Should I ship my vehicle on an enclosed truck or an open trailer?
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Pros
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Cons
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Open Transport is what most people think of when they see the long transport Carriers on interstate highways, sometimes double-deckers with 7-10 cars. But Open Transport may also be done with smaller trucks, capable of carrying just 3-4 vehicles. This means that the vehicle is open to the elements, and a car may arrive at its destination dirtier than when it started out. Think of “open transport” as flying coach-class. It is the most economical way to go, and 75% of customers choose open transport
Enclosed car transport is more akin to flying 1st class or business-class: and in the cases of transporting a Bentley or Lamborghini, it’s a “white-glove-level” service. Not only is your vehicle protected on all sides, it’s typically shipped on a smaller transporter -- usually a 6-car lift-gate trailer, or occasionally a 1 or 2 car carrier. Enclosed auto shipping costs 40-60% more than an open carrier and is recommended for a vehicle >$70,000.
See our comparison options and benefits.
The vehicles moved with open auto transport carriers are not protected from weather elements like rain, sun, hail and snow, and from dust, insects and even birds. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of this type of carrier. If you are opting for this type of car carrier transport, you should be aware that your vehicle will be exposed to all those elements.
However, auto transport companies take great care and deliver the cars to their final destination in good condition. They use well trained truckers who understand the value of their cargo. The cars are also neatly strapped and packed in the carrier in order to reduce mobility and vibrations caused by the road while the cars are in transit. An advantage though it is that in most cases the open auto transport is faster than the enclosed. Open car shipping services are in higher demand which leads to more truckers driving open car transporters.
So, although those types of vehicle haulers often carry more cars than one cars and you would think this makes them slower, the scheduling is easier which often makes them faster. Open auto transport is more affordable and still very secure mode of transporting a vehicle from and to any point in the US.
An enclosed auto transport carrier is a great car shipping option you can use especially if you will transport a classic or custom vehicle. It is opposite to the open car carrier shipping service. In an enclosed car carrier, the vehicles are housed in an covered truck. Enclosed carriers often can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In most cases up to five automobiles.
So, it could be faster, but in fact the truth is that there are fewer enclosed transporters on the road which makes them harder to schedule. Besides this in most cases enclosed auto transport is more costly than open car carrier transport. The biggest advantage though is that the cars are protected from weather elements such as rain, hail, sun and the likes. So, enclosed car carrier offer a better protection for your vehicle while it’s been transported.
There are many reasons why Open transport might be the smarter option for you:
Open trailers are made to transport very versatile vehicles. If you have a modified SUV that is lifted or very big in general, it might take longer because enclosed trailers are very limited when it comes down to loading bigger vehicles.
Transporting your vehicle via open transport will help you save money, while shipping your vehicle in a safe and quick manner.
ENCLOSED TRANSPORT:
Enclosed transport comes with an extra degree in surety and safety. If you want your vehicle to hit nothing else but the air inside the trailer, this is the option for you.
Enclosed transport requires a little bit more time as enclosed carriers are more rare then open car carriers. Shipping with an enclosed trailer is usually double the cost that of of an open transport. Insurance coverages are higher with enclosed which is why we usually employ our enclosed fleet for high end vehicles such as Super Cars or very Vintage Vehicles which require extra care.
The insurance requirements which we have for our enclosed transporters are unmatched. Enclosed transport ensures protection against weather, road debris and other road related things that can get on your vehicle when using open transport. Enclosed transporters use advanced trailers which have either a soft/hard shield that encloses your vehicle completely. Enclosed car trailers usually carry 3-6 vehicles for normal paced shipping.
The majorioty of vehicles are transported open, meaning on an open trailer. Vehicles that are transported in enclosed carriers are typically worth 75k or more. Other factors may be if the vehicle is restored or family owned/sentimental. There are many more open carriers than enclosed and they can only carry up to 3 cars at a time and pay much more for their insurance. So considering all of that, transported cars going enclosed are almost double the price.
Open carrier leaves vehicle exposed to the weather conditions
Enclosed carrier moves vehicle in an enclosed trailer.
Sheilds the vehicle from weather conditions.
Open auto transport is exposed to the elements and transported in a 7-9 car carrier truck called a stinger. Enclosed is NOT exposed to the elements or weather and you usually only get shipped with 3 other vehicles
Open Auto Carrier
Enclosed Auto Carrier