Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Is Right for You?
Here's something that'll surprise you: 97% of vehicles shipped in the US use open transport, yet most people assume enclosed is always better. We've shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2015, and the reality is way more nuanced than most brokers will tell you.
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What's the Real Difference Between Open and Enclosed Auto Transport?
Open transport means your vehicle rides on an exposed trailer - think of those massive car carriers you see on highways hauling 8-10 vehicles. Your car's completely visible and exposed to weather, but it's secured with heavy-duty tie-downs and wheel straps.
Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. These trailers typically carry 2-8 vehicles depending on size, and they're what we use for luxury cars, classics, and high-value vehicles.
Here's what most people don't realize: both methods are incredibly safe when done right. We've been moving vehicles across routes like I-10 from Los Angeles to Houston and I-95 from Miami to New York for years, and damage rates are under 2% for both transport types.
How Much Does Each Transport Method Actually Cost?
Open transport typically runs $500-$1,200 for standard routes, while enclosed jumps to $800-$2,000 for the same distance. But here's the thing - these aren't arbitrary markups.
The cost difference comes down to capacity and demand. An open carrier hauls 8-10 vehicles per trip, splitting fuel and driver costs across more customers. Enclosed carriers max out at 6-8 vehicles, and there are way fewer of them on the road.
Last month, we quoted a customer shipping a 2020 Toyota Camry from Fort Wayne to Phoenix. Open transport: $847. Enclosed: $1,340. Same route, same timeline, but completely different protection levels.
When Should You Choose Open Transport?
Open transport works perfectly for everyday vehicles - your Hondas, Toyotas, Fords, and most SUVs. If you're doing college student car shipping or a basic family relocation, open is your best bet.
It's also the way to go when speed matters. With thousands more open carriers on the road, pickup times are typically 1-3 days faster. During peak season (summer months), this difference gets even more pronounced.
Real talk: if your car's worth under $40,000 and isn't a classic or luxury model, open transport gives you 95% of the protection at 60% of the cost. We've shipped everything from beat-up college cars to brand-new pickup trucks this way with zero issues.
When Does Enclosed Transport Make Financial Sense?
Enclosed becomes a no-brainer for vehicles worth $75,000+ or anything with serious sentimental value. Classic cars, exotics, luxury vehicles, custom builds - these need the extra protection.
But here's something interesting: insurance often drives this decision. Many classic car policies require enclosed transport for coverage to remain valid. We learned this the hard way when a customer's 1967 Mustang policy had a clause requiring enclosed shipping.
Weather also plays a huge role. Shipping from Minnesota to Florida during winter? That's 1,200 miles of potential ice, snow, and road salt. For a $60,000 BMW, the extra $500-700 for enclosed transport suddenly looks pretty smart.
What About Safety and Damage Rates?
Here's the data that matters: our open transport damage rate sits at 1.8%, while enclosed comes in at 0.4%. Both are insured up to $250,000 per vehicle, so you're covered either way.
The difference isn't usually catastrophic damage - it's small stuff. Stone chips from highway debris, minor scratches from loading equipment, or water spots from unexpected weather. Enclosed eliminates most of these risks entirely.
For inoperable vehicle transport, we actually recommend open in many cases. If the car's already got issues, the weather exposure risk is often outweighed by the cost savings and faster pickup times.
How Do Pickup and Delivery Times Compare?
Open transport typically picks up within 1-4 days and delivers in 3-10 days depending on distance. Enclosed adds 2-3 days to both ends of that timeline simply because there are fewer trucks available.
During peak season (May through September), this gap widens. We've had enclosed shipments take 7-10 days for pickup during summer moves, while open carriers were grabbing vehicles within 48 hours.
If you're doing corporate relocation vehicle shipping with tight deadlines, factor this into your decision. Sometimes the speed advantage of open transport outweighs the extra protection of enclosed.
What Should You Expect During the Shipping Process?
Both transport types follow the same basic process: inspection, loading, transport, and delivery inspection. The difference is in the details.
Open transport inspections focus on existing damage documentation since your vehicle will be exposed. Enclosed inspections are more thorough because we're guaranteeing that level of protection throughout the journey.
During transit, open carriers make better time on highways but need to be more careful about weather routing. Enclosed carriers move slower but can push through weather that would make us pause an open shipment. It's a trade-off between speed and protection that plays out over every single route we run.
Making the Final Decision: Cost vs Value Analysis
Here's how we recommend thinking about it: calculate 1-2% of your vehicle's value. If enclosed transport costs less than that premium, it's probably worth it. If it costs significantly more, open transport makes financial sense.
For a $30,000 car, that's $300-600. If enclosed costs an extra $400, it's a reasonable investment. If it's adding $800+, you're probably better off with open transport and comprehensive insurance coverage.
The sweet spot where people flip from open to enclosed? Around $50,000 vehicle value. Below that, open transport wins on cost-benefit analysis. Above that, enclosed becomes the smarter financial choice for most customers.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | $500-$1,200 | $800-$2,000 |
| Pickup Time | 1-4 days | 3-7 days |
| Transit Time | 3-10 days | 5-12 days |
| Vehicles per Trailer | 8-10 cars | 2-8 cars |
| Weather Protection | None | Complete |
| Damage Rate | 1.8% | 0.4% |
| Best For | Daily drivers, standard vehicles | Luxury, classic, exotic cars |
| Availability | High (thousands of carriers) | Limited (fewer carriers) |
| Insurance Coverage | Up to $250,000 | Up to $250,000 |
Don't choose based on vehicle age alone. We've shipped 15-year-old Porsches in enclosed trailers and brand-new pickup trucks on open carriers. It's about value, not age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.