Open vs Enclosed – AutoTransportations.com

Open vs Enclosed Auto Transportations

When you ship a vehicle, you’ll usually choose between open auto transport and enclosed auto transport. Both are safe and commonly used — the right choice depends on your vehicle’s value, how much protection you want, and what you’re comfortable spending.

Open vs Enclosed at a Glance

Open Transport

Most common and cost-effective option
Vehicles ride on open trailers you see on the highway
Some exposure to weather, dust, and road debris
Ideal for daily drivers, standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks
Faster carrier availability on popular routes

Enclosed Transport

Highest level of protection
Vehicle travels inside a fully covered trailer
Shielded from weather, debris, and public visibility
Ideal for luxury, classic, exotic, and collector vehicles
Fewer spots per trailer, more individual attention

When Should You Choose Open Transport?

Open transport is the right fit for most people and most vehicles. It’s safe, affordable, and widely available across popular routes.

Choose Open Transport if:

Your vehicle is a regular daily driver
You want the lowest-cost option
A little exposure to weather or dust doesn’t bother you
You’re shipping a leased or financed vehicle that’s already driven often

When Should You Choose Enclosed Transport?

Enclosed transport is a premium option designed for vehicles that need extra protection, privacy, or special handling.

Choose Enclosed Transport if:

You’re shipping a luxury, classic, exotic, or show car
The vehicle has custom paint, low ground clearance, or special modifications
You want to avoid exposure to rain, snow, dirt, and road debris
You care about privacy and don’t want your vehicle visible on an open trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re not sure which option is right for you or you have a special vehicle to ship, our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

How long does auto transport usually take?

Most shipments take about 3–10 days once a carrier is assigned, depending on distance, route, traffic, and weather.

Do I need to be there at pickup and delivery?

It’s best if you or a trusted representative is present to sign the inspection report at pickup and drop-off.

Can I cancel a shipment after it’s been booked?

Yes, you can cancel, but fees may apply depending on how close it is to your pickup date and whether a carrier has already been dispatched.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

Yes. All carriers we work with are fully insured, and a condition report is completed before and after transport for your protection.

What Client’s say about Our Services

“From the first quote to delivery, everything was smooth. The driver was on time, and my SUV arrived exactly as it left.”

Emily R.

“We ship multiple vehicles every month for our dealership. Communication is clear, pricing is fair, and the logistics team handles all the details.”

J. Martinez

“I used enclosed transport for my classic Camaro. The carrier treated it like their own and kept me updated the whole trip.”

Mark L.

“I’d never shipped a car before and had a lot of questions. They walked me through the process and the car showed up on schedule with no surprises.”

Sarah M.

“Moving across the country was stressful, but the car shipping wasn’t. Pickup and drop-off were right in front of our new home.”

Daniel & Claire H.