The Difference Between Open and Enclosed Auto Transport
When it comes to vehicle shipping, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose open vs. enclosed auto transport. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations, and your choice largely depends on your vehicle type, budget, and shipping preferences. Understanding the differences between these two transport methods is crucial to making an informed decision about how to ship your vehicle safely and efficiently.
In this article, we will explore the key differences between open car transport and enclosed auto transport, and help you decide which option is best suited to your needs.
1. What is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is the most common and affordable method of shipping vehicles. In this method, vehicles are loaded onto an open-air trailer, typically with a flatbed design. The car is exposed to the elements during transit, though it is securely fastened and protected from movement. Open transport is widely used for a variety of vehicles, including everyday cars, SUVs, and motorcycles.
Why It Works:
- Affordable option: Open transport is generally cheaper because it requires fewer specialized equipment and can carry more vehicles per trip.
- Widely available: Most auto transport companies offer open car transport, making it a highly accessible option for many customers.
Tip:
If your vehicle is a standard car or if you are shipping multiple cars at once, open car transport is typically the most cost-effective solution.
2. What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport involves shipping your vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer, providing a high level of protection from weather, road debris, and other potential hazards. This method is ideal for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or exotic cars that require extra care during shipping.
Enclosed transport offers a more secure environment as the vehicle is completely covered on all sides, ensuring that it is protected from external elements such as rain, snow, and road debris.
Why It Works:
- Superior protection: The vehicle is shielded from weather, road conditions, and other environmental factors, making it ideal for high-value or sensitive vehicles.
- Security: Enclosed transport provides additional security, as it is harder for thieves to access the vehicle compared to open transport.
Tip:
For luxury or classic vehicles that are prone to damage or fading, enclosed auto transport is the best option for ensuring your car arrives at its destination in pristine condition.
3. Cost Considerations: Open vs. Enclosed
One of the most significant differences between open vs. enclosed auto transport is the cost. Because open transport involves fewer logistics and less specialized equipment, it is typically the more affordable option. In contrast, enclosed transport involves higher levels of protection and uses more specialized trailers, making it a premium service.
Open Car Transport Costs:
- Lower cost: The open transport method is the most cost-effective option for most car owners.
- Shipping multiple cars: Open transport can carry more vehicles at once, which often reduces the cost per vehicle.
Enclosed Auto Transport Costs:
- Higher cost: Due to the added protection and specialized equipment, enclosed transport is usually 30-50% more expensive than open transport.
- Ideal for high-value vehicles: The added cost is justified for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles, where protection from the elements and road debris is paramount.
Tip:
If you’re shipping a standard car and are looking for the most economical option, open car transport will likely be your best choice. For high-end cars, enclosed transport is worth the extra investment to ensure maximum protection.
4. Protection Against Weather and Debris
Open car transport exposes your vehicle to the weather and road conditions, while enclosed auto transport offers a fully enclosed space to shield your car from potential hazards. Weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail, as well as road debris like rocks or dirt, can cause damage during transport.
Open Car Transport Protection:
- Exposure: Your car is exposed to weather, road debris, and possible scratches or dents from other vehicles.
- Less protection for high-end vehicles: While open transport is generally safe, it offers limited protection for luxury cars and other high-value vehicles.
Enclosed Auto Transport Protection:
- Complete coverage: The car is completely protected from weather conditions, road debris, and dust, making it ideal for sensitive or collector’s cars.
- Peace of mind: The vehicle is stored securely in an enclosed environment, ensuring that it arrives in the same condition as it was picked up.
Tip:
For classic cars, luxury vehicles, or collector’s items, it’s worth investing in enclosed transport to avoid potential damage from exposure during the shipping process.
5. Delivery Time: Open vs. Enclosed
The delivery time for open car transport and enclosed auto transport can sometimes differ, especially during peak seasons. Open transport carriers often operate with a larger fleet, which can result in faster pick-up and delivery times.
Open Car Transport Delivery Time:
- Faster delivery: Open transport carriers tend to have more available trucks, allowing for faster pick-up and delivery.
- More flexible: Open carriers can typically handle more shipments at once, which means they may be able to meet more specific delivery schedules.
Enclosed Auto Transport Delivery Time:
- Longer delivery times: Because enclosed carriers are more specialized, they may not be as readily available, which could lead to longer wait times for pick-up and delivery.
- Limited availability: Enclosed carriers usually transport fewer vehicles at a time, which can limit flexibility and increase delivery times.
Tip:
If time is of the essence and you need faster delivery, open car transport may be the better option, while enclosed transport should be considered when protection is the primary concern.
6. Security and Insurance
Both open vs. enclosed auto transport options come with insurance coverage, but the level of security offered by enclosed transport can provide added peace of mind for valuable vehicles. In open transport, the vehicle is more exposed, which may increase the likelihood of theft or damage, while enclosed transport offers a higher level of security due to the fully covered, less accessible trailer.
Open Car Transport Security:
- Basic security: Vehicles are secured to the transport but are still visible and accessible to the public.
- Standard insurance coverage: Open transport companies typically offer basic coverage, which can be upgraded if desired.
Enclosed Auto Transport Security:
- Superior security: The enclosed nature of the transport offers additional protection from theft and vandalism.
- Higher insurance coverage: Many enclosed transport services offer higher insurance coverage for valuable cars, providing extra peace of mind.
Tip:
If your vehicle is highly valuable or rare, enclosed auto transport offers the added security and protection that open transport cannot.
When deciding between open vs. enclosed auto transport, there are several factors to consider, including your vehicle type, budget, and desired level of protection. Open car transport is the more affordable and widely used option, ideal for everyday vehicles, while enclosed transport is better suited for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles that require additional protection.
By understanding the differences between these two vehicle shipping options, you can make an informed decision that ensures your car is transported safely and efficiently, all while fitting within your budget and meeting your shipping needs. Search for insurance that is right for your needs. It is important if you use windshields.
