Key takeaways
- Open: $400–$1,550. Enclosed: $650–$2,250 (30–50% premium).
- Open ships 85% of US vehicles — like driving exposed to weather.
- Enclosed = covered trailer, soft-tie securing, fully shielded.
- Pick enclosed for vehicles over $75K, exotics, classics, show cars.
Open car shipping costs $400–$1,550 and is used by 85% of vehicle shippers. Enclosed costs $650–$2,250 — a 30–50% premium — and provides complete protection inside a covered trailer. The right choice depends on your vehicle's value, condition sensitivity, and budget.
Quick comparison
- Cost: open $400–$1,550 · enclosed $650–$2,250
- Weather protection: open exposed (like driving) · enclosed fully shielded
- Road debris: open minimal · enclosed complete
- Vehicles per carrier: open 8–10 · enclosed 1–7
- Availability: open widespread · enclosed more limited
- Best for: open daily drivers, fleet, dealer · enclosed exotics, classics, $75K+
When open transport is the right call
Daily drivers, used cars, dealer transports, leased vehicles, and anything under $50K. The exposure risk is roughly equivalent to a long road trip — minimal real-world damage, dust on arrival is normal and washes off.
When enclosed is worth the premium
Vehicles over $75K, exotics, classics, custom builds, show cars, freshly painted restorations, and EVs with paint-correction warranties. Soft-tie securing avoids wheel-strap pressure; covered trailers eliminate weather and debris risk.
The 85/15 rule
About 85% of shippers pick open. The other 15% pick enclosed and almost never regret the premium. If you're hesitating between the two, ask yourself: "Would I be upset if my vehicle arrived with a road-chip on the hood?" If yes, pay for enclosed.
Compare open vs. enclosed for your route in 60 seconds.
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