Enclosed vs Open Transport

Transporting your vehicle—whether across the state or the country—is a decision that requires more than just picking a company and setting a date. One of the most important choices is selecting between enclosed vs open transport. While both methods offer distinct benefits, choosing the right option can significantly impact your car’s safety, cost, and overall experience.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about enclosed vs open transport, helping you make an informed decision that suits your vehicle and budget. We’ll also share some of the best tools to estimate your moving expenses and plan more efficiently.

🔍 Understanding Car Transport Options

When shipping a car, the two main choices are open auto transport and enclosed car shipping. Each has its own pros and cons, and your decision will largely depend on the value of your vehicle, the distance of the move, your timeline, and your budget.

🚗 What Is Open Auto Transport?

Open transport is the most common method of vehicle shipping. It involves loading your car onto an open-air trailer—typically one that carries multiple vehicles at once. You’ve likely seen these trucks on highways transporting cars to dealerships.

Open transport is cost-effective and widely available. Because these trailers can carry more cars in a single trip, the overall cost per vehicle is lower. It’s a great solution for standard vehicles, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget.

However, the main tradeoff is exposure. Your vehicle will be subject to weather conditions, road debris, and other external factors. While damage is rare, it’s not impossible.

🛡️ What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed transport, on the other hand, offers the highest level of protection during shipping. Your car is placed inside a covered trailer, shielding it completely from weather, dust, and road hazards.

This method is ideal for:

Luxury cars
Classic cars
Exotic sports cars
High-value electric vehicles

Because enclosed transport hauls fewer cars and uses premium equipment, it is significantly more expensive than open shipping—sometimes 30% to 60% more.

💰 Cost Comparison: Enclosed vs Open Transport

Open car transport typically costs between $600 to $1,000, depending on distance, vehicle size, and season. Enclosed transport can range from $1,200 to $2,000 or more for the same trip.

A few factors that affect the price:

Distance
Vehicle size and weight
Time of year (summer is peak season)
Fuel costs
Transport type (open vs. enclosed)

If you’re moving a standard SUV or sedan, open transport is usually sufficient. If you’re shipping a show car or an expensive EV like a Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan, enclosed shipping may be worth the investment.

🧰 Best Tools to Estimate Moving Expenses

To make smarter decisions, it helps to use tools that provide accurate transport quotes and moving costs. Here are some of the best:

🚚 1. MoveBuddha

MoveBuddha offers a free moving cost calculator that includes vehicle shipping rates.
🔗 Visit MoveBuddha

🚛 2. uShip Shipping Calculator

uShip connects you with car carriers and shows real-time quotes.
🔗 Visit uShip

📦 3. Shiply Auto Transport Estimator

Get estimates based on vehicle type, route, and carrier reviews.
🔗 Visit Shiply

📈 4. Edmunds Car Shipping Calculator

Helps determine shipping rates based on car specs and destination.
🔗 Visit Edmunds

These platforms help compare enclosed and open shipping prices easily, giving you a clearer picture of your options.

🌦️ Weather Conditions: A Hidden Risk

One factor often overlooked in transport planning is weather. Rain, snow, hail, and dust storms can impact your vehicle during transit—especially on open carriers. While companies have insurance, it may not cover all cosmetic damage.

If you’re shipping in winter, during hurricane season, or through desert areas, enclosed transport may give you peace of mind.

🔧 Vehicle Condition: Should You Protect It?

A high-mileage daily driver might not need as much protection as a low-mileage collector’s car. If your vehicle already has a few dings or scratches, open transport is usually fine. But for newer cars, restored classics, or collector’s editions, enclosed transport is a safer bet.

🕒 Time Sensitivity and Availability

Open transport is more common and therefore more available. You’ll likely find faster pickup and delivery dates. Enclosed shipping, being more specialized, can require more lead time.

If you’re on a tight deadline, an open carrier might be your only realistic option. However, if timing is flexible, enclosed auto transport adds a layer of protection that’s worth the wait.

🏆 When to Choose Enclosed Transport

Choose enclosed transport if:

Your car is worth over $70,000
It’s a rare or classic model
You’re shipping long-distance during harsh weather
You need maximum protection for resale value

💡 When Open Transport Makes More Sense

Choose open transport if:

You’re moving a regular-use vehicle
Cost is a major factor
You need quick and flexible scheduling
The car is insured and minor weather exposure isn’t a concern

📝 Insurance and Carrier Protection

Always ask the transport company for insurance proof and what their coverage includes. Most reputable carriers include $50,000 to $100,000 of coverage for open transport and up to $500,000 for enclosed options.

Still, you should take photos of your car before pickup and after delivery. This ensures you have proof if a damage claim is necessary.

🔄 Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Shipping

Both enclosed and open transport offer door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal services.

Door-to-door is more convenient and often used for both methods.
Terminal shipping is cheaper but may add days to the timeline and require extra travel.

Terminal options are more common with open transport due to the volume and routes they serve.

📦 Can You Pack Items Inside the Car?

Most carriers discourage packing items in your vehicle. However, some allow up to 100 lbs of personal belongings in the trunk. If you’re using enclosed transport, there may be slightly more leniency—but it depends on the carrier.

Always ask beforehand and document everything you pack.

🌍 Eco Impact of Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open transport is slightly more environmentally friendly. With more cars per load, the carbon footprint per vehicle is lower. Enclosed carriers use more fuel for fewer vehicles.

If sustainability matters to you, this might tip the scale toward open auto transport.

🔒 Safety Tips for a Smooth Transport Experience

Research company reviews on BBB, Trustpilot, and Google
Check U.S. DOT registration on the FMCSA website
Get a written quote and insurance details
Avoid brokers who won’t guarantee pickup dates or quote ranges

The company you choose matters just as much as the transport type.