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How to Decide Between Open versus Enclosed Car Shipping

Every year, almost 30,000 Americans relocate. Whether it’s for work, school, or a relationship, it’s vital that they bring their valuable and treasured possessions like their vehicles.

However, trying to ship a car can be an expensive and stressful process.

You need to decide between open or enclosed shipping, but you don’t know which option is best for your vehicle. What if the wrong choice ends up costing you more money in the long run?

Don’t worry! Keep reading because we have all the information you need to make an informed decision about open vs. enclosed car shipping. With our help, you’ll be able to choose the right option for your specific needs and budget.

Difference Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping

There are many differences between open and enclosed car shipping. Let’s look at some of the most important differences now:

Cost

Cost is a determining factor for many when it comes to car shipping. Open car shipping stands out as a more affordable option, as cars can be packed in like sardines and transported with more efficiency.

Instead of paying for an entire enclosed carrier, customers get the most bang for their buck by allowing multiple vehicles to be stacked onto the same open carrier. This decreased cost makes open carriers the preferred option for many vehicle shippers in need of a reliable, cost-effective transport solution.

Protection from the Elements

An enclosed car shipping container can protect your vehicle from the extreme weather conditions that open car transporters are exposed to. Wind, rain, snow, and hail can all cause damage if your car is not properly protected.

While these elements can sometimes take a toll on a regular car, the consequences for a vintage or luxury one can be even more costly. That’s why secure and reliable enclosed shipping is preferable when it comes to protecting these more valuable vehicles.

Enclosed containers are designed specifically with the protection of the elements in mind so you can trust that your precious automobile will be safe no matter what nature throws its way.

Time

The reliable, affordable option of open-car shipping is an attractive choice for many people who are looking to transport their vehicles over long distances. With open car shipping, transport times tend to be more favorable, as the carriers can accommodate multiple cars on one trailer, and onboard more quickly than with enclosed car shipping.

Open car shipping helps cut down on the hassle of long-distance travel and ensures that your vehicle arrives promptly at its destination. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to move your vehicle quickly, open car shipping may just be the perfect solution for you.

Capacity

Shipping cars through an open car shipper is often the right option for car dealers looking to move large shipments at once. Open car shippers have both the capacity and cost-effectiveness needed to transport a great number of vehicles with ease and efficiency.

They are typically more budget-friendly than enclosed carriers while still providing enough room to safely accommodate a greater volume of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other types of vehicles. Due to its larger capacity and cost efficiency, open car shipping remains one of the most popular choices for those who need their cars transferred regularly.

Tracking

If you’ve ever had to transport a vehicle before, you know how frustrating it can be not knowing where your vehicle is or when it will arrive. Thanks to GPS tracking, both open and enclosed car shipping carriers offer their customers the ability to monitor the progress of their shipments in real-time.

This way, you can rest assured that your car is on its way and will arrive exactly when expected.

Drawbacks of Open Shipping

Now that we’ve highlighted the advantages of open-car shipping, let’s take a look at some of its drawbacks. They include:

Limited Protection from the Elements

As mentioned previously, open car shipping provides less protection from the elements than enclosed carriers due to its lack of insulation. This could potentially cause damage to your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh weather conditions for extended periods.

Noise and Vibration Damage

Open car transporters also pose a risk of noise and vibration damage to your vehicle. While they secure the cars during transport, they can often become loosened or shifted due to their exposure to road conditions along the way.

Inconvenience

Open car hauling is not the most convenient option for transporting vehicles in terms of time and effort required. Since they load multiple cars onto a single trailer, the process of doing so can be more complicated and stressful.

Drawbacks of Enclosed Car Shipping

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of enclosed car shipping, let’s take a look at some of its drawbacks. They include:

Higher Cost

The major downside to enclosed car shipping is that it typically costs more than open transport services. This is due to its higher level of security and protection from the elements.

Limited Capacity

Enclosed car shippers are typically limited to carrying fewer cars due to their smaller size and weight. This can be inconvenient and may require additional trips when transporting multiple vehicles.

Longer Shipping Times

Enclosed car shipping also has longer transit times than open transport services. This is because carriers need to load and unload each vehicle one by one for added protection.

Should I Ship My Car Open Or Enclosed?

The decision of whether to ship your car open or enclosed depends on factors such as the type of car you are shipping, the distance it is traveling, and the budget available. For example, if you are shipping a luxury or vintage car, then enclosed transport may be best to protect it from potential damage caused by road debris and inclement weather.

On the other hand, if you are sending your car a long distance on a tight budget, then open transport may be the most cost-effective option. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each method before making your decision.

Ship a Car the Right Way Today

Now that you know more about the differences between open and enclosed auto transport and the pros and cons of both, you can make a better-informed decision on moving your vehicle. If you have any more questions or concerns, it’s best if you address them with an auto transporter before making a final choice.

Whether you want open or enclosed shipping, we can do either for you. Request a quote from  Luxy Transport and ship a car today!

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