Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping

When it comes to shipping cars, whether for relocation, sale, or just seasonal storage, an owner has to decide on the best method of transportation. Very often, a car owner will be torn between open and enclosed auto transport. Both methods have their pros and cons and most car transport companies offer door to door car shipping with them, making it relevant to first understand these differences in order to choose. You can also opt for expedited car shipping whenever you are tight on schedule. This step-by-step guide gives all the important details of open vs enclosed car shipping, from the costs to pros and cons, major differences, and factors that would be taken into consideration. Understand better how to choose the best one for your needs.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

Knowing how open vs closed car transport is handled can make all the difference in your decision. Both open and enclosed auto transport options serve different needs and pocketbooks. Knowing the fine points of both can help you determine what is right for your car.

What is Open Car Shipping?

Open car shipping is the most common method of vehicle transportation. The cars are simply loaded onto an open trailer, mostly designed to carry more than one vehicle at a time. Open carriers often carry as many as 7-10 vehicles. This is a cost-effective investment for transport companies, which again reflects positively in the prices offered to consumers. The open nature of the transport enables better efficiency since several vehicles could be transported together, cutting costs and transit times alike.

How Open Car Shipping Works

• Booking the Transport: There are numerous auto transport companies through which a customer can book after deciding between open vs enclosed car transport. You can also use car shipping cost calculator on Bold Auto Transport web site. They will want to know the vehicle type, pickup and delivery locations, and when one wants the automobile delivered.
• Loading the Vehicle: On the agreed day, the transport company will arrive with an open trailer. The vehicle will then be driven onto the trailer and also strapped to it in order to prevent movement while it is in transit.
• Transportation: The car is then taken to the destination in the open but is securely tied to the trailer.
• Delivery: After reaching the destination, the vehicle will be offloaded, and the customer is allowed to examine the vehicle for any possible damages.

Pros and Cons of Open Car Shipping

Pros:

• Affordability: Open car shipping is relatively cheap compared to the cost of enclosed shipping. In addition to the lower cost structures, open car carriers can move many cars at one time which further reduces costs for the consumer.
• Availability: There are more open carriers out on the road than there are enclosed. This makes the scheduling more flexible and available for quicker times of delivery. This can be particularly useful when someone needs to get their vehicle shipped in a short amount of time.
• Efficiency: Open transport has the ability to handle several vehicles that help to cut down on shipping times. This efficiency proves to be especially useful for those dealerships and whoever else is looking to move many cars at a time.

Cons:

• Exposure to Elements: The vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, which may cause the accumulation of dirt or minor damage. Rain, snow, and dust could potentially damage the vehicle's appearance during transport.
• Security Risks: In very rare cases, theft or vandalism could occur with this method due to its openness. Compared to closed transport methods, vehicles are far more visible and therefore may appear to be an opportunistic target to theft.
• Limited Protection: Open transport does not provide the same protection available to enclosed transport in case of any accident or mishap on the road, therefore, this is important when deciding between open vs enclosed transport.

What is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto transport refers to the transportation of cars in a completely closed trailer. It is the preferred way to transport high-value, classic, and luxury cars that require extra care while being moved. In this enclosed carrier, the vehicles are protected from external factors to ensure that they arrive perfectly.

How Enclosed Car Shipping Works

• Booking the Transport: Similar to open transport, enclosed car shipping can be reserved through most car transport companies. Be sure to describe as much detail about the vehicle and your transport needs as possible.
• Loading the Vehicle: Carefully, the vehicle will be driven onto the enclosed trailer. Many transport companies also have loading equipment designed to reduce the chance of damage during the loading process.
• Transit: The vehicle is completely enclosed to protect it from the weather, debris, and possible theft during transportation.
• Delivery: A professional unloads your vehicle upon arrival, thereby giving an opportunity to inspect your vehicle for any damages after delivery.

Pros and Cons of Enclosed Car Shipping

Pros:

• Superior Protection: Completely covered from the elements and all road debris, enclosed carriers minimize the risk of damage to your vehicle. More importantly, this is an important issue choosing between open vs closed car shipping for vehicles with a delicate finish or custom painted cars.
• Enhanced Security: No one can see into the transport, so there is minimal chance of theft or vandalism. Most enclosed trailers lock, and then are monitored to make the vehicle owners even more protected from potential theft.
• Specialized Handling: Enclosed transport normally has more sophisticated loading and unloading methods to ensure that your prized possession gets all the special attention.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Comparatively speaking, enclosed transport can be 40-60% more expensive than open transport based upon its highly specialized nature and low capacity for carrying vehicles. Added protection and care come at a premium price.
• Limited Availability: Fewer enclosed carriers travel the roads, which means that there will be longer wait times for scheduling. This might be a consideration of the customer who needs immediate transport.
• Longer Transit Times: Since enclosed transport has lower volume capacity and is specialty in nature, it generally will take longer to fill a trailer and schedule pickups and deliveries.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Open?

The price of shipping a car on open transport usually ranges from $400 to $1,300 for the following reasons:

• Distance: Long-distance shipments are expensive. For example, it is more expensive to ship cars across the country than locally.
• Size and weight of the vehicle: Bigger and heavier vehicles need special accommodation, which might add to fuel consumption; thus, extra fees might be required because they reduce space on the carrying tray.
• Time of the Year: Prices may vary depending on the season. Peak seasons of summer and end of the year may come with higher rates due to an increase in demand.
• Route: Some routes cost more than others, depending on factors such as traffic, road conditions, and regional demand.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car Enclosed?

Enclosed car shipping costs about $800 independent of the mileage up to $2,400, depending on the same factors as open transport. For example, enclosed transport for a high-end car could go for about $1,800 over 1,200 miles, while one covering a distance of 500 miles might be close to $1,200.

Some Key Differences between Open Car Shipping and Enclosed Car Shipping

Car Transport Open vs Enclosed: What is Better?

The choice between transport type of open or enclosed, to a great extent, falls on how valuable your vehicle is and your budget. For most cars that are regular, or of no real value, the open transport method works just fine and is relatively cheap. It gives you the sure fire way through which you can have your vehicle moved from point A to B without sucking your wallet dry.

While added protection of enclosed transport might be worth it in the case of classic, luxury, or high-value cars, it is still pricey. Having protection against potential damage and theft is something that would bring great peace of mind to the vehicle's owner. After all, such a question of open or enclosed car shipping will be based on your specific needs, the value of your vehicle, and the budget constraints you are working under.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Cost Comparison

This price difference can be pretty significant since enclosed transport is generally 40-60% more expensive than open transport, due to simple added protection and a lower capacity of enclosed carriers. Consider the value of your vehicle and how much you're willing to invest in safe transport when you make a decision of open vs enclosed auto transport.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the decision between open vs enclosed trailer revolves around your vehicle's value against your pocket and the type of shipping needs you may have. Open transport is relatively cheap and convenient; thus, it's normally used when shipping standard vehicles. Enclosed transport provides better care and safety; hence, this usually becomes the choice of luxury and classic car owners.

Knowing how they differ, looking at the pros versus the cons, will help you come up with an informed decision to have your car transport open vs enclosed, that best suits your requirements. Having ensured working with a reputable auto transport company either way you opt for your vehicle to be shipped, open or enclosed, will help in ascertaining a smooth and secure transport experience for your vehicle.

FAQ

What is the difference between open and enclosed car shipping?

Open car shipping is when the vehicle is exposed to all elements inside an open trailer, and enclosed car shipping provides maximum protection in a covered trailer.

Should I Ship My Car Open or Enclosed?

Making a choice between open or enclosed car shipping is actually not too hard. Simly, if your vehicle is of the standard type and you are on a pocket-friendly budget, go for open shipping. Otherwise, for luxury cars or classics, enclosed for more protection.

What does it mean to ship a car enclosed?

Closed transport means that a car will be shipped fully covered within a trailer and protection from weather and road debris. So, this makes enclosed transport a better but more expensive option in open vs. enclosed car shipping debate.

Is my car safe in open car shipping?

Yes. While open transport leaves your vehicle open to the elements, any reputable carrier will provide insurance to cover any possible damages.

When should I choose enclosed car shipping?

Choose enclosed shipping when you are shipping a high-value, classic, or vintage vehicle and want extra protection during transport.

What insurance coverage is provided for open vs. enclosed car shipping?

Both open and enclosed shipping are usually insured, though the latter tends to have higher coverage limits since the vehicles inside their haulers are often of a greater monetary value, however, as stated, insurance is not an issue of open vs. enclosed car shipping.