Open and enclosed auto transport serve completely different needs—and the price gap between them can range from 30% to 100% depending on distance and vehicle type. Knowing which option fits your budget and risk tolerance saves you hundreds of dollars. This guide breaks down real pricing, when each makes sense, and what you actually get for your money.
Open Transport: The Budget-Friendly Standard
Open transport is the default choice for most customers because it's straightforward and affordable. Your vehicle rides on an open flatbed or multi-car carrier alongside 5–10 other vehicles, fully exposed to weather and road conditions.
Typical costs: $600–$1,500 for domestic moves under 1,000 miles, scaling up to $1,500–$3,000+ for cross-country routes. Price per mile usually drops as distance increases—a 200-mile local move might cost $1.50–$2.50 per mile, while a 2,000-mile interstate run averages $0.75–$1.25 per mile.
Open transport works best for:
- Daily drivers and standard sedans
- Vehicles worth under $25,000
- Customers shipping on fixed schedules (not urgent timelines)
- Multi-vehicle moves (carriers often discount when you ship 2+ cars)
- Buyers and sellers who've inspected the vehicle in person
The main trade-off is weather exposure—rain, road salt, and dust during transit. For most vehicles, this poses minimal risk, but scratches from loading/unloading happen in roughly 1–2% of shipments.
Enclosed Transport: Premium Protection at a Cost
Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a climate-controlled trailer, shielding it from weather, debris, and prying eyes. The carrier typically hauls 2–4 vehicles per load.
Typical costs: $1,200–$2,500 for routes under 1,000 miles, and $2,500–$5,000+ for cross-country shipping. That's usually 50–100% more than open transport for the same distance. Per-mile rates typically range $1.25–$2.50 for shorter routes and $1.00–$1.75 for long-haul moves.
Enclosed makes sense when:
- Your vehicle exceeds $30,000–$50,000 in value
- You're shipping a classic, exotic, or collectible car
- The vehicle is newly purchased and hasn't been driven yet
- You need guaranteed delivery dates (enclosed carriers often run fixed schedules)
- Winter shipping or extreme climates are involved
Many enclosed carriers also offer white-glove services: door-to-door pickup, GPS tracking, and dedicated driver assignments. These upgrades typically add $200–$500 to your total.
Comparing Quotes: What Actually Matters
Distance dominates pricing, but several other factors shift the final number:
Vehicle size and weight. A full-size pickup costs 15–25% more to ship than a compact sedan. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, wide-body cars) may require specialized equipment and see 20–40% markups.
Seasonal demand. Summer and early fall are peak shipping seasons—expect 10–30% higher quotes. Winter and mid-January offer lower rates because fewer people are relocating.
Pickup and delivery locations. Urban areas with multiple carriers cost less. Rural pickups add $200–$500 in drive-time fees.
Delivery timeline. Guaranteed dates (typically 3–5 days for cross-country) cost more than flexible, expedited shipping (7–14 days). Rush options can add 20–50% to the base quote.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Call or request quotes from at least 3–5 carriers for any move over 500 miles. Provide:
- Exact vehicle year, make, model, and current condition
- Pickup zip code and delivery zip code
- Your preferred delivery window (even if flexible)
- Whether you need enclosed, open, or are undecided
Never book based on email quotes alone—prices change weekly, and phone conversations clarify hidden fees (fuel surcharges, tolls, expedited handling). Reputable carriers disclose all costs upfront; avoid anyone vague about total price.
Mercoly simplifies this by letting you compare and connect with trusted auto shipping providers in one place, eliminating the back-and-forth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my car be damaged during open transport? Minor dings and scratches occur in a small percentage of shipments, but serious damage is rare with insured carriers. Request photos before and after transport, and report damage claims within 7 days of delivery.
Q: Can I pack items inside my car during shipping? Most carriers prohibit personal belongings in the vehicle to avoid liability and weight distribution issues. Check your carrier's policy—some allow light items if the trunk lid closes.
Q: How far in advance should I book? For standard open transport, 2–3 weeks is typical; for enclosed or during peak season, book 4–6 weeks ahead to secure your preferred date.
Start comparing quotes today to lock in the best rate for your vehicle's needs.