Open Vs. Enclosed Car Shipping - Which one is the best?

Are you planning to relocate to a new state? If you're moving or travelling long distances and want your car with you, you have two options: drive it yourself or have it shipped. Driving long distances can be tiring and risky, especially if you're unfamiliar with the route or the weather conditions. That's why shipping your car can be a safer and more convenient option. In the U.S., you can choose between two common shipping methods: Open Car Shipping and Enclosed Car Shipping. Both options ensure that your vehicle is transported securely, with enclosed shipping offering extra protection from the elements.

Let me tell you what are both shipping methods and the benefits.                                                                                                               

Open Car Shipping:

Shipping your car via open transport is one of the most popular and affordable methods in the U.S. It’s faster and easier to book because there are more open-air car carriers available. This gives you greater flexibility when scheduling your pick-up and delivery dates. Open car shipping is cost-effective since up to 10 vehicles can be transported at the same time on a two-tier trailer. With more cars being moved together and the trailer being lighter than an enclosed one, fuel costs are lower, making this the cheaper option for shipping your car.

 

There are three main types of open car carriers:

• Two-level, multi-car carriers – the most common and widely used.
• Single-level, multi-car carriers – usually used for supercars, luxury vehicles, or when expedited shipping is needed.
• Dually trucks – single-vehicle carriers, often used for short distances or urgent deliveries.

While open transport is the best car delivery service in USA for those looking to save money, there are some trade-offs. The open trailer exposes your car to the weather and minor road debris. While it may arrive a little dirty, your vehicle will still be safely transported to its destination, you’re looking for a balance between speed, cost, and flexibility, open car shipping is a great option for your long-distance move.  

Enclosed Car Shipping:

When you choose enclosed car shipping, your vehicle is fully protected from weather, road debris, and other potential risks. This method offers added security and is ideal for high-end, antique, or rare vehicles. Enclosed car carriers are usually operated by drivers who have more experience handling valuable cars, which adds an extra layer of care. There are two types of trailers used in enclosed car shipping: soft-sided and hard-sided trailers. Multi-car enclosed trailers can carry up to seven vehicles at once, making them the most cost-effective option for enclosed shipping. However, if you need more specialized service, two-car or one-car trailers are available but are more expensive. These smaller trailers are often used for luxury cars or in cases where expedited shipping is required.

 

Since enclosed car carriers transport fewer cars and are heavier than open carriers, the shipping costs are higher. Enclosed carriers are less fuel-efficient, which also adds to the overall expense. Despite being pricier than open transport, enclosed car shipping provides peace of mind by offering maximum protection for your vehicle. For those looking for the best car delivery service in USA, enclosed car shipping is a great choice for anyone seeking extra safety and care for their valuable vehicle. Whether you're shipping a classic car or a luxury vehicle, this method ensures that your car arrives in pristine condition, free from exposure to the elements.

Conclusion:

Usually, enclosed car shipping is preferred over open car shipping, even though it is more expensive. It offers greater safety, security, and peace of mind for your vehicle. Enclosed car shipping is especially suited for luxury cars, exotic cars, sports cars, and vintage cars. Open car shipping, however, is a more popular and affordable method, often considered the best car delivery service in USA due to its cost-effectiveness and speed. In open car shipping, fuel costs are lower because 7 to 8 cars are transported at the same time.