How do you move your car without problems and at a fair price? Moving a car, whether it is just down the road or across the country, is a big task. Your car is not just a thing; it is probably one of your most expensive things, something you need for daily life, and often something you are proud to own.
The way you move it is one of the most critical choices you will make, affecting not only your car’s safety but also how much it will cost and how happy you will be. There are two main ways to ship cars in the auto transport business: open and closed. Each way has its own use and fits different needs.
Knowing some fundamental differences in this comparison will help you make a good choice with trust. Preowned Auto Logistics is glad to offer both ways at the best rates, so there is a solution for every customer and every car. This guide covers every step in choosing the right car carrier for your trip.
What is Open Car Shipping?
If you picture a truck driving down the road carrying cars, it is probably an open car hauler. Open carriers are the big workhorses of the auto transport world and the most used way to ship vehicles. An open carrier is usually a large, two-level trailer with no sides or roof that can fit eight to ten standard-sized vehicles. These cars are strapped down tight to the trailer with chains and straps and are out in the open just like if you drove them yourself. Advantages of open car shipping:
Advantages of open car shipping:
- Economical: Since open carriers can carry many cars at once, this lowers how much it costs per vehicle. Therefore, this is the cheapest way to ship a car.
- Availability: There are many more open carriers driving on the road than closed ones so there will be more chances for flexible scheduling and quicker pickup times.
- Good for regular cars: Open transport is safe and practical for regular vehicles, used cars, and typical family automobiles. These cars are made for normal driving conditions and being shipped on an open carrier is like going on a long trip in a car.
Limitations to consider:
The main downside of open car shipping is exposure; your vehicle will be exposed to rain, sun, snow, and wind. It could also be at risk to road debris like dust dirt or small pebbles from other traffic. Big damage is not common but small cosmetic problems could happen in the shape of little scratches or dings from debris just like what happens when you drive on a normal road every day.
What is Enclosed Car Shipping?
Enclosed car shipping is the luxury white-glove service of auto transport. Rather than an open rack, vehicles are moved inside a fully covered trailer, whether hard-sided or soft-sided (curtain). These carriers shield your vehicle from external factors, creating a mobile garage that is entirely separate from the outside world. This method has become standard for protecting vehicles during shipping when they represent high-value assets.
These trailers usually carry fewer cars—sometimes just one to seven—and may have fancy gear like hydraulic lift gates that let them load low-clearance rides without scraping up the underside.
Advantages of enclosed car shipping:
- Top safety: This is the best pick for safe vehicle transport. Your car is totally protected from bad weather, road junk, dust, and dirt. This matters a lot for keeping a brand-new luxury vehicle in perfect shape, an old classic with soft paint, or a top-performing exotic.
- Higher safety: An enclosed trailer gives better protection from possible theft or damage. Your car cannot be seen and is locked, providing excellent added safety, especially at night stops.
- Special care: The drivers for closed trucks are often specially trained to deal with high-value cars. They know how to secure classic cars or load supercars with great care.
Limitations to consider:
This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport. Because there are fewer enclosed carriers in operation, scheduling may require more lead time, and transit times can sometimes be slightly longer as they make fewer stops.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Open and Enclosed Transport
Deciding between open and enclosed car shipping depends on your needs. Here are the main things to think about.
 Type and value of vehicle
- Normal cars: Open transport makes sense and costs less when sending a regular sedan, SUV, or minivan.
- High-end & exotic cars: For cars with high monetary value, like a Porsche, Ferrari, or new Mercedes-Benz, the extra cost of enclosed shipping is worth paying for, ensuring it arrives in showroom condition.
- Classic & antique cars: Vintage cars often have delicate paint, custom parts, and great sentimental value. Enclosed transport protects them from elements that can damage their unique finishes and keep the classic integrity.
- Race cars & low-clearance vehicles: Specialized hydraulic lifts on many enclosed carriers are vital for loading vehicles with very low ground clearance without damaging anything.
Distance
The length and type of the trip count. For short regional transports of a few hundred miles, the risk of exposure on an open carrier is relatively low. However, if you are doing cross-country car shipping, it will be out there for days, traveling through various climates and road conditions—that increases exposure, making enclosed transport more attractive for valuable cars.
Budget
Most customers prioritize budget as their primary driver. It is always cheaper to go with open shipping. The key thing is doing a cost-benefit analysis. Does the extra cost of enclosed shipping provide my specific vehicle with the level of protection and peace of mind that justifies the investment? Probably not for a $5,000 used car, but definitely yes for a collector car worth $150,000!
Weather conditions
Think about when it is happening and where! An open-top convertible shipped through the Midwest in winter snow means exposure to harsh salt and ice; similarly, transporting black vehicles across deserts during peak summer exposes them to extreme sun heat! Enclosed shipping eliminates all weather-related risks, so your car arrives just as clean as when it was loaded!
Preparing Your Vehicle for Both Transport Types
No matter which way you pick to move your car, getting ready right is key to an easy time. These tips help ensure your car is prepared for its trip.
- Clean your car: Wash your car well a day or two before it gets picked up. A clean car helps you and the driver check it over right, and write down any scratches, dings, or dents that were there before on the
- Bill of lading. Take Out Personal Stuff: Auto transport insurance does not cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle. Remove all loose items, such as electronics, clothes, and essential papers. The only things that should stay are regular car tools like a spare tire and a jack.
- Write down everything: Take clear photos of your car from all sides, front, back, sides, top, and inside. Make sure to take close-up pictures of any damage. This proof shows how the car looked at the pickup.
- Make a mechanical check: Make sure your car is in good shape. The battery should be charged, the tires should be properly inflated, and there should be no major fluid leaks. It’s normal to leave just about a quarter tank of gas in the car to make it lighter for shipping.
- Secure loose parts: Make sure that any custom or loose parts are secure, like spoilers, antennas, or convertible tops. If possible, retract or remove them to avoid damage during transport.
Cost Comparison and Value Assessment
You can pay about 40-60% more for enclosed transport than for open transport. This price difference is due to several factors: enclosed trailers have lower vehicle capacity (lower shared cost), the equipment is more expensive, insurance coverage limits are usually higher, and the service is more specialized. Although it costs more upfront, when you consider the asset you are protecting with enclosed shipping, the actual value becomes apparent.
If your vehicle is an investment, a rare collectible, or just something you cannot stand seeing with even a minor blemish, then that added expense becomes an investment in preservation and peace of mind. Finding the right balance between protection and cost is a personal decision; however, for high-value assets, going for maximum security is the most prudent choice.
The Benefits of Working with an Experienced Provider
Choosing between open and enclosed transport is just one part of the equation. The most important thing about car transport is the quality of the company that handles your shipment. An experienced, reputable provider like Preowned Auto Logistics will ensure every detail of your shipment is handled correctly. This means:
- Proper licensing and insurance: A good provider will be fully licensed by the Department of Transportation and will have substantial liability and cargo insurance to protect your vehicle while it is in their possession.
- Communication and tracking: The best companies will offer communication options and tracking so you know where your vehicle is during its journey. This level of service, including door-to-door auto transport, minimizes stress and keeps you informed.
- Careful handling: Experienced drivers and logistics professionals know how to handle shipments with care. They perform thorough inspections, use proper loading techniques, and provide an easy customer experience from start to finish. Working with a trusted partner gives you one ultimate benefit: the assurance that your vehicle is in good hands.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice for Your Vehicle
The choice between open and enclosed car shipping is not about which is better, but rather which fits your needs and your vehicle’s. Open transport is an affordable, efficient, and widely available option that works well for most standard cars. Enclosed transport offers a premium, secure, and fully protected environment that is best suited for luxury, classic, exotic, and high-value vehicles.
By considering the type and value of your vehicle, your budget, the distance to be traveled, and seasonal conditions, you can confidently choose the service that best meets your needs. This auto transport comparison will help you protect your investment by ensuring it gets to its destination safely and securely.
Are you ready to ship? Let PAL’s experts help you find the correct shipping option. Contact Preowned Auto Logistics today for a free, no-obligation quote so your vehicle can receive the safe, reliable transport it deserves.
