Should I go for open auto transport or enclosed shipping? This is one of the biggest decisions every car owner needs to make when shipping a car. The answer is not as simple as yes or no, since certain factors must be considered to make the final choice. As a matter of fact, both methods are reliable in their own way; each offers different levels of protection, differs in pricing, and provides convenience, depending on what type of vehicle you own. For instance, open auto transport is most widely used for standard value cars and dealership transfers. Route and distance are also crucial.
Some people choose to protect the budget, while others prefer to protect their vehicle value. So which one is right for you? Let’s break down these factors that you must consider simply so that you can choose confidently.
Table of Contents
What Is Open Auto Transport?
The most common method of auto shipping in the U.S. is open auto transport, and this is the type you’ve probably seen on highways very often. Vehicles are loaded on an open trailer, usually stacked in two long rows and carefully driven to their desired destination.
How It Works
Your car will be transported with several other vehicles and will remain exposed to outside elements such as sun, wind, rain, or road dust. Despite that, this is considered very safe, since it’s widely used by manufacturers and dealerships every single day. Furthermore, shipping companies offer insurance coverage for these cars being transported. So yes, this is affordable and reliable as well.
Pros of Open Transport
- More affordable
- Faster scheduling
- Industry standard and widely available
- Highly reliable
Cons of Open Transport
- Minor exposure to weather
- Not ideal for exotic or collector cars
Best For:
- Everyday/commuter cars
- Standard family vehicles
- Used cars
- Short or long-distance moves
What Is Enclosed Car Shipping?
Enclosed car carrier shipping is a premium option where your vehicle is transported inside a fully covered trailer. This means it will be shielded from dust, weather, and road particles from start to finish. It can be considered a white glove service and certainly comes at a premium. This is especially popular among luxury car owners, collectors, supercar owners, and people transporting newly restored classic vehicles.
Pros of Enclosed Shipping
- Maximum protection from the weather
- More security
- Ideal for valuable vehicles
- Only a few cars per carrier
- Higher cargo protection
Cons of Enclosed Shipping
- More expensive
- It may take longer to book
Best For:
- Exotic and luxury cars
- Classic or vintage vehicles
- Antique cars
- Race cars
- Newly restored vehicles
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Pricing Difference
The most significant deciding factor for most people comes down to cost, as budget is the most common determinant.
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Open Transport pricing— Open transport is usually the lowest-cost car shipping option because carriers are widely available and can haul multiple vehicles at once, helping reduce the overall car shipping cost for customers.
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Enclosed Transport pricing— Generally 30%–60% more expensive for additional protection, lower vehicle capacity, and premium handling.
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Which One Is Safer?
Both shipping methods are generally safe. Car shipping companies follow strict procedures and insurance rules to ensure the vehicle remains safe and damage-free from start to finish; however, enclosed transport earns bonus points here because it adds an extra layer of protection against weather, maintains privacy, and ensures physical safety. If you’re shipping a high-value vehicle, going enclosed definitely makes sense.
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Weather Conditions: An Important Factor
Shipping in rainy or snowy seasons? If you’re transporting during winter storms or on cross-country routes, an enclosed shipping container might give peace of mind. It will protect the vehicles with delicate paint or unique builds during harsh weather and long-term exposure on cross-country routes.
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Vehicle Type and Value Matter
Although there is no strict criterion for determining the value of a vehicle, it may sometimes depend on an owner’s sentimental attachments. Yet here’s a simple guide to build a general idea, leaving the space for personal cases and exceptions:
- Vehicles like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, SUVs, sedans, used cars, and daily commute cars can be better suited to open auto transport.
- For Classic Camaro or Mustang, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Luxury imports, and such high-end vehicles, enclosed container shipping definitely makes sense.
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Distance Also Plays a Role
Short-distance moves are usually fine with open transport, whereas longer routes involve more exposure to weather, so enclosed transport becomes more appealing if the vehicle is especially valuable. Usually, cross-country shipping is better when it takes place in an enclosed carrier.
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Condition of Your Car
Suppose the vehicle has delicate paint, modified exterior parts, or a recent restoration. In that case, enclosed shipping will protect the finish better, and you will receive it at the end terminal as shiny and cleaner as you left it.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
Choose Open auto transport if:
- Your budget matters
- You own a standard vehicle
- You need faster delivery
- You’re okay with normal exposure
Choose enclosed car carrier shipping if:
- Your vehicle is expensive or rare
- You want maximum protection
- You want secure handling
- You’re moving a collector car
Final Thoughts
This isn’t really a question of either yes or no, or right or wrong. If your choice aligns with your requirements and yields the maximum results from your selection, then you made a great choice. However, your decision should consider all the factors, including the value of your vehicle, distance, the level of protection you need, and your comfort level with budget and schedule flexibility. A daily-driver sedan, open transport is usually perfect. But if your vehicle is special—sentimental, expensive, or collectible—enclosed shipping gives the extra care and security your car deserves. Either way, making the right choice ensures a smooth journey and peace of mind throughout the process.
