Nationwide Vehicle Shipping • Open & Enclosed Transport • Door-to-Door Service
Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Compare your options before shipping your vehicle.
Learn the differences between open and enclosed auto transport to choose the best option for your vehicle and budget.
Open and enclosed vehicle transport are the two primary methods of shipping a vehicle across the United States. While both are safe and widely used, each offers different advantages depending on your vehicle, budget, and transportation needs. This guide explains the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Open Vehicle Transport?
Open vehicle transport is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping a vehicle. Cars are transported on open multi-vehicle carriers similar to those used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships. Millions of vehicles are shipped this way every year throughout the United States.
Best For
Daily Drivers
SUVs
Pickup Trucks
Family Vehicles
Dealership Inventory
Auction Purchases
Fleet Vehicles
What Is Enclosed Vehicle Transport?
Enclosed vehicle transport uses fully enclosed trailers that provide additional protection from weather, road debris, and outside elements. It is commonly selected for luxury, exotic, classic, collector, and specialty vehicles where preserving the vehicle’s condition is a priority.
Best For
Luxury Vehicles
Exotic Cars
Classic Cars
Collector Cars
Antique Vehicles
Custom Vehicles
High-Value Automobiles
Open vs. Enclosed Transport: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both transportation methods are reliable and widely used across the United States. The best choice depends on your vehicle, budget, and the level of protection you prefer.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your primary goal is affordability and you’re shipping a standard passenger vehicle, open transport is usually the best choice.
If your priority is maximum protection for a high-value, rare, or collectible vehicle, enclosed transport is often the preferred solution.
Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Cost
Premium transportation with a higher price due to additional protection and fewer vehicles per trailer.
Availability
Fewer enclosed carriers are available compared to open transport, so scheduling may require additional planning.
Protection
Vehicles are transported inside a fully enclosed trailer, helping protect them from weather, road debris, and outside elements.
Best For
Luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classics, collector vehicles, antiques, and custom-built automobiles.
Open Vehicle Transport
Cost
Generally the most affordable transportation option.
Availability
More carriers are available nationwide, often resulting in greater scheduling flexibility.
Protection
Vehicles are transported on an open carrier and exposed to normal weather and road conditions, similar to everyday driving.
Best For
Daily drivers, SUVs, pickup trucks, family vehicles, dealership inventory, and auction purchases.
Benefits of Each Transportation Option
Benefits of Open Vehicle Transport
Most economical option
Widely available across the United States
Faster carrier availability
Ideal for most vehicles
Proven transportation method used for millions of vehicles every year
Benefits of Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Additional protection from weather and road debris
Greater privacy during transportation
Ideal for luxury and collector vehicles
Excellent choice for specialty automobiles
Premium transportation experience
Not sure which option is right for your vehicle? We’ll help you compare both services and recommend the transportation solution that best fits your vehicle, budget, and shipping needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open vehicle transport safe?
Yes. Open transport is the most commonly used method of shipping vehicles in the United States. Millions of cars are transported this way each year for manufacturers, dealerships, auctions, and private owners.
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost?
For luxury, exotic, classic, collector, or high-value vehicles, many owners feel the added protection and peace of mind make enclosed transport a worthwhile investment.
Which option is faster?
Transit times are often similar. However, open carriers are generally more plentiful, which may make scheduling easier depending on your route and the time of year.
Can non-running vehicles be shipped?
Yes. Both open and enclosed carriers can transport many non-running vehicles when the proper loading equipment is available.
Which transport method should I choose?
If you’re shipping a standard daily driver, open transport is usually the most economical choice. If you’re transporting a high-value or specialty vehicle, enclosed transport may be the better option.
Is door-to-door service available for both?
Yes. Whenever possible, both open and enclosed shipments are coordinated using door-to-door service, with pickup and delivery as close to your requested locations as safely and legally possible.
Still Not Sure Which Option Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Choosing between open and enclosed transport doesn’t have to be complicated. Tell us about your vehicle, pickup location, destination, and transportation goals, and we’ll help you determine which option best fits your needs and budget.
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