Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, choosing the right type of car shipping method is a crucial part of the process. One of the first decisions you’ll face is open vs enclosed car transport.
While both options are reliable, each has its own advantages depending on your vehicle type, budget, and the level of protection you’re after. Open car shipping is the most common and cost-effective method. It’s often the go-to for everyday vehicles due to its affordability, availability, and faster turnaround times.
On the flip side, enclosed car shipping offers maximum protection, making it ideal for high-value, classic, or exotic vehicles where extra care is a must. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of open and enclosed car shipping, compare costs and availability, and help you understand which method best suits your situation.
Whether you’re shipping a daily driver or a prized show car, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident and informed decision. And with Sherpa Auto Transport, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in trusted hands—no matter which shipping option you choose.
Key Takeaways:
- Open and enclosed car shipping describes the two types of trailers available for auto transport.
- Open car shipping is the most affordable and popular choice, with over 90% of customers opting to ship on an open trailer.
- Enclosed vehicle transport is more expensive and is typically a consideration when transporting a luxury, collectible. or classic car.
In This Review:
- Auto Transport Options: Open Vs. Enclosed Car Transport
- Open Car Shipping: Pros and Cons
- Enclosed Car Shipping: Pros and Cons
- How to Decide Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping
- What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- Open Vs. Enclosed Car Shipping FAQs
Auto Transport Options: Open Vs. Enclosed Car Transport
When transporting your vehicle, understanding the fundamental differences between open vs enclosed auto transport is key to making the right decision. Open car shipping is the most common and affordable method, where vehicles are transported on an open-air trailer, often seen on highways. These carriers typically have two levels and can hold multiple vehicles at once.
While your car is exposed to the elements, such as weather and road debris, this method is widely used for its cost-effectiveness and availability. For most everyday vehicles, open transport provides a reliable and budget-friendly solution.
On the other hand, enclosed car shipping offers an added layer of protection by transporting your vehicle in a fully covered trailer. This method is ideal for high-value, luxury, classic, or exotic cars where additional care is necessary to shield them from the elements and potential damage.
Types of Enclosed Trailers
There are two types of enclosed trailers: softside and hardside. Enclosed carriers can usually accommodate fewer vehicles, making this option more expensive and less readily available than open transport. In addition, fewer carriers with enclosed trailers and fewer spots in each enclosed trailer can extend your transit time or make it harder to schedule.
Choosing between open and enclosed car shipping ultimately depends on your vehicle type, budget, and how much protection you desire during transport. Whether you’re shipping a daily driver or a rare collector’s car, understanding these basics will help you select the best option.
Open Car Shipping: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cost-Effective: Open transport is generally more affordable than enclosed options, making it a popular choice for standard vehicle shipments.
- Wider Availability: With more carriers offering open transport, it’s easier to find and schedule a shipment.
- Efficient Transport: Open carriers can move multiple vehicles at once, helping to speed up delivery times and reduce overall wait periods.
Cons
- Exposure to the Elements: Vehicles are exposed to weather conditions, dust, and road debris during transit, which may result in minor cosmetic wear.
- Limited Protection: While safe for most vehicles, open transport may not offer the level of protection needed for high-value, classic, or specialty cars.
Enclosed Car Shipping: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maximum Protection: Vehicles are fully enclosed during transport, protecting them from rain, snow, dust, and road debris—ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars.
- Peace of Mind: The extra care and security provided give added reassurance when shipping high-value or delicate vehicles.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Enclosed shipping is typically at least 50% more expensive than open transport, due to increased protection and lower carrier capacity.
- Limited Availability: With fewer carriers offering enclosed transport, scheduling may be more challenging and require booking further in advance.
How to Decide Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping
Choosing between open and enclosed car shipping depends on your vehicle’s value, budget, and desired protection during transport. If you’re shipping a standard vehicle and looking to save on costs, open transport is a reliable and cost-effective choice. It’s widely available and efficient, ideal for everyday cars and most budget-conscious consumers.
However, enclosed transport might be the better option for transporting a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle. The added protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage makes it worth the higher price.
Consider your car’s condition and your comfort level with possible exposure to the elements. Ultimately, your decision should align with the care and security you want for your vehicle during its journey.
What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
Not all car shipping companies are created equal—and when you’re trusting someone with your vehicle, you want to get it right the first time. Whether you’re going with open or enclosed transport, here are the key things to look for before booking:
Upfront, Honest Pricing
No one likes surprise fees. A trustworthy auto transport company should provide a clear, fixed quote from the start. If a carrier can’t give you a solid number upfront, it’s a red flag—move on.
Proven Track Record
Experience matters. Choose a company that has successfully shipped all kinds of vehicles—from daily drivers to classic collectibles—across the country. For example, Sherpa Auto Transport handles cars, SUVs, motorcycles, vans, and pickups in all 50 states.
Real Customer Reviews
What do past customers have to say? Look for companies that consistently earn praise for affordability, timeliness, and top-notch service. A strong reputation is usually a good indicator of a smooth experience.
Strong Safety Standards
Your vehicle’s safety should be the company’s top priority. Look for a provider that carefully vets its carriers and maintains strict safety standards throughout the transport process.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Choosing Sherpa Auto Transport means entrusting your vehicle to a company prioritizing quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We connect you with the highest-rated carriers in the industry for both open and enclosed car shipping.
Our accreditation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) reflect our commitment to excellence. Our reputation is further backed by thousands of five-star customer reviews, showcasing our exceptional service on every shipment.
Locked-In Quotes
With Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, you’ll never have to worry about unexpected price hikes. We ensure that the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. If the initial quote isn’t enough to secure a top-rated carrier, we’ll cover up to $300 of the difference to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and on time.
This promise reflects our dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.
Industry Experts
Sherpa Auto Transport’s expertise extends across all vehicle types, including cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and motorcycles, shipped to all 50 states. Our industry accolades and recognition highlight our deep knowledge and experience in auto transport, giving you confidence that your vehicle is in capable hands.
Preferred Carrier Network
We collaborate only with the best carriers in the industry who prioritize safety and clear communication. Our thorough vetting process ensures that each carrier meets our stringent safety, insurance, and customer service standards. Even within our preferred carrier network, carriers undergo regular reviews to maintain their status.
If carriers fail to meet Sherpa’s high standards, they are removed from our network—no exceptions. This unwavering commitment to excellence ensures your vehicle is handled with the utmost care throughout its journey.
Open Vs. Enclosed Car Shipping FAQs
Is it better to ship a car open or enclosed?
If you’re shipping an exotic or high-end luxury automobile, enclosed car shipping is your best bet. However, open car shipping is the more affordable and accessible option, with over 90% of Sherpa customers opting for an open trailer for transport.
What is an open carrier?
Open car shipping means your vehicle will be transported on an open-air trailer. These are the large carriers you have probably seen on the highway, transporting eight or more vehicles at a time.
Can you haul a car with a car cover?
Most car carriers do not allow cars to be covered during transit. It’s difficult to keep a cover on a vehicle during shipping, which may cause hazards for other drivers. Enclosed auto shipping may be your best option if you want your vehicle to be covered.
What is an enclosed trailer?
Enclosed car carriers are covered trailers typically holding three to five cars at a time. These auto transport carriers offer extra security and protection from the elements for a premium price.