Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport: Which One to Choose

Open transport is the standard way to ship an everyday car: it rides on an open trailer with other cars and costs less. Enclosed transport moves the car inside a covered trailer, away from weather, road debris and public view, and costs more. Choose enclosed for classic, exotic and high-value cars, and open for most daily drivers.

What open transport is

Open transport uses the two-level trailers you see on the interstate, carrying several cars at once. It's the most common way to ship a car, dealer inventory included.

• Costs less. The truck carries more cars, so each car's share is smaller.
• More trucks to choose from. Open carriers run most routes, which makes a pickup easier to schedule.
• Exposed to the road. The car sees the same weather, dust and road grit it would on a drive, and a stone chip is possible.

What enclosed transport is

Enclosed transport moves the car inside a hard-sided or soft-sided trailer. It's the usual choice for classic cars, luxury and exotic cars, and anything with fresh or custom paint.

• Protected from weather and debris. Rain, snow, road salt and stones stay outside.
• Out of sight. A valuable car isn't on display at every truck stop.
• Costs more. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, and there are fewer of them, so pickup dates can take longer to line up.

Which one to choose

Choose open if

• You're shipping a daily driver, a work truck or dealer inventory
• Cost matters more than keeping the car spotless
• You want the widest choice of pickup dates

Choose enclosed if

• The car is a classic, an exotic, a show car or high-value
• It has custom or freshly done paint
• It's low to the ground and needs careful loading
• You'd be upset by a single stone chip

What to ask about an enclosed carrier

• Does the trailer have a lift gate, for cars too low for ramps?
• Does the driver use soft straps or wheel nets that don't touch the body or suspension?
• What is the cargo insurance limit per vehicle? Our car shipping insurance guide explains why it matters.

Either way

Every FCT carrier, open or enclosed, is vetted before it touches the car, and every shipment is fully insured. The driver and truck are confirmed before pickup, the car's condition is recorded on the bill of lading, and you have one point of contact from quote to drop-off. Dealers weighing this for inventory can read open or enclosed for dealer inventory.

Frequently asked questions

Is open car transport safe?

Yes, for most cars. It's how most cars are shipped. The car is exposed to weather and road debris, so a minor chip is possible, which is why valuable cars often go enclosed.

When is enclosed car shipping worth it?

For classic, exotic, luxury and high-value cars, cars with custom or fresh paint, and low cars that need careful loading.

Why does enclosed transport cost more?

Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars per trip and there are fewer of them on the road, so each car's share of the trip is larger.

What should I look for in an enclosed carrier?

A lift gate for low cars, soft straps or wheel nets, and a cargo insurance limit that fits what the car is worth.

Not sure which to pick?

Tell us the car and we will tell you what we would use. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, and a real person gets back to you.