Open transport: the default for most vehicles
Open transport uses multi-level car haulers exposed to the weather. It's how nearly all new vehicles are delivered to dealerships. Open transport is cheaper, more readily available and perfectly safe for everyday cars, SUVs and trucks.
Enclosed transport: premium protection
Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers that shield vehicles from weather, road debris, dust and visibility. Trailers typically carry 1–6 vehicles using soft straps and hydraulic lift gates.
Cost difference
Enclosed transport usually costs 40–60% more than open transport on the same route. For a $10,000 vehicle moving 1,500 miles, that's the difference between roughly $900 and $1,400. For a $150,000 vehicle, it's a rounding error.
When to choose open transport
Daily-driver vehicles, vehicles under approximately $40,000 in value, dealership inventory and any vehicle where short-term road exposure is not a concern.
When to choose enclosed transport
Luxury vehicles, exotics, classic and collector cars, custom builds, freshly painted vehicles, low-clearance vehicles, vehicles with non-replaceable original parts and any vehicle with strong sentimental value.
Hybrid considerations
Some customers choose enclosed for one direction (delivering to a new owner) and open for the other. Discuss the specific scenario with your shipping agent.
Get an honest recommendation
Call (865) 267-6089 and we'll tell you exactly which option fits your situation — even when the cheaper choice is the right one.
Get expert help
Have questions or ready to ship? Call (865) 267-6089 or request a free quote.