Here's the thing about car shipping—most people overthink the open vs enclosed decision. About 90% of vehicles shipped in the US travel on open carriers, and there's a good reason for that.
But let's break down when each option actually makes sense for your situation.
What's the Real Difference?
Open car transport is exactly what you see on highways every day. Those multi-level trailers hauling 7-10 vehicles at once? That's open transport. Your car rides exposed to weather and road debris, but here's what often gets overlooked: new cars from the factory ship this way. If it's good enough for a brand-new Mercedes on its way to the dealership, it's probably fine for your daily driver.
Enclosed car shipping puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, typically holding 2-6 cars. The vehicle is protected from rain, dust, rock chips, and prying eyes. It's basically the VIP lounge of auto transport.
The Price Gap Is Real
Enclosed shipping typically costs 30-50% more than open transport. On a cross-country move, that difference can easily hit $500-800. Sometimes more for single-car enclosed transport, where you're essentially paying for the whole truck.
So when does paying that premium actually make sense?
When Enclosed Transport Is Worth Every Penny
Classic cars are the obvious choice. If you've got a restored '67 Mustang or a numbers-matching Corvette, the enclosed trailer isn't optional—it's insurance. A single rock chip on a show car can cost thousands to repair properly.
Exotic car transport follows similar logic. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, high-end Porsches—these vehicles have paint and body panels that cost a fortune to fix. Plus, owners typically want the discretion that comes with enclosed shipping.
Luxury car shipping falls somewhere in between. Honestly, a new BMW or Lexus would be perfectly fine on an open carrier. But if you're shipping a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, enclosed starts making more sense. It's not just about protection; it's about appropriate handling.
Here's a question worth asking yourself: would I park this car outside during a thunderstorm? If the answer is absolutely not, go enclosed.
When Open Transport Works Just Fine
Standard vehicles—your Camrys, F-150s, Accords, and RAV4s—don't need enclosed shipping. Period. These cars are designed to handle normal weather and road conditions. Paying extra for enclosed transport is like buying first-class for a 45-minute flight.
Even newer vehicles with factory warranties ship open. The carriers are professionals who secure vehicles properly. Damage is rare.
What About Insurance Differences?
Both open and enclosed carriers carry insurance, but coverage amounts vary. Most reputable auto transport companies include basic coverage. For high-value vehicles, you'll want to verify the policy limits and consider gap coverage if your car's value exceeds the carrier's insurance.
Car shipping insurance matters more than the transport method in some cases. A good enclosed carrier with minimal insurance isn't necessarily safer than a solid open carrier with robust coverage.
The Bottom Line
Open carrier auto transport handles the vast majority of shipments for good reason—it's affordable, available, and safe for regular vehicles. Enclosed car shipping is a smart investment for classic, exotic, and luxury cars where the vehicle's value justifies the added cost.
Don't let anyone upsell you on enclosed transport for a standard vehicle. And don't cheap out with open shipping on a car that deserves better protection.
Know what you're shipping, and choose accordingly.
