Open Vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
So, you have decided to move your vehicle. One of the subsequent steps within the auto transport process is choosing the carrier which will ship your car to its destination. If this is your first time transporting a car, you likely have many questions regarding the differences between Open and Enclosed Auto Shipping.
Open Auto Transport means the car is going to be shipped on an open-air carrier with up to nine other vehicles. This is often the most popular mode of transport thanks to its affordability. In contrast, if you prefer to ship your car on an enclosed trailer that is referred to as Enclosed Auto Transport. This method is costlier, because the cars are going to be shielded from all outside elements, like dirt, dust, debris, and weather. Additionally, Enclosed Auto Transport carries a higher insurance value and is often referred to as a premium service.
What Is the Contrast Between Open And Enclosed Vehicle Shipping?
Both open and enclosed vehicle shipping are done via truck.
With open transport, your car is typically transported on an extended, two-level trailer. Open transport is suitable for any sort of vehicle, especially for cars valued below $75,000 USD.
With the enclosed transport, your car is shipped via an enclosed trailer. This shipping process provides the safest and most secure mode of auto transport. Enclosed transport is typically required for cars of a certain value as well as any vehicle owners who wish to move a vintage car, a classic car, or a collectible car.
When Does It Make Sense To Ship Your Car Enclosed?
- Expensive Vehicles
If a customer is shipping a vehicle worth over $75,000, they should ship in an enclosed carrier for 2 reasons. First, why gamble with something so valuable? Considering enclosed transports carry the most robust insurance policy that will cover all damages (even damages under $500, which most open carrier’s insurance policies do not cover). Second, we all know that open car carriers’ recoil from hauling expensive vehicles due to the liability they incur. If given the selection between a $35,000 Honda Accord or $85,000 Audi A8, an open transporter will choose the less costly vehicle, because the payday is the same to the carrier, and the Audi comes with more risk. There would need to be a large monetary difference in the price offered to coax the open carrier into taking the more expensive car. Therefore, it’s best for all involved to ship $75,000+ vehicles via Enclosed Auto Transport.
- Low Ground Clearance
Cars with 4 inches or less of ground clearance should ship on enclosed carriers. That is because low ground clearance will make it difficult to load on an open carrier without damaging the vehicle and nobody wants that. Many enclosed trailers are equipped with a lift-gate for straightforward and safer loading of said vehicles.
- Collector Cars & Antique Vehicles
Some collector cars are simply difficult to find and or replace. This alone is a compelling reason to use Enclosed Auto Transport. But another consideration is that open car carriers provide much less protection for the vehicle being transported. Older cars may have loose parts which will fall off or get damaged just by being on an open carrier that is exposed to all the elements of weather and road debris. Older vehicles, even ones that are not considered collectible, are often a liability and open transporters will choose newer year models to haul instead. Unless a customer does not really care, which is tough to imagine, it might be wiser to ship any vehicle older than 50 years enclosed car transport.
Types of Open-Air Carriers
There are three main sorts of open car shipping carriers are:
1- Two-Level, Multi-Car Carriers:
The most common type of carrier
2- Single-Level, Multi-Vehicle Carriers
These carriers are faster and typically come at a premium over standard open carriers, but they are smaller and can maneuverer in and out of difficult locations.
3- A Dually truck
Single-vehicle trailers these are typically best for shorter distances or when expedited shipping is required.
Types of Enclosed Carriers
As far as trailer structure is concerned, there are soft-sided and hard-sided trailers. Enclosed car shipping may be a method where multi-car trailers, two-car trailers, or one-car trailers are used.
Typically, the hard side enclosed trailers carry the highest premium as they are the most expensive to operate and provide the most security for the vehicle being transported.
ShipYourCarNow.com or any transportation provider for that matter is not liable for personal items left in the vehicle during transit. That is why it is recommended that you simply leave nothing in your car, to ensure a stress-free moving experience. Our job is to handle getting your car safely from one place to another. Our experts are standing by to help you with this important decision, as always, your 100% satisfaction is our top priority!
