When it comes to car shipping, you typically have two options: open and enclosed. These options are exactly what their names imply, and choosing one over the other comes down to understanding the pros and cons of each. With that in mind, let’s go over open and enclosed car shipping and which method is best for you.
Open Car Shipping
Open car shipping is the most popular form of car transportation. Using this method, your car will be transported using a carrier that carries multiple cars at a time. This is typically a good choice for standard vehicles if you want to keep costs low. On top of this, open car shipping is a door-to-door service. This means that the shipping company can pick up your car from your home and deliver it directly to its new destination. This makes things more convenient for you in the long run.
Pros
Affordable – Open car transportation is one of the most cost-effective ways to move your car across the country or state.
Safe – Open car carriers are a very safe method of transportation. While your car is exposed to the elements, it typically isn’t in danger of suffering damage from a collision or road debris.
Convenient – Door-to-door pickup and delivery makes open-car shipping an extremely convenient and time-saving method of car transportation.
Fast – Hiring open car shipping is a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t take long to complete once the shipment has begun.
Cons
Elemental Exposure – While normally not a big deal, your car will be exposed to the elements during open-car shipping. Unless there is a hail storm or some other type of major weather event, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping is when your car is shipped in an enclosed trailer. Sometimes your car will be by itself in the trailer. Other times, there might be other cars in there with it, depending on the circumstances. In either case, this is the safest method of transportation for your car since it won’t be exposed to the elements or road debris. If you own a high-end supercar, classic car, or
any other type of car that you want to be preserved in perfect condition, this will be your shipping method of choice.
Pros
Total Protection – Virtually no damage can come to your car when shipped in an enclosed trailer. This includes weather damage, road debris, collision damage, and vandalism.
Convenient – As with open car carriers, enclosed car shipping services can be done door to door. Just make sure there are no obstacles in the way, such as trees, powerlines, or parked cars.
Faster – In many cases, enclosed car shipping can be done even faster than open. This is because there will be fewer, if any, other cars to transport and deliver at the same time.
Cons
Cost – Enclosed car shipping is a premium service. This means that you will be paying a premium price for it. Generally speaking, enclosed car shipping costs around 30 to 40% more than open. The good news is that if you can afford to own a car that needs enclosed shipping,
then you probably won’t have any difficulty adjusting to this price increase.
Choosing The Best Car Shipping Option
Which car shipping option you choose depends on several different factors. If price is all that matters to you, then open will be your best shot. However, even if the price is no object, enclosed shipping may still not be something that you absolutely need. For example, if you are looking for an Arizona car transport company to take your car across the state or into a nearby state, open might be just fine even if you have a fancy car.
Alternatively, if you have a car that you want to protect at all costs, then enclosed shipping is definitely the better option. Not only does this apply to luxury or supercar models but also to cars that tend to spend most of their time in the garage for one reason or another. If you need complete protection for your peace of mind, go with enclosed car shipping. You won’t regret it.
