Guide, updated November 2026
Open vs enclosed car transport
A plain comparison of the two ways a car travels on a truck, what the difference costs, and how to decide for your car.
- 4 min read
- 7 sections
Open or enclosed
- Open
- Most economical, most trucks
- Enclosed
- Covered, costs more
- Both
- Door to door
- Carriers
- Vetted and insured
Open vs enclosed car transport comes down to one question: what would a little road grit cost you? For most cars, not much, and open transport is the right call. For some, it is the whole point of the car.
The quick answer
Choose open if…
- It is an everyday car you would happily drive the same distance
- Price matters more than a showroom finish
- You want the widest choice of trucks and dates
Choose enclosed if…
- The car is classic, collector, exotic or luxury
- It has fresh paint, a show finish or delicate trim
- It sits low, or you simply want it out of sight
What open and enclosed transport look like
Open carriers are the long two-level trailers you see on every interstate. Across the industry they typically carry several cars at once, strapped to ramps on the upper and lower decks. The cars are exposed to the air, so they see the same rain, dust and grit they would if you drove them.
Enclosed carriers have walls and a roof, either hard sides or heavy fabric curtains. They usually carry fewer cars, and many use a hydraulic liftgate rather than steep ramps, which matters for low cars. Inside, the car is out of the weather and out of sight.
Both are door to door with Carvoya, and both use vetted, insured, FMCSA-compliant and DOT-licensed carriers. The difference is the trailer.
Open vs enclosed, side by side
| Compared | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | The most economical option | Costs more than open |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road debris, like driving | Covered from weather, debris and view |
| Availability | Most trucks on the road, easiest to book | Fewer trucks, allow more time to book |
| Loading | Ramps; fine for most cars | Often a liftgate; better for low cars |
| Best for | Everyday cars, SUVs, dealer stock | Classic, luxury, exotic and show cars |
How much more enclosed transport costs
Enclosed transport costs more than open on every route. The trailer carries fewer cars, so each one carries a bigger share of the truck, the fuel and the driver, and there are fewer enclosed trucks to choose from. The gap is small on a short trip and grows on a long one. The vehicle, whether it runs and your timing affect the price the same way for both.
The easiest way to compare is to run your own route twice in the quote form, once with each option, or to ask a dispatcher to price both for you.
Compare open and enclosed for your route
Start with two places. You can switch between open and enclosed in the quote form and see the difference straight away.
Prefer to talk? Call (413) 231-6888, 24/7
When enclosed car transport is worth it
-
A restored classic
A 1960s convertible with original paint, going to a new owner 1,200 miles away.
Enclosed. A single stone chip on original paint could cost more to put right than the whole difference in price.
-
Winter in New England
A new luxury SUV leaving Massachusetts in January, through slush and road salt.
Enclosed is worth considering. On an open trailer it would arrive needing a thorough wash at the least.
-
The family car
A five-year-old sedan going to a college town three states away.
Open. It would see the same road on the trailer as it would being driven, at the lowest price.
Low cars and ground clearance
Sports cars, lowered cars and cars with long front splitters can scrape on steep loading ramps. Tell your dispatcher about low ground clearance when you book, whichever transport you choose, so the right truck is sent.
Myths about open transport
- “Open carriers are risky.” Open transport is how most cars move, including brand-new cars going to dealers. Your car is strapped down and exposed to roughly what it would see on the road.
- “Enclosed is always faster.” It is not faster on the road, and because fewer trucks run each lane, finding one can take longer.
- “Enclosed means the car is insured and open means it isn’t.” Carvoya works only with insured carriers on both. Ask your dispatcher about coverage for your shipment either way.
How to decide for your car
- Would you happily drive this car the same distance, in the same season? If yes, open is likely fine.
- Would a stone chip, salt or a scratch be expensive or impossible to put right? If yes, choose enclosed.
- Is the car low, rare or on its way to a show or a buyer? Lean towards enclosed.
- Is the price gap for your route bigger than you would spend fixing small marks? Lean towards open.
Read more about each option on open car transport and enclosed car transport. Shipping out of New England in winter? Massachusetts car shipping covers the seasons.
Open vs enclosed questions
Still unsure? Call (413) 231-6888 any time, day or night.
What is the difference between open and enclosed car transport?
On an open carrier, your car rides on an uncovered trailer, usually with several other cars, exposed to weather and road grit just as it would be on the road. On an enclosed carrier it rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, debris and view. Enclosed costs more and fewer trucks run it.
How much more does enclosed car transport cost?
Enclosed costs more than open on every route, because a covered trailer carries fewer cars, and the gap grows with distance. The quote form shows your price for both in about a minute, or a dispatcher can compare them for you by phone.
Is open car transport safe?
Open transport is how most cars are moved, including new cars delivered to dealers. The car is strapped down and exposed to roughly what it would see if you drove it: weather, dust and the odd small stone. For an everyday car that is usually an easy trade for the lower price.
Is enclosed car transport worth it?
It is worth it when road grit, rain, salt or a stone chip would be a real cost: classic, collector, exotic and luxury cars, cars with fresh paint or a show finish, and low cars that need careful loading. For an everyday car, open is the usual choice.
Does enclosed transport take longer?
Not on the road, but fewer enclosed carriers run each lane, so finding one for your dates can take a little longer. Ask for your quote early if you want enclosed transport in a busy season.
Is my car insured on an open carrier?
Carvoya works only with insured carriers, whether open or enclosed. Ask your dispatcher about the carrier’s coverage for your shipment, and check your own car insurance policy too.
Know which one you want?
Pick open or enclosed on the quote form and see your estimate in about a minute. No obligation.
Dispatch answers 24/7 at (413) 231-6888