard for dealerships, auctions, and private owners because capacity is high and rates stay competitive.
Best for: daily drivers, leased vehicles, trucks and SUVs within normal dimensions, and routes where cost savings matter more than a sealed environment.
How Enclosed Auto Transport Works
Enclosed trailers use hard sides and a roof—think of a rolling garage. Some offer lift gates for low-clearance vehicles; others use hydraulic ramps. Fewer cars fit per trip (often one to six), so enclosed rates run higher—sometimes 40–60% more than open on the same lane.
Best for: classic and collector cars, exotics, show vehicles, brand-new luxury deliveries, and any car where paint finish or debris risk justifies premium protection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Cost: Open is significantly less expensive due to higher capacity and more carriers on the road.
- Weather: Enclosed shields from rain, hail, and winter road treatment spray.
- Security: Enclosed trailers obscure vehicles from casual view; neither method eliminates the need for proper insurance.
- Availability: Open trucks are easier to book on short notice. Enclosed may need longer lead times, especially in rural areas.
- Clearance: Low-profile sports cars may require enclosed with lift gates or specialized equipment.
Insurance and Condition Reports
Both open and enclosed carriers carry cargo insurance, but policies vary by limit and deductible structure. High-value vehicles should ship with a detailed photo inspection at pickup and delivery. Enclosed does not replace insurance—it reduces environmental exposure, not accident risk.
Common Myths
Myth: Open transport always damages cars. Reality: Damage rates are low when carriers are properly insured and inspections are documented. Most chips relate to pre-existing wear or improper loading—not the open format itself.
Myth: Enclosed is always worth it. Reality: For a 2018 crossover moving 900 miles, open transport is sensible. For a numbers-matching 1967 coupe, enclosed is often the professional standard.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- What is the vehicle’s replacement or agreed value?
- Is ground clearance under five inches?
- Am I shipping during winter salt-season in the northern states?
- Is this a one-way relocation or a sale to a distant buyer?
Still unsure? Tell us your vehicle year, make, model, and route—we’ll recommend open or enclosed based on real carrier availability on your lane, not a one-size-fits-all upsell.