Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping - Choosing the Right Ride for Your Vehicle

Shipping your car?

 

Whether renting a new home and moving your things across the country or buying a vehicle from a different seller, choosing the appropriate shipping method matters.

 

Two primary options dominate the car shipping landscape: open and enclosed transport.

 

Relating specific elements of both is necessary for rationalizing decisions about weighted factors of cost, convenience, and security.

 

In this article, we'll dive into open vs. enclosed car shipping to help you determine the best option for safeguarding your vehicle during transport.

 

Open car shipping: The economical choice

 

The most popular and affordable option is, of course, the open-car shipping service.

 

The car accompanies other cars on a flat and uncovered trailer open to several climatic conditions.

 

Use them for standard vehicles and comparatively small distances because they provide a certain level of security.

 

Pros:

 

• Affordability: Open transport is comparatively cheaper compared to enclosed transport.
  
  

• Availability: Since there are more open carriers because they are used more frequently, they are easier to book, which may make deliveries happen faster.
  
  

• Convenience: In most cases, loading and unloading are not a problem and can quickly be done on an open trailer.

 

Cons:

 

• Exposure to the elements: Your car is exposed to bad weather during transportation, whether it is raining, snowing, or hailing, or to road debris such as rocks, dust, and insects.
  
  

• Potential for minor damage: However, there is a relatively small chance of minor skin on the car's surface due to debris on the roads during transport, which is higher in open transport than in enclosed ones.
  
  

• Security concerns: While it is rare for this type of trailer, open trailers provide less protection from theft or acts of vandalism than enclosed ones.

 

Enclosed car shipping: The premium protection

 

The second method is enclosed car shipping, in which your car is loaded into a fully enclosed trailer.

 

This method is preferred for high-value, antique, or luxury cars, whose condition is paramount.

 

Pros:

 

• Maximum protection: Enclosed trailers protect your vehicle from the vagaries of weather, rocks, or any other object on the road, as well as from curious onlookers interested in compositions contained within the enclosed car trailers.
  
  

• Specialized handling: Enclosed carriers tend to be for niche markets, including temperature management for temperature-delicate vehicles or for some other reason where a precise and safe method of car transport is necessary.
  
  

• Enhanced security: They reduce cases of theft and vandalism since the environment is enclosed, offering satisfaction to such vehicles.

 

Cons:

 

• Higher cost: Enclosed auto transport costs are relatively higher than open transport because the equipment needed is peculiar and the number of carriers is limited.
  
  

• Limited availability: Hiring enclosed carriers may be slightly more involved and time-consuming, especially during high-demand seasons.
  
  

• Potential for longer transit times: It takes more time to load and offload enclosed trailers than it may take for open trailers, which may extend the overall transport period by a day or two for a trailer.

 

Making the right choice: Factors to consider in open vs. enclosed car shipping

 

When deciding between open vs. enclosed car shipping, consider these key factors:

 

• Vehicle value and Condition: Open transport is most often adequate for regular cars and, as a rule, cars damaged in some way or already with various traces of others' usage. But then again, automobiles with high value, classic, or considered luxury would need more protection than the enclosed transport offered.
  
  

• Budget: Determine your budget and evaluate possible expenses in open vs. enclosed shipping compared with the level of security.
  
  

• Distance: The open transport system could be ideal for the short haul. Excursion could require closed shuttle transport, mainly if it were to pass through regions characterized by challenging weather or terrain.
  
  

• Time sensitivity: If you need the car delivered within a short time, open transport can provide quicker bookings and likely quicker delivery if required.
  
  

• Personal preference: The comfort level of what is riskier, the open transport or the confined transport, determines the decision.

 

Also, read Impact of seasonal changes on car shipping

 

Additional tips:

• Research car shipping companies: The car shipping company with prior experience in the type of transport you choose. As done before, clients must read various reviews and compare the quotes.
  
  

• Prepare your vehicle: Wash the interior and exterior and take pictures or record any scratches, dents, or other damage before the car is transported before the shipping agency is hired.
  
  

• Communicate with the carrier: The customer should constantly contact the carrier to get an update on the vehicle status and the probable time it will be delivered.

 

Ready to Ship Your Car?

 

Get a free, personalized quote today and experience peace of mind with reliable and secure car shipping.

 

Contact Universal Transit to discuss your needs and let us help you choose the best transport option for your vehicle.