What You Need to Know About Enclosed Vs. Open Car Shipping

You’ve likely seen open car carriers on the highway, long, two-tier trailers transport vehicles. Choosing this shipping method will save you money, but your vehicle may be exposed to weather conditions and road debris.

Enclosed transport uses fully enclosed car carriers to protect your vehicle during transit. But is it worth the extra expense?

Cost

It is essential to learn more about car shipping if you are considering transporting your car. Generally speaking, open car transport is cheaper than enclosed transport. This is because it is more common for carriers to have an open trailer. This carrier can also hold more vehicles simultaneously, increasing its bottom line. On the other hand, enclosed car shipping involves a much smaller number of vehicles at one time. This means that the cost of fuel, driver, etc., is spread out over a much smaller group of clients. As a result, the cost of enclosed auto transport is usually 50% to 100% more than that of open car transport. The cost factor is why most people go with open auto transport. If you’re shipping a daily driver, spending more for the added protection that enclosed auto transport offers makes little sense.

On the other hand, if you’re shipping a classic car or some other high-end vehicle, it’s likely worth the extra expense. Enclosed auto transport will protect your car from the sun, wind, and road debris that could damage it in an open carrier. Plus, it’s an excellent option for racing cars that must make the rounds of various races and events in pristine condition. The only downside of this type of transportation is that it’s harder to book enclosed auto transport than open car shipping.

Security

Many decisions must be made if you’re shipping your car long distance. You have to choose a company, decide whether or not you want to take out insurance, and whether you prefer door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service. But the most critical decision you’ll have to make is whether or not to ship your vehicle open or enclosed. Enclosed shipping is the more expensive option, but it offers superior protection. Your vehicle will be loaded into a trailer with walls and a roof so that it won’t be exposed to the elements during transit. The enclosed trailer also protects your vehicle from debris, such as rocks and road debris. Because of the additional security measures, enclosed shipping is ideal for exotic, luxury, or classic cars. An online marketplace is a great way to find the best price for enclosed car transport. The site lets you submit a shipment, then filter through potential carriers until you find one with a low price and a high customer review score. You can even check out a potential carrier’s driver history to see their driving record and previous experience. This is a great way to ensure you get the best price and reliable driver.

Time

When a client contacts an auto transport company about moving a car, the booking agent usually asks if they prefer open or enclosed transport. While both are safe, effective, and efficient ways to ship a vehicle, each has different benefits. The first and most obvious difference is cost. Open car shipping is significantly cheaper than enclosed transport. Transporters can fit more vehicles on open trailers than enclosed ones. They also require less maintenance and repair, making them more profitable for the carrier. This explains why open car transport is the most popular shipping option for most drivers. However, a few things could be improved with the available shipping method. Your car is exposed to elements like rain, wind, and dust on the highway, exposing it to potential damage.

Additionally, if you’re shipped on the top tier, your vehicle could be affected by road debris, or muck kicked up from cars below it. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, protects your car from these hazards. It also requires more equipment and is typically more expensive than open car transport. Because of this, only a few carriers use enclosed trailers, and they often only accept one or two vehicles at a time. This makes it hard to get an exact pickup and drop-off date when you choose enclosed auto transport.

Convenience

You can choose from a few different service types for auto transport services. These include open car shipping, enclosed car shipping, and white glove service. Choosing the right one for your needs depends on a few factors, including vehicle value and transport distance. Open car shipping is typically the most affordable option, but it exposes your vehicle to weather elements and road debris. On the other hand, enclosed car shipping uses a trailer with four walls and a ceiling to protect your vehicle from water, dust, frost, bugs, birds, and other road debris. It is usually designed to fit one car at a time, but some companies can simultaneously offer a two- or three-car enclosed shipment.

Enclosed car transportation also offers a more personal touch than open car transport, as drivers tend to take special care when loading and unloading vehicles. They are also more experienced when handling luxury, exotic, and classic cars. In addition, most enclosed transport companies will provide more insurance coverage for your car than available transportation. It is essential to remember that enclosed transport can sometimes be more expensive than open-car shipping and that the cost may vary depending on the company and the transport distance. However, the extra cost can be worth it to ensure that your classic or exotic car is transported safely.