Considering car shipping to move your vehicle across the nation is a wise decision because it will save your car mileage and provide protection, but which method should you choose, open car shipping or enclosed car shipping? Open transport is the most cost-effective method, and enclosed transport offers safety. In this article, you will learn about these two methods.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed transport uses a fully closed trailer covered with solid walls and ceilings to protect the vehicles inside. Enclosed car shipping provides the most protection from weather and road elements such as rain, hail, debris, UV rays, thunderstorms, etc. Shipping a car in a closed trailer also prevents it from any potential damage and theft during the transport.

Advantages of Enclosed Shipping

The enclosed shipping option of car shipping has numerous advantages, and some of the major benefits are as mentioned below:

• Maximum Protection: This is the best protection against weather, road debris, and even potential theft.

• Ideal for High-Value Vehicles: If you are shipping a luxury or vintage car, the extra security and care are often worth the investment.

• Professional Handling: Enclosed carriers tend to be much more personalized. Experienced drivers would handle your vehicle with much more care.

Disadvantages of Enclosed Shipping

Here are some of the disadvantages that would make you understand the concept better.

• Costlier: Carrying cargo in a covered carrier is highly expensive due to protection and specialized services.

• Limited Number of Vehicles: Carriers that are enclosed carry fewer vehicles than those that are open carriers. This may result in long hours waiting for pickup and delivery.

• Lengthy Delivery: Enclosed carriers normally transport fewer vehicles at a particular time. This may make the delivery take more time.

Open Car Shipping

Open transport is the most commonly used and cost-effective method because it uses an open trailer to move the vehicle from one point to another. Open car shipping can carry 7-9 vehicles in just one shipment, which essentially makes it cheaper for the vehicle; however, it does not give better protection against bad weather than enclosed transport.

Advantages of Open Transport

With open shipping, many good advantages are there. Some of the major ones are discussed here:

• Cost-Effective: Generally, the cost of open transport is lower than that of closed transport, so it is always attractive for budget-conscious customers.

• Availability: Generally, there are more open carriers than closed ones, and this availability increases your opportunity to find a shipper to come to you quickly.

• Faster Transport: More vehicles are transported in open carriers than in closed carriers. This means that normally these shipments are quicker to turn around.

Disadvantages of Open Shipping

Some of the disadvantages of open shipping are explained as under:

• Some Exposure to Elements: Cars get exposed to climatic conditions, debris, and road grime, which may cause potential damage to the car during transport.

• Less Protection: Open transport provides minimal protection against theft or vandalism.

Cost of Car Shipping 

The cost of car shipping can be calculated through an online tool called Car Shipping Cost Calculator, offered by various transportation companies. The actual car shipping cost depends on a variety of factors, such as distance, time, vehicle conditions, etc. Knowing this will surely help you out in your shipping planning.

1. Shipping Method: Shipping on an enclosed trailer can be costlier, but it will protect your vehicle, and shipping on an open trailer is cheaper but exposed to elements.

2. Shipping Distance: Shipping a car over a longer distance costs more due to fuel consumption and required labor. Here is the breakdown of the estimated cost of car shipping based on the distance:

3. Vehicle Type: Apparently, smaller vehicle occupies less space and essay to operate, while shipping also costs cheaper as well. The bigger and heavier the vehicle gets, the higher cost also increases. 

4. Vehicle Condition: Running vehicles are easy to operate while shipping from one location to another, but non-movable vehicles that do not operate or move on their own power require additional equipment and handling to ship, which costs more. 

5. Seasonality: Shipping your vehicle in peak season can cost you more due to higher demand and less availability. On the other hand, shipping in off-peak season can cost less.

6. Estimated Car Shipping Cost: Here is the average estimate of the cost to ship a car to help you get a general idea of car shipping.

• Short Distance (e.g., 200-500 miles)

• Open Transport: $300 - $700

• Enclosed Transport: $600 - $1,200

• Medium Distance (e.g., 500-1,000 miles)

• Open Transport: $700 - $1,200

• Enclosed Transport: $1,200 - $1,800

• Long Distance (e.g., 1,000-2,000 miles)

• Open Transport: $1,200 - $1,800

• Enclosed Transport: $1,800 - $2,500

Which Method is Suitable for You?

The choice between open car shipping and enclosed shipping is up to your needs, budget, and the worth of the vehicle. Some things to consider are as follows:

• Value of the Vehicle: If you are shipping a high-value or classic car, then peace of mind may make enclosed shipping the better choice.

• Budgeting: If saving money is a big deal and your car is not one of the high-value models, you may find open shipping viable.

• Distance and Timing: How fast do you need it? Do you have time to wait for the shipment or does it have to reach you right away? Open transport providers may provide faster shipping than the enclosed ones.

• Weather Conditions: If you are shipping your car during a volatile season, with heavy storms or with extreme weather conditions, you can get more security for your vehicle through an enclosed shipment.