Choosing between open and enclosed car transport is one of the first decisions you’ll face when shipping a vehicle — and it directly affects your cost, your car’s protection, and your peace of mind.
Both methods are safe and widely used. But they’re not interchangeable. The right choice depends on your vehicle’s value, its size, your budget, and how much protection you need during transit.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about open vs. enclosed car transport so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is the most common method of shipping vehicles in the United States. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open, multi-car carrier — the same type of truck you’ve probably seen on highways hauling 7 to 10 cars at a time.
Because open carriers are widely available and can transport multiple vehicles in a single trip, this method is faster to schedule and more affordable than enclosed transport. It’s the standard option for the vast majority of vehicle shipments across the country.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields your vehicle from outside elements — weather, road debris, dust, and public view. Enclosed carriers typically hold fewer vehicles (2 to 6), and each car is loaded with extra care.
This method is the preferred choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, and any vehicle where extra protection is a priority. The added care comes at a higher price, but for the right vehicle, it’s worth every dollar.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | |
| Average Cost | Lower — standard market rate | 30–50% higher than open |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road debris | Fully protected from elements |
| Availability | High — carriers depart frequently | Lower — fewer carriers available |
| Insurance Coverage | $100,000–$150,000 | $250,000–$1,000,000 |
| Best For | Standard vehicles, everyday cars | Luxury, classic, exotic, low-clearance vehicles |
| Loading Method | Standard ramps | Hydraulic lifts, extra care handling |
| Visibility | Car is visible during transport | Car is fully concealed |
Pros and Cons of Open Car Transport
Pros
- Lower cost — open transport is significantly more affordable for most routes
- Faster scheduling — more carriers available means shorter pickup windows
- Widely trusted — the overwhelming majority of vehicle shipments in the US use open transport safely
- Works for most vehicles — sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans are all well-suited to open carriers
Cons
- Exposure to elements — your vehicle is not protected from rain, dust, or road debris during transit
- Lower insurance ceiling — coverage maxes out around $100,000–$150,000
- Less privacy — your vehicle is visible to others on the road
Pros and Cons of Enclosed Car Transport
Pros
- Maximum protection — your car is shielded from weather, debris, and road hazards
- Higher insurance coverage — typically up to $250,000–$1,000,000 per shipment
- Careful handling — enclosed carriers use hydraulic lifts and specialized loading for fragile or low-clearance vehicles
- Privacy — your vehicle is not visible during transport, which matters for rare or high-profile cars
Cons
- Higher cost — enclosed transport typically runs 30–50% more than open
- Longer scheduling — fewer carriers in circulation means potentially longer wait times for pickup
- Not necessary for most everyday vehicles — the extra cost isn’t always justified
Which Vehicles Should Use Enclosed Transport?
Enclosed transport is the right call for vehicles where the cost of potential damage during transit would significantly outweigh the price difference.
Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping:
- Luxury and exotic vehicles — Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and similar models
- Classic and antique cars — older vehicles where bodywork and paint are difficult or impossible to restore
- Low ground clearance vehicles — any car with clearance under 5 inches should use enclosed transport with a hydraulic lift to avoid ramp damage
- Motorcycles — bikes are highly recommended for enclosed shipping due to their vulnerability
- High-value vehicles — if your car’s market value makes you uncomfortable with open transport, enclosed is the right choice
Mile Auto Transport offers both enclosed car transport and specialized luxury and supercar transport for vehicles that need the highest level of care.
Which Vehicles Are Fine with Open Transport?
Open transport is the standard — and for most cars, it’s completely appropriate. If you’re shipping:
- A standard sedan, SUV, crossover, or pickup truck
- A daily driver with normal ground clearance
- A vehicle that isn’t irreplaceable or particularly high in value
…then open transport is the practical, cost-effective choice. The vast majority of vehicles shipped in the US travel on open carriers every day without issue.
Learn more about open car transport and what to expect during the process.
How Much Does Each Option Cost?
Exact pricing depends on the route, distance, vehicle size, and current carrier availability. As a general guide:
- Open transport is priced at standard market rates for auto shipping — the baseline cost you’ll see quoted for most routes.
- Enclosed transport typically adds 30–50% to the base price, due to the specialized equipment, lower carrier capacity, and additional handling involved.
For longer cross-country routes, the price difference between the two can range from $300 to $700 or more. For a specific quote on your route, contact Mile Auto Transport — we’ll give you an accurate number for both options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open car transport safe? Yes. Open transport is the industry standard in the United States. Millions of vehicles are shipped this way every year. Your car is secured with straps and tie-downs to prevent movement during transit. The exposure to elements is real but rarely causes any damage under normal conditions.
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost? For most everyday vehicles, no — open transport is sufficient. For luxury, exotic, classic, or low-clearance vehicles, the added protection and higher insurance coverage make enclosed transport well worth the price difference.
Can I ship a motorcycle in open transport? Motorcycles are highly recommended for enclosed shipping. Without the protection of an enclosed trailer, bikes are more vulnerable to road debris and weather during transit.
How do I know which option to choose? A simple rule: if your vehicle is worth more than $50,000, is a classic or rare model, has low ground clearance, or requires special handling — choose enclosed. For everything else, open transport is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
The Bottom Line
Open transport is the smart, economical choice for most vehicles. Enclosed transport exists for the cars that deserve an extra level of care — and for those vehicles, it’s the right call every time.
At Mile Auto Transport, we handle both methods with the same commitment to safety and reliability. Whether you’re shipping a daily driver from Chicago to Miami or a classic car across the country, we’ll match you with the right carrier for your vehicle and budget.
Ready to ship? Get a free quote — we’re here to help.