The Short Answer
Open transport is the standard. It's what 85-90% of people use. Your car rides on a multi-car carrier — the same kind you see on the highway every day.
Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer. It costs more, but your vehicle is fully protected from weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
Most people should go open. Here's how to know if you're the exception.
Open Transport
An open carrier typically holds 7-10 vehicles. Your car is strapped down securely but exposed to the elements — same as if you were driving it yourself.
Pros:
- Cheaper. Usually 30-40% less than enclosed.
- Faster. More open carriers on the road means quicker pickup times.
- Widely available. Easier to schedule, especially on popular routes.
Cons:
- Exposed to rain, dust, and road grime (nothing a car wash won't fix).
- Small risk of rock chips from road debris.
- Your car is visible — not ideal if privacy matters.
Best for: Daily drivers, standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans — basically any car you'd park in a regular parking lot.
Enclosed Transport
An enclosed carrier holds 2-6 vehicles inside a fully covered trailer. Climate-controlled options exist for high-end vehicles.
Pros:
- Full protection from weather, debris, and road salt.
- Zero visibility — nobody sees what's inside.
- White-glove handling. Drivers are typically more experienced and take extra care with loading.
Cons:
- Costs more. Expect to pay $400-$800+ more than open, depending on distance.
- Fewer carriers available. You might wait a few extra days for pickup.
- Overkill for most cars. If your car has 80,000 miles and a few door dings, enclosed isn't adding much value.
Best for: Classic cars, exotics, luxury vehicles, brand-new cars, show cars, or anything you'd keep in a climate-controlled garage.
The Cost Difference
For a typical cross-country shipment (say, Texas to California):
| Type | Approximate Cost |
|------|-----------------|
| Open | $800 - $1,200 |
| Enclosed | $1,200 - $2,000 |
These are ballpark figures. The real number depends on your route, vehicle size, time of year, and how quickly you need it moved.
When Enclosed Is Actually Worth It
Ask yourself one question: Would I be upset if my car got a rock chip during transport?
If the answer is yes — and we're talking about a car worth $50,000+ or one with sentimental/collector value — enclosed makes sense. The premium is cheap insurance.
If the answer is "eh, it's just a car" — save your money and go open. Your car will arrive in the same condition it left.
A Note on Insurance
Both open and enclosed carriers carry insurance. The coverage limits might differ slightly, but you're covered either way. The real difference is in the level of care, not the legal protection.
We walk through insurance details with every customer at AMG because it matters — and most brokers skip over it.
Our Recommendation
At AMG Transport, about 85% of our shipments go open. We don't upsell enclosed unless it makes sense for the vehicle. If you tell us you're shipping a 2019 Honda Accord, we're going to recommend open — because that's the honest answer.
If you're shipping a 1967 Mustang or a brand-new Porsche, we'll tell you enclosed is worth every penny.
Not sure which to pick? Get a quote for both options — our AI agent can price out open and enclosed in about 30 seconds.