Compare

Open vs enclosed auto transport: cost & which to choose

Open car carriers are the cheapest and most common way to ship a vehicle; enclosed transport costs more but fully protects high-value cars. Here's how the two compare on cost, protection, and which your vehicle needs.

Get a free quote

Open auto transport is the cheapest and most common option — your car rides on an open carrier, exposed to weather and road debris — and a cross-country move runs roughly $600–$1,500. Enclosed transport seals the car in a covered trailer and costs about 30–50% more. Choose open for a daily driver; choose enclosed for a classic, luxury, or high-value vehicle.

Side by side

How they compare

The criteria that actually decide which option is right for your move.

Criteria	Open transport	Enclosed transport
Typical cost	~$600–$1,500 cross-country	~30–50% more than open
Protection	Exposed to weather & road debris	Sealed trailer — shielded from the elements
Availability	Widest — most carriers run open	Limited — fewer enclosed carriers
Insurance	Standard cargo coverage	Higher coverage limits for high-value vehicles
Best for	Daily drivers & standard vehicles	Classic, luxury, exotic & low-clearance cars
Speed	Faster pickup — more carriers available	May wait longer for an enclosed slot

The verdict

When to choose each

Open transport — Cheapest and most common

Choose open transport for a standard daily driver. Your car rides on the same kind of open carrier dealerships use, so it's the most affordable and has the most availability — most cross-country shipments land around $1,000–$1,500.

Enclosed transport — Full protection for high-value cars

Choose enclosed transport for a classic, luxury, exotic, or low-clearance vehicle. The car ships in a covered trailer, shielded from weather and road debris, with extra handling care — you'll pay roughly 30–50% more, but it's worth it for an irreplaceable vehicle.

FAQ

Open vs enclosed auto transport, answered

Is enclosed auto transport worth the extra cost?

For most cars, no — open transport is perfectly safe and is how dealerships move new vehicles. Enclosed is worth the roughly 30–50% premium for classic, luxury, exotic, low-clearance, or otherwise irreplaceable vehicles, where protection from weather and road debris justifies the cost.

How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?

Open transport cross-country typically runs about $600–$1,500, with most shipments landing around $1,000–$1,500 depending on the exact route, vehicle size, and timing. Enclosed transport costs roughly 30–50% more for the same route. Get a free quote for an exact figure.

Is my car safe on an open carrier?

Yes. Open transport is the industry standard and the same method dealerships use to move new cars. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but damage is uncommon, and licensed carriers carry cargo insurance. Confirm the coverage amount before booking.

Why does enclosed transport cost more?

Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles, cost more to operate, and require extra handling care, so the per-car price is higher — typically about 30–50% above open. There are also fewer enclosed carriers on the road, which can mean a longer wait for pickup.

Which is faster, open or enclosed transport?

Open transport usually has faster pickup because far more carriers run open trailers, so there's more availability on any given route. Enclosed transport can take longer to schedule since fewer carriers offer it — book earlier if you need a specific window.

Explore more

Related services & calculators

Auto transport Long-distance movers Car shipping cost calculator

Still deciding? Get a free quote and compare.

Tell us about your move and we'll match you with a vetted, licensed mover — no obligation, no spam.

Get your free quote

Takes under a minute. No spam, ever.