The Difference Between Open vs Enclosed Car Hauling
If you’re planning to ship a vehicle, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with open or enclosed car hauling. At first glance, this may seem like a straightforward choice, but it carries more weight than most people realize.
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, sending a car to a family member, or moving seasonal vehicles between Florida and the Northeast, the transport method you choose affects everything from cost and timing to peace of mind.
Let’s break it down clearly so you can choose the one that fits your situation best.
What Is Open Car Hauling?
Open car hauling is the most common method used to transport vehicles. You’ve probably seen these trailers on the highway — two levels, loaded with six to ten cars, completely exposed to the elements. These carriers are the workhorses of the auto transport industry.
This method works well for most standard vehicles, including sedans, crossovers, trucks, and minivans. It’s efficient, widely available, and significantly more affordable than enclosed transport. If your car is built for everyday driving and doesn’t need white-glove handling, open transport is often the most practical option.
Some people hear “open” and immediately worry about safety. While it’s true that your car will be exposed to rain, dust, and the occasional pebble, damage is rare. Drivers secure each vehicle carefully, and reputable carriers know exactly how to load and transport them safely. At worst, your car might need a wash at delivery. That’s hardly a dealbreaker for most folks.
In fact, many large dealerships and private sellers use open hauling exclusively, which says something about its dependability and value.
What About Enclosed Car Hauling?
Enclosed car hauling is the premium alternative. These trailers are fully covered and shield your vehicle from the outside world. Rain, road grime, salt, UV rays — none of it touches your car.
Enclosed carriers usually transport fewer vehicles at a time, sometimes just one or two, which means more individualized attention. Some also use hydraulic lift gates or soft straps to ensure a smooth, damage-free loading process. It’s essentially a traveling garage on wheels.
This method is especially suited for high-value, luxury, classic, or exotic cars. If you own a custom-painted Porsche or a restored 1969 Camaro, enclosed transport gives you the kind of protection you won’t get elsewhere. Even sentimental vehicles — the kind with stories attached — may warrant that extra layer of security.
Naturally, it costs more. Enclosed transport can be 30 to 60 percent more expensive than open hauling, depending on the route, carrier, and season. Still, when you’re shipping a six-figure vehicle or something truly irreplaceable, it’s a cost many owners happily accept.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
So how do you decide between open and enclosed? Start by asking yourself three key questions:
- What is the value of the vehicle, both financially and emotionally?
If you wouldn’t leave your car parked outside overnight during a rainstorm, enclosed might be the safer bet. - What’s your budget?
If affordability is a top priority and your vehicle can handle the elements, open transport offers great value. - How quickly do you need the car shipped?
Open carriers are more common and easier to schedule, especially during peak seasons like summer in Florida.
Also keep in mind where you’re shipping from and to. For example, Florida sees a huge surge in auto transport during the seasonal migrations of snowbirds and college students. Timing matters, and so does demand.
It’s Not Just About the Trailer
The method you choose only works well if the people behind the wheel know what they’re doing. Whether you pick open or enclosed, you need a team that communicates, sticks to the schedule, and handles your vehicle with real care.
Too many transport headaches start with poor updates, vague delivery windows, or sloppy handling. It’s not just about how your car gets from point A to point B. It’s about whether you feel respected and informed the whole way through.
Why You’ll Want to Work With Us
This is where East Coast Auto Haulers comes in. We are not just here to load your car and send it off. We make the entire experience easier for you, start to finish.
We specialize in door-to-door vehicle transport, with a strong focus on routes between Florida and New York. That means your car gets picked up right from your driveway and delivered exactly where it needs to go. No terminals, no juggling logistics, no extra stops.
Our drivers are experienced professionals who take pride in doing the job right. Whether you’re moving a family SUV or a vintage convertible, we handle each vehicle with the attention it deserves. And we don’t leave you guessing. From pickup to delivery, we keep you informed every step of the way.
Still on the fence about which method is right for you? Call us at (844) 931-8774 and let’s walk through your options together.