Choosing how to ship your car comes down to one key question: open or enclosed transport? This choice affects your price, pickup speed, and protection level. Our team at Number 1 Auto Transport has shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2012 using both methods.
We know this decision matters to your wallet and peace of mind. Car shipping shouldn’t feel like a mystery. Our guide breaks down both options so you can make the right call for your vehicle and budget.
Open Car Transport: The Popular Choice
Open car shipping uses multi-level carriers that can hold up to 10 vehicles at once. These are the double-decker trucks you see on highways carrying new cars to dealerships. About 80% of all vehicles ship this way, making it the standard in car transport.
Our open transport carriers secure vehicles with professional tie-down systems that keep cars stable during transit. Your vehicle will be exposed to weather and road elements, but our carriers take routes that avoid harsh conditions when possible.
The main advantage? Cost savings. Open transport costs about 30% less than enclosed options. This makes it perfect for:
- Daily drivers and standard vehicles
- SUVs and trucks
- Leased vehicles returning to dealers
- Budget-conscious moves
- Cross-country relocations
Last month, we shipped a 2018 Honda Accord from our Dallas office to Atlanta using open transport. The customer saved $380 compared to enclosed shipping, and the car arrived in the same condition it left.
Enclosed Car Transport: Premium Protection
Enclosed auto transport uses fully-covered trailers that shield vehicles from all sides. These specialized carriers typically hold between 2-6 cars, providing complete protection from weather, road debris, and public view.
Our enclosed carriers feature soft tie-down systems, hydraulic lift gates, and climate controls for maximum protection. The limited capacity and extra equipment make enclosed shipping more expensive but worth it for valuable vehicles.
This premium service best serves:
- Luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi
- Classic car owners protecting vintage investments
- Exotic sports cars with low ground clearance
- Show cars with custom paint or modifications
- Brand new vehicles with zero miles
- Cars with high sentimental value
Just last week, our New York team shipped a 2022 Porsche 911 to Los Angeles in an enclosed carrier. The customer needed discrete transport with zero exposure to the elements. Our enclosed service delivered exactly that.
Decision Guide: Which Option Is Right For You?
Choosing between open and enclosed shipping comes down to five key factors:
1. Vehicle Value
If your car is worth over $75,000 or is rare, enclosed shipping provides peace of mind that matches your investment.
2. Weather Concerns
Shipping during winter through the Northeast or rainy season in the Northwest? Enclosed transport keeps your vehicle completely dry.
3. Budget Priority
Working with a tight moving budget? Open transport saves you 30-40% without sacrificing safety.
4. Timeline Flexibility
Need your car fast? Open carriers are more abundant and have more frequent routes between major cities.
5. Vehicle Type
Standard cars, SUVs, and trucks travel safely via open transport. Sports cars, classics, and luxury models benefit from enclosed protection.
Take this quick assessment: If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, enclosed shipping might be your best option:
- Is your vehicle worth more than $75,000?
- Is your car lowered, classic, or exotic?
- Are you concerned about weather exposure?
- Would you pay extra for complete peace of mind?
- Is your vehicle rare or irreplaceable?
Real Customer Experiences
Our customers choose different options based on their specific needs. Their experiences show how both methods deliver results:
Mark from Texas shipped his 1969 Mustang using our enclosed car transport service from a Barrett-Jackson auction to his home. “The car arrived in perfect condition. The driver used white gloves when handling it and kept me updated throughout the journey.”
The Johnson family chose open transport for their two Honda SUVs when moving from Dallas to Seattle. “We saved almost $800 by choosing open shipping for both vehicles. The cars arrived right on schedule with just some road dust.”
Sarah used our expedited enclosed shipping for her Ferrari California to a Dallas car show. “The car needed to arrive spotless for the exhibition. Number 1 Auto Transport delivered it without a speck of dust.”
The Number 1 Auto Transport Advantage
Our company brings more than just trucks to your car shipping needs:
- Experience shipping 50,000+ vehicles since our 2012 founding
- Full insurance coverage on every transport
- A+ BBB rating and 4.9/5 stars on Yelp from real customers
- 1,050+ five-star reviews on TransportReviews
- Military discounts and university partnerships
- Nationwide service from our Merrick, NY headquarters and Dallas branch
Our growth earned us spot #4546 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list with 70% revenue growth. This success comes from one principle: putting customers first with honest service.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Both open and enclosed auto transport options provide safe, reliable service when handled by professionals. Your choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and protection needs.
Our team helps you make the right decision for your specific situation. Get a free, no-obligation quote online in minutes.
Summer shipping season is here – contact us today to lock in current rates before they increase.
