According to IBISWorld Research Company, the vehicle shipping industry in the U.S. has experienced declining revenue due to rising gas prices, political conflicts, and diminishing car sales. Despite these ongoing industry challenges, the industry remains thriving, especially in e-commerce.
New suppliers of car transport services emerge. This shift in supply creates stiff competition for established companies since it enables customers to choose between various suppliers that offer convenience and cost-efficiency.
When shipping a vehicle, selecting the right method can impact your car's safety during transport. The two primary options are open car transport and enclosed vehicle shipping. Each offers distinct advantages based on your needs and the type of vehicle you're shipping.
Thus, this article explains the factors of open vs enclosed car shipping that may affect your decision when selecting the best option for car shipping.
What Is Open Auto Shipping?
Open auto shipping or open car transport is a method of shipping vehicles where the cars are loaded onto open-air, multi-level trailers for transport. is the most commonly used for vehicle shipments in the U.S., with around 90% of vehicles being shipped this way. The multi-level trailers used for this service can accommodate 7 to 10 vehicles. Statistically, this method can reduce transportation costs by up to 50% compared to enclosed and other shipping methods.
According to industry reports, open car carriers complete most shipments within a week, with faster turnarounds due to the broader availability of open carriers. This makes scheduling more flexible and often quicker than enclosed options.
Open shipping is a practical choice for standard vehicles. According to a CNN article, the average shipping cost of a car is $600 to $1,000, depending on the distance.
Additionally, opting for open car transport can be a more environmentally friendly choice. It maximizes efficiency by shipping multiple vehicles simultaneously, thereby reducing fuel consumption and the carbon footprint per vehicle.
Pros:
- Less expensive than enclosed vehicle transport, making it a budget-friendly option
- Wider availability for quicker and more flexible scheduling
- Efficient loading and unloading quickly
- Reduction of a business’s carbon footprint
Cons:
- Exposure to weather elements and road debris
- Potential for dirt and grime
What Is Enclosed Car Shipping?
Enclosed vehicle shipping, or enclosed car transport is a method where vehicles are shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, offering protection from weather, road debris, and other potential damage.This is often chosen for transporting high-value, luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles. It accounts for only about 10% of vehicle shipments in the U.S.
The trailers used in enclosed shipping typically carry fewer vehicles, usually between 1 and 5 at a time.
One of the primary reasons individuals opt for enclosed transport is safety. Statistics show that vehicles transported in enclosed trailers have a less than 1% chance of sustaining damage compared to open car transport. This figure makes it an appealing choice for owners of rare or collectible cars.
However, this added protection comes at a cost. According to Kelly Blue Book, enclosed car transport costs 30% to 50% more than open transport.
The price range for enclosed shipping can start at $1,000 and go as high as $2,500 or more, depending on distance, vehicle type, and the service provider. Additionally, enclosed carriers are less common, and scheduling is slightly more challenging with longer wait times.
Advantages:
- Full protection from weather and road conditions
- Reduced the risk of damage during transport
- Ideal for high-value vehicles or vintage cars that require added protection
Disadvantages:
- Higher costs due to the higher protection level and lower capacity per trailer
- Longer wait times due to availability
Should I Ship My Car Open or Enclosed?
When deciding on open vs enclosed car shipping methods, you should consider your vehicle's value, budget, and delivery timeframe.
Vehicle Value
Cars are usually safe in open car transport. Despite potential exposure to weather, less than 5% of cars shipped via open transport sustain any damage, usually limited to minor dirt or grime accumulation.
However, if you want extra protection, especially for high-value or classic cars, you can opt for enclosed shipping.
Budget
In the open vs enclosed car shipping budget, open auto shipping is about 50% cheaper than enclosed car transport, even at longer distances. Some shippers offer discounts on shipping costs per mile as distance goes longer.
The cost of open vs enclosed car shipping depends on several factors:
- Larger or heavier vehicles may increase transport costs.
- Expedited shipping and door-to-door delivery can add to the price.
- Peak seasons may drive up prices, especially for enclosed shipping.
Urgency
Open auto shipping offers faster availability because of the higher number of carriers on the road. This scheduling availability is beneficial during peak shipping seasons when demand is high.
However, an enclosed transport service may still be the best choice if the vehicle is expensive and part of a rare collection. If urgency is important, you may need to pay more to ensure that you receive the vehicle at the needed date. Otherwise, you can opt for open shipping to save on costs.
To answer the question of “Which is better, open vs enclosed car shipping?” depends on your final preference. Choose open auto shipping if you have a standard car that doesn’t need special protection and you’re okay with a bit of dirt on it. Select enclosed shipping if you have the budget, regardless of whether it’s a standard or expensive car.
Moreover, you can reduce costs by choosing terminal-to-terminal drop-offs. Whether it’s open or enclosed, door-to-door service adds to the cost of shipping.
How To Choose the Right Shipping Company
Shipping your car, whether open or enclosed, might be more cost-effective than driving it to its final destination, especially if it is miles away. Furthermore, as Forbes discusses, mileage is a factor in insurance rates. But how do you choose the right shipping company?
You can protect your money by confidently choosing the right shipping option for your vehicle, evaluating your needs, and checking the company's credentials. Here’s how to select the right one:
- Look for customer feedback on open auto shipping and enclosed car transport services.
- Verify credentials by checking the company’s USDOT number, which is a licensed number given to legitimate auto transporters.
- Obtain quotes and compare prices for both open and enclosed car transport.
- Check the insurance coverage offered by open vs enclosed car shipping.
- Choose companies experienced in transporting vehicles similar to yours.
