Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping

What Is The Distinction Between Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping?

Each kind of automobile shipping will offer transport, but enclosed car shipment is ultimately safer. It also has the capability for fewer automobiles, which means that delivery with this sort of vehicle transport is quicker since there is less need to move your car around when loading and unloading vehicles.

When determining whether to export a car through open transport or enclosed auto shipping, consider both the required degree of protection and the price you anticipate spending for your specific vehicle.

Finally, the actual cost of automobile shipping is influenced by distance travelled, fuel expenses, transportation mode, and vehicle size/weight. The rest is up to you and your chosen approach.

Depending on whatever option works best for you, both provide solid service and might carry your vehicle to its destination safely.

Investigating both open and enclosed automobile transport alternatives might assist you in selecting the best one for your requirements. Choose the ideal shipping that meets your budget while offering trustworthy service with thorough analysis and research into both techniques.

Whatever option you choose, you can be confident that your vehicle will reach its destination in its original condition.

What Exactly Is Open Auto Transport?

"Open auto transport" refers to autos shipping in an open-air trailer. Open car transport, as opposed to enclosed vehicle transport, is subject to the elements such as rain, snow, wind, and dirt. The most common choice for car transporters is open auto transport, often the most cost-effective alternative for moving autos.

A truck driver picks up the vehicle at the origin and transports it to the destination as part of open automobile shipment. Typically, the driver will place the automobile onto an open-air trailer and move it to the destination.

The driver will return to the origin site to pick up the next automobile after unloading the vehicle at the destination. Flatbed tow trucks, vehicle haulers, and rollback carriers are examples of open auto transport. Loading a car onto a flatbed or open-air trailer and driving it to the destination is one of these choices.

What Exactly Is Enclosed Car Transport?

The typical open vehicle carrier on the highway is well-known to most people. These are the ones that can carry up to ten automobiles and are all exposed to the weather. However, another style of vehicle carrier is gaining popularity:

Enclosed car carriers are exactly what they sound like a wholly enclosed compartment in which your automobile is carried. This means your car is safe from the elements. Because enclosed carriers typically take fewer vehicles, your vehicle will get more personalized attention during travel.

If you want to transfer your automobile safely, an enclosed carrier is the way to go. They do, however, have a few shortcomings. For starters, they are usually more costly than open carriers.

Second, you must select a carrier to transfer your vehicle on the specified day. But if you can afford it, shipping an automobile is well worth the additional money and effort!

The Distinctions Between Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping

The fundamental distinction between enclosed vs open car shipping is the kind of truck employed in each auto transportation method:

Your automobile is delivered on an open car trailer with open air car shipment. Open transport car shipping companies use long (typically between 75 and 80 feet long), two-level trailers with a longer row of cars on the top level and a shorter row on the bottom level (there are also single-level trailers for luxury vehicles or expedited deliveries and dully trucks with single-level tow trailers for short-distance and local deliveries). The open-air trailer has no sides or top, so the cars are exposed to the weather.

Your automobile is carried in an enclosed auto trailer with enclosed car transportation. It has a roof and four sides, offering a safe and secure environment for automobiles while they are being transported. Enclosed trucks are generally the same size as open car trailers.

Still, due to the restrictions imposed by the enclosing walls, they cannot transport as many vehicles - whereas an open-air car hauler can transport up to ten automobiles, a multi car enclosed trailer can transport up to seven or eight automobiles (two-car enclosed trailers and one-car trailers also exist - they're used for costly, antique or rare vehicles or express deliveries).

What Is The Difference Between Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping?

Due to the improved safety measures of enclosed vehicles, the cost of open car transport usually is 10%-15% less than that of enclosed auto transport.

However, charges will vary depending on various criteria, including distance, vehicle size/weight, pickup/delivery location, vehicle type, and delivery time frame.

Should You Ship Your Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping?

To answer the question, "Should I ship my car open or enclosed?" correctly, you need to consider your unique situation, tastes, and budget.

You are shipping a typical automobile (you don't need to be concerned about the safety of your car; hundreds of new vehicles are carried every day through open carriers, so you can relax knowing that open auto shipment is sufficient);

You would want your automobile to arrive more quickly (open car transport is more accessible and effective, resulting in quicker deliveries);

You have a limited relocation budget; open travel is far less expensive.

Consider using enclosed automobile freight when:

You're moving an expensive vehicle (such a luxury car, exotic car, vintage, antique, or collector car) or one whose interior is on display. When your expensive automobile is being carried on an open trailer, there is a greater danger of both damage and theft (as the car will be visible to other drivers on the road);

Your car has little ground clearance, and you want to protect it from inclement weather, salt, and sand on the road while traveling throughout the winter.

How Many Cars Can Be On An Open Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping Trailer?

Fewer automobiles can fit in enclosed car trailers than in open car trailers. An open car trailer can hold eight to ten automobiles on average.

However, an enclosed trailer can only have two to three cars. This is only one factor that makes enclosed trailers the ideal choice for valuable or rare automobiles.

Enclosed vs Open Car Shipping Quotes 

Getting a quote for car shipping costs from Car Transportation Services is simple. Please fill out our quotation form to get a price quote. It's optional to pay in advance to arrange a pickup. Once you've received a quote, you may book online or call us to review your shipping requirements.