When you request an auto transport quote you’ll be asked one question before almost anything else: open or enclosed? For most people it’s the first time they’ve ever thought about it. Here’s a straightforward breakdown — no upselling, just what actually makes sense for different situations.
What’s the Actual Difference?
Open carrier is exactly what it sounds like — a multi-car trailer that’s open to the elements. Your vehicle is secured on the trailer but exposed to weather, road debris, and dust during transit. It’s the same method car dealerships use to move inventory across the country every day. The vast majority of auto transport in the U.S. moves on open carriers.
Enclosed carrier is a fully enclosed trailer — your vehicle travels inside, protected from weather, debris, and visibility. Fewer cars fit on an enclosed trailer (typically 2–6 vs. 7–10 for open), which is part of why it costs more. The carrier’s equipment is specialized and the operators typically focus on higher-value vehicles.
Side by Side
How Much More Does Enclosed Cost?
On most Southeast corridors, enclosed transport runs 40–60% more than open carrier on the same route. To put that in real numbers: if open carrier from Miami to Atlanta starts at $600, enclosed on the same route typically starts around $850–$900. On shorter runs like Tampa to Orlando, open starts at $275 and enclosed around $400–$425.
The price gap exists because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles per trip, the equipment is more expensive to operate, and the operators typically carry higher insurance limits. You’re paying for all of that — not just a fancier trailer.
When Open Carrier Is the Right Call
For the overwhelming majority of shipments — daily drivers, recent-model vehicles, standard sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks — open carrier is the right choice. Your car is fully insured, it arrives in the same condition it left, and you save meaningful money. The idea that open carrier is risky is largely a myth perpetuated by companies trying to upsell enclosed. Car manufacturers ship brand new vehicles on open carriers. Dealerships ship their inventory on open carriers. It works.
When Enclosed Is Worth It
There are genuine cases where enclosed makes sense. Classic and collector cars where any exposure to road debris or moisture is unacceptable. High-end exotics — Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens — where the vehicle’s value makes the premium cost trivial. Freshly restored vehicles where even minor paint contamination from road grime matters. Seasonal or show vehicles that aren’t daily driven and need to arrive in showroom condition.
If you’re shipping a 2021 Honda CR-V to Atlanta, open carrier. If you’re shipping a 1967 Shelby GT500 from Tampa to Key West, enclosed.
Our honest take: We offer both and we don’t push one over the other. Tell us what you’re shipping and we’ll tell you which carriers we’d actually recommend for your vehicle. Sometimes the answer is open carrier with extra care at loading. Sometimes enclosed is clearly the right call. We’ll be straight with you either way.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Whether you need open or enclosed, call us at (678) 648-2924 or use the form below. Tell us your vehicle, your route, and your timeline and we’ll match you with the right carrier — not whoever bids lowest on a load board.