This is one of the first decisions you'll make when booking car transport, and it's easy to overthink. Here's the short version, then the detail.
The short version
Open carrier is cheaper and works fine for most cars on most routes. Enclosed carrier costs more but keeps your car fully shielded from weather, dust and road debris during transit — worth it for luxury, vintage, or brand-new vehicles you'd rather not expose.
Open carrier
This is the multi-level trailer you've probably seen on highways, carrying several cars at once. It's the more economical option because one trip moves multiple vehicles, splitting the cost. Your car is still secured with wheel locks and straps and covered under transit insurance — it's just not shielded from the elements the way an enclosed trailer is.
For most hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs moving on a standard route, open carrier is the sensible default.
Enclosed carrier
A fully closed trailer, usually carrying fewer vehicles per trip. Your car travels shielded from weather and road dust, with no exposure to the outside during transit. It costs more because each trip carries less volume, but it's the right call if you're moving:
- A luxury or premium car
- A brand-new vehicle you haven't driven yet
- A vintage or collector car
- Any vehicle where scratches or dust exposure would genuinely bother you
How to decide
Ask yourself one question: would you be upset if your car arrived with a light layer of road dust or a barely-visible scuff from strap contact? If yes, pay for enclosed. If a quick wash on arrival doesn't bother you, open carrier does the job for a lot less.
Not sure which fits your situation? Get a quote and mention your car — we'll tell you honestly which option makes sense rather than upselling the expensive one by default.