What is The Difference Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping

What Is Open Car Shipping?

Open-car transport proudly holds the title of the most popular transport type and fully deserves it. Open-car transport is readily available and is in the best interest of many carriers and customers alike. Due to the ability to haul multiple cars, it’s a win-win for both companies and customers. Overall, open-car transport bears a set of advantages that delight the wishes of average consumers. It is unquestionably the go-to choice for its cost-effectiveness, easy scheduling, frequency on the road, and offered speed. So, many regular car owners opt for this type, bringing high demand for this service.

On the flip side, cars are fully exposed to all external elements. It means if the weather is harsh, cold, or rainy, the protection layer is lower, though danger or damage is rare.  

In short? If your car doesn’t need red-carpet treatment, this might be your best bet.

Would you choose open-car transport over enclosed transport if your car is on the road?

What Is Enclosed Car Shipping?

Coming again, prices and rates for the enclosed-car transport are much higher, so don’t be surprised to find out that it is almost 40 percent higher in price. However, it casts no shade on its demand among car collectors, exclusive or luxury car owners, or people seeking a higher level of protection. If the money isn’t an issue and one seeks additional layers of protection, enclosed-car shipping is the best option to take. Special care, almost an individual approach, and a very tiny possibility for damage comes with this transport type.

Besides, the precise estimation for the shipping plus damage repair can end up with the same rates as enclosed car transport costs. So, make an informed decision before choosing the transport type. 

However, does the enclosed car transport seem fully ideal? No, it has some cons. Due to low capacity, an enclosed trailer can haul fewer cars. Automatically, it lengthens waiting time and lowers the availability of free carriers and trailers. 

Shipping Costs and Things Affect the Cost of Car Shipping

Paying less might save you now, but investing wisely saves you always. So when it comes to cost analysis, this blog unlocks valuable information about the costs. 

Overall, an unwritten rule states that the longer the distance, the lower the prices per mile, but the actual price can seem higher. In addition, routes, seasons, weather, and logistics also have an impact on costs. That is why we offer to break down the details to give you a full picture. 

As an average pricing, we offer you the following estimation table:

Comparison of open and enclosed car shipping

Plus, there can be some additional fluctuation in price:

• Seasonal variations +10-30%,
• Vehicle size/type +15-25% (SUV)
• • +25-100% (Luxury/exotic)
  • +100-150% (non-runners)
• Route popularity +$100-$300 in rural and remote locations
• Expedited shipping +$200-$500 extra

To put it otherwise, your own preferences and budget considerations are deeply matter in choosing the transport type. 

Recommendations for Car Shipping

Enabling customers to identify risks of damage, we have made a table of comparison.

Comparison of open and enclosed car shipping

Conclusion

To sum up, here are the big takeaways: timing, budget, car type and size, and distance. If you ship longer distances, it will cost you less. Plus, if the weather is properly chosen, you will avoid extra payments that come with weather considerations and issues. The next point is timing. If time isn’t an issue, you don’t need expedited shipping, which adds some extra charges. In contrast, fast shipping requires more costs. 

At the end of the day, plan your car shipping properly to get the best experience. Rely on Revoway as your trusted shipping partner in shipping.

FAQ

1. What’s the main difference between open and enclosed car shipping?

The main difference is price and protection. Open transport is an affordable method with open trailer shipping exposed to weather and road elements. Whereas, enclosed transport is significantly costly with maximum protection that often pays off.

2. Is enclosed car shipping worth the higher cost?

It is totally worth it if you're shipping a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle. As enclosed transport offers high protection and covers your car from all possible external elements. No climate or weather can affect your car. The more security, the higher the cost.

4. When should I choose open transport over enclosed?

One should choose open transport if they are looking for cost-effective solutions. When you are on a tight budget and your car is for everyday use, opt for open transport and have an additional benefit in terms of faster scheduling and wider availability.