One of the most important decisions you’ll make when shipping a vehicle is choosing between open car transport and enclosed car shipping. Both are safe, professional options used every day by auto transport companies, but they serve different needs, budgets, and vehicle types.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between open and enclosed shipping, what each one costs, and how to decide which is best for your car.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is the most common and affordable way to ship a vehicle. These are the multi-level trailers you often see on highways carrying several cars at once.
With open transport:
- Your vehicle is secured on an open-air trailer.
- Carriers typically haul 7–10 vehicles at a time.
- Transit times are often faster because there are more open carriers on the road.
- It’s usually the cheapest way to ship a standard car.
For most everyday vehicles—sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and trucks—open transport is the default choice. It offers a good balance of price, safety, and availability.
Pros of Open Car Transport
- Lower cost: Typically the least expensive option for long-distance shipping.
- More carriers available: Easier to book and often faster pickup windows.
- Ideal for standard vehicles: Perfect for daily drivers where maximum cosmetic protection isn’t critical.
Cons of Open Car Transport
- Exposure to the elements: Your car is exposed to sun, rain, dust, and road debris (similar to regular driving).
- Visible on the trailer: Less privacy than enclosed shipping.
What Is Enclosed Car Shipping?
Enclosed car shipping transports your vehicle inside a fully enclosed trailer. These trailers carry fewer vehicles (often 1–5) and are designed to offer maximum protection.
With enclosed transport:
- Your car is shielded from weather, road debris, and public view.
- It’s often used for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles.
- Carriers may offer white-glove or premium service levels.
- It generally costs more and may take longer to schedule due to fewer enclosed carriers.
If your car is something you’d show at an event, insure for a high value, or simply want to protect at all costs, enclosed shipping is usually the best option.
Pros of Enclosed Car Shipping
- Maximum protection: Fully enclosed trailers guard against weather, debris, and road grime.
- Ideal for high-value vehicles: Classic, exotic, luxury, restored, and collectible cars.
- Added privacy: Your vehicle is not visible to the public during transport.
Cons of Enclosed Car Shipping
- Higher cost: More expensive than open transport—often 30% to 60% more.
- Less availability: Fewer enclosed carriers mean fewer route options and sometimes longer wait times.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Open Car Transport | Enclosed Car Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Level | Good (exposed to weather & road) | Maximum (fully enclosed trailer) |
| Typical Cost | Lower / Most affordable | Higher (often 30–60% more) |
| Vehicle Types | Standard daily drivers | Luxury, classic, exotic, show cars |
| Availability | Very common, easier to schedule | Less common, limited availability |
| Privacy | Vehicle visible during transport | Vehicle hidden inside trailer |
When Open Transport Makes the Most Sense
Open car transport is usually the best choice if:
- You’re shipping a standard sedan, SUV, pickup, or minivan.
- You want the most affordable option.
- You’re not overly concerned about some dust or road grime upon arrival.
- You need faster or more flexible pickup windows.
Most vehicles on the road are shipped via open carriers at some point in their life—particularly from factories to dealerships. It’s a normal, safe, and widely accepted method.
When Enclosed Car Shipping Is Worth the Extra Cost
Enclosed car shipping is often worth it if:
- You’re shipping a luxury, exotic, or high-end sports car.
- You own a classic or collector vehicle where condition is critical.
- Your car has a custom paint job or aftermarket bodywork.
- You’re transporting a show car or museum-quality vehicle.
- You simply prefer the peace of mind of maximum protection.
For vehicles where cosmetic condition and long-term value matter, the added cost of enclosed shipping is usually a smart investment.
How Much More Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
While exact pricing depends on distance, route, vehicle type, and timing, enclosed car shipping typically costs about 30% to 60% more than open transport.
For example, if an open carrier quote is $1,000 for a particular route, an enclosed carrier might quote between $1,300 and $1,600 for the same trip.
The best way to understand the price difference for your specific route is to compare multiple quotes side by side. You can start by getting free estimates and learning more about car shipping costs here.
How to Choose Between Open and Enclosed Shipping
Ask yourself these questions when deciding between open and enclosed car shipping:
- What is my vehicle worth—financially and personally?
If the car is rare, restored, expensive, or sentimental, enclosed shipping may be better. - How sensitive am I to minor cosmetic risk?
Open carriers are safe, but they can’t shield your car from all road elements. - What is my budget?
If cost is the main factor, open transport is usually the right choice. - How quickly do I need my car moved?
Open carriers are more common, which can mean faster scheduling.
In many cases, everyday drivers choose open transport, while owners of high-value vehicles opt for enclosed shipping for added protection.
Bottom Line: Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
Both open car transport and enclosed car shipping are safe, professional ways to move a vehicle from one state to another. The “best” option comes down to your vehicle type, budget, and comfort level with risk.
- Choose open transport if you want the most affordable, common option for a standard car.
- Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury, classic, exotic, or highly valuable vehicle.
Not sure which is right for you? Comparing real quotes is the easiest way to decide. Once you see the price difference for your specific route, the choice usually becomes clear.
