Car Shipping: Open vs. Enclosed Transport Explained

Need to ship a car across the country? There are basically two ways to do it: stick it on an open trailer with a bunch of other cars, or wrap it up in an enclosed trailer like it's made of gold. Both get the job done, but which one makes sense depends on what you're driving and how much you want to spend.

Open Car Shipping: The Budget-Friendly Option

This is how most cars get shipped – about 90% of them, actually. Your car rides on a big, open trailer stacked with up to 10 other vehicles. It's like a mobile parking garage cruising down the highway.

The Good Stuff:

• Costs about half what enclosed shipping does
• Tons of carriers available, so scheduling is easier
• Usually gets there within a week
• More environmentally friendly since they pack multiple cars together

The Not-So-Good:

• Your car's exposed to weather, road grime, and whatever kicks up from the highway
• Might arrive looking like it needs a car wash

Despite being out in the open, less than 5% of cars get damaged during transport. Most "damage" is just dirt and dust that washes right off. For a regular car, open shipping makes perfect sense.

Enclosed Car Shipping: The VIP Treatment

This is the fancy option – your car gets its own protective bubble. Only about 10% of shipped cars go this route, usually the expensive ones that their owners treat like family heirlooms.

The Perks:

• Complete protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes
• Less than 1% chance of damage
• Perfect for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything irreplaceable

The Downsides:

• Costs 30-50% more than open shipping
• Fewer carriers means longer wait times
• Takes more planning to schedule

Which One Should You Pick?

If You've Got a Regular Car

Honda Civic? Toyota Camry? Ford F-150? Open shipping is your friend. These cars are built to handle the elements, and a little road dust never hurt anyone. You'll save a chunk of change and get your car there just as reliably.

If You've Got Something Special 1

967 Mustang? Brand new Tesla? Restored classic that's worth more than some people's houses? Enclosed shipping is worth every extra penny. Some risks just aren't worth taking.

Budget Reality Check

Open shipping typically runs $600-$1,000 depending on distance. Enclosed can hit $1,000-$2,500 or more. That's a significant difference when you're already dealing with moving expenses.

Time Crunch?

Open carriers are everywhere, so scheduling is usually quicker. Enclosed carriers are pickier about their schedules, so plan ahead.

Finding the Right Shipping Company

Don't just pick the cheapest option and cross your fingers. Here's what actually matters:

Check their USDOT number – it's like a license that proves they're legit. Read real customer reviews, not just the cherry-picked ones on their website. Get quotes from multiple companies and compare what's included. Make sure they carry proper insurance coverage.

Most importantly, pick a company that regularly ships cars like yours. The guys who specialize in moving soccer mom SUVs might not be the best choice for your vintage Porsche.

The Bottom Line

For most people shipping most cars, open transport does the job just fine. It's cheaper, faster, and your car will arrive in basically the same condition it left in. Save the enclosed shipping for vehicles that are genuinely irreplaceable or worth more than a year's salary.

Either way, shipping beats putting 2,000 miles on your odometer and spending a week driving cross-country. Sometimes paying someone else to deal with the headache is worth every penny.