Choosing between open and enclosed auto transport is probably the most significant decision to be made alongside auto shipping. Both ways of transport have their pros and cons, the better one being defined by a customer’s needs, price-range, and the class of car to be shipped.
We will deepen the differences between open and enclosed auto transport throughout this detailed guide. By the end of it, you will have enough information to select the method which best suits your needs and preferences.
Understanding Open Auto Transport
Open auto transport represents the most common as well as the cheapest way to send a vehicle abroad. In this method, your vehicle is placed on top of an open-air trailer, usually a multi-car carrier that can take 7 to 10 cars at a time.
Pros of Open Auto Transport
Cost-Effective: Open transport is usually less expensive than enclosed ones, thus turning it into a first-choice option for normal cars and customers that have a budget to keep.
Wide Availability: More carriers with open trailers mean that the schedules are often more flexible and the time for the pickup and the delivery can be shorter.
Efficient for Standard Vehicles: Perfect for regular cars, SUVs, and trucks that are not required to be given extra protection during the shipping process.
Cons of Open Auto Transport
Exposure to Elements: Cars are exposed to nature and the road, thus, their paint may peel or they may scratch.
Less Privacy: The car is in sight while being delivered and you can check it anytime, however, if it is a highly valuable or luxury vehicle, it may not be that comforting.
Potential for Delays: Even though arranging is usually convenient, the situation of being exposed to the elements can also cause postponements resulting from adverse weather conditions.
Exploring Enclosed Auto Transport
Using enclosed auto transport means that a vehicle is delivered in a fully enclosed trailer to provide maximum protection. Typically, this way of transportation is used for luxury, exotic, classic, or simply high-value cars that need to take off their shoes and be pampered.
Pros of Enclosed Auto Transport
Maximum Protection: Cars are kept safe from weather, dust on the road, and other little things that might come in their way while they are being transported, thus the risk of getting any kind of damage is lowered tremendously.
Enhanced Security: Security is also up to the mark because the enclosed method is there to safeguard your car from getting stolen or vandalized.
Best for High-Value Vehicles: The best solution for the lowest level of risk of care giving is ideal for classic cars, luxurious vehicles, and rare models that are the most sensitive and need the strictest attention.
Cons of Enclosed Auto Transport
More Expensive: The costs for using an enclosed vehicle transportation service are generally higher because of the limited number of carriers and special equipment used.
Not So Many: Limited number of carriers operating with enclosed trailers could lead to a longer waiting time for both pickup and delivery.
Less Volume: Since enclosed trailers normally carry fewer cars, the scheduling flexibility and the delivery time can be affected.
One of the main differences between open and enclosed auto transport is the cost of the shipment. Typically, the price for open transport can go from $600 to $1,000, where the trip length, the vehicle size, and the season are some contributing factors to the fluctuation. On the other hand, the cost of an enclosed shipment for a similar distance is generally from $1,200 to $2,000 or even higher.
There are several reasons for the cost difference between the two:
Distance: The cost of shipping will generally be more for longer distances.
Size and Weight of the Vehicle: A car with bigger dimensions and made of heavy metal needs more fuel and bigger truck to transport.
Seasonality: The prices might increase during the peak season, because of the demand for the service.
Route Accessibility: Hard to get to or less accessible routes might have extra fees.
When to Opt for Open Auto Transport
Open auto transfer fits the following:
Standard vehicles: Regular cars, SUVs, and pickups that are not needing extra safety measures.
Sensible shippers with money: People who want to save the cost of shipping but do not want to lower the security level.
Availability of the schedule: Those who are able to adjust their pick-up and delivery times to different time slots.
When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto transport is the perfect solution for:
High-Value Vehicles: The four categories of high-end cars, that is luxury, exotic, antique, or custom cars which are required to be safeguarded to the maximum extent possible.
Collectors and Enthusiasts: Persons who are sending a rare or an unreplaceable car.
Severe Weather: Cars that are being moved through a region with bad weather or with a lot of road hazards.
Conclusion
When to decide between open and enclosed auto transport is entirely dependent upon your needs, price range, and the car you're shipping. However, open auto transport remains a cheaper and more accessible option for normal cars, whereas enclosed auto transport offers a better safety shield against expensive or rare vehicles.
At 1st Car Shipping, we believe that the decision of the best method for shipping your car is the most significant one. Our crew will facilitate the procedure for you, making sure your vehicle will be delivered safely and on time. Please get in touch with us to talk about your auto transport needs and to get a quote that fits your needs.
