When you need to ship a vehicle, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to use open or enclosed car transport. Both options can provide a convenient way to move your vehicle without adding unnecessary mileage to the odometer, but they are designed for different transportation needs.
At ApexFlow Vehicle Shipping, we help customers choose a transportation option based on their vehicle, destination, budget, and preferred level of protection.
What Is Open Car Transport?
Open car transport is one of the most commonly used methods for shipping vehicles. Your vehicle is transported on an open carrier along with other vehicles traveling in the same general direction.
Because open carriers can transport several vehicles at once, this method is often a practical and cost-effective option for everyday cars, SUVs, trucks, and other standard vehicles.
Open transport can be a good choice when affordability and availability are important. It also works well for customers who simply need their vehicle moved safely from one location to another without requiring enclosed protection.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport uses a covered carrier to protect the vehicle during transportation. Instead of being exposed to outdoor conditions, the vehicle remains inside an enclosed trailer.
This additional protection can make enclosed transport an attractive option for classic cars, collector vehicles, luxury vehicles, restored automobiles, and other vehicles that require extra care.
Enclosed transportation may cost more than open transport because the carrier typically accommodates fewer vehicles and provides additional protection.
Comparing the Two Options
The biggest difference between open and enclosed transportation is the level of protection and overall cost.
Open transport generally offers:
- Cost-effective transportation
- Wide carrier availability
- Practical shipping for everyday vehicles
- Efficient transportation for longer distances
- A popular option for standard cars and SUVs
Enclosed transport generally offers:
- Covered transportation
- Additional protection from weather and road conditions
- A better option for specialty vehicles
- More privacy during transportation
- Extra care for valuable or collectible automobiles
Neither option is automatically better for every customer. The right choice depends on what matters most for your particular vehicle.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you are shipping a regular daily-use vehicle and want a practical transportation solution, open car transport may be the right choice.
If your vehicle has significant financial or sentimental value, enclosed transport may provide additional peace of mind.
For example, someone shipping a standard sedan from Colorado to another state may prefer open transport because it offers a practical balance between cost and convenience. On the other hand, an owner transporting a restored classic car may prefer an enclosed carrier for additional protection.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before Shipping
Regardless of the transportation method you choose, preparing your vehicle properly can make the shipping process easier.
Remove personal belongings, document the vehicle’s condition, check the fuel level, and make sure the vehicle is ready for transportation. Taking photographs before pickup can also provide a useful record of the vehicle’s condition.
Choose ApexFlow Vehicle Shipping
Choosing the right transportation method does not have to be complicated. ApexFlow Vehicle Shipping helps customers understand their options and select a solution based on their vehicle and transportation requirements.
Whether you need open car transport for an everyday vehicle or enclosed transportation for a specialty automobile, our goal is to make the vehicle shipping process straightforward and convenient.
If you are planning to ship a vehicle from Aurora, Colorado, or to another state, contact ApexFlow Vehicle Shipping to discuss your transportation needs.