Before you book auto transport, it really helps to know the basic differences between open transport vs enclosed. Both move your vehicle safely across the country, but each serves a different purpose. Open transport is the standard, lower-cost option used for most cars on the road. Enclosed transport provides full protection for luxury, classic, or high-end vehicles. The choice depends on your vehicle, your budget, and how much protection you expect during transit. We created this article to help you understand both options clearly so you can decide which transport method fits your needs best, so let’s move on to the details.
If the difference between open and enclosed transport interests you, here’s what you should know: both methods ship cars safely, but they differ in how they protect your vehicle and what you pay for.
Let’s take a closer look:
Open transport is the most common and widely available way to move vehicles across the country. Cars are loaded onto open carriers (the same type often seen delivering new vehicles to dealerships) and securely fastened in place.
Because the trailer is uncovered, the cars remain visible and slightly exposed to the elements during the trip. However, this setup allows carriers to haul up to ten vehicles at once, which lowers the overall shipping cost and makes scheduling more flexible.
For most standard cars, open transport is efficient, affordable, and reliable, offering a balanced mix of safety and value for everyday shipping needs.
Enclosed transport takes the same process and adds an extra layer of care. Instead of an open trailer, the vehicle travels inside a fully covered carrier, protected from rain, dust, and road debris.
This type of service is often used for luxury or collector cars that need extra attention during transit.
Because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles, typically two to six, the drivers can provide more personalized handling. They often use lift gates and soft straps to secure cars without contact that could cause damage.
Note: When comparing open vs enclosed auto transport, enclosed shipping is the premium option designed for owners who value complete protection and peace of mind throughout the shipping.
The table below shows the main differences so you can see how each option performs in real shipping situations.
Both open and enclosed carriers are made to keep vehicles secure, but they handle risk differently. Open carriers leave cars exposed to weather and light road debris, which can happen during long-distance routes.
Even so, professional haulers secure every vehicle tightly to prevent shifting or contact.
Enclosed carriers eliminate that exposure by keeping cars fully covered inside the trailer, which offers protection from rain, dust and debris.
This setup is often chosen for high-end or collector vehicles that need extra care.
When comparing open vs enclosed car shipping, Rivalane works only with vetted carriers who meet strict safety and insurance standards, so your vehicle stays protected from pickup to delivery.
Pricing for auto transport varies based on several factors, but the gap between open and enclosed shipping is easy to understand once you know what influences each method.
Open transport rates are shaped by route distance, location demand, and seasonal timing. Shorter routes or routes between major cities often cost less because carriers fill their trailers quickly.
Prices may rise in peak moving months or during winter relocations to southern states when demand increases. The number of vehicles loaded on one trailer also affects the price; more cars per trip means each customer pays less.
On average, open transport costs around $0.60–$0.80 per mile. That makes it the most economical option for standard car shipping.
Enclosed carriers charge higher rates for one simple reason: premium protection requires more resources.
These trailers hold fewer vehicles, usually two to six, which limits space and raises the cost per car. Drivers handling enclosed loads are often specialized in transporting luxury or vintage vehicles that need precise care.
The equipment, including lift gates and soft straps, improves vehicle handling and protection during loading, though it also adds to overall operating costs.
Enclosed transport usually falls around $1.00–$1.25 per mile because of the specialized equipment, limited space, and higher level of handling involved.
Open transport is the go-to option for most car owners because it keeps costs low and scheduling simple while still guaranteeing safe delivery.
Open transport works best when:
Cars are securely strapped, inspected before loading and transported by licensed and insured drivers. For most customers, open transport delivers dependable service without unnecessary extras.
Enclosed shipping is chosen by owners who want added protection or who are transporting vehicles that require specialized care. It’s basically made for cars that shouldn’t face weather, dirt or road debris during transit.
Enclosed transport is ideal for:
Because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, drivers can give each one more attention. They often use soft straps and hydraulic liftgates for safe, contact-free loading.
Pro Tip: Enclosed carriers often come equipped with liftgates, which is perfect for low-clearance cars that can’t handle steep ramps. If your vehicle is rare, high-value, or simply deserves extra care, enclosed transport is worth the added cost for complete peace of mind.
The choice between open and enclosed transport depends on what matters most to you, either the price, the protection or the timing. Both are safe, but they’re created for different needs.
Open transport is mostly for efficiency and affordability. It’s ideal for standard cars, relocations, or quick shipments where exposure to weather isn’t a concern.
Enclosed transport caters to vehicles that hold higher value and are luxury or collector cars that deserve complete protection from road debris and weather.
When comparing open transport vs enclosed, think of it this way: if you’re shipping a 2018 Toyota Camry for a move, open transport makes perfect sense. If you’re sending a 1965 Mustang to a car show, enclosed is worth every dollar.
Each option delivers safety; the difference lies in how much protection you expect for your vehicle.
Both open and enclosed transport include standard carrier cargo insurance, which protects your vehicle in the rare event of damage during shipment.
The coverage is tied to the carrier, not the shipping method, so every car moved through Rivalane is insured from pickup to delivery.
Enclosed transport often includes extended coverage because the vehicles it carries tend to have higher values. Even with added coverage, it’s important for customers to read through the carrier’s insurance details before the car is picked up.
Here are the steps of the shipping process with us:
Step 1: Request a free quote. You’ll receive a detailed estimate based on route, vehicle type, and preferred transport method.
Step 2: Choose open or enclosed transport. We’ll help you decide which fits your car and budget best.
Step 3: Schedule pickup. Our carrier network coordinates the most convenient date for your location.
Step 4: Vehicle inspection and delivery. The driver performs a full inspection before loading and again upon delivery to confirm your vehicle’s condition.
We stand out for its personal approach and steady communication from the first quote to the final delivery.
From the moment you reach out, our team begins coordinating every detail to keep your shipment on track.
As your booking moves forward, we stay connected with the carrier, confirm pickup times, and verify each step of the route. During transport, drivers remain available for updates, and our support team shares progress so you always know where your car is.
Every carrier we work with is fully insured and thoroughly vetted, which adds another layer of confidence. With clear pricing, responsive service and coverage across every state, we make the entire process transparent.
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