Open vs enclosed vehicle and equipment shipping: what the difference actually costs
Most brokers describe the difference in adjectives. Put your route in and see the real dollar gap on your lane, then decide whether the extra protection is worth it.
Los Angeles, CA → New York, NY · 2,886 miles
Open carrier
$1,705
Pickup within 2–5 days · 6–9 days in transit
Enclosed carrier
$2,765
Pickup within 3–7 days · 6–9 days in transit
Enclosed costs $1,060 more on this route — about 62% over open transport.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Relative cost | Baseline | 40–60% higher |
| Weather exposure | Exposed to road spray and sun | Fully protected |
| Capacity available | Very high — fastest pickup | Limited — book earlier |
| Typical cargo coverage | $100k–$250k per load | $250k–$1M per load |
| Vehicles per trailer | 7–10 | 2–6 |
| Low-clearance loading | Ramps only | Lift gate available |
| Best for | Daily drivers, dealer stock, relocations | Exotics, classics, restorations |
Pick enclosed when
- The vehicle is worth more than roughly $70,000
- It is a classic, collectible or show car
- Ground clearance is under about 4 inches
- Paint is fresh or the car is mid-restoration
- The route runs through winter salt
Open is the right call when
- It is a daily driver or lease return
- You need pickup in the next few days
- You are moving several units on a budget
- The car already lives outdoors
Common questions
How much more does enclosed vehicle and equipment shipping cost?
Enclosed transport typically runs 40 to 60 percent more than open transport on the same lane. On a 1,500-mile move that is usually a few hundred dollars, not double the price.
Is open transport safe for a normal car?
Yes. Roughly 90 percent of vehicles moved in the US ship on open carriers, including new cars delivered to dealerships. Exposure is limited to road grime and weather, and cargo insurance still applies.
When is enclosed worth it?
Choose enclosed for vehicles worth more than about $70,000, classics and collectibles, low-clearance cars needing a lift gate, fresh paint or restorations, and any vehicle that cannot be exposed to road salt.
Lock either option at today's price
Both tiers show the carrier payout and the platform fee before you book.
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