Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Pros and Cons

This article is written to help families looking for a solution to move their private car across the country. We break down the differences and pros and cons of open and enclosed car shipping. Read on to learn more and book via iMoving.

Open car shipping is the most commonly used and cost-effective method for transporting your private car. It means loading cars onto an open-air trailer that is exposed to the elements.

You’ve probably seen these trailers on interstate roads throughout the years. These trailers always carry multiple vehicles at once, which helps to reduce the overall cost of shipping.

One of the main advantages of open car shipping is its affordability. Money talks. Since the trailers are made to hold multiple cars and there is less need for specialized equipment, the costs are always lower compared to enclosed shipping. 

Open car transport is widely available across the US, making it simple to find a carrier and schedule a pickup around your schedules and needs. The booking and service is typically faster due to the higher volume of vehicles that can be transported simultaneously. 

• The main drawback of open car shipping is the exposure to environmental elements like rain and sun. Your car will be exposed to rain, snow, sun, dust, and road rocks that fly during transit, which could potentially cause wear and tear or minor damage such as scratches. 
• Open trailers are designed to protect vehicles from most of these issues, but there is still a risk of exposure and actual damage. 
• Since multiple vehicles are transported together, there is a slight risk of scratches or dings from other cars moving around or equipment. If your car is high-value, luxury, or ancient it’s better not to choose this option.

Enclosed car shipping means transporting private cars in a fully enclosed trailer, which gives you additional protection from environmental factors. These enclosed trailers have walls and a roof, this protects the car from rain, snow, sun, and road rocks. They are usually not with AC since there really isn’t a need.

Enclosed transport is usually used for high-value, luxury, very expensive company cars, or classic old cars that require extra care during transit and in the day to day. Honestly if you car is an average car you see daily on the road there isn’t a need to spend the extra on enclosed car shipment costs.

• The main advantage of enclosed car shipping is the great protection it provides versus open car shipping or simply driving it to your location. 
• Cars are protected from the weather conditions, road debris, and damage from other cars rolling onto it, making it an ideal choice for extremely valuable cars.
• Enclosed trailers offer a higher level of security from break-ins or vandalism. 
• Enclosed transport involves fewer vehicles per trailer, which means you can control the dates and times of delivery more. 
• There is also a lower risk of incidental damage during transit. 
• The main downside of enclosed car shipping is the higher cost. It is usually significant and this service really isn’t needed for the majority of US citizens.
• Enclosed shipping is less commonly available, which results in fewer scheduling options and potentially longer wait times for pickup and delivery unless you go private. 
• The process can also be slower due to the lower number of vehicles transported at once, potentially extending the overall transit time.

In summary of our article, open car shipping is a cost-beneficial option with some exposure to environmental elements, but usually fine for the average person, making it suitable and usually the best option. That being said, enclosed car shipping offers much higher levels of protection and security for your baby, making it ideal for high-value or classic cars but comes at a higher cost. The choice between the two depends on what you want to spend for the service, the value of your car, and your personal preferences.