Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Complete Guide

Choosing between open and enclosed car shipping is one of the biggest decisions when transporting your vehicle. Here is everything you need to know to make the right choice.

What Is Open Auto Transport?

Open transport is the most common and affordable method of shipping vehicles. Your car is loaded onto an open-air multi-car carrier — the same type of truck you see on highways carrying new vehicles from factories to dealerships.

Advantages of Open Transport

• Most affordable option — typically 40-50% less than enclosed
• Faster availability — more open carriers on the road means quicker pickup
• Widely available — available on virtually every route in the US
• Proven safe — used to transport 90% of all vehicles, including brand new cars

Considerations

• Vehicle is exposed to weather (rain, sun, dust) during transit
• Minor risk of road debris (very rare, carrier insurance covers damage)
• Not recommended for vehicles valued over $75,000

What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields your vehicle from all external elements. These carriers typically hold 2-6 vehicles and offer the highest level of protection.

Advantages of Enclosed Transport

• Maximum protection — shielded from weather, road debris, and UV exposure
• Ideal for high-value vehicles — luxury, classic, exotic, and show cars
• Hydraulic lift gates — gentle loading/unloading with no ramp angle stress
• Higher insurance coverage — typically up to $1 million per load

Considerations

• Costs approximately 50% more than open transport
• Fewer carriers available — may take longer to schedule
• Fewer vehicles per load means less scheduling flexibility

Open vs Enclosed: Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Choose Enclosed Transport

Consider enclosed transport if your vehicle falls into any of these categories:

• Luxury vehicles: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus models worth $50,000+
• Exotic/supercar: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren
• Classic/vintage: Restored classics, muscle cars, collector vehicles
• Show cars: Vehicles being transported to or from car shows
• Brand new vehicles: Vehicles with under 100 miles on the odometer
• Convertibles: Especially during winter months or rainy seasons

Cost Comparison by Distance