Open Vs Enclosed Shipment: Car Transport Comparison
When shipping your car, you will need to decide between open transport and enclosed auto transport. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, so let’s delve into what sets them apart. We’ll compare open vs. enclosed car shipping and offer recommendations for top car shipping companies.
Both open and enclosed car shipping methods serve the purpose of transporting your vehicle from its origin to its destination. However, there are significant differences in terms of price and safety. In the following section, we’ll outline some of the key distinctions between open and enclosed car shipping.
Open Car Shipping
Open auto shipping entails transporting your vehicle on an open-air car carrier, exposing it to the elements. Consequently, your car may be more vulnerable to damage from weather conditions and road debris. While the majority of vehicle models encounter no issues with open vehicle transport, one of the drawbacks is the increased likelihood of encountering problems.
Open auto transport services are prevalent due to their cost-effectiveness, making them the preferred option for budget-friendly car shipping. Open-air trailers have the capacity to haul more vehicles simultaneously, rendering them a cost-effective choice for both truckers and customers alike. Dealerships frequently utilize open shipping for transporting new cars, as it offers a balance of affordability and reliability.
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping entails shipping your vehicle within a secure, enclosed car trailer, offering additional protection during transit. This method is frequently selected for transporting high-end vehicles like sports cars and classic cars. However, owing to the superior protection provided, enclosed car shipping generally commands a higher overall price.
Enclosed car shipping is less commonly utilized due to lower demand for the transportation of expensive vehicles. Car haulers can transport fewer cars at a time with enclosed shipping, resulting in significantly higher pricing for this service.
Cost Comparison
| Shipping Company | Shipping Method | Total Cost |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Open | $1,275 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Enclosed | $2,025 |
| Montway Auto Transport | Open | $1279 |
| Montway Auto Transport | Enclosed | $1,799 |
Factors Affecting Shipping Rates
Your selection between open and enclosed car shipping significantly influences final prices, but several other factors also impact costs. Here are some of the key factors:
- Distance: In general, long-distance car transports result in higher total costs, even though the cost per mile is typically lower compared to short-distance shipping.
- Vehicle type: Shipping costs often vary based on the size and value of the vehicle. Larger and more expensive models usually result in higher shipping expenses for similar distances. Additionally, operable cars are generally easier to handle and tend to incur lower shipping prices.
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Opting for terminal-to-terminal transport options often results in lower costs compared to door-to-door shipping.
- Time of the year: Car shipping costs tend to be higher during the summer months or in January, as these periods typically see increased demand for auto shipping services.
- Gas prices: Elevated fuel prices during transportation can lead to higher costs for your car transport service. Enclosed car shipping carriers, being less fuel-efficient, further contribute to their higher price compared to open shipping.
Bottom-line
Open and enclosed shipping accomplish the same task but employ vastly different methods. We highly advise owners of luxury vehicles or classic cars to consider enclosed car shipping over open car transport. However, for others, the significantly lower prices of open transport may outweigh the risk of potential damages.
