Planning on shipping your vehicle across the country?
Every car owner must face the decision at some point. Relocating to a new state, online car purchases, and local moves all require shipping sooner or later.
But here’s the problem:
Most people have no idea what car shipping option is best. There are only two methods: open and enclosed transport. Both have advantages and disadvantages and choosing the wrong one can cost you big time.
Without knowing the difference, you could end up paying too much or too little for your shipment.
Don’t worry! This article will explain everything you need to know about open vs enclosed car shipping so you can make the right choice for your situation.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Open Transport: The Budget Friendly Choice
- Enclosed Transport: Maximum Protection Mode
- Cost Breakdown: What You Will Actually Pay
- Which Option Makes Sense For Your Car
- How To Get The Best Deal On Car Shipping
Open Transport: The Budget Friendly Choice
Open car shipping is as simple as it sounds.
Your car will be loaded onto a multi-car trailer that is completely open to the elements. These are the big car carriers you see on the interstate that can haul 8-10 vehicles at a time.
Here’s why it is so popular:
Open transport is about 85% of the entire car shipping market. It is by far the most cost-effective option, which makes sense because the average person doesn’t need high-levels of protection. They simply want their car moved safely and at a low price.
The main advantages of open transport include:
- Lower cost – typically 30-40% cheaper than enclosed shipping
- Faster pickup times – more carriers available means quicker scheduling
- Flexible scheduling options – easier to find available slots
- Proven track record – millions of cars shipped this way each year
However, there are tradeoffs that you must consider…
Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements, road debris, and dust during transport. Think of it as the equivalent to parking your car outside versus in a garage. It’s perfectly safe but exposed to the elements.
The good news is that for most everyday vehicles, open transport is perfect. The savings are substantial and the risk is minimal when you find reputable carriers with a reliable car shipping calculator.
Enclosed Transport: Maximum Protection Mode
Enclosed car shipping is the VIP treatment for your vehicle.
Your vehicle will be loaded into a fully covered trailer that protects it from the weather, road debris, and prying eyes. These trailers typically carry 2-6 vehicles, as opposed to the 8-10 you see on open carriers.
Here’s when it makes sense:
Shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, or anything worth over $50,000 in value warrants enclosed transport. The extra protection will prevent potentially thousands of dollars of damage that would easily exceed the additional shipping costs.
Benefits include:
- Complete weather protection – rain, hail, snow, and UV rays cannot damage your car
- Security from theft – potential thieves cannot see what you are shipping
- Reduced risk of damage – fewer vehicles means less chance of dings and scratches
But there’s a caveat…
Only about 10% of customers choose enclosed transport, and the main reason is the much higher cost. You will pay at least 30-40% more than open transport.
For most vehicles, enclosed shipping is overkill. However, if you are shipping something irreplaceable or extremely valuable, the added peace of mind is worth every penny.
Cost Breakdown: What You Will Actually Pay
Ok, let’s talk real money.
The car shipping industry is worth $10.1 billion in 2024 so you know there’s real money at stake. Let’s make sure you know how pricing works so you can budget accordingly and avoid getting ripped off.
Open transport typically costs:
- Short distance (under 500 miles) – $500-$800
- Medium distance (500-1,500 miles) – $800-$1,200
- Long distance (1,500+ miles) – $1,200-$1,800
Enclosed transport runs about 30-40% higher:
- Short distance – $650-$1,100
- Medium distance – $1,100-$1,650
- Long distance – $1,650-$2,400
Many factors affect the final price:
- Vehicle size – SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans due to space
- Time of year – Summer peak season means higher prices. Winter is cheaper but weather delays happen
- Locations – Door-to-door service is more expensive than terminal pickup. Rural areas are pricier than major cities
The key is getting multiple quotes and comparing apples to apples. Don’t just go with the cheapest option – make sure they are licensed and insured.
Which Option Makes Sense For Your Car
Ok, so here’s the simple rule to follow…
Choose open transport if:
- Your car is worth less than $50,000
- It is a daily driver vehicle (sedan, SUV, pickup truck)
- You want the most affordable option
- You do not mind minor dust or dirt
- You need flexible pickup scheduling
Go with enclosed transport if:
- Your vehicle is worth $50,000 or more
- You are shipping a classic, exotic, or luxury car
- The vehicle has custom modifications or paint
- You cannot afford any risk of weather damage
- You want maximum peace of mind
Pro Tip: For vehicles between $25,000 – $50,000, weigh the cost difference against your peace of mind. Sometimes the extra $300-$500 for enclosed shipping is worth it.
How To Get The Best Deal On Car Shipping
Want to save money but without sacrificing quality? Here is how the professionals do it…
Book early – Try to give yourself 1-2 weeks of lead time for the best rates and availability.
Be flexible with dates – If you can give the carrier a pickup window instead of a specific date, you’ll get better pricing.
Choose terminal pickup – Having your car picked up at a terminal instead of your house can save you $100-$200.
Avoid peak seasons – Summer and winter holidays are the most expensive times to ship. Spring and fall offer better deals.
Get multiple quotes – Compare 3-4 quotes from different companies
Above all, verify the company is properly licensed and insured. Check their DOT number and read recent reviews.
Making The Smart Choice
Car shipping doesn’t have to be overly complicated if you know what you are doing.
For the average person, open transport offers the best of both worlds: great protection at an affordable cost. Your everyday vehicle will arrive at its destination just fine, and you will save more money in the process.
However, if you are moving something special, a classic Mustang, luxury BMW, or custom-built hot rod, enclosed transport offers the protection and peace of mind you desire.
The key is to match your shipping method with the value of your vehicle and your own risk tolerance. Don’t overpay for insurance you don’t need, but don’t underpay and regret it later.
Take the time to research carriers, get multiple quotes, and make a decision based on your specific situation. You are in good company either way with 85% of car shipments using open transport successfully.
