Key takeaways
- Open transport ships 95% of cars on US roads. Enclosed is the exception, not the rule.
- Choose enclosed if your car is worth more than ~$80K, irreplaceable, or has show-quality paint.
- Enclosed costs 40–60% more and dispatches slightly slower because fewer trailers run the lane.
Open transport, in one paragraph
A 75-foot trailer carrying 7–10 vehicles, exposed to weather just like normal driving. This is how every new car gets to a dealership and how 95% of used and online-purchased cars get shipped. It's safe, well-insured, and the cheapest option.
Enclosed transport, in one paragraph
A fully-enclosed trailer carrying 2–6 vehicles with soft tie-downs, lift-gate loading, and zero weather exposure. Used for exotics, classics, EVs, and any car the owner treats as an asset rather than appliance.
When enclosed is worth it
- Vehicle is valued over ~$80,000
- Show-quality paint or freshly restored
- Low ground clearance (under 5") that needs lift-gate loading
- Convertible with a soft top in winter weather
- Vintage / classic / irreplaceable
- Any vehicle where a single stone chip would be expensive to fix
When open is the right call
- Daily driver under $80K
- Online vehicle purchase (Carvana, Vroom, eBay, dealer-to-consumer)
- Snowbird shipping where the car will sit outside at the destination anyway
- Military PCS moves
- Anyone where saving $1,000+ matters more than weather protection
Cost comparison
Same LA → NY lane, same 2026 quote:
- Open: $1,200–$1,600
- Enclosed: $2,400–$3,500
Transit time
Identical. Both go on similar tractor units and follow the same federal hours-of-service rules. Enclosed sometimes dispatches a day slower because fewer trailers run the lane.
Bottom line
If you'd be heartbroken over a stone chip, ship enclosed. Otherwise ship open and put the $1,000–$2,000 you save toward something you'll actually notice.
Ready to lock in your rate?
Place your order in 60 seconds with zero upfront payment. We keep a card on file and only charge once the carrier picks up your vehicle.