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Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Which One Do You Need?
How open and enclosed car carriers differ, who each one suits, and what to ask before you choose.
The short answer
Open transport is the standard choice for most everyday cars and is usually the lower-cost option. Enclosed transport puts the car inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, road grime and debris, and is often chosen for classic, exotic, luxury or freshly restored vehicles. It usually costs more and can have fewer available trucks on a given route.
How open transport works
- Cars ride on a multi-level trailer you have likely seen on the highway.
- Because these trucks are common, it can be easier to find a carrier for your route and dates.
- The car is exposed to the same weather and road conditions it would face being driven.
How enclosed transport works
- Cars ride inside a hard-sided or soft-sided trailer, often carrying fewer vehicles per load.
- Some enclosed carriers use liftgates, which help with low-clearance cars.
- Fewer enclosed trucks operate, so pickup windows can be longer on less-traveled routes.
Which one fits your car?
- Daily driver, standard sedan, SUV or truck: open transport is what most people book.
- Classic, exotic, high-value, low-clearance or show car: enclosed is commonly recommended.
- Shipping in harsh winter weather or with fresh paint: some owners choose enclosed for the extra cover.
- Non-running vehicle: tell every company up front, whichever trailer type you choose, since it may need a winch.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is this quote for open or enclosed, and is it a guaranteed total in writing?
- For enclosed: is the trailer hard-sided or soft-sided, and is there a liftgate?
- What cargo insurance does the carrier have, and what does it cover?
- What is the pickup window for this trailer type on my route?
- How much is the deposit, and is it refundable if no carrier is found?
Compare like with like
When you compare quotes, make sure every company is pricing the same trailer type, the same dates and the same vehicle condition. An open quote next to an enclosed quote is not a fair comparison. Then read each company's most recent 1-star reviews to see how it handled delays, damage or price changes.
More guides
- How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? What Affects the Price
- How to Avoid Car Shipping Scams and Bait-and-Switch Quotes
- Auto Transport Broker vs Carrier: What's the Difference?
Last updated October 2026. General consumer information, not legal or financial advice.