Open vs. Closed Car Shipping

Open vs. Closed Car Shipping

Open vs. closed car shipping—what are the main differences? Having a vehicle shipped is becoming an increasingly popular practice, especially for those purchasing from a distance, moving out-of-state or for snowbirds who relocate seasonally. But there’s a lot that you should know when it comes to shipping a vehicle before you sign on with a carrier. One of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make is how to ship it. Two of the most popular shipping options are open transport and enclosed transport. We’ll look at both shipment methods to help give you a better idea as to what method is best for your situation. We’ll start with the more popular open transport. To explain the difference between open vs, closed car shipping, we’ll start with the more popular open transport.

Open Transport: What You Need to Know

This is the most popular means of transporting vehicles for a few reasons. For starters, it’s typically the most affordable type of transportation method. Secondly, these types of carriers are more common and available. Just think of the last time you saw a truck transporting new cars to a dealership. That’s the type of truck that will be transporting your vehicle when you choose the open method.

With open auto transport, there are some things to be aware of. Because it is open, ultimately your vehicle is subject to the elements along the way. These types of trucks are without sides and protective coverings, so the vehicle is subject to any highway or road debris en route, as well as storms or weather. You can expect your vehicle will need a bath once it gets to you!

 Enclosed Transport: What You Need to Know

Enclosed transport is a shipment method where the vehicle is fully enclosed in a truck trailer with a roof and four sides. This eliminates some of the risks that a car could potentially encounter if it were shipped open. Enclosed auto transport is typically more expensive than the open route but has its benefits.

Vehicles that are shipped via this method are usually high-end cars that shippers want to have delivered in the same condition as when they left the showroom (think classic cars, luxury automobiles or expensive sports cars.) Race cars, for instance, travel the circuit in enclosed trailers to keep the vehicle in as pristine shape as possible for the season.

The option for a lift-gate is another reason why someone might choose an enclosed transport. For vehicles that sit low to the ground and risk being scratch on the undercarriage if loaded by a ramp (Corvettes are a good example of this).

So, what type of shipping style is right for you? It depends on your situation. If you’re looking to ship a 1973 Ford Mustang convertible down to your winter home for the season, you would want to ship enclosed. If you’ve just sold your 2012 Chevy Malibu to an out-of-state buyer, the open shipment method is probably the best way to go. For more information on the difference between the open versus enclosed methods of auto shipping, and to gauge what type is best for you, contact us today.

For more information on the difference between open vs. closed car shipping and what things you need to know, contact Beacon Shipping Logistics today.