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Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport: Which is Right for Your Vehicle?

October 20, 2025 6 min read By Transport Experts

Choosing between open car transport and enclosed auto transport is one of the most important decisions when shipping your vehicle. This comprehensive guide compares both vehicle shipping methods, covering pricing differences, protection levels, pros and cons, and expert recommendations to help you choose the best car transport option for your needs.

Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Quick Comparison

Open Car Transport

Cost: Most affordable option
Capacity: 7-10 vehicles per trailer
Availability: Most common, readily available
Protection: Basic insurance, exposed to elements
Best For: Standard vehicles, daily drivers
Market Share: 90% of all shipments

Enclosed Auto Transport

Cost: 40-60% more than open
Capacity: 2-6 vehicles per trailer
Availability: Limited, may need advance booking
Protection: Maximum protection from all elements
Best For: Luxury, exotic, classic cars
Market Share: 10% of all shipments

Quick Decision Guide

Choose open car transport if you have a standard vehicle worth under $50,000 and want the most affordable option. Choose enclosed auto transport if you have a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle that requires maximum protection from weather and road debris.

Understanding Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Options

When shipping your vehicle, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing between open car transport and enclosed auto transport. This choice affects not only the cost of vehicle shipping but also the level of protection your car receives during transit. Understanding the differences between these two car transport methods is essential for making the right decision for your specific needs and budget.

Open car shipping is the most common vehicle transport method, used for approximately 90% of all car shipments nationwide. It's the same method dealerships use to transport new vehicles from manufacturers. Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, provides premium protection and is typically reserved for luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classics, and high-value automobiles that require extra care during shipping.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the pros and cons of open vs enclosed car transport, pricing differences, protection levels, and help you determine which vehicle shipping method is right for your car.

What is Open Car Transport?

Open car transport is the most popular and economical vehicle shipping method in the auto transport industry. This method uses large, multi-level open-air trailers (also called car carriers or auto haulers) that can transport 7-10 vehicles simultaneously on two levels. Your vehicle is securely fastened to the trailer but remains exposed to the elements during transit.

You've likely seen these open car carriers on highways—they're the same trailers car dealerships use to receive new inventory from manufacturers. This tried-and-true vehicle transport method has been safely shipping millions of vehicles for decades and remains the industry standard for cost-effective car shipping.

How Open Car Transport Works

  • Vehicle loaded onto multi-level open trailer
  • Secured with wheel straps and chains
  • Transported with 6-9 other vehicles
  • Regular inspections at pickup and delivery
  • Delivered to your specified location

Open Car Transport Pricing

500 miles $400-$600
1,000 miles $700-$1,000
2,000 miles $1,000-$1,500
Cross-country $1,200-$1,800

Advantages of Open Car Transport

  • Most Affordable: 40-60% cheaper than enclosed transport
  • Readily Available: More carriers and faster pickup times
  • Proven Safety: Used for 90% of vehicle shipments nationwide
  • Faster Transit: More direct routes with multiple pickup/delivery stops
  • Insurance Covered: Protected by carrier's insurance policy

Disadvantages of Open Car Transport

  • Weather Exposure: Vehicle exposed to rain, snow, and sun
  • Road Debris: Potential for dust, dirt, and minor debris contact
  • Less Privacy: Vehicle visible to public during transport
  • Height Restrictions: Not suitable for modified/lifted vehicles
  • Cosmetic Risk: Minor risk of dust accumulation or bird droppings

Open Car Transport is Best For:

Standard Sedans

Daily driver vehicles

Pickup Trucks

Work and personal trucks

SUVs & Vans

Family vehicles

Budget-Conscious

Cost is priority

Quick Shipping

Faster availability

Vehicles Under $50K

Standard value cars

What is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto transport provides premium, white-glove vehicle shipping service using fully enclosed trailers that protect your car from all weather conditions, road debris, dust, and potential damage. These specialized enclosed carriers typically transport 2-6 vehicles at a time, offering maximum protection and privacy during transit.

Enclosed car transport is the preferred method for luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classic automobiles, high-value collectibles, and any vehicle requiring extra protection. While enclosed transport costs 40-60% more than open car shipping, the added security and peace of mind make it worthwhile for valuable or irreplaceable vehicles.

How Enclosed Transport Works

  • Vehicle loaded into climate-controlled trailer
  • Soft straps used to prevent scratches
  • Transported with 1-5 other premium vehicles
  • Enhanced insurance coverage included
  • White-glove delivery service

Enclosed Transport Pricing

500 miles $700-$1,000
1,000 miles $1,100-$1,600
2,000 miles $1,600-$2,400
Cross-country $2,000-$3,200

Advantages of Enclosed Transport

  • Maximum Protection: Complete protection from weather and debris
  • Enhanced Insurance: Higher coverage limits for valuable vehicles
  • Privacy & Security: Vehicle hidden from view during transport
  • Gentle Handling: Soft tie-downs prevent paint damage
  • Climate Control: Some trailers offer temperature regulation

Disadvantages of Enclosed Transport

  • Higher Cost: 40-60% more expensive than open transport
  • Limited Availability: Fewer carriers, longer wait times
  • Booking Lead Time: May require 1-2 weeks advance notice
  • Longer Transit: Fewer carriers means less flexible routing
  • Size Restrictions: Very large vehicles may not fit in enclosed trailers

Enclosed Auto Transport is Best For:

Luxury Vehicles

Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Tesla

Exotic Sports Cars

Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren

Classic Cars

Vintage & collectible vehicles

Show Cars

Concours & exhibitions

Custom Builds

Modified & restored cars

High-Value Cars

Vehicles over $50,000

Side-by-Side Comparison: Open vs Enclosed Car Transport

Feature Open Car Transport Enclosed Auto Transport
Cost Most Affordable

$700-$1,000 (1,000 miles)

40-60% More

$1,100-$1,600 (1,000 miles)

Protection Level Good

Exposed to weather & road debris

Maximum

Complete protection from elements

Availability Excellent

Pickup within 1-5 days

 Limited

May need 1-2 weeks advance booking

Transit Time Faster

More carriers, direct routes

Moderate

Fewer carriers, specialized routing

Insurance Coverage Standard

$100,000-$250,000

 Enhanced

$250,000-$1,000,000+
Trailer Capacity 7-10 vehicles

Multi-level open carrier

2-6 vehicles

Enclosed specialty trailer

Weather Protection

No protection from elements

Full weather protection

Privacy

Vehicle visible during transport

Complete privacy & security

Best For

Standard vehicles, daily drivers, budget-conscious shippers

Luxury cars, exotics, classics, high-value vehicles

Market Share 90%

Most common method

 10%

Specialty service

Still Not Sure Which to Choose?

Choose OPEN Transport If:

  • Your vehicle is worth less than $50,000
  • You want the most affordable option
  • You need faster pickup and delivery
  • Your vehicle is a standard daily driver
  • Budget is your main priority

Choose ENCLOSED Transport If:

  • Your vehicle is worth over $50,000
  • You have a luxury, exotic, or classic car
  • Maximum protection is essential
  • Your vehicle has custom paint or modifications
  • Peace of mind is worth the extra cost

Frequently Asked Questions About Open vs Enclosed Car Transport

Making the Right Choice for Your Vehicle Shipping Needs

Choosing between open car transport and enclosed auto transport ultimately depends on your specific vehicle, budget, and protection requirements. Both methods are safe and reliable when you work with reputable car shipping companies, but they serve different needs and vehicle types.

Open car transport remains the most popular and economical choice for the vast majority of vehicle shipments. It's perfect for standard vehicles, daily drivers, and situations where budget is the primary concern. With 90% of all vehicles shipped via open carriers, it's a proven, safe method used by dealerships nationwide.

Enclosed auto transport provides premium protection that's essential for luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classics, and high-value automobiles. While it costs more, the investment ensures your valuable vehicle receives maximum protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage during transit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Open transport is 40-60% cheaper and best for standard vehicles under $50,000
  • Enclosed transport provides maximum protection for luxury, exotic, and classic cars
  • Open carriers are more readily available with faster pickup times
  • Enclosed transport offers enhanced insurance coverage and climate control
  • Consider your vehicle's value, condition, and your peace of mind when deciding

Whether you choose open or enclosed car transport, always work with a licensed and insured auto transport company with positive reviews and transparent pricing. Get multiple quotes, ask about insurance coverage, and understand exactly what's included in your car shipping service before booking.

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