Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping: Which Is Right for You?

The Two Ways to Ship a Car

When you book auto transport, one of the first decisions you will face is whether to ship on an open carrier or an enclosed carrier. Both are safe, insured, and used by millions of people every year. But they serve different needs, and understanding the tradeoffs will help you make the right call for your vehicle and your budget.

Open Transport: The Industry Standard

Open carriers are the multi-level car haulers you see on every highway. They typically carry 7 to 10 vehicles at a time on a two-level steel frame. About 90% of all vehicles shipped in the United States travel on open carriers.

Advantages of Open Transport

• Lower cost: Because carriers move more vehicles per trip, the per-unit cost is significantly lower. Expect to save 30% to 50% compared to enclosed.
• Higher availability: More open carriers on the road means faster pickup windows and more route coverage, especially on popular lanes.
• Proven safety record: Open carriers use the same tie-down and ramp systems that dealerships rely on for brand-new inventory. Damage rates are extremely low.

Considerations

• Vehicles are exposed to road debris, weather, and dust during transit
• Not ideal for vehicles with extremely low ground clearance
• Higher-value vehicles may want more protection

Enclosed Transport: Premium Protection

Enclosed carriers use a fully covered trailer, typically carrying 2 to 6 vehicles. The walls and roof shield vehicles from all external elements during the entire journey.

Advantages of Enclosed Transport

• Complete weather protection: Rain, snow, hail, and UV exposure are eliminated
• Road debris shielding: No rocks, gravel, or highway grime will touch your paint
• Higher insurance coverage: Enclosed carriers typically carry higher cargo insurance limits
• Soft-tie and lift-gate options: Many enclosed carriers use wheel nets and hydraulic lift gates instead of ramps, which is better for low-clearance exotics

Considerations

• Costs 40% to 60% more than open transport
• Fewer carriers available, so pickup windows may be wider
• Longer transit times on some routes due to lower capacity

Which Should You Choose?

Choose open transport if you are shipping a standard sedan, SUV, truck, or minivan. If your vehicle is a daily driver worth under $75,000, open transport is the smart, cost-effective choice. The vast majority of dealership-to-dealership shipments use open carriers.

Choose enclosed transport if you are shipping a classic car, exotic, luxury vehicle worth over $75,000, a show car, or any vehicle where cosmetic perfection is critical. Enclosed is also recommended for brand-new vehicles being delivered to VIP customers.

Cost Comparison Example

For a standard sedan shipping from New York to Los Angeles (approximately 2,800 miles):

• Open transport: $900 to $1,300
• Enclosed transport: $1,400 to $2,100

Actual pricing varies based on vehicle size, season, and market conditions. Use our instant quote tool for a accurate price on your specific route.

At 4EverMomentum, we coordinate both open and enclosed shipments nationwide. Our team will help you decide which option makes the most sense based on your vehicle, budget, and timeline.