Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Which Should You Choose in 2025?
Compare open and enclosed car transport options, including costs, pros and cons, and tips to decide which auto transport service is right for your vehicle.
Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Which Should You Choose?
When shipping a car across states or nationwide, one key decision is choosing between open transport and enclosed transport. Both have pros, cons, and price differences depending on your vehicle type, budget, and protection needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything: benefits, drawbacks, costs, ideal scenarios, and FAQs to help you make the right choice.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open transport is the most common and affordable auto shipping method. Vehicles are loaded onto an open-air trailer, often carrying 7–10 cars per trip.
✅ Advantages of Open Transport:
- Lower cost – 30–40% cheaper than enclosed shipping.
- Faster availability – Flexible pickup and delivery schedules.
- Industry standard – 90% of U.S. vehicles are shipped this way.
❌ Disadvantages of Open Transport:
- Exposure to elements – Rain, sun, snow, and road debris.
- Shared trailers – Your car travels with several others.
- Minor cosmetic risk – Dust, dirt, or small chips may occur.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed transport places vehicles inside a fully covered trailer, usually carrying 2–6 cars. This premium service is ideal for luxury, exotic, classic, or collectible cars.
✅ Advantages of Enclosed Transport:
- Full protection – Safe from weather, dust, and debris.
- Extra security – Fewer cars per trailer reduce handling risks.
- Higher insurance coverage – Ideal for high-value vehicles.
- Specialized handling – Experienced drivers handle exotic and rare cars.
❌ Disadvantages of Enclosed Transport:
- Higher cost – 40–60% more expensive than open transport.
- Less availability – Limited number of carriers nationwide.
- Not necessary for standard cars – Daily drivers may not need it.
Cost Comparison: Open vs Enclosed Transport
| Transport Type | Average Cost (Cross-Country) |
|---|---|
| Open Transport | $800 – $1,200 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,400 – $2,000+ |
Example: Shipping a Toyota Camry from New York to California:
- Open: ~$1,000
- Enclosed: ~$1,700
💡 Pro Tip: Use open transport for standard cars and enclosed for high-value or collectible vehicles.
When to Choose Open Transport
Open transport is ideal if:
- Budget is the primary concern.
- Vehicle is a standard commuter or family car.
- Flexible pickup and delivery scheduling is needed.
- Minor exposure to weather is acceptable.
When to Choose Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport is recommended if:
- Vehicle is luxury, exotic, or collectible.
- Maximum protection during transit is required.
- Shipping during extreme weather conditions.
- Extra insurance coverage is desired.
Open vs Enclosed: Safety Comparison
Both methods are safe when using licensed and insured carriers.
- Open transport: Safe for most vehicles with standard precautions.
- Enclosed transport: Offers the highest level of protection and peace of mind.
FastCarShip Recommendations
At FastCarShip, we offer both open and enclosed transport options.
- Commuter cars or family vehicles → Open transport
- Luxury, collectible, or specialty cars → Enclosed transport
Our expert team will guide you based on your vehicle type, budget, and route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is cheaper, open or enclosed?
A1: Open transport is generally 30–40% cheaper.
Q2: Can I ship a luxury car in open transport?
A2: Yes, but enclosed transport is recommended for maximum protection.
Q3: How long does shipping take?
A3: 3–10 days depending on distance and route.
Q4: Is enclosed transport safer?
A4: Yes, especially for high-value or classic cars.
Q5: Can I track my car during transport?
A5: Yes, FastCarShip provides real-time tracking for all shipments.
Q6: Do I need insurance?
A6: All carriers are licensed and insured; additional coverage is optional.
Q7: Are there limitations for open transport?
A7: Vehicles may experience minor exposure to weather and road debris.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between open and enclosed car transport depends on your vehicle type, value, budget, and peace of mind:
- Open transport: Affordable, fast, and suitable for most vehicles.
- Enclosed transport: Premium protection for high-value cars.
🚗 Ready to ship your car safely? Get a free instant quote today with FastCarShip and enjoy a stress-free transport experience.
Key Takeaways
- Open transport is cheaper, more common, and works for standard vehicles.
- Enclosed transport offers maximum protection for luxury or collectible cars.
- FastCarShip provides both options, helping you choose the right service for your needs.
