Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Which One Do You Actually Need

Open transport covers most cars

If you are shipping a daily driver, a used car for a dealership, or a standard family vehicle, open transport is almost always the right call. It is the same method new cars ride on from the factory to the dealer lot. Roughly 90 percent of vehicles shipped in the United States move on open carriers.

When enclosed is worth it

Enclosed transport makes sense for exotics, classics, low clearance cars, and anything where a chip or a bit of road grime is not acceptable. The vehicle rides inside a sealed trailer, away from weather and debris, and is loaded with a liftgate instead of driven up a ramp.

The honest answer

A good broker will tell you when you do not need enclosed transport. Plenty of vehicles that customers assume need the premium tier ship perfectly well and arrive in the same condition on an open carrier, for a fraction of the price. Enclosed typically runs 40 to 60 percent more than open on the same route.

Common questions

Will my car get scratched on an open carrier?

It is rare. Open carriers are the same equipment used to deliver new cars to dealerships nationwide. Every shipment should include a pre and post pickup inspection.

Can I request enclosed even for a daily driver?

Yes. It simply costs more per mile since a truck carries fewer vehicles per trip.

How much more does enclosed cost?

Generally 40 to 60 percent more than open transport on the same route.