Let’s be real – deciding between open and enclosed car shipping isn’t exactly thrilling, but if you care about your car (or your wallet), it’s kinda important. People end up shipping their cars for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re moving for a new job, maybe you just impulse-bought a car on the other side of the country, or maybe you’ve got one of those classic beauties that only comes out on Sundays. The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.
What’s Open Car Shipping, Anyway? So, open car shipping is basically what most people picture: your car gets loaded onto a big, double-decker trailer along with a bunch of other cars – sometimes up to 10 at once. You’ve seen these things barreling down the freeway, right? Cars stacked up, totally out in the open, braving whatever weather’s coming their way.
Why do people go for this? Well, mainly because:
- It’s way cheaper. You’re splitting the cost with all those other folks whose cars are along for the ride. If you’re the practical type (or just don’t want to shell out extra cash), this is your jam.
- Scheduling is usually a breeze. There are tons of open carriers, so you’re not waiting around forever for a slot.
- It’s everywhere. Seriously, every car shipping company does open shipping. It’s the default option for a reason.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows:
- Your car’s out there, totally exposed. Rain, snow, road grime, random flying bugs—yep, your car’s gonna see it all.
- There’s a tiny chance of getting a little ding or scratch. Not likely, but with rocks and debris bouncing around on the highway, you never know. If you’re super picky about your paint, you might want to think twice.
Basically, if you need something quick and relatively cheap, and you’re not shipping a collector’s item, open shipping is a solid bet. Your car might need a wash at the end, but it’ll get where it’s going.
Enclosed Car Shipping: For the Fancy Folks (or the Super Paranoid) Now, if your car is your pride and joy (or, let’s be real, just worth a boatload), you probably want to look at enclosed secure car shipping. This is where your car gets its own little apartment on wheels—no rain, no rocks, no nosy people peeking in.
Why people fork over extra cash for this:
- Maximum protection. Your car’s completely sealed off from everything the road can throw at it. Hailstorm? Doesn’t matter. Dust tornado? Your car’s cozy inside.
- Extra perks. Some companies use hydraulic lift gates (so your lowrider doesn’t scrape), soft tie-downs, and experienced drivers who know how to handle the good stuff.
- Way better. Shipping a Ferrari? You’ll probably get a much higher coverage limit in case something goes sideways.
But, you know, you pay for what you get:
- It’s not cheap. We’re talking 30-60% more than open shipping. For some people, that’s a dealbreaker.
- It might take longer to schedule. There just aren’t as many enclosed trailers around, so you might have to wait a bit to get on the calendar.
So, Who Should Pick What? If you just need to get your Camry from point A to point B, open shipping’s gonna do the job. Don’t overthink it. But if you’ve got a custom ride, a vintage classic, or a luxury car that literally makes you nervous to drive, enclosed is worth the peace of mind—even if your wallet cries a little.
Oh, and here’s a little bonus tip: Always check out the read the fine print, no matter which way you go. Because, let’s face it, you don’t want to find out “acts of God” aren’t covered after your car takes a surprise hail bath somewhere in Nebraska.
So yeah, it’s not the most exciting decision you’ll ever make, but it pays to know your options before you hand over the keys.
So, here’s the straight-up truth: if you’re driving around in something high-end, or you’re just the type who likes to double-check the door’s locked five times before bed, enclosed auto transport is for you. Peace of mind, no question. You pay more, but your car gets the VIP treatment.
What Really Decides How You Ship
Honestly, there are a handful of things that make or break your decision between open and enclosed shipping. Here’s what you should actually be thinking about:
Value & Type of Car
- Luxury or Classic Cars: Let’s not kid ourselves. If your car’s worth more than some folks’ mortgages, you don’t want it riding out in the open. Enclosed car transport is basically non-negotiable if you care about keeping it pristine—and if you don’t, well, why’d you spend all that cash in the first place?
- Everyday Cars: Sedans, SUVs, minivans, all that daily grind stuff—nobody’s sweating a couple road blemishes on those. Open carrier’s honesty is just fine. Keep your cash for gas and snacks.
But seriously, if your car’s rare, expensive, or just sentimental, you gotta realize it’s a bigger target for damage. Paying up for enclosed shipping is just playing it smart. Imagine that heartbreak if something happens—no thanks.
Route & Distance
The farther your car’s gotta go, the more it’s rolling the dice with weather, road debris, and whatever else the highway throws at it. Cross-country? Through mountain passes or tornado alley? Enclosed is your car’s raincoat, umbrella, and bodyguard all in one. Don’t get cheap when you’re crossing multiple states.
Weather
Mother Nature’s got no chill. Winters, hurricane season, pollen bombs—whatever, they’re all bad news for your paint job. Enclosed trailers mean your car shows up looking like it left, not like it went through a mud wrestling match, especially if you’ve got a convertible or something with a fancy interior. Wet leather? No thanks.
Delivery Timing & Flexibility
Open carriers are everywhere. Seriously, blink and you’ll see one. That means faster pickups and drop-offs, because there’s just more trucks out there. Enclosed carriers? Not so much. Fewer trucks, longer wait, unless you wanna fork out for expedited shipping. If you’re on a tight schedule and don’t want to pay extra, open’s your buddy. But if you’re patient (or just loaded), you can wait for an enclosed slot.
Budget (Because, Let’s Be Real, Money Talks)
Nobody’s made of money. Open transport is the budget pick, hands down. But if your car means more to you than just getting from point A to B—maybe it’s your dream car, maybe it’s just worth a ton—it’s worth throwing some extra cash at enclosed. Think of it as against headaches, repairs, or just worrying for a week straight.
Don’t Forget About Car Tariffs
This one sneaks up on a lotta people. If you’re shipping internationally, tariffs can be brutal. High import/export duties mean you’re already bleeding money, so the last thing you want is your car showing up scratched and having to deal with customs or repair bills. In these cases, splurging on enclosed shipping is honestly just damage control. It’s about not making an expensive situation even worse.
Real-Life Scenarios: What Should You Actually Do?
Scenario 1: Selling a Used Toyota Across States. If you’re selling a used Camry or something, don’t overthink it. Open shipping is faster, cheaper, and gets the job done. The buyer’s not expecting showroom condition anyway.
Scenario 2: Shipping a Vintage Mustang to a Car Show. You’ve got a meticulously restored ’67 Mustang Fastback? Open shipping is just asking for trouble. Pay for enclosed. You’re already spending big bucks to show it off—why risk it getting trashed on the way?
Scenario 3: Moving to Another City During Winter Moving sucks; winter moves suck more. If you don’t want your car showing up looking like it lost a snowball fight, enclosed shipping is the way to go. Protects against salt, grime, the whole nine yards.
Extra Thoughts—Because Why Not
Here’s the thing: enclosed shipping gives you that extra layer of security. Yeah, it costs more, and no, it’s not always “necessary.” But when you’re talking about cars you really care about—whether for financial or emotional reasons—it’s not overkill. It’s just smart.
Open transport is perfect for daily drivers, beaters, or if you’re just trying to pinch pennies. But if you’re shipping something you love, or you’re dealing with the wild world of international tariffs, don’t cut corners.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, whatever you decide, pick a reputable auto transport company. There are enough horror stories out there—don’t let yours be one of them. And hey, even if your car’s not the fanciest, it deserves to show up in one piece, right?
