When you decide to ship a vehicle, one of the most important choices is selecting the appropriate type of carrier. Open and enclosed car transport are two common options, and each can be useful depending on the vehicle and transportation requirements.
Understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport uses a carrier that transports vehicles without fully enclosing them. Multiple vehicles can typically be transported on the same carrier.
This makes open transport a common option for everyday vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and other standard vehicles.
For many customers, open transportation provides a practical solution for moving a vehicle between locations.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport uses a carrier with an enclosed structure around the transported vehicles.
This provides additional protection from outdoor conditions during transportation. Enclosed transport may be especially suitable for vehicles where owners want additional protection, including classic cars, collector vehicles, luxury vehicles, exotic cars, antiques, and specialty automobiles.
Which Service Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your vehicle and priorities.
If you are shipping a standard daily driver, open transportation may meet your needs. If your vehicle is particularly valuable, collectible, or sensitive to outdoor exposure, you may prefer enclosed transportation.
Advantages of Open Transport
Open transportation is widely used because it can accommodate many types of vehicles and routes.
Potential advantages include:
- Suitable for everyday vehicles
- Commonly available
- Practical for long-distance transportation
- Suitable for cars, SUVs, and trucks
- A straightforward vehicle shipping option
Advantages of Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transportation offers a covered environment that can help reduce exposure to weather and road conditions.
Potential advantages include:
- Additional protection from weather
- Reduced outdoor exposure
- Suitable for specialty vehicles
- Useful for classic and collectible vehicles
- A more protected transportation environment
Think About Your Vehicle’s Value
The type and value of your vehicle can influence your decision. An ordinary daily-use vehicle may not require enclosed transportation.
A restored classic or collectible vehicle may deserve additional consideration because the owner may want to minimize outdoor exposure during transit.
Consider Your Route
Your transportation route can also influence your decision. Long-distance trips may expose a vehicle to a variety of weather and road conditions.
Enclosed transport can provide additional coverage during the journey.
Prepare Your Vehicle Regardless of Carrier Type
Regardless of the transportation method, proper preparation is important.
Remove personal belongings, inspect the vehicle, document its condition, and communicate any mechanical problems or modifications before pickup.
Final Thoughts
Open and enclosed transportation serve different customer needs. Open car transport can be a practical choice for many everyday vehicles, while enclosed transport can provide additional protection for specialty and valuable vehicles.
American Vehicle Transport can help customers explore vehicle shipping options based on their vehicle, route, and transportation requirements.