There are two main types of car shipping within the industry that you will encounter when you are preparing to ship your car: open transport, or open car shipping, and enclosed transport, or enclosed car shipping. Each car shipping type has benefits and considerations to know before deciding. One of the most important aspects to compare is the quote, that is, the price you pay.
In this guide, we’ll tell you what open quotes and enclosed quotes are, how they’re impacted by these factors, and how you can get the best deal when shipping your car. 1st Car Shipping with competitive quotes and reliable transportation services.
Offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees for helping you make an informed decision.
What Is Open Transport and Enclosed Transport?
Before we get to the quotes, let’s first look at the two options available.
Open Transport
- Definition: Open transport means your vehicle is shipped on an open trailer that can carry six to ten cars at a time.
- Cost: Generally the least expensive of the three options.
- Protection: The vehicle can be exposed to environmental conditions and other road hazards during transport such as rocks or other debris.
Enclosed Transport
- Definition: Enclosed transport means a vehicle is transported in a fully covered carrier. The vehicle is protected from the elements.
- Cost: Enclosed transport typically costs more because it protects more and because it can transport fewer vehicles (usually 2-4).
- Protects: The car gains protection from the weather, debris and damage. This protection makes this option particularly suited for luxury, antique or high-value vehicles.
An understanding of these two options about these items will help you compare quotes and make an informed choice.
Key Differences Between Open and Enclosed Transport Quotes
There are a lot of factors that go into your open vs enclosed quotes. Here are the most common ones to consider.
Cost Differences
Open Transport is cheaper. Open carrier shipping is typically less expensive than enclosed carrier shipping because higher numbers of cars can be shipped for each truck, lowering the shipping price.
Enclosed Transport entails a higher cost than open transport because the enclosed carriers are smaller and carry fewer vehicles. The cost of added security and luxury of being provided safe passage can be higher than in open transport.
Example: For a standard size vehicle shipped cross-country, a quote could be $800-1200 for open transport, or $1200-2000+, for enclosed transport, depending on the route taken and the size of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Value
- Open Transport: Open transport may work for most vehicles, but may not be ideal for your luxury or classic car. If your car has a relatively high market value, rare or collectible, open transport may not be the right option for you.
- Enclosed transportation: This is the best option for an auto transport service especially if you are looking to ship a high-value car. Luxury cars, sports cars, classic cars, and exotic cars can be better protected from the elements (e.g., rain, sunlight, etc.) and from road debris.
Route and Destination
Open Transport is more flexible. Since open carriers can transport multiple cars, they can stop at intermediate destinations to drop cars off at different locations.
With Enclosed Transport routes are generally less flexible, for reasons such as the size of the vehicles and the complex nature of the transport schedules. Drop-off locations may also be more limited.
Open transport is the best choice when people move many vehicles or seek a great price. But, with the money, one might select enclosed transport when moving a luxury or exotic car even with the cost difference.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Both Options
The difference in price between open and enclosed quotes results from multiple factors:
Distance
With increased distance, the costs of shipping also increase. In the case of open transport and enclosed transport, the costs of shipping in both cases will increase, but the costs of enclosed transport will increase more due to using small carriers.
Seasonality
The shipping rates may vary throughout the year depending on the season, to establish additional fees during spring and summer at peak times when demand is high. This applies to open and enclosed transport; however, enclosed will have a higher base rate than open transport.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The larger and heavier the vehicle that is being shipped the more it will usually cost to ship. This holds true for both open and enclosed car shipping. There is usually less space in an enclosed car shipping carrier for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Additional charges may be made for remote and rural areas, especially for open transport, and limited internal space may apply to enclosed carriers as well because of logistics-related issues.
How to Compare Open vs Enclosed Quotes Effectively
Once you have your quotes, make sure you are comparing the same items between open transport and enclosed transport, and these are three good ways to compare your quotes:
Get Quotes for Both Options
Request quotes for open and enclosed transport on the same route and at the same time. This allows you to see how much more enclosed transport is for your needs and what is covered in the quotes.
Make Sure All Costs Are Included
Ensure that the quote includes:
- Insurance coverage
- Pickup and delivery charges
- Extra fees (for remote locations, heavy vehicles, or other special conditions)
Others, like 1st Car Shipping, offer transparent and all-inclusive quotes without any hidden fees that come up later on.
Consider the Type of Vehicle
Additionally, keep the value and condition of your car in mind. For a regular, even non-luxury car, standard open transport is usually the best choice. For a luxury, sports car or classic, enclosed transport provides the best possible protection during shipping.
Look at Insurance Options
Check how much insurance is included in the quotes you’re comparing. Enclosed transport quotes often include higher levels of insurance at the base quote while open transport quotes may include the base coverage only, requiring extra purchase.
Final Decision: Which One Is Right for You?
Both open and enclosed modes of transport have advantages and disadvantages, and which is best can depend on the vehicle, cost, and time.
Go for Open Transport if:
- You are shipping a standard or non-luxury vehicle
- You have a tight budget
- The vehicle isn’t time-sensitive
Go for Enclosed Transport if:
- You have a luxury, vintage, or exotic car
- You want to ensure maximum protection during transit
- You are willing to pay a premium for added safety and security
Comparing Open vs Enclosed Quotes Made Easy
Tracking is not essential. It is a good method for the shipper and receiver to stay informed of progress. Whether to transport open or enclosed depends largely on two things: how much your car is worth and what you can afford with how much protection you want for your vehicle. This guide compares quotes by reviewing important parts of a contract, so that you can make an informed decision.
1st Car Shipping claims that it provides reliable, transparent and efficient car shipping
offers you a quote with no hidden fees, and they help you to ship your vehicle safely and affordably.
