Open Trailer Shipping
Open trailer shipping is the most commonly used and cost-effective method of auto transport in the U.S.
How It Works:
- Vehicles are loaded onto a multi-car open-air trailer
- Cars are exposed to weather, road debris, and the elements—just like if they were being driven.
- Carriers typically travel regular routes, making scheduling and pricing more efficient.
Benefits of Open Transport:
- More affordable than enclosed shipping
- Easier to schedule (more availability)
- Suitable for everyday vehicles, trucks, and SUVs
- Fully insured and DOT compliant
Best For:
- Dealership transfers
- Budget-conscious customers
Enclosed Trailer Shipping
Enclosed shipping offers premium protection by transporting your vehicle in a fully covered trailer.
How It Works:
- Your car is loaded into a sealed trailer that shields it from all weather, dust, and road debris.
- Most enclosed carriers handle 1–5 vehicles at a time, and use soft straps or hydraulic liftgates for extra safety.
Benefits of Enclosed Transport:
- Maximum protection from elements
- Reduced risk of cosmetic damage
- Lower chance of theft or vandalism
- Carriers often have specialized experience with luxury or rare vehicles
Best For:
- Classic, exotic, or luxury vehicles
- Low-clearance or modified cars
- High-value vehicles requiring extra care
Open vs. Enclosed – What’s the Difference?
The key difference between open and enclosed vehicle shipping comes down to protection, price, and purpose.
Open trailer shipping is the more affordable option and is widely used for standard, everyday vehicles. Your car is transported on an open-air carrier along with several other vehicles—typically 3 to 10 at a time. While this method is efficient and cost-effective, it does expose your vehicle to weather, dust, and road debris, just like if it were being driven on the road.
Enclosed trailer shipping, on the other hand, provides a much higher level of protection. Your vehicle is placed inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from the elements and potential damage. These carriers typically hold fewer vehicles (1 to 5) and are often used for classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotics, or anything requiring extra care. Enclosed carriers often use soft straps, wheel nets, or hydraulic liftgates for added safety and gentler handling.
While enclosed shipping costs more, it’s the preferred method for anyone transporting a high-value, delicate, or low-clearance vehicle. Open shipping is ideal for most standard vehicles and customers looking for the best value.
If your vehicle is non-running or inoperable, it can still be shipped—but it requires extra planning and equipment.
What qualifies as inoperable?
- Car won’t start or drive
- Mechanical failure (engine, brakes, transmission, battery)
- Flat tires, no keys, or safety issues
What’s different about shipping it?
- Carrier must use a winch, forklift, or liftgate to load and unload
- Inoperable vehicles cannot be driven onto or off the trailer
- May require specialized equipment (especially for enclosed transport)
Additional Charges May Apply:
- Extra labor, tools, or time may result in an inoperable vehicle fee
- You must notify us in advance if the vehicle doesn’t run—so we can assign the correct carrier
Best Practices:
- Clearly disclose the vehicle’s condition during quote request
- Remove loose or damaged parts that could fall off in transit
- If brakes or steering are out, let us know—it affects loading strategy