When it comes to car shipping, you have two main options to choose between: open and enclosed auto transport. While enclosed car trailers offer greater protection for your vehicle during transportation, open trailers are the more cost-effective option.
On average, how much it costs to ship a car between 500 and 2,500 miles is around $1,135 when using an open carrier and around $1,550 for an enclosed trailer.
With many shippers offering both transport options, understanding the key differences between these choices and which of the top car shipping companies you can trust will help you have peace of mind about this process.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
While both open and enclosed shipping see your vehicle driven up a ramp to get loaded on a transport trailer, there are several important differences to be aware of. Here’s a breakdown of these vehicle shipping methods.
Open Car Shipping
With open auto transport, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer, usually with several other vehicles. Some open carriers even have two levels. The trailer doesn’t have solid walls or a roof. Because more cars can be hauled on a single trailer at once, open car shipping tends to be much more cost-effective.
While open car shipping is generally a safe and dependable transport option, it’s worth noting that the cons of open auto transport include an increased risk for damage from road debris or severe weather. Your vehicle will be exposed to the elements throughout its journey.
However, such incidents are generally rare. Even car dealerships typically use this method to transport new cars.
Pros:
- Most cost-effective car shipping method
- Faster shipment times
- Generally more readily available for last-minute shipments and a wider range of routes
Cons:
- Increased exposure to weather and other road hazards could damage your car
- Higher risk of theft or vandalism (though this is rare)
Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed carriers offer a more high-end experience, transporting vehicles inside a fully enclosed trailer with a roof, walls, and solid floor. This way, your vehicle won’t be exposed to harsh weather conditions during shipment. Enclosed car shipping also offers added protection against theft and vandalism.
However, because car transport companies can’t ship as many vehicles at a time using this method, it tends to be much more expensive than open transport. Enclosed shipping is also not as readily available as open shipping.
Pros:
- Maximum protection against weather hazards and road debris
- Added security against theft and vandalism
- Specialty care for luxury and high-value vehicles
Cons:
- Can be as much as 50% more expensive than open shipping
- Tends to have longer shipping times due to extra care and handling
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Cost Comparison
Generally speaking, open shipping will be the more cost-effective option, while enclosed auto transport has a higher cost (often up to 50% more). However, the specific quote you get for either type of shipping will depend on a few key factors.
For example, the following quotes were obtained for a shipment of about 1,200 miles for an operable 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe.
| Auto Transport Company | Shipping Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | Open | $689 |
| Montway Auto Transport | Enclosed | $1,099 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Open | $725 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Enclosed | $1,225 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Open | $770 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Enclosed | $1,027 |
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
The following factors will have a direct influence on your car shipping costs, regardless of whether you choose open or enclosed transport:
- Distance: Transporting your vehicle long distances (such as a cross-country shipment) will be more expensive than a shorter shipment. However, it’s worth noting that per-mile costs tend to decrease on longer shipments.
- Vehicle size: A vehicle that weighs more and takes up more space on the trailer will cost more to ship because it increases transportation expenses for the car shipping company. On the other hand, a smaller vehicle will typically cost less to transport.
- Location: Generally speaking, it is less expensive to ship your car to or from a major city because there are more transport routes in these areas (though high demand can also affect prices). Shipping to a rural area will be more expensive because it is farther off the main route.
- Vehicle make and model: High-value vehicles may cost more to ship due to added insurance requirements.
- Time of year: Seasonal changes can also affect shipment costs. Spring and fall are often busier as people move from summer to winter homes (and vice versa). Summer can also be busy since more people move during this time of year.
- Flexibility: Most vehicle shippers charge extra for services like guaranteed pickup and delivery dates or expedited shipping. If you can build some flexibility into your schedule, you won’t have to pay as much.
Should You Choose Open or Enclosed Car Shipping?
So, which shipping method is right for you? It ultimately comes down to the type of vehicle you’re transporting, your budget, and your transportation preferences.
For example, when shipping collectible or classic cars, the extra cost of enclosed auto transport is likely worth it because your car won’t be damaged by road debris or severe weather. You also won’t have to worry about it getting targeted by thieves or vandals.
While those risks may be present with open car transport, this option generally works well for most standard vehicles. Standard vehicles don’t really need the extra protection because the risk of severe damage is already quite low. You’ll be able to get your vehicle delivered to you quicker while saving hundreds of dollars in the process.
Choose open car shipping if:
○ You’re shipping your vehicle a relatively short distance
○ You’re shipping a standard passenger vehicle
○ You need to ship a car on a budget
DON’T choose open car shipping if:
○ You’re transporting a high-end vehicle
○ You’re worried about potential damages on a long-distance route
Choose enclosed car shipping if:
○ You’re shipping an expensive vehicle that could be targeted by thieves
○ You want extra protection against weather and road hazards
○ You have the extra time and budget
DON’T choose enclosed car shipping if:
○ You want the shipment completed quickly
○ You’re transporting a standard vehicle
Our Recommendations
With all of this in mind, which vehicle transport service is right for you? The following auto transport companies all have a reputation for dependable service are all some of our top picks for best car shippers. Consider getting a shipping quote from all three to see which one is best for your specific situation.
Montway Auto Transport
Providing auto transport services to all 50 states, Montway Auto Transport is one of the highest-rated companies in the business, with both open and enclosed transport options. With more than 15,000 shipping partners, Montway can even help with international shipments.
Montway can ship a wide range of vehicles besides passenger cars, including motorcycles and ATVs (though it does not ship RVs). If you need your vehicle transported quickly, they also offer guaranteed delivery and expedited shipping. With no upfront deposit and multiple insurance options, it’s easy to find an option that works for you.
Montway’s $249 cancellation fee means they aren’t a good pick if you think your plans might change. It’s also important to note that their quotes are only good for seven days.
Sherpa Auto Transport
If you want confidence in knowing how much you’ll pay for car shipping services, Sherpa Auto Transport is an excellent choice. The company’s Price Lock Promise means your price won’t change after you get a quote, which can be especially helpful when you’re on a budget.
These car haulers focus exclusively on automobiles — no motorcycles, RVs, or other vehicle types. However, this level of specialization has helped them earn strong customer reviews across the board. Sherpa Auto Transport offers open and enclosed transport for standard and classic cars. They can also ship inoperable vehicles.
Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service to the 48 contiguous states (they don’t serve Alaska or Hawaii). The company will also reimburse you for a car wash if your car is dirty when it is delivered.
SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport is one of the most affordable car shipping companies on the market, but this doesn’t come at the expense of quality service. SGT offers both open and enclosed car transport. For an added fee, you can book an exact pickup date, or you can save money with more flexible scheduling.
SGT Auto Transport offers door-to-door shipping to the 48 contiguous states, and also provides shipments to Hawaii. The company has straightforward pricing through their instant online quotes, with discounts available if you pay with cash instead of your credit card.
SGT Auto Transport does tend to have higher prices for open shipping, but their enclosed shipping prices are very competitive. Insurance is also included on all quotes.
FAQ
What is enclosed car transport?
Enclosed car carriers transport vehicles inside a specialty enclosed trailer. This trailer has solid walls and a roof to offer complete protection against bad weather and other road hazards, ensuring your vehicle arrives clean and damage-free. The added protection requires extra handling and comes at a higher price.
What is open car shipping?
Open car carriers are the most common car transport option. Vehicles are shipped on an open-air trailer, often with several other vehicles. These trailers have a high clearance to protect your vehicle from road debris and often have two levels.
How much does enclosed car transport cost?
Enclosed auto shipping generally costs 50% more than the price for using open transport. So, if you would pay $1,000 to ship a vehicle with an open trailer, expect a quote of approximately $1,500 for enclosed shipping. Your exact costs will vary based on factors like the distance of your shipment and your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Is enclosed shipping worth it?
Enclosed shipping is worth it If you want peace of mind while shipping luxury cars or other high-value vehicles. This shipping option provides maximum protection against any road hazards that could damage your vehicle during transportation.
How do I choose between open and enclosed shipping for my vehicle?
The right transport method for your vehicle comes down to your budget, the type of vehicle you’re transporting, and your preferences. Enclosed shipping is recommended for sports cars and luxury vehicles that could benefit from extra protection. For most other cars, open shipping is a safe, cost-effective option.
