What’s Better for Car Shipping, Open or Enclosed?

Car Carriers

If you have never required the service of a car shipping company, it might not be easy to decide what to go for between enclosed and open car shipping. Both options are suitable for car shipping, but the best choice for your car depends on different factors.

But, first, what is the difference between open and enclosed car shipping? What are the pros and cons of each shipping type? Which is most appropriate for your car?

Open Car Shipping

Open car shipping is, as the name implies, shipping a car out in the open. The ”open” indicates the car’s exterior covering. The mode of transportation in open car shipping is a multicar trailer with no exterior covering.

The types of trailers used for open car shipping are two-tiered and long and can transport up to 10 vehicles at a time, though the number of cars it will accommodate will depend on the car’s weight and size.

Open car shipping is the most used method as it is usually less expensive to maintain and operate. And many people usually go for the open car shipping method because they do not know much about the benefits of the enclosed car shipping method.

Pros

  1. It is less expensive as it can transport many cars simultaneously.
  2. It is fuel efficient.
  3. It is a faster mode of shipping.
  4. It has an easy booking system that lets you choose the shipping date and time.


Cons

  1. No protection for the car against bad weather conditions, dust, and debris.
  2. It has less security which can pose a risk, especially when carrying luxury cars.
  3. Open car shipping cost ranges between $500 and $1000, which will increase with each mile.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed car shipping is a car shipping method in which the vehicles are shipped in protected trailers. The trailer has a ceiling and solid floor, and walls. This form of car shipping prides itself on the car’s protection and security.

Enclosed auto shipping carries fewer cars because of the walls and closures. And most times, enclosed cars shipping trailers are smaller than open trailers. So, if an open trailer fits 10 cars, the enclosed trailer will fit only 3 or 4 of the same car.

Pros

  1. Maximum security of the car during transportation.
  2. Protection against harsh weather conditions, dust, and debris.
  3. It is more suitable for low-ground clearance sales.
  4. It does not cause scrapes or dents on the car parts.


Cons

  1. It is less fuel efficient.
  2. It is more expensive than open car shipping.
  3. It might take longer transport time than open car shipping because of the extra care your vehicle deserves. 

Cost

Enclosed car shipping costs between $1,000 and $2,000. There is a certain percentage increase for every extra mile.

Should I use open or enclosed car shipping?

There are many other factors to consider ensuring you are going with the best shipping option.

Car type: The car’s value will determine the best shipping type to go for. Enclosed auto shipping has insurance and safety protection for the car. If the car you are transporting is a luxury car, sports car, or a valuable one, it is best to use enclosed car transportation.

The car shipping company is usually insured and licensed, so any vehicle transported will be fully insured. The insurance cost is part of the shipping quote, so enclosed car shipping is more expensive.

Time: It takes more time to transport a car with enclosed car shipping than open car shipping. But even though you will get the car in less time, it might not be in the best condition as when you use an enclosed car shipping transport.

Weather Conditions: It is best to go for enclosed car shipping transport during inclement weather. Transporting cars during inclement weather times means the car can be affected by the weather conditions. If it is transported with open car shipping methods, there can be debris, dents, scratches, and different effects on the car since there is no protection.

However, enclosed auto transport protects the car against such inclement weather. And in case of any damage to the car, insurance will cover it.

Budget: Your budget can determine the suitable car shipping to go with. Moreover, the cost of shipping is not fixed. Factors that affect the shipping cost are.

Distance: After the fixed transportation cost, there is an extra cost for every extra mile.

Car model: New and luxury cars cost more to ship, whether with open or enclosed shipping transport.

Shipment option: If you opt for a terminal-to-terminal shipping option, it will not cost as much as a door-to-door shipping arrangement. Also, you might pay less if the shipment is to a popular location.

Vehicle condition: It will cost more to transport an inoperative car than an operable car.

The best transport shipping option when considering security, protection, and the car’s condition is enclosed car shipping. It is best to ensure the vehicles are in good condition than to go for a cheaper yet uninsured and unsecured transport type.

Why go for Ghost Pepper Logistics?

Ghost Pepper Logistics is your best bet if you need an enclosed car shipping company. Here are some reasons to choose us.

Protection

Ghost Pepper’s enclosed auto shipping protects your vehicles against bad weather conditions, dust, road hazards, and other casualties. So, you can be assured that you will get the car in the same condition you left it.

Insurance

We are a licensed and insured transport company. So, our shipping cost also covers insurance costs, and each car transported is examined to meet our insurance standards. 

Upfront Pricing

We do not charge you until a driver has been dispatched to pick up your vehicle. So, when you book with us, we will only get your shipping pricing and details and then arrange a carrier to transport your car.

Request a quote and arrange for your vehicle to be picked up today.