Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Ninety percent of cars ship on open carriers — the same double-decker trailers that deliver new cars to dealerships. The other ten percent ride enclosed. The trick isn’t picking the “safest” option; it’s matching the trailer to the car so you don’t overpay for a daily driver or under-protect something rare. Here’s how to decide.

What open transport actually is

An open carrier is an uncovered trailer that hauls anywhere from two to ten vehicles at once. Because carriers move more cars per trip, it’s the most affordable and most available option — you’ll get picked up faster and pay less. Your car is exposed to weather and the occasional road grime, but structural damage is uncommon, and open transport is exactly how manufacturers ship brand-new inventory.

Best for: standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, and daily drivers — the vast majority of moves.

What enclosed transport actually is

An enclosed carrier is a fully covered trailer — think of it as a moving garage. It shields the vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris entirely, usually carries fewer cars (so there’s more room and care per vehicle), and often comes with extras like soft tie-downs, liftgate loading for low cars, and higher cargo-insurance limits.

Best for: classics, exotics, luxury and collector cars, low-clearance or heavily modified builds, and anything where a scratch would be a real problem.

The price difference

Expect enclosed to cost roughly 30–60% more than open for the same route. The gap comes from simple economics: enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles and cost more to run, so that cost is spread across fewer cars. On a cross-country move, that can mean several hundred dollars more. If you want the full picture of what drives a quote, see our guide to what it costs to ship a car.

When enclosed is genuinely worth it

• The car is a classic, exotic, or collector vehicle
• It’s high-value and a cosmetic ding would hurt resale
• It sits low to the ground or is modified (needs a liftgate, not ramps)
• It’s rare enough that you’d lose sleep on an open trailer

When open is the right call

• It’s a normal daily driver — sedan, SUV, or truck
• You want the lowest price and fastest pickup
• You’re comfortable with the same method that delivers new cars to dealers

What about insurance?

Every legitimate carrier — open or enclosed — is required to carry cargo insurance, and your car is covered while it’s on their trailer. Enclosed carriers often carry higher limits, which matters for high-value vehicles. Before pickup, it’s fair to ask for the carrier’s insurance details; a real broker will confirm the carrier’s coverage and FMCSA registration for you so you’re not chasing paperwork yourself.

Decide in 30 seconds

Ask one question: would a small scratch on this car be a minor annoyance or a real financial or emotional loss? If it’s an annoyance, ship open and pocket the savings. If it’s a real loss, pay for enclosed. For most people moving a normal car, open is the obvious, safe choice — and you can price it right now.