When relocating your vehicle, either through vehicle transport services or during a personal relocation, the decision to choose between open vs enclosed car shipping is pivotal. Whether you’re relocating for work, purchasing a vehicle out of state, or needing to transport a luxury or classic car, knowing the advantages of each method of transport would greatly help in making the right decision when shipping a car.
In this guide, we’ll thoroughly depict each method so you can make a decision based on your requirements and budget.
What Is Open Car Shipping?
Open Car Shipping is a common method of vehicle transport. Your car is loaded onto a trailer along with several other cars (7-10 vehicles) to be taken for shipping. You must have spotted those trailer haulers on highways, carrying cars and competing vehicles for interstate transport between dealerships.
Advantages of Open Car Shipping
- Cost-effective: Open carriers tend to have a lower cost because they transport a higher volume of vehicles simultaneously, thus the shipping cost is distributed amongst all the shipping vehicles.
- Faster scheduling: Due to the increased availability of open carriers, scheduling tends to be more flexible.
- Widely available: Most transport companies make open car shipping available as their main and standard service.
Drawbacks of Open Car Shipping
- Elements exposure: Over the course of the journey, your automobile faces the risk of being exposed to the rain, snow, dust, or even debris from the road.
- Increased risk of cosmetic damage: Though this is rare, there is a slight chance of chips or scratches occurring.
If you are in need of a quick and budget-friendly option for your standard automobile, open transport is ideal.
What is Enclosed Car Shipping?
Enclosed auto transport provides the highest level of security for a vehicle. Cars are positioned inside the trailer, ensuring they are shielded from elements and potential road hazards. This method uniquely suits high-value vehicles such as exotic, luxury, antique, or show cars.
Advantages of Enclosed Car Shipping
- Maximal protection: The vehicle is protected from weather and debris, as well as being shielded from prying eyes.
- Additional benefits: Many enclosed carriers offer hydraulic lift gates, soft tie downs, and are operated by experienced handlers.
- Increased value protection: The nature of the cargo allows for some enclosed transporters to offer high-value insurance policies.
Disadvantages of Enclosed Car Shipping
- Increased costs: This high-end service usually costs about 30-60% more compared to open shipping.
- Increased time delay: Because there are fewer enclosed trailers, scheduling may take longer.
Enclosed auto transport best suits you if you drive a high-end vehicle or if you simply want peace of mind during transport.
Things That Influence Your Choice
The primary determining factors for either open or enclosed transport will revolve around these considerations. Let us delve deeper into them:
Value and Type of Vehicle
- Luxury or Classic Cars: These vehicles should always be transported using an enclosed auto transport for maximum value retention and the best possible condition.
- Everyday Vehicles: Standard sedans, SUVs, and minivans are usually fine with open transport, as these are less expensive.
Should your car be more expensive and scarce, then the likelihood of it being damaged increases. Consequently, it would make more sense to hire secure car shipping.
Route and Distance
As distance increases, the likelihood of experiencing inclement weather increases as well. If you are shipping your car cross-country, enclosed transport is best.
Weather
Winters and rainy seasons often pose unique shipping challenges. Enclosed trailers can mitigate the elements by protecting the paint, undercarriage, or even the interior of the vehicle (especially for convertibles).
Delivery Flexibility and Timing
It is simpler to get open carriers. This allows for faster pickup and delivery, due to a larger pool of open carriers. For enclosed carriers, it is the opposite; as open carriers are less commonplace, enclosed carriers will usually have to wait.
If you’re under a deadline, your best option might be open transport unless you’re willing to pay more for secure, expedited car shipping in an enclosed trailer.
Budget Constraints
Let’s just admit it—budget is a big consideration, especially for a lot of people. If this is the case, open transport is the economical option. But consider enclosed auto transport as a smart choice for shipping a vehicle with a lot of emotional or financial value.
Shifting Focus – What Do Car Tariffs Do to Shipping Options
An overlooked consideration of international or cross-border shipping is how Car Tariffs work. For instance, when shipping a car to or from a country that has high import or export duties, it might be more economical to use enclosed transport to safeguard the vehicle.
Increased vehicle ownership costs due to tariffs are a financial burden, especially when compounded by the risk of damage during transport. In these scenarios, secure car shipping is a prudent option to mitigate the costs of repairs or disputes with customs.
Let’s Explore Real-Life Scenarios: Best Shipping Methods
Scenario 1: Selling a Used Toyota Across States
In the case of selling a used car to an out-of-state buyer, open shipping would be the fastest and cheapest option.
Scenario 2: Shipping A Vintage Mustang To A Car Show
You’ve got an investment in a lifted 1967 Mustang Fastback, and a car show is just around the corner. To maintain your Mustang’s meticulous appearance, the expense of enclosed auto transport is well worth it.
Scenario 3: Relocating To A Different City In Winter
Relocating in the middle of winter is already a hard task, but long-distance enclosed shipping is a preferred option when your car will not be covered in salt and grime.
Final Thoughts
Enclosed car shipping provides the vehicle and owner maximum protection, but comes at a steep price. This is the ideal choice for high-value vehicles and still provides an element of protection for average vehicles. Open transport is better for everyday cars and comes at a lower price.
If transporting your car internationally, pay close attention to car tariffs as they greatly increase the level of protection needed during transportation.
No matter what option you pick, partnering with a trusted auto transport service will make sure your car is delivered at the destination exactly as it was picked up.
