When arranging vehicle transportation, one of the first decisions is choosing between open and enclosed car transport.
Both options are commonly used for moving vehicles, but they offer different transportation environments and may suit different types of vehicles and budgets.
OpenRoute Car Transport provides both open car transport and enclosed car transport options for customers arranging vehicle shipping.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport uses a carrier with an open trailer. Vehicles are transported without a fully enclosed structure surrounding the trailer.
Open carriers are commonly used throughout the auto transportation industry and can transport multiple vehicles during one trip.
Because of their capacity and widespread availability, open transport can be a practical option for customers looking for a more budget-conscious transportation method.
Open transport can be suitable for many standard vehicles, including:
- Sedans
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
- Crossovers
- Standard family vehicles
- Everyday passenger cars
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport places vehicles inside a covered trailer.
The enclosed environment provides additional protection from direct exposure to outdoor conditions during transportation.
Enclosed transport may be considered for:
- Luxury vehicles
- Classic cars
- Collector vehicles
- High-value vehicles
- Specialty vehicles
- Vehicles requiring additional protection
Enclosed transportation can involve higher transportation costs because enclosed carriers typically have different capacity and operating requirements.
Open Transport vs. Enclosed Transport
The main difference is the transportation environment.
With open transport, the vehicle travels on an open carrier. With enclosed transport, the vehicle travels inside a covered trailer.
This distinction can be important depending on the type of vehicle being shipped and the level of protection the customer prefers.
Which Option Is More Affordable?
Open car transport is often the more economical option because open carriers can transport multiple vehicles efficiently.
Enclosed transportation generally costs more because of the specialized equipment and additional protection involved.
The final cost can also depend on factors such as:
- Pickup location
- Delivery location
- Vehicle size
- Vehicle condition
- Transportation distance
- Seasonal demand
- Carrier availability
- Pickup and delivery requirements
Which Option Should You Choose?
For a standard daily-use vehicle, open car transport may provide a practical balance between transportation needs and cost.
For a classic, collector, luxury, or specialty vehicle, enclosed transportation may be worth considering when additional protection is a priority.
There is no single option that is best for every vehicle. The right choice depends on the vehicle, route, budget, and individual transportation requirements.
Preparing for Either Type of Transport
Regardless of the transportation method, preparation is important.
Before pickup:
- Remove personal belongings.
- Clean the vehicle.
- Photograph the vehicle.
- Document existing damage.
- Check tire condition.
- Make sure the vehicle is accessible.
- Provide accurate pickup and delivery information.
Chicago Vehicle Shipping
If you are shipping a vehicle from Chicago, transportation requirements can vary depending on the destination and vehicle type.
OpenRoute Car Transport provides vehicle shipping services for customers who need open, enclosed, door-to-door, or state-to-state transportation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between open and enclosed car transport comes down to your vehicle and priorities.
Open transport can be a practical choice for many standard vehicles and may offer a more budget-conscious solution. Enclosed transport provides a covered transportation environment and may be preferred for specialty or high-value vehicles.
Contact OpenRoute Car Transport at (773) 692-0352 to discuss your vehicle shipping requirements.