Choose open car shipping if you want an affordable, efficient option for everyday vehicles. Go with enclosed transport if you’re moving a luxury, classic, or high-value car that needs extra protection from weather and road debris. Below, we break down how both options compare in cost, safety, and convenience so you can make the best choice for your move.
Key Takeaways
- Open shipping is the budget-friendly default. It’s often significantly cheaper and widely available, suitable for most everyday cars.
- Enclosed shipping offers top-tier protection. Its enclosed trailers shield cars from weather, road debris, and offer added security, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
- The cost difference is significant. Enclosed shipping usually runs 30–60% more than open shipping, depending on distance, vehicle size, and availability.
- Your vehicle and shipping needs matter. For a standard sedan on a budget, open shipping works fine. For expensive, exotic, or irreplaceable cars, enclosed may be worth the premium.
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Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
Open and enclosed car shipping both get your vehicle safely from point A to point B, but they differ in cost, protection, and convenience. Here’s how each works, and when one might make more sense than the other.
Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping is the standard and most common way to move vehicles. Cars are loaded onto open-air trailers that typically carry seven to 10 vehicles at once. Because multiple cars share space, the cost per vehicle stays low, making this option the most budget-friendly.
Open transport is widely available and easy to schedule. While cars are exposed to weather, dust, and road debris, serious damage is extremely rare, making this the go-to option for everyday vehicles, short moves, and budget-conscious shippers.
Pros
- Lower cost than enclosed shipping
- Faster scheduling, with more carrier availability
- Suitable for standard vehicles
- Ideal for customers on a tight timeline or budget
- Easier to coordinate multi-vehicle shipments
Cons
- Exposed to weather, dust & road debris
- Less privacy & visibility control
- Severe weather can delay delivery
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping places your vehicle inside a covered trailer that provides complete protection from the elements. These trailers typically carry two to six vehicles and often include hydraulic lifts and soft straps for delicate or low-clearance cars. Because fewer cars fit per load, prices are higher... but so is peace of mind.
This option is best for luxury, exotic, or classic cars where protection matters more than cost. If you’re moving cross-country, relocating a collector vehicle, or shipping in harsh weather, enclosed transport provides maximum security and minimal exposure risk.
Pros
- Full protection from weather & road debris
- Higher security & privacy
- Climate control for temperature-sensitive vehicles
- Reduced risk of scratches or cosmetic damage
- Hydraulic lift gates & soft-strap tie-downs for added protection
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than open transport
- Longer scheduling times due to smaller trucks
- Not cost-effective for shorter moves where exposure risk is minimal
Open vs. Enclosed Shipping Costs
| Company | Open Shipping (500 miles)* | Enclosed Shipping (500 miles)* |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $600–$850 | $900–$1,300 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $650–$900 | $950–$1,400 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $620–$880 | $930–$1,380 |
*Based on a standard operable sedan for a 500-mile shipment
What Impacts Car Shipping Costs?
- Distance: Longer trips mean higher fuel and driver costs
- Vehicle size and type: Large or heavy vehicles (like SUVs or trucks) cost more to ship
- Transport type: Enclosed carriers cost more due to limited capacity and premium service
- Pickup and delivery location: Remote or hard-to-access areas add to total cost
- Season and demand: Rates rise during peak season (May-September)
- Vehicle condition: Non-running or modified cars may need special equipment or handling
Use our free car shipping calculator to help estimate the cost of your shipment.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Which Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your car’s value, your budget, and your risk tolerance. Open shipping suits most standard vehicles and budgets, while enclosed shipping is worth the premium for cars that need extra care.
Choose open car shipping if:
- You’re shipping a standard sedan, SUV, or family car
- You want the most affordable option
- You’re shipping a short or moderate distance
- You’re comfortable with some exposure to weather & road dust
- You need flexible scheduling & fast pickup
Choose enclosed car shipping if:
- You’re transporting a high-value or classic vehicle
- You want full protection from weather, dust, and salt.
- You’re shipping long-distance or during winter.
- You need special handling or added security.
Our Recommendations
Below are our top recommendations for the best car shipping companies offering open and enclosed options.
Nexus Auto Transport
|
Sherpa Auto Transport
|
Montway Auto Transport
|
Nexus Auto Transport
Best for: Overall value
Open transport cost: $600–$850*
Enclosed transport cost: $900–$1,300*
Why we recommend Nexus: Their nationwide network and transparent pricing make them a dependable choice for both open and enclosed moves.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Best for: Transparent pricing
Open transport cost: $650–$900*
Enclosed transport cost: $950–$1,400*
Why we recommend Sherpa: Their Price Lock Promise ensures your rate won’t change after booking, which is ideal for budget-conscious shippers.
Montway Auto Transport
Best for: Reliability & coverage
Open transport cost: $620–$880*
Enclosed transport cost: $930–$1,380*
Why we recommend Montway: With a large carrier network and solid track record, Montway offers excellent scheduling flexibility and customer service.
Navi Auto Transport
Best for: Affordability
Open transport cost: $640–$880*
Enclosed transport cost: $950–$1,400*
Why we recommend Navi: They offer excellent flexibility for both open and enclosed moves, making them a great fit for specialty or modified cars.
SGT Auto Transport
Best for: Guarantees
Open transport cost: $620–$900*
Enclosed transport cost: $950–$1,350*
Why we recommend SGT: They offer competitive rates and dependable service, striking a strong balance between cost, convenience, and protection.
*Based on a standard 500-mile shipment for a sedan
FAQ
Is open car shipping safe for long distances?
Yes, open car shipping is the most common method used by dealerships and individuals. While the car is exposed to the elements, serious damage is rare, and most carriers carry full insurance coverage.
It’s a safe, reliable option for everyday cars where budget and convenience are more important than full coverage.
Does enclosed shipping completely prevent damage?
Enclosed trailers drastically reduce the risk of damage from debris, weather, and handling, but no transport method is 100% damage-proof. Still, enclosed carriers provide peace of mind for valuable vehicles.
Inspect your vehicle at pickup and delivery and document its condition for your insurance records.
Which is faster: open or enclosed shipping?
Open shipping is generally faster because more carriers are available, and routes are more frequent. Enclosed shipping can take a few extra days due to fewer trucks and higher demand for specialized service.
If timing is tight, open transport usually offers quicker pickup and delivery windows.
How much more expensive is enclosed shipping?
Enclosed shipping typically costs 30%–60% more than open transport, depending on distance, vehicle type, and demand. For example, a 500-mile trip might cost $650 open versus $1,000 enclosed.
The added protection can be worth it for luxury or classic vehicles where small damage could significantly affect value.
Should I use enclosed shipping for my electric car?
For high-end EVs like Teslas or Rivians, enclosed shipping provides extra protection against weather and road debris that could impact paint or sensors. It’s a smart choice for long-distance moves or harsh climates.
For shorter distances and mild weather, open transport is fine as long as the carrier is reputable and insured.
