Shipping Your Car: Open vs. Enclosed Carrier. What's the Difference?
Alright, let's talk about what matters when you're moving a vehicle. You've got options: open carrier or enclosed carrier. You need to understand the difference between the two. And you need to know why that difference matters to your wallet and to your car.
Here at AMG Transport Co., we deal with this daily. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. So we know the ins and outs from both sides. We know what gets your car moved. And we know what carriers are looking for.
Open Auto Transport: The Standard Approach
Most cars you see being shipped are on an open carrier. Think of those big trucks you see on the highway. They've got cars stacked on two levels, exposed to the elements. This is the bread and butter of our car shipping services Texas clients use. It's affordable. It's efficient.
Pros of Open Carrier Shipping
- Cost-Effective: This is the main reason. It's simply cheaper. More cars fit on an open trailer. That spreads the cost around. If you're wondering how much does it cost to ship a car cross country, open transport is usually the baseline.
- Availability: There are a lot more open carriers than enclosed. This means more options. Faster pickup times. If you need nationwide vehicle shipping door to door quickly, an open carrier is often your best bet.
- Versatility: Most vehicles ship this way. Sedans, SUVs, typical trucks. Our multi-car transport for families often uses open carriers.
Cons of Open Carrier Shipping
- Exposure: Your car is out in the open. It's exposed to weather. Rain, dust, road grime. Small rocks or debris can hit it. This is standard risk. It's not usually a big deal for a daily driver.
- Security: Less physical barrier against theft. Though incidents are rare. Carriers are insured. But it's something to consider for very high-value vehicles.
Enclosed Auto Transport: When Protection is Key
Enclosed transport means your vehicle is inside a trailer. It's protected from everything outside. Think of it as a rolling garage. This is for specialized situations. Or for specific types of cars.
Pros of Enclosed Carrier Shipping
- Maximum Protection: This is the big one. Your car is safe from weather, road debris, and dust. This is critical for enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier. No dings, no scratches from the road.
- Security: Added security against theft or tampering. The vehicle isn't visible. This offers peace of mind for high-value items.
- Specialized Handling: Often equipped with hydraulic lift gates. This is great for low-clearance vehicles. Like sports cars or modified cars. It prevents damage from ramps.
- Insurance: Generally higher levels of insurance coverage. Standard for luxury or exotic moves.
Cons of Enclosed Carrier Shipping
- Higher Cost: This is the biggest drawback. You pay for that extra protection. Expect to pay significantly more than open transport. If you're shipping a non-running vehicle what to know, enclosed might be necessary, and it will cost more.
- Less Availability: Fewer enclosed carriers exist. This can mean longer wait times for pickup. Especially for specific routes. Like ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles with an enclosed carrier. It can take more planning.
- Limited Capacity: Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles. This contributes to the higher cost. And less routing flexibility.
What Affects the Cost?
Whether you choose open or enclosed, several factors change the price. If you want to know what affects car shipping cost per mile, here are the common ones:
- Distance: Longer hauls cost more. Obvious.
- Vehicle Type: An SUV costs more than a sedan. It takes up more space and weighs more. That's the shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference.
- Route Popularity: Shipping from a major city like Houston to another big hub. That's cheaper. Moving a car from a remote ranch to a small town. That's more expensive. Less traffic for carriers. Carriers need profit on those empty backhauls.
- Time of Year: Peak seasons, like summer, can drive prices up. Everyone's relocating to Florida ship car from Texas at the same time.
- Operating Condition: A shipping a non-running vehicle what to know is it requires special equipment. Winches. Flat tires. That costs extra.
Which Option is Right For Your Vehicle?
Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
| Car Type | Best Transport Option | Why? |
| :---------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Everyday drivers (sedans, SUVs, minivans) | Open Carrier | Cost-effective, readily available. Minor exposure isn't a concern. |
| Classic cars | Enclosed Carrier | Protects against elements, debris, and potential damage. |
| Luxury vehicles (e.g., Mercedes, BMW, high-end Tesla) | Enclosed Carrier (often preferred) | Preserves condition, higher security, ideal for high-value assets. |
| Exotic cars (e.g., Ferrari, Lamborghini, rare collectibles) | Enclosed Carrier (required) | Ultimate protection. Often low-clearance. Hydraulic lift gates. |
| Project or Non-running cars | Open or Enclosed (requires special consideration) | Depends on vehicle value and condition. Will cost more due to special loading needs. |
Why Choose a Broker Like AMG Transport Co.?
You could try to track down a carrier yourself. But most regular people can't. And trying to usually leads to headaches or a bad deal. Carriers don't want to deal with individuals. They've got their hands full driving and maintaining equipment. Roads are dangerous. They rely on brokers to solve their problems. That's why you need an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.
Carriers aren't saints. Some won't work with individuals directly because of payment risks. Or they simply charge individuals more. They know they can. A good broker helps keep rates reasonable. We do the legwork. We handle the paperwork. We coordinate pickups and deliveries. We provide a stronger customer experience in an industry that's full of unknowns.
We source reliable, vetted, and insured carriers for you. We use VIN scans at pickup and delivery. This ensures accountability. Your deposit is handled securely through Stripe. We aim for a 72-hour pickup window. This happens more often than not. We give you honest quotes and manage expectations. We pride ourselves on being a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry.
We know the difference between a great carrier and a fly-by-night operator. We work with the best. This ensures they're invested in taking care of our clients. That means your car gets transported safely. It means you get accurate information. From how long does car shipping take cross country to specific open car carrier transport cost breakdowns.
Whether you need an open carrier car shipping pros & cons breakdown or want to discuss enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars, we're here to help. We are a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Our focus is to provide the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves.
Don't get stuck navigating this alone. Work with professionals who understand this business. Get a reliable quote. Understand your options. And let us handle the rest. We'll find the right solution for you.
Ready to get your vehicle moved?
Whether it's a family car or a luxury collectible, AMG Transport Co. has you covered. Get your free quote and experience the difference of working with a premier vehicle logistics company Texas residents trust. We offer door pick-up and delivery car transport service and affordable car shipping without hidden fees. Your vehicle transport from Texas to California will be handled by expert brokers.
Get an instant, no-obligation quote today: https://amgtransportco.com/get-quote
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.