The Differences Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping

Opinion

Published by UrbanGeekz Staff at May 29, 2025

Open Car Shipping

Open car shipping is a type of auto transport service in which cars are transported on trailers without any cover over them. Usually reserved for highways, this trailer can carry multiple vehicles at a time. The main benefits of this approach are cost and availability. Since it allows for the transport of many cars at once, open shipping is usually cheaper.

This is a popular process for shipping companies, enhancing the customers’ availability and versatility. Nevertheless, this process still exposes vehicles to the elements, and they are subjected to rain, snow, and road debris when shipments go via truck, rail, or sea.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed car shipping provides a much safer environment for cars. The trailers that employ this method have walls and a ceiling, protecting cars from rain, dirt, and other possible risks. This method is typically preferred for transporting luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that must retain their cleanest possible condition.

Enclosed shipping provides vehicles with added security. It is enclosed and, therefore, less prone to damage by outside influences. Even though this option is much more expensive than open shipping, most people think it is worth the money for expensive cars.

Cost Considerations

When choosing between open and enclosed car shipping, price is a major factor. Shipping costs for open transportation are relatively cheaper than other forms of transport, which is why they are preferred for common vehicles. Open transportation also carries multiple cars at once, lowering expenses.

Conversely, enclosed shipping costs more to book. Enclosed trailers also cost more due to increased protection and smaller volumes. Enclosed shipping is typically a more expensive option compared to open shipping, but for those who own a high-value vehicle, the lack of damage is well worth it.

Safety and Security

The decision between these two shipping methods is often based on safety issues. Open trailers leave vehicles exposed to the elements and, therefore, at risk of minor road damage from debris or the weather. Open shipping has a perfect safety record, as people who handle these cars professionally make sure that the vehicles are strapped down tightly.

Closed transportation is more secure, as vehicles are protected from the outside environment. These completely enclosed trailers minimize the chances of damage, making them ideal for owners of high-value sports and vintage cars. This element of protection is especially advantageous while shipping vehicles over long distances.

Flexibility & Available to You

Open car shipping tends to be more flexible with scheduling and availability. If there are more items on the road, ordering an open trailer is the simplest and most effective way to ship them. Offering plenty of options in a short time, it is a convenient choice for busy professionals.

However, enclosed shipping usually requires slightly more notice. Because there are only so many enclosed trailers and each one can only carry a certain number of cars, those slots can go pretty quickly. That trade-off in schedule flexibility may be worth it for the extra protection if you’re hauling high-value vehicles.

Choosing the Right Method

There are a few routes that you can take when deciding how to get your car or truck shipped overseas, and which one you choose will depend on your budget, the vehicle’s value, what you’d like to experience (think texture), and how far it is to the destination. Open car shipping is an economical and widely available option for common vehicles. It is also a sensible option for many people because of its low price and availability.

On the other hand, those who own luxury or vintage cars find enclosed car shipping to their liking. Enclosed trailers protect and secure the vehicles, ensuring they arrive in great condition. This process can get costly, but it is the safest way for owners to stay (somewhat) worry-free about vehicle safety.

Conclusion

To summarize, open and enclosed car shipping both have pros and cons. Open shipping offers an affordable, flexible option for typical cars, while enclosed shipping protects precious automobiles.

Individuals can base their choices on their specific requirements and priorities by evaluating their needs. Choosing an appropriate shipping option ensures that the cars arrive at the end destination in good condition so that they can last for years to come.

Image Credit: Stock photo

UrbanGeekz Staff

UrbanGeekz is the first to market tech blog focused on covering content from a diverse and multicultural perspective. The groundbreaking videocentric multimedia platform covers technology, business, science, and startups.