Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Which Is Best?

When it comes to transporting your car, the method of transport selected weighs heavily on the safekeeping and cost of the process. The open vs. enclosed car transport modality is one that many car owners grapple with, whether they are relocating, buying a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, or even sending a car for restoration. While the two options of transport have their advantages and disadvantages, understanding both sides can help in making an effective choice based on one’s needs.

In this blog post, we will dissect the various elements that differentiate open-air transport from enclosed transport, considering costs, safety measures, level of protection, and more. Now you will understand which option is best for your motor vehicle.

1. What Is Open-Air Car Transport?

Open car transport is one of the most common methods to ship a vehicle. As the name suggests, vehicles are placed on open-air trailers where they are exposed to the environment. These trailers are capable of carrying multiple cars. This efficiency and cost effectiveness are the main factors why open-air transport is more economical.

How Open-Air Transport Works:

Trailer Configuration: Cars are driven onto a flatbed or multi-car carrier, which has a ramp for loading and unloading.
Exposed To The Elements: As no covers are used, the vehicle is exposed to weather, dust, road debris, and other environmental conditions.
Multiple Cars: Open-air transport is usually used for multiple cars at once, which reduces costs to all parties involved.

Pros of Open-Air Transport

Lower Cost: Risk is lower for the transport company, as they use multi-car trailers for open-air transport, which makes it cheaper than enclosed transport.
Wider Availability: Open-air trailers are more common than enclosed ones, and readily available in almost every region, making it easier to find a carrier for your vehicle.
Faster Delivery: Shipping companies have more open-air carriers for a vehicle, so open-air transport is faster.

Cons of Open-Air Transport

Exposed to Weather and Debris: Vehicles can receive exposure to rain, dirt, sun, and hail. Though most modern cars should be able to withstand this kind of exposure, it can still develop unnecessary damage to the car’s paint surface.
No Additional Safeguards: For high-end and classic automobiles, there is always a chance of incurring scratches and dents from flying debris as well as harsh weather conditions.

2. What is Enclosed Car Transport?

This is a more premium service where your car is transported inside a fully enclosed trailer. Classic and high-value vehicles with more special care have to be taken during transport, so prefer this method.

How Enclosed Transport Works:

Enclosed Trailer: The car is driven into the trailer, which is enclosed fully, so there is no exposure to the elements.
One or Few Cars: Because of the preference for one or two cars, enclosed trailers are more expensive as there is lesser vehicles being transported in a single load.
Custom Fitting: Vehicles are tied inside the trailer, and some companies make custom fittings for the vehicle’s secure transport that ensure its safety during the trip.

Benefits of Enclosed Transport:

Increased Protection: The benefits of enclosed transport over open truck transport are that it fully protects the cars from rain, wind, dust, and all forms of debris, as well as ensuring these materials will not reach the vehicle.
Safe for Luxury Cars: For people with luxury cars, exotic vehicles, classic cars, or any automobile that requires special attention requires an enclosed trailer that makes sure the condition of the car is protected during transit.
Security: Since enclosed transport is less visible to the public, there is less risk of vandalism and theft, making it safer and more secure.

Cons of Enclosed Transport:

Higher Cost: Enclosed transport comes with fewer trailers designed for this mode of transport, as well as limited cabin space, which increases cost. The added fees can reach between thirty and sixty percent compared to open-air transport.
Less Availability: Limited trailers that are designed for enclosed transport limit the available carriers for the user. If the user is in a more remote area, this might pose a bigger problem.
Longer Wait Times: Enclosed Carriers specifically for high-end vehicles tend to get pre-booked. Because these carriers want to make sure lower-demand vehicles are out of the way first, these enclosed trailers tend to take a much longer time to schedule.

3. Outlining the Basic Car Transport Types Features

Side-by-side comparison of the two types of car transport will focus on the core aspects. First, we will cover the basics of both options and then compare visually to emphasize the primary differences.

1. Cost

Open-Air Transport: less costly due to the larger capacity of trailers. Open-air transport is cost-friendly, costing 30%-60% less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport: Offers less cost-effective services as transport per car is more expensive and usually carries fewer cars.

2. Protection

Open-Air Transport: Increased exposure results in more chances weather weather-related damages, road debris, dirt, or other dirt-related damages.

Enclosed Transport: Full protection from weather, road debris, vandalism, or theft makes it handy for luxury, classic, and high-end automobiles.

3. Shipping Speed

Open-Air Transport: Open trailers and multi-car carriers are more common, which increases the speed of transportation.

Enclosed Transport: The lack of carriers, as well as limited flexible schedules, makes transportation slower.

4. Availability

Open-Air Transport: These are higher in stock, thus suitable for all kinds of vehicles.

Enclosed Transport: Other rare or specialized vehicles for them tend to be lower in stock, making them scarce.

5. Vehicle Type

Open-Air Transport: Good for vans, sedans, everyday SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed Transport: Designed for classic vehicles, exotic cars, and high-end automobiles

4. When Can You Use Open-Air Transport

Open-air transport is good for almost all car shipments, especially if the price is right. Here are some cases when open-air transport is most useful:

Standard Vehicles: These cars include basic passenger sedans, SUVs, and trucks. They will lose value much more slowly than the cost of open-air transport.
Shipping on a Budget: If the car is not a model with high resale value, open-air transport offers a way to save significantly when relocating the car.
Moderate Distance Travel: With shorter distances, the chances of weather-related risks during exposure are significantly minimized. Hence, open-air transport becomes a viable option.

5. When Should You Choose Closed Transport

Closed transport is best recommended in the case of specialized or high-value vehicles. Here are some cases in which you would prefer closed car transport.

Luxury Model Cars or Classic Cars: If you own a car that is both luxurious and classic, closed transport is the best option since it will keep the car in perfect condition.
Very Exotic or Rare Cars: These include sports cars as well as old vintage models, which are not only rare but also unusually sophisticated. They need a lot of protection through enclosed transport.
Long Distances: For long-distance hauling shipments across regions with extreme weather or difficult logistical terrain, enclosed transport ensures worry-free peace of mind.
Peace of Mind: If the added expense is not a concern and maximum care is a priority for the vehicle transport, enclosed transport is surely the premium option.

The Most Common Questions Asked

1. What is the added cost for enclosed car transport compared to open-air transport?

The additional cost for enclosed transport usually ranges from 30-60% compared to open-air earth transport. This price difference is justifiable due to the added value of covered luxury and high-value vehicles.

2. Is it permissible to transport a non-luxury vehicle in an enclosed carrier?

Technically, yes, but it’s redundant for average sedans; as such, open-air transport will suffice for standard automobiles. Enclosed carriers should be prioritized for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.

3. Are there risks posed by open-air transport?

Vehicles transported on open-air carriers are subject to weather exposure, dirt and debris, and possible road damage. Most contemporary vehicles are built to withstand such conditions and not incur remarkable damage. However, vintage or valuable cars might need to be protected with enclosed transport.

4. How’s the time difference between open-air and enclosed shipping a car?

Both methods are similar in terms of timing, although enclosed transport can take longer due to fewer available carriers and lower scheduling. Open air is quicker because it is more readily available and offers more flexible scheduling.

5. Which method has less risk—open or enclosed transport?

In terms of unrestricted climate and road debris, scavengers are more enclosed, making them physically protected and safer. On the other hand, enclosed air provides a balance for a well-maintained vehicle.

Final Statement

In the end, whether you prefer open versus enclosed car transport will largely depend on your budget, vehicle type, and demand for protection. Open-air transport is particularly cheaper and more efficient for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport is recommended for expensive or classic cars as it offers better security.

When understanding the differences, they can choose what best suits their priorities and ship the car in a safe manner. Make sure to ask multiple transport companies to get a quote, especially with higher-value cars. Do spend some time when contemplating.

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