Open vs. Enclosed Shipping: Which Option Suits Your Car Best?

When I shipped my car cross-country for the first time, I didn’t even know I had a choice between open and enclosed transport. I just assumed all car carriers looked like the ones I’d seen on the highway—those towering racks with rows of sedans strapped down like a giant game of Jenga. Later, when I started researching more seriously, I realized there was a whole other option: enclosed shipping. And that single detail changes not only the cost but also the level of protection, peace of mind, and the way you’ll feel when your car finally rolls off the trailer.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re standing at that same crossroads—trying to figure out whether open or enclosed transport makes more sense for your situation. The tricky part? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” choice depends on your car, your budget, and even your personality (yes, really). Let’s unpack it step by step.

First Things First: What Do These Options Actually Mean?

Picture a highway on any given day. Those long trucks hauling ten cars stacked like Tetris pieces? That’s open shipping. Your vehicle sits exposed on a two-level trailer, alongside others, open to the air, sun, rain, and the occasional pigeon with bad aim. It’s the most common method of shipping because it’s cheaper and carriers can fit more cars at once.

Enclosed shipping is the opposite: think of it as a private suite on wheels. Your car is loaded into a covered trailer—either soft-sided or hard-sided—where it’s shielded from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Fewer cars fit inside (usually two to six), which makes the trip more specialized and, unsurprisingly, more expensive.

The Case for Open Shipping

Let’s be honest: for most people, open shipping is the default choice. And it makes sense.

It’s affordable. Carriers can transport more vehicles at once, so costs get spread across more customers. If you’re shipping a Toyota Camry or a used Ford truck, open transport may strike the right balance between practicality and price.

It’s widely available. Because it’s the standard in the industry, you’ll have no trouble booking it quickly—even on relatively short notice.

It’s proven. Tens of thousands of cars move safely every day on open trailers. The risks (paint chips, weather exposure) are real, but they’re also fairly rare.

Still, I’ll admit something: when I first saw my car rolling down the ramp after an open shipment, it looked like it had just been through a cross-country road trip without me. Dust caked on the headlights, a thin film of grime across the hood, and a few suspicious bug splatters. Nothing damaging, but if you’re picky about presentation—or your car has a showroom shine—open transport may feel like it’s not giving your vehicle the respect it deserves.

Why People Choose Enclosed Shipping

Enclosed transport caters to a different kind of customer. Typically, these are folks with cars that are either high in value or high in sentiment. Maybe it’s a vintage Jaguar restored to near perfection. Or a brand-new luxury SUV straight off the lot. Or even a 20-year-old Honda Civic that belonged to your grandfather—because sometimes the emotional price tag outweighs the market one.

What makes enclosed appealing?

Protection from the elements. Rain, hail, snow, dust storms—none of it touches your car. For longer hauls, this peace of mind alone can feel worth the premium.

Extra care. Drivers handling enclosed shipments usually specialize in rare or delicate vehicles. That often means better equipment, hydraulic lifts instead of ramps, and fewer transfers along the way.

Privacy. Some owners don’t love the idea of their car on display, strapped next to others like a billboard on wheels. An enclosed trailer keeps it out of sight.

But of course, the catch is price. You’re likely looking at 40–60% more compared to open shipping, sometimes even double depending on distance and availability. So the question becomes: does that extra layer of care justify the expense for you?

Cost Comparison: Numbers That May Surprise You

Let’s put this into more tangible terms. Suppose you’re shipping a car from New York to Los Angeles.

Open shipping: Roughly $1,200–$1,500

Enclosed shipping: Closer to $2,000–$2,500

That’s not pocket change. For a $20,000 car, paying an extra thousand may not make sense. But if the car is worth six figures—or is priceless to you emotionally—that added cost can feel like insurance against heartbreak.

There’s also the “hidden” cost of time and stress. Open shipping is easier to book, with more trucks on the road, which can mean faster scheduling. Enclosed transport might require a bit more patience, as fewer trailers operate and they’re often booked weeks in advance.

A Personal Example: Regret and Relief

A friend of mine once shipped his classic 1968 Mustang via open transport. He went the budget route, figuring the car was old enough to “handle a little weather.” When it arrived, the paint had a sizable chip from a flying rock somewhere along the interstate. It wasn’t catastrophic, but it ruined the flawless finish he had invested thousands restoring. He admitted later, “I saved a few hundred bucks, but it cost me peace of mind—and another trip to the body shop.”

On the flip side, when I helped my uncle ship his brand-new Porsche from Miami to Chicago, he didn’t hesitate to choose enclosed. The car rolled off the trailer as clean as it went on, covered in a protective wrap that hadn’t budged. Was it expensive? Absolutely. But he slept better knowing the car wasn’t baking under the sun or collecting dust storms along I-95.

When Open Shipping Makes Sense

Everyday vehicles. If your car is reliable, mid-value, and not overly sensitive to a bit of weather, open transport is often the most rational choice.

Short distances. The less time on the road, the less risk of weather or debris exposure.

Budget-conscious moves. For many families, cost is the deciding factor, and open shipping gets the job done without breaking the bank.

When Enclosed Shipping Is Worth It

Luxury or exotic cars. Think Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley—cars where a chipped paint job is a five-figure problem.

Vintage and collectible cars. These vehicles often have irreplaceable parts and require special handling.

Sentimental value. Money aside, if the thought of your car exposed to the elements keeps you awake at night, enclosed transport may be the only option that feels “right.”

Hidden Factors People Don’t Talk About

What complicates the decision isn’t just cost versus protection. There are nuances:

Insurance coverage. Most carriers include standard coverage, but it varies. Ask for proof. Some enclosed carriers carry higher limits, which may matter if your car’s value exceeds six figures.

Driver experience. Enclosed carriers often attract seasoned drivers who specialize in rare vehicles. That said, plenty of open-shipping drivers are pros, too. Don’t assume expertise is guaranteed by the trailer type alone.

Weather and route. Shipping in January across snowy states? Enclosed may make more sense than shipping in July across dry highways.

How to Decide Without Overthinking It

Here’s the mental shortcut I use when people ask me:

What’s your car worth (to you)? If the cost of potential damage—even cosmetic—is more than the cost difference between open and enclosed, lean enclosed.

What’s your budget? If money is tight, open shipping is still safe, reliable, and widely trusted.

What’s your timeline? If you need fast pickup, open trailers are easier to book.

It’s less about which method is “better” and more about which aligns with your comfort level.

Final Thoughts

There’s something strangely nerve-wracking about handing your car over to strangers and watching it disappear down the highway. Whether you go open or enclosed, you’re essentially trading control for convenience. The key is choosing the option that lets you sleep at night.

If you’re shipping a family SUV, open transport is almost always the sensible pick. If you’re transporting a prized possession—or even just a car that feels like one—enclosed shipping offers reassurance that can outweigh the higher price.

In the end, your car arrives the same way you will after a long road trip: maybe a little dusty, maybe perfectly polished, but home. And that, really, is the whole point.

Published on: Sep 11, 2025

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