When you need to ship a vehicle, one of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing between open and enclosed auto transport. Both methods can be convenient ways to move a vehicle, but they offer different levels of protection and are suitable for different transportation needs.
EchoPath Auto Transport provides both open car transport and enclosed car transport services to help customers select an option that fits their vehicle and circumstances.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is one of the most common methods of vehicle shipping. Your vehicle is transported on an open carrier along with other vehicles.
Because open carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, this option is often a practical and cost-effective choice for everyday cars, SUVs, trucks, and other standard vehicles.
Open transport is widely used for local, regional, and long-distance vehicle transportation.
For many customers, the primary benefit is affordability. If your vehicle does not require specialized protection, open transport can provide an efficient way to move it from one location to another.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport places the vehicle inside a covered trailer. This provides additional protection from road debris and exposure to weather conditions during transportation.
Enclosed transportation is often considered by owners of classic cars, collector vehicles, luxury automobiles, exotic vehicles, restored vehicles, and other specialty automobiles.
Because enclosed carriers generally accommodate fewer vehicles and provide additional protection, the service may cost more than open transportation.
Comparing the Two Options
The right choice depends on your vehicle, budget, destination, and personal preferences.
Open Transport
Open transport may be a good option if:
- You are shipping a standard daily-use vehicle.
- You want a more economical transportation option.
- Your vehicle does not require specialized protection.
- You are moving a vehicle over a long distance.
- You want a widely available transportation method.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport may be worth considering if:
- You own a classic or collector vehicle.
- Your vehicle has significant sentimental or financial value.
- You want additional protection from weather and road debris.
- You have a restored, exotic, luxury, or specialty vehicle.
- Additional protection is more important than minimizing transportation cost.
Does Open Transport Mean Your Vehicle Is Unsafe?
Open transport is a standard method used throughout the vehicle transportation industry. Vehicles are secured to the carrier and transported according to the carrier’s procedures.
However, no transportation method can eliminate every possible risk. Weather, road conditions, traffic, and other circumstances can affect transportation.
If additional protection is a priority, enclosed transportation may provide an option better suited to your needs.
How Do I Choose?
Start by considering the vehicle itself.
If you’re shipping a regular commuter car, family SUV, or standard pickup truck, open transport may be a practical choice.
If you’re shipping a classic Mustang, restored vehicle, luxury car, collectible automobile, or another specialty vehicle, you may prefer enclosed transportation.
Your budget also matters. Open transport is generally the more economical option, while enclosed transportation can involve a higher transportation cost.
Get Help Choosing Your Shipping Option
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. EchoPath Auto Transport can help you understand the available transportation options based on your vehicle and shipping requirements.
We provide open car transport and enclosed car transport, along with door-to-door and state-to-state auto transport services.
If you’re planning to ship a vehicle from Henderson, NV or another location, call (725) 234-4418 to discuss your transportation needs.