Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Should You Choose?
When you ship a car, you’ll choose between two methods: open and enclosed transport. Most people pick open — it’s how new cars reach dealerships every day. But for the right vehicle, enclosed transport is worth the premium. Here’s how to decide.
Open transport
Your vehicle rides on an open, multi-car trailer alongside other cars.
Pros
- Most affordable — service providers move up to 10 cars at once, lowering the cost per vehicle.
- Widely available — the majority of service providers run open trailers, so you get more quotes and faster pickup.
- Proven and safe — the industry standard for everyday vehicles.
Cons
- Your car is exposed to weather and road dust (a normal wash handles it).
Enclosed transport
Your vehicle travels inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from the elements.
Pros
- Total protection from weather, debris, and road grime.
- Premium handling — soft straps, lift gates, and often higher insurance limits.
- Ideal for high-value cars — luxury, exotic, classic, and collector vehicles.
Cons
- Costs more — typically 30–60% above open transport.
- Less availability — fewer enclosed service providers means you may wait a bit longer.
Which should you choose?
Choose open transport if you’re shipping a standard car, SUV, or truck and want the best price. It’s safe, fast to book, and perfectly suited to everyday vehicles.
Choose enclosed transport if you’re moving a luxury, exotic, antique, or collector vehicle — or any car where full protection is worth the extra cost.
Still unsure? Request quotes for both and compare the real price difference on your route. CarShipConnect connects you with licensed, insured auto-transport service providers for either option.