Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport | Advantage Auto Movers

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: A Complete Comparison

At Advantage Auto Movers, we offer both open and enclosed auto transport solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Understanding the differences between these two methods is essential for making an informed decision about how your vehicle will be transported. This comprehensive comparison examines every factor that matters: cost, protection, availability, and suitability for different vehicle types.

The Basics: What Is Open vs Enclosed Transport?

Open Auto Transport

Open transport uses multi-car carriers, the same type of trucks you see on highways hauling new vehicles from factories to dealerships. Your car is loaded onto an open trailer alongside 7 to 10 other vehicles. It is exposed to weather and road elements during transit, but it is securely strapped down and fully insured.

Open carriers account for roughly 82% of all vehicle shipments in the United States. They are the industry standard and the most cost-effective way to ship a car.

Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from all external elements: rain, snow, dust, gravel, and UV exposure. These trailers typically hold 2 to 6 vehicles. Enclosed carriers are used for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotics, and any car where cosmetic protection is a priority.

Enclosed carriers handle roughly 18% of shipments. They cost more, but they offer the highest level of protection available.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Average Cost	$900-$1,500	$1,500-$2,400
Weather Protection	None (exposed to elements)	Full (completely covered)
Road Debris Protection	Minimal	Full
Carrier Capacity	7-10 vehicles per truck	2-6 vehicles per truck
Market Share	82% of all shipments	18% of all shipments
Availability	High (more carriers, faster pickup)	Limited (fewer carriers, longer wait)
Pickup Window	1-5 business days	3-10 business days
Transit Speed	Standard	Standard (sometimes +1-2 days)
Insurance Included	Yes ($100K-$250K)	Yes ($250K-$500K+)
Best For	Daily drivers, sedans, SUVs, trucks	Luxury, exotic, classic, high-value vehicles
Damage Risk	Very low (under 1%)	Extremely low (under 0.1%)

Pricing Breakdown

The cost difference between open and enclosed transport typically ranges from 40-55%. Here is what drives the price gap:

Route Example	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport	Difference
New York to Los Angeles (2,800 mi)	$1,100-$1,400	$1,800-$2,300	+$600-$900
Chicago to Miami (1,380 mi)	$750-$950	$1,200-$1,550	+$450-$600
Dallas to Seattle (2,200 mi)	$950-$1,200	$1,500-$1,900	+$550-$700
Phoenix to Denver (600 mi)	$500-$650	$800-$1,050	+$300-$400

Pro Tip: Enclosed transport costs more because carriers haul fewer vehicles per trip. A 10-car open trailer generates more revenue per trip than a 4-car enclosed trailer, so the per-vehicle rate must be higher to cover operating costs.

Pros and Cons

Open Transport Pros

• Most affordable option, saving you 40-55% compared to enclosed
• Higher availability means faster pickup scheduling
• More carriers on the road means competitive pricing
• Perfectly safe for the vast majority of vehicles
• Well-established industry standard used by dealerships and manufacturers

Open Transport Cons

• Vehicle is exposed to weather during transit (rain, snow, dust)
• Minor cosmetic risks from road debris (chips, dust buildup)
• Not recommended for vehicles valued over $75,000
• No protection from UV exposure on longer routes

Enclosed Transport Pros

• Complete protection from weather, debris, and road elements
• Higher insurance coverage limits ($250K-$500K+)
• Hydraulic lift gates prevent low-clearance vehicle damage
• Ideal for vehicles with custom paint, body kits, or aftermarket modifications
• Peace of mind for irreplaceable classic and collector vehicles

Enclosed Transport Cons

• Costs 40-55% more than open transport
• Fewer carriers available, leading to longer pickup wait times
• Scheduling flexibility is more limited
• Overkill for standard daily drivers

Which Is Right for You? Decision Guide

Use this framework to decide which transport method fits your situation:

Choose Open Transport If:

• Your vehicle is a standard sedan, SUV, truck, or minivan
• Your car is valued under $50,000
• You are shipping a daily driver in normal condition
• Budget is a primary consideration
• You need faster pickup availability
• Your vehicle has standard factory paint and no custom modifications

Choose Enclosed Transport If:

• Your vehicle is valued over $75,000
• You are shipping a classic, vintage, or collector car
• Your car is an exotic (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche 911 GT3, etc.)
• The vehicle has custom paint, rare color, or show-quality finish
• You are shipping a non-running vehicle that requires a lift gate
• The vehicle has extremely low ground clearance
• Insurance and maximum protection are your top priorities

The 85/15 Rule: Roughly 82% of all vehicles shipped in the U.S. go on open carriers. Unless your car falls into the luxury, exotic, or classic category, open transport is almost certainly the right choice. Even brand-new vehicles from the factory are shipped on open carriers.

Seasonal Pricing Trends: Open vs Enclosed

Both open and enclosed transport prices fluctuate throughout the year, but the patterns differ:

Peak Season (May through September)

Summer is the busiest time for auto transport. Families relocate, snowbirds return north, and college students move. Open carrier prices increase 10-20% due to high demand. Enclosed carrier prices increase less (5-15%) because the luxury market is less seasonal. Book at least 3 weeks ahead during peak season.

Off-Peak Season (October through April)

Winter months offer the lowest open transport rates, especially for northbound routes. Snowbird season (October-December southbound, March-April northbound) creates heavy demand on Florida and Arizona routes. Enclosed transport availability actually improves in winter because fewer car shows and auctions drive demand.

Holidays and Events

Prices spike around major holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) when carrier capacity is reduced. Auto auction events (Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, Monterey Car Week) create temporary demand spikes for enclosed carriers in specific regions. Planning around these events can save you hundreds of dollars.

The Booking Process: What to Expect

Whether you choose open or enclosed transport, the booking process follows the same steps:

1. Get a quote: Provide your vehicle details (year, make, model), pickup and delivery locations, and preferred transport type. You will receive an instant or same-day quote.
2. Confirm your booking: Lock in your price and preferred pickup window. Most companies require no deposit or a small refundable deposit.
3. Carrier assignment: Your transport coordinator matches your shipment with an available carrier. This typically takes 1-5 business days for open, 3-10 for enclosed.
4. Vehicle pickup: The carrier arrives, performs a vehicle inspection, and loads your car. You receive a copy of the Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle’s condition.
5. Transit and tracking: Your vehicle is transported to the destination. You receive updates from your coordinator or directly from the driver.
6. Delivery and inspection: At delivery, you inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the final BOL. Payment is completed per your agreement terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is open transport safe for my car?

Yes. Open transport is the same method used to deliver brand-new vehicles from factories to dealerships across the country. The damage rate on open carriers is under 1%, and all carriers are required to carry cargo insurance. Millions of vehicles are shipped on open carriers every year without incident.

How much more does enclosed transport cost?

Enclosed transport typically costs 40-55% more than open transport for the same route. For a cross-country shipment, that can mean an additional $500 to $900. The premium reflects the lower capacity of enclosed trailers (2-6 cars vs. 7-10) and the specialized equipment involved.

Can I switch from open to enclosed after booking?

In most cases, yes. Contact your transport coordinator as early as possible to request the change. Availability for enclosed carriers is more limited, so switching may require adjusting your pickup date. The price will be updated to reflect the enclosed rate.

Does enclosed transport take longer?

Transit times are generally similar, though enclosed carriers may take 1-2 additional days because they make fewer stops and serve a smaller number of vehicles per trip. Pickup scheduling may also take longer due to lower carrier availability.

What about weather during open transport?

Your vehicle may be exposed to rain, dust, or sun during open transit. However, this is the same exposure your car experiences when parked outside or driving on the highway. For standard vehicles with factory paint, weather exposure during a 3-7 day transit causes no meaningful damage. If cosmetic perfection is critical (show cars, fresh paint), choose enclosed.

Do new car dealerships use open or enclosed transport?

The vast majority of new vehicles, including luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus, are shipped from factories to dealerships on open carriers. Enclosed transport is reserved for ultra-high-value vehicles like limited-edition supercars.

Explore More from Advantage Auto Movers

• Home – Get an instant quote and explore our services
• Open vs Enclosed Transport – Compare your options
• Insurance & Coverage – Understand your protection
• Vehicle Preparation Guide – Get your car ready
• Luxury & Exotic Car Shipping – Premium transport services
• Motorcycle Shipping – Two-wheel transport solutions