#MoveYourCar

🚘 Understanding Open vs Enclosed Auto Shipping

When you need to move your car across the country, you’re likely to face a critical question: Should you choose open or enclosed auto shipping? Each option comes with unique benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on your car’s value, weather concerns, and budget.

In this guide, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of open vs enclosed auto shipping so you can make the most informed decision based on your specific needs.

✅ What is Open Auto Shipping?

Open auto transport involves shipping your vehicle on an open trailer, typically with room for 6 to 10 cars. These trailers are commonly seen on highways and are the most widely used method for vehicle transport across the U.S.

⭐ Pros of Open Auto Shipping

Affordable Rates: Open transport is significantly cheaper than enclosed options. This method is ideal for standard vehicles and tight budgets.
Higher Availability: Most car carriers operate with open trailers, meaning easier scheduling and faster pickup.
Visibility: Drivers can easily inspect your car throughout the journey due to open visibility, ensuring potential issues are spotted early.
Fuel Efficiency: Lighter than enclosed carriers, open trailers can travel longer distances without excessive fuel costs, which can contribute to lower consumer pricing.

⚠️ Cons of Open Auto Shipping

Exposure to Elements: Rain, snow, dust, and road debris can affect your vehicle. While rare, damage is more likely on open carriers.
No Protection Against Vandalism: Though extremely uncommon, exposure on highways could potentially make your car more vulnerable.
Not Ideal for Luxury Cars: High-value vehicles, antiques, or exotic cars shouldn’t be exposed to the risks that come with open transport.

🔒 What is Enclosed Auto Shipping?

Enclosed auto shipping protects your car within a covered trailer. These units are built to transport luxury, antique, or exotic vehicles that require additional care and privacy during transit.

🌟 Pros of Enclosed Auto Shipping

Superior Protection: Vehicles are protected from weather, dust, and road debris, reducing any risk of paint damage or wear.
Insurance Coverage: Enclosed shipping typically comes with higher insurance limits—ideal for vehicles with high replacement value.
Special Handling: Carriers often provide lift gates and soft tie-downs, ensuring your vehicle is loaded with extreme care.
Privacy: For clients who own high-end cars, enclosed trailers provide a level of discretion and protection from public view.

🔻 Cons of Enclosed Auto Shipping

Higher Cost: Expect to pay 30% to 60% more than open transport. The added security and specialized care come at a premium.
Limited Availability: There are fewer enclosed transporters, which can lead to longer wait times.
Lower Capacity: Enclosed trailers typically carry fewer vehicles (2 to 4 cars), reducing operational efficiency and increasing delivery time.

💰 Cost Comparison: Open vs Enclosed Auto Shipping

The average cost of open car transport ranges between $600 and $1,000 depending on distance and vehicle size. Enclosed shipping, on the other hand, usually costs between $1,000 and $1,800, especially for longer routes or higher-value vehicles.

Prices may vary based on:

Vehicle Type & Size
Distance & Route
Pickup and Delivery Dates
Carrier Insurance Options
Fuel Prices & Seasonality

🚗 Which One Should You Choose in Open vs Enclosed Auto Shipping?

The right choice depends on what matters most to you—cost, protection, or timing.

If you’re moving a daily-use vehicle and cost is your main concern, go with open auto transport.
If you own a rare, vintage, or luxury vehicle, and want maximum protection and peace of mind, enclosed auto shipping is worth the investment.

📅 When to Use Enclosed Transport

There are specific scenarios where enclosed shipping is a must:

Transporting a car to or from a show or auction
Shipping during winter in snow-prone regions
Moving high-performance sports cars
Transporting new vehicles with fresh paint

📦 Services That Enhance Both Shipping Methods

No matter which type you choose, many transport companies offer:

Door-to-door service
Real-time tracking
Expedited shipping
GPS Monitoring
Full insurance options

These upgrades help ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time, regardless of the shipping method.

📈 Tools to Estimate Moving Expenses

Before committing to a transporter, use these reliable tools to estimate your auto transport cost:

uShip Car Shipping Calculator – Visit uShip
Move.org Auto Transport Calculator – Visit Move.org
Ship A Car Direct Cost Estimator – Visit Ship A Car Direct
Montway Auto Transport Calculator – Visit Montway
AmeriFreight Shipping Estimator – Visit AmeriFreight

These tools allow you to compare rates, timelines, and services for both open and enclosed car shipping.

🛡️ How to Choose a Reputable Auto Transport Company

Regardless of method, your vehicle’s safety depends heavily on the company you hire. Keep these in mind:

Check Reviews on Google and Better Business Bureau
Ask for USDOT and MC Numbers
Verify Insurance Coverage
Get Transparent Quotes in Writing
Avoid Large Deposits Before Pickup

Reliable auto shippers provide real-time updates and offer insurance that covers your vehicle through transit. Don’t risk your car with an unverified provider.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Make the Right Call for Your Car

Choosing between open vs enclosed auto shipping boils down to one thing: your comfort with risk vs cost. Open carriers are budget-friendly and fast, while enclosed carriers offer premium safety and care.

If you’re shipping a standard vehicle across a short distance and want to save money, open auto transport is your best bet. But if your vehicle holds significant financial or emotional value, enclosed shipping is the way to go.

Either way, always research thoroughly, compare quotes, and use price estimator tools to make a smart, confident decision.

Relocating across states or buying a car online comes with one major challenge—how to safely and affordably move your vehicle. Finding the right auto transport company is more than just Googling “best car shippers near me.” It takes research, caution, and a little know-how to ensure your car ends up in safe, professional hands. This guide walks you through everything you need to find a service that’s reliable, honest, and efficient.

🚗 What Is Auto Transport and Why It Matters

Auto transport companies specialize in moving vehicles from one location to another—usually across states or even across the country. These services are especially helpful for people relocating, buying or selling vehicles online, or snowbirds heading to warmer states during winter. Choosing the right auto transport company not only protects your car but can also save you stress, time, and money in the long run.

🔎 Key Factors to Look for in an Auto Transport Company

When choosing a transport service, don’t just go with the cheapest option. The company you hire will be handling one of your most valuable assets—your car—so there are a few things you must seriously consider.

Reputation Is Everything

The first step in narrowing down your options is checking customer reviews. Look for companies that consistently receive positive feedback on platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pay close attention to how the company handles negative reviews too—it says a lot about their customer service culture.

Always Check Licensing and Insurance

Every reputable auto transport company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and should provide you with a DOT number. This guarantees that they’re legally allowed to operate. They should also carry valid insurance in case of any damage or loss during transport.

Transparency in Pricing

Watch out for vague pricing. Reliable transporters will offer detailed quotes with breakdowns of what’s included and what’s not. If a company isn’t upfront about their fees or keeps adding hidden costs, that’s a red flag. Always ask for the quote in writing to avoid confusion later.

Service Types Available

Different companies offer different types of shipping services. Some only provide open carrier options, which are cheaper but expose your car to the elements. Others offer enclosed carriers that protect your vehicle but come at a higher cost. You’ll also want to choose between door-to-door delivery and terminal-to-terminal services depending on your convenience and budget.

Open vs Enclosed Carriers

Open carriers are more common and affordable but leave your vehicle exposed to dust, debris, and weather. Enclosed carriers cost more but offer added protection—ideal for luxury or classic cars.

Terminal vs Door-to-Door Delivery

With terminal-to-terminal service, you drop off and pick up your car from a designated location. It’s often cheaper, but not as convenient as door-to-door, where the driver picks up and delivers the car right at your chosen address.

Responsive Customer Support

You can tell a lot about a company just by calling them. If their customer service team is responsive, polite, and answers your questions clearly, that’s a great sign. Poor support, on the other hand, is often a preview of the experience you’ll have if something goes wrong.

💡 How to Research Auto Transport Companies

Choosing a reliable transporter doesn’t have to be a gamble if you do your homework. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor.

Use Reliable Review Platforms

Go beyond the company website and head to unbiased review sites like Move.org, ConsumerAffairs, and TransportReviews. These platforms often provide more detailed insights into how companies operate.

Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies

Don’t just go with the first quote you get. Shop around and compare at least 3-5 companies. Pay attention not only to the price but also to what’s included in that cost—insurance, pickup window, and estimated delivery time.

Confirm Registration with FMCSA

Verifying a company’s DOT number on the FMCSA website is a must. It proves the company is registered and complies with federal safety regulations.

🚩 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Trust your instincts—if something feels shady, it probably is. Here are a few signs that should make you walk away.

Extremely Low Quotes

If a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Lowball offers often mean the company might cut corners, delay service, or hit you with hidden fees later on.

Missing Company Details

Every legitimate company will have a physical address, working phone number, and clear contact information. If you can’t find this, it’s likely a scam.

Vague or Verbal Agreements

Never rely on verbal agreements. Reputable companies will always provide a contract outlining the terms of service, insurance coverage, and delivery timelines.

📣 Why Real Customer Feedback Is Crucial

There’s no better way to judge a service than by hearing from real people. Customer testimonials give you an honest look at what to expect. Look for recurring themes in reviews, both positive and negative, to get a clearer picture of a company’s strengths and weaknesses.

🛠️ Prepping Your Car for Transport

Preparation is key to a smooth vehicle shipping experience. A little effort on your part can save you big headaches later.

Clean, Inspect, and Photograph Your Vehicle

Start by washing your car to make existing scratches or dents easier to spot. Then, take detailed photos from multiple angles. These will serve as your proof in case you need to file a claim.

Secure Personal Items and Modifications

Auto transport companies typically don’t cover personal belongings inside the car. Remove everything from the trunk and cabin. Also, disable alarms and secure any custom accessories to avoid damage during transit.

Final Pre-Shipping Checklist

Make sure your car has about a quarter tank of gas, check the tire pressure, and ensure the battery is fully charged. Also, have a copy of your ID, title, and registration ready before pickup.

🌐 Popular Auto Transport Providers Worth Exploring

Some companies consistently rise to the top due to their reliability, pricing, and customer satisfaction. Here are a few industry leaders worth checking out.

Montway Auto Transport

Montway is one of the most trusted names in the industry. They offer nationwide coverage, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.

Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa stands out for its “Price Lock Promise,” which guarantees you won’t get hit with unexpected charges after booking.

AmeriFreight

AmeriFreight is known for its discounts for students, military personnel, and first responders. Their added gap coverage makes them a secure choice.

✅ The Final Checklist Before You Book

Before hitting that confirm button, review everything. Is the price locked in writing? Is the company registered with FMCSA? Do you understand what the insurance covers? Being thorough now prevents regrets later.

🧭 Conclusion

Finding the best auto transport company doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a bit of preparation and the right information, you can avoid scams, protect your vehicle, and ensure a stress-free experience. Trust your instincts, do your research, and take your time choosing a company that matches your needs and expectations. After all, your car deserves a safe journey just as much as you do.

❓FAQs

Q1: How much does it cost to ship a car?
The cost typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, and shipping type.

Q2: Can I track my car during shipping?
Most reputable transporters offer real-time tracking or regular updates throughout the journey.

Q3: Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
Choose open for affordability and enclosed for high-value or luxury vehicles.

Q4: Is auto transport safe for electric cars?
Yes, electric vehicles can be safely transported with both open and enclosed carriers.

Q5: What if my car gets damaged in transit?
If you’re working with an insured transporter, you can file a claim with their insurance company.

Open vs Enclosed Auto Shipping: Pros, Cons & Best Choice for You