You’ve finally bought the dream machine, maybe a classic dripping with chrome or a brand-new supercar that makes the ground shake. Now comes the big question: how do you get it from the seller’s garage to your driveway without weather, road debris, or careless handling ruining the finish? That’s where the debate over car transport open vs. enclosed begins, and choosing the right option could make all the difference for your luxury car.
Key Takeaways
- Car transport, whether open or enclosed, boils down to cost versus protection.
- Open car transport works for everyday vehicles at a reasonable price.
- Enclosed auto transport offers complete protection for luxury cars, classic cars, and exotic vehicles.
- Factors like distance, delivery locations, and insurance coverage impact car shipping costs.
- Luxury Car Shippers leads the way with nearly 20 years of top-tier service.
Why Car Transport Matters When You Own Luxury Cars
Luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and delicate vehicles do not belong bouncing around behind a pickup on an open trailer.
Owners of classic cars, sports cars, and high-value vehicles expect more than just movement from A to B.
They want complete protection, insurance coverage, and assurance that the car reaches its destination safely without scratches, dents, or weather damage.
This is where car shipping services come into play.
They allow you to ship a car without racking up unnecessary miles, burning fuel costs, or worrying about unexpected road debris.
With seasoned auto transport companies like Luxury Car Shippers, who have been moving luxury vehicles for over 19 years, you get peace of mind that your investment stays completely protected.
Car Transport Open vs Enclosed: What’s the Difference?
Let’s get straight to it.
Open transport is the cheaper, more common method.
Think of those two-level open-air carriers cruising down the freeway carrying ten or more cars.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, uses fully enclosed trailers, essentially moving vaults on wheels, offering added protection and complete coverage from weather elements and prying eyes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Open Car Transport
- Uses an open trailer or open carrier.
- Often loads 8 to 10 cars, sometimes more.
- Affordable car shipping cost.
- Faster scheduling with more pickup and delivery locations.
- Exposes cars to weather, dust, and potential existing damage from road debris.
Enclosed Car Transport
- Uses an enclosed trailer or enclosed transport trailers.
- Fewer cars on board, often 2 to 6.
- Higher enclosed car transport cost.
- Enclosed carriers provide complete protection against the elements.
- Best for luxury cars, exotic cars, classic cars, and delicate vehicles with low ground clearance or custom modifications.
In short, open transport works for everyday vehicles, but if you’ve spent a small fortune on something rare, you’ll want enclosed car shipping services.
Why Open Car Transport Still Works
Before we crown enclosed transport king, let’s give credit where it’s due.
Open transport car shipping remains the most popular auto transport service in America. Why? It’s straightforward, practical, and offers a reasonable price.
- Economical – The cost per vehicle drops because the trailer hauls more cars.
- Availability – More car transport companies operate open carriers, allowing for quicker booking and more flexible pickup and delivery locations.
- Speed – With more trailers on the road, open shipping often means faster service.
If you need to move an inoperable vehicle you picked up as a project, or you just bought a second-hand SUV for family trips, open transport trailers do the job nicely.
But let’s be clear. If we’re talking about luxury vehicles worth more than some houses, then open shipping feels like leaving your diamond Rolex on the table of a dodgy pub.
Why Enclosed Car Transport Reigns Supreme For Luxury Cars
Now let’s talk about the good stuff.
Enclosed car transport doesn’t just move your car, it pampers it. Imagine your car tucked inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from wind, rain, sun, and stones.
Here’s why enclosed transportation works best for luxury cars and exotic vehicles:
- Added Protection – With enclosed carriers, your ride is completely protected from weather elements, grit, and careless drivers flicking stones at your paintwork.
- Special Care for Delicate Vehicles – Perfect for low ground clearance cars and modified vehicles that require ramps, lifts, or special handling.
- Privacy – Your Lamborghini doesn’t need to be a roadside attraction. Enclosed auto shipping keeps prying eyes away.
- Insurance Coverage – Premium transport services often include full insurance coverage, giving peace of mind.
Of course, the enclosed car shipping cost sits higher than open transport. But if you’ve already spent six figures, or more, on a car, saving a few bucks by leaving it exposed to rainstorms and bird droppings hardly makes sense.
How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
The moment you mention enclosed car transport cost, people start sweating like they’re buying the car all over again.
Let’s make it simple. The price depends on a few key factors:
- Distance: Longer routes cost more, naturally.
- Vehicle Size: Big SUVs, box trucks, and modified vehicles require more space.
- Transport Type: Whether you pick open or enclosed transport or exclusive enclosed shipping.
- Delivery Locations: Remote areas add costs compared to busy city hubs.
- Expedited Shipping: Faster delivery means higher cost.
- Insurance Coverage: More coverage equals more peace of mind, and a slightly higher price tag.
On average, enclosed auto transport services cost about 30 to 60 percent more than open auto transport.
Think of it like choosing first class over economy. You’re still flying, but one comes with champagne and a flatbed seat.
What to Expect with Enclosed Car Carriers
When you book with enclosed car transport companies, here’s the kind of service you should expect:
- Special Equipment: Enclosed transport trailers with hydraulic lifts for low ground clearance cars.
- Fewer Cars Per Trip: Typically, just 2 to 6 vehicles inside, so less jostling and faster delivery.
- Complete Protection: No road debris, no rain streaks, no sun damage.
- Experienced Drivers: Many have years of experience handling sports cars and exotic cars.
This isn’t just transport. It’s like sending your car to the spa, except instead of cucumber water, it gets enclosed carriers and white-glove handling.
Open and Enclosed Transport: Which Should You Choose?
The question really comes down to what you value most: cost or protection.
- If you’re moving everyday vehicles, open car shipping keeps costs low and gets the job done.
- If you’re moving luxury cars, exotic vehicles, or classic cars, enclosed transportation offers the added protection you want.
A good way to decide?
Ask yourself: would you be heartbroken if a flying pebble chipped the paint on your Ferrari? If the answer is yes, and it should be, then enclosed auto transport is the way forward.
Common Myths About Car Shipping
Let’s tackle a few myths we hear often.
“Enclosed car transport costs a fortune.”
Not true. It costs more, yes, but compared to repairing paintwork or body damage, it’s a bargain.
“Open transport damages every car.”
Wrong again. Most cars arrive without a scratch, but luxury and delicate vehicles deserve complete protection.
“Insurance coverage is optional.”
No. Always check that your chosen auto transport provider offers proper insurance coverage or full insurance coverage.
Stories from the Road
A client once used open transport, as advised by a competitor, for his newly bought Porsche.
When it arrived, the car looked like it had been parked in the middle of a sandstorm.
Dust everywhere, little scratches on the bonnet.
He saved a few hundred bucks on shipping, then spent triple that fixing the finish.
On the flip side, another friend shipped a classic car using enclosed vehicle transport with us.
The car arrived as spotless as the day it left, wrapped in enclosed shipping like fine china.
He didn’t even need to wash it. That’s the difference.
Tips for Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
When picking among auto transport companies or enclosed car transport companies, keep these tips in mind:
- Check Reviews: Look for real customer stories, not just glossy websites.
- Compare Quotes: Always request an enclosed car shipping quote and a standard car shipping quote to see the difference.
- Ask About Hidden Fees: Make sure no surprises pop up after you’ve signed.
- Inspect Insurance Coverage: Confirm the level of protection, especially for luxury vehicles.
- Look at Equipment: Ensure they use enclosed carriers and fully enclosed trailers for the cars that need them.
- Ask About Experience: Go with companies that regularly handle exotic cars, sports cars, and delicate vehicles.
Why Luxury Car Shippers Lead the Pack
If you’re going to trust anyone with your pride and joy, trust the experts.
Luxury Car Shippers has been delivering luxury car shipping services for over 19 years.
We don’t just move vehicles, we protect them as if they were our own.
Whether you need covered car transport, enclosed car shipping services, or even expedited shipping, our team handles it all.
What sets us apart:
- Experience: Nearly two decades of moving luxury vehicles and exotic cars.
- Equipment: Fully enclosed trailers, hydraulic lifts, and top-tier enclosed transport trailers.
- Service: Clear pricing, no hidden fees, and upfront payment required so there are no surprises.
- Coverage: Full insurance coverage so you never lose sleep.
If you want enclosed car carriers that treat your car like the crown jewels, Luxury Car Shippers delivers every time.
Summary
At the end of the day, whether you go with open transport or enclosed car transport, your goal remains the same: get your car to its destination safely. For everyday sedans, an open trailer works fine. For luxury cars, exotic cars, and classic cars, nothing beats the complete protection of enclosed car shipping services.
So if you’re standing at the crossroads of car transport, open vs enclosed, do your car a favor. Call Luxury Car Shippers, grab your enclosed car shipping quote, and let the experts deliver your investment in pristine condition.
Because when it comes to car transport, open vs enclosed, your luxury ride deserves nothing less than the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between auto shipping with open and enclosed transport?
Auto shipping with open car transport services leaves vehicles exposed to the weather and road, while enclosed transport keeps them fully protected inside a trailer. Open carriers work well for everyday cars, but luxury and delicate vehicles benefit from enclosed shipping.
Can I ship cars and other vehicles besides luxury models?
Yes, you can ship cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and other vehicles with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping. The choice depends on the value of the vehicle and the level of protection you want.
How do pick-up locations affect transport vehicles cost?
Your pick-up location and delivery destination play a big role in the price. Transporting vehicles between major cities often costs less than moving them to rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Are open car transport services safe for luxury vehicles?
While open car services are reliable for most cars, they leave high-end models more vulnerable to road debris and weather elements. For sports cars, classic cars, and exotic models, enclosed trailers provide added protection.
How long does vehicle shipping usually take?
The time to ship cars or transport vehicles depends on distance, route demand, and whether you choose open or enclosed shipping. Most cross-country moves take one to two weeks, though expedited enclosed shipping can be faster.
