The Complete 2025 Guide to Choosing the Right Car Shipping Method
When shipping a vehicle, one of the most important decisions you have to make is to choose between open vs enclosed auto transport. This choice affects shipping price, protection level, transit time, and exposure to the elements, especially for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Open auto transport is the standard option and widely used method of shipping vehicles in the United States. Cars are transported on open-air multi-vehicle carriers, typically loaded with 7 to 10 vehicles at once.
Most people have seen these open car carriers roaming the highways delivering vehicles to dealerships and private customers. It is the most commonly booked service by business and private customers alike.
Enclosed auto transport is a service that operates with a fully covered trailer. Vehicles are fully covered inside and this type of truck protects them from weather, road debris, and public exposure.
This method is commonly used for:
Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Protection Level | Standard | Maximum |
Exposure | Weather & debris | Fully protected |
Insurance Limits | Standard | Higher |
Ideal Vehicles | Daily drivers | Luxury, exotic, classic |
Carrier Availability | Very high | Limited |
Transit Speed | Fast | Route-dependent |
Enclosed transport generally costs 30% to 60% more than open transport.
Corsia Insight: The price gap narrows on long-distance or high-demand routes.
Important: Both options are insured, but enclosed carriers typically carry higher per-vehicle limits, which matters for high-value cars.
If your vehicle’s value exceeds your comfort level for exposure, enclosed is worth the premium, especially on coast-to-coast routes.
❌ “Only exotic cars need enclosed shipping”
✔ Many luxury & EV owners choose enclosed for protection
❌ “Open transport damages cars”
✔ Damage rates are extremely low
❌ “Enclosed transport is always slow”
✔ Route-matched enclosed carriers can be very efficient
Choose open transport if:
Choose enclosed transport if:
What is Top Load Placement?
In a multi-level transport trailer, cars can be loaded onto two tiers:
Choosing a top load ensures that your car is above other vehicles, minimizing exposure to certain risks associated with transportation.
When Should You Choose Top Load Placement?
Yes, primarily due to reduced exposure and higher insurance limits.
Usually, yes, but limits vary by carrier. Ask.
Yes, with proper equipment.
For high-value vehicles, absolutely.
For most everyday vehicles, open auto transport is reliable, safe, and cost-effective.
For luxury, exotic, classic, EV, or emotionally valuable vehicles, enclosed auto transport provides peace of mind that far outweighs the added cost.
Corsia Logistics helps you choose based on vehicle type, route, timing, and risk tolerance – we do not upsell. We give you the information to make an educated decision.
Choosing between open vs enclosed auto transport is easy when you know all details.
