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How to Decide Between Open and Enclosed Transport

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Home  |  Car Transport   |   How to Decide Between Open and Enclosed Transport

If this is your first time shipping a car, you will soon find that there are two different shipping methods to consider: open or enclosed auto transport. As a first-time car shipper, you may be wondering about the differences between these two options and which is best for you. Both are common methods for auto transport and each has its advantages. Here we will take a closer look at these two options so you best understand which will meet your needs.

What are the main differences between open and enclosed auto transport?

Both open and enclosed transport are common methods for shipping a vehicle. Open transport typically refers to a two-level trailer that can haul multiple vehicles at once. As the name suggests, this type of trailer is open-air, meaning your vehicle will be exposed to the outdoor elements. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, refers to a fully enclosed trailer. Typically only a few cars can fit into an enclosed trailer and this type of trailer offers a higher degree of security and protection for your vehicle.

Pros and Cons of Open Transport

Pros: Open transport is by far the most common shipping method and is cheaper and faster than enclosed transport. Since this is a more popular option, there are more open-air carriers available, meaning you have more shipping options and it’s easier to book a preferred shipping and arrival time. In addition, open transport is cheaper, so this is a great way to save money on car shipping services.

Cons: Since the trailer is open-air, your vehicle will be exposed to the outdoor elements. Your vehicle is also susceptible to potential damage from road debris during transport. Though it is unlikely, there is also the possibility that vehicles on an open trailer are subject to theft.

Pros and Cons of Enclosed Transport

Pros: Your car will be shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, which will provide maximum protection against outdoor elements, road debris, and theft. This is a preferred option when shipping luxury, classic, or antique vehicles.

Cons: Since enclosed trailers can carry fewer cars, you can expect to pay more for shipping. Similarly, there are fewer enclosed carriers on the road, meaning you may have to wait longer for pickup and delivery.

How to choose the right option

There is no right or wrong answer as to whether you should choose open or enclosed transport. It really comes down to what kind of vehicle you are shipping. For owners of classic, exotic, antique, or luxury cars, enclosed transport is usually the best option. Open transport typically works just fine for everyone else. If you are trying to choose the best option, consider the value of your vehicle with the cost difference between the two choices. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each option and discuss any further concerns with your auto transport company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest Answers to Your Car Shipping Questions

Yes, we always ask for your specific pickup and delivery addresses, if the carrier can get right to the addresses you provide, they will. If the addresses that you give us are not safely accessible for a Multi-car carrier, however, you will need to make arrangements with the driver to meet at a nearby location where the carrier can safely get in and out.

People do it all the time (rarely for free) but the official answer is no.

Not what you wanted to hear, we know, but that is the honest answer.

We are not licensed to broker the shipment of household goods and, likewise, no car carrier that operates in the USA is licensed to transport them from state to state either. Despite what you might be being told by other car shipping companies you may speak with.

Remember, at the end of the day we're all salespeople, and the true answer to this question is not a great selling point.

You will hear a lot of companies tell you that you can put up to 100 pounds of items in the trunk, but that is not entirely true. That fact is that items of that amount are fairly common and the department of transportation is probably not going to split hairs and fine the trucker over items of that amount, provided they are not over their weight limit. They could fine them, however, if they see a vehicle stuffed full of personal items so the car carrier will most likely try to negotiate something with you to cover themselves against any costs they could incur. It's not something we can build into your contract though.

We have a short and helpful video on this topic in our user videos.

Only in rare cases and car carriers will usually charge a premium to make it happen.

All dates given by car carriers are typically estimates and projections.

For this reason (and to keep your cost down) we ask that you build in some flexibility and give us the earliest possible date you would be WILLING to release the vehicle, even though it may not be your preferred date.

We'll put you in direct contact with your car carrier and the driver will also typically call you the afternoon or evening before your pick up and delivery (they won't just show up unannounced, and if they do we want to hear about it). However, car carriers are out on the road battling traffic, weather and any number of other factors that can and do throw them off of their pickup and delivery projections from time to time.

If the projected dates we give you come and you are unable to make contact with your carrier, please call our office immediately so that we may help resolve the situation.

The average transit time from pick up to delivery on any vehicle going coast to coast will average 7 to 10 days. From there you can figure your transit time based on how far your vehicle is traveling, i.e. from either coast to the Midwest might average 3-7 days.

Yes!

Even better, we do not even ask for payment until we have you confirmed for pickup by a safe, reliable, fully insured, direct car carrier. If for any reason you do not ship your car with the carrier that we arrange for you, there is no fee.

The fees paid directly to the carrier however, (in most cases, their fees are not paid until your vehicle is delivered) are not directly controlled by us, so any requests for a refund of the carrier's portion would need to be addressed with the carrier directly.

Of course! And you are always backed by our Damage Free Guarantee policy.

Part of what you pay us for is to verify that the car carrier that we put you on is covered by the proper amount of insurance and that everything is up to date.

There is never any additional cost to you for this coverage, and their insurance is always primary.

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