Choosing between open vs enclosed auto transport depends on the vehicle and budget. Open transport is cheaper and commonly used, but the car is exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport offers more protection, ideal for luxury or classic cars, but comes at a higher cost.
Car Transport Open vs. Enclosed – Which One Is the Best for You?
Planning long-distance moving involves juggling many tasks, and car transport is just one piece of the puzzle. But when it comes to getting a vehicle safely to the new destination, the choice between car transport open vs. enclosed is one decision you’ll need to make. Whether you’re moving a trusty family car or a high-end luxury vehicle, this choice can affect both the budget and peace of mind. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both options.
Moving Cross-Country – Why Car Shipping is a Game Changer
Moving across the country is a big deal, filled with endless checklists. You’ll have to deal with different tasks, from packing up your entire house to choosing the perfect new home. Among all the logistics to figure out, one of the most important aspects is how to get your car to the destination. That’s why hiring a long-distance moving company that offers cross-country moving services, including car shipping, can be a game changer.
Hiring movers that handle both household items and vehicles ensures a seamless transition. Instead of juggling multiple providers, you can simplify the process by choosing a company that offers all the essential long-distance moving services. This not only helps save time but also ensures that the car arrives at your new home safely, alongside the rest of belongings.
If you’re relocating to another state or moving to a new city, preparation is key. The right relocation company can take care of everything, from packing boxes to transporting the vehicle, leaving you free to focus on settling in.
Move With Confidence
Get Free Quote
Driving Long Distance – The Hidden Costs and Hassle
Driving a car across the country might seem like an adventurous way to kick off the move, but it comes with its fair share of hidden costs and hassles. According to AAA, the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle in the USA is about $10,728 per year, and that cost rises when you add the wear and tear from long road trips.
On top of that, fuel costs can pile up quickly, especially when you’re traveling hundreds or thousands of miles.
A road trip across the country can easily cost you over $1,000 in gas alone
Long hours behind the wheel, the added expense of meals and lodging, and the strain on the vehicle can make driving a costly and exhausting endeavor. Not to mention that statistics show that driving fatigue is a factor in up to 20% of road accidents in the US. Choosing a cross-country moving company that also offers car shipping can help you avoid these headaches, keep your vehicle in good shape, and save you time and money.
Why Car Shipping is a Stress-Free Alternative
Instead of taking on the challenge of driving across multiple states, letting long-distance movers handle car transport is a much simpler and more convenient solution. By opting for car shipping, you can avoid the stress of managing a long drive and focus on more important aspects of the relocation, like getting settled in. With professional movers experienced in moving cross country, you can trust that your vehicle will arrive safely and on time without the hassle of taking on the open road yourself.
Auto Transport
Cross Country Moving Company is the most trusted name in auto industry in the country.
Learn More
Storage
Cross Country Moving Company is the most trusted name in auto industry in the country.
Learn More
Moving
Our mission is to bring high quality, long distance moving services to every customer.
Learn More
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport – Breaking Down the Options
Choosing the right method for shipping a car is crucial for ensuring its safe arrival after a cross-country journey. Open and enclosed auto transport are the two primary options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Open transport is a popular and cost-effective solution, often used for standard vehicles.
On the other hand, enclosed transport provides maximum protection, making it the go-to choice for high-end or classic cars. Knowing the differences between these two options will help you decide which service best fits the budget and the level of care the car needs.
What is Open Auto Transport?
For anyone seeking car shipping tips on saving money, open auto transport is the most affordable option. It is the most common and budget-friendly method of shipping vehicles across the country. In this option, a car is put onto a large, multi-level trailer that can carry up to ten vehicles at a time. While this method is highly cost-effective and widely available, your car will be exposed to the weather and other hazards during transit. Rain, dust, and road debris can come into contact with the vehicle, but the risk of significant damage is minimal.
Open transport is ideal for standard vehicles that don’t require extra protection and is a popular choice for most people shipping cars across the country. Following the right car shipping advice, such as preparing your vehicle properly, can make open auto transport the ideal solution for the move.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
The enclosed option, on the other hand, offers premium protection for the shipped vehicle. Here, the car is placed inside a fully enclosed cargo hold, protecting it from all weather conditions and road debris. This option is typically used for high-end, luxury, vintage, or specialty cars, such as Tesla, that need extra care.
Although it comes at a higher cost than open transport, the added security and peace of mind make it worth the investment for owners of valuable or rare vehicles. Enclosed transport generally carries fewer cars, ensuring that each vehicle gets the individual attention and protection it deserves.
Which Option is Best for Your Car
Choosing between open and enclosed auto transport largely depends on the type of vehicle you own and how much protection you want during the move. If you’re relocating cross country, it’s crucial to weigh the level of care the vehicle requires against the cost of transport. High-end or classic cars will benefit from the added protection that enclosed transport offers, while everyday vehicles can generally be transported safely with the open method.
Determining what’s best for the car comes down to knowing its value and your comfort level with exposure to road conditions.
Factors to Consider – Vehicle Type, Weather, and Distance
The type of vehicle you’re shipping plays a significant role in deciding between open and enclosed transport. A luxury car or a classic model, for example, would benefit from the extra protection of an enclosed trailer. Weather is another factor to think about, especially when relocating to a cold climate or areas with unpredictable conditions.
Enclosed transport shields vehicles from rain, snow, or debris that could cause damage. Lastly, the distance of the move is key, as longer distances increase the likelihood of encountering harsh weather or rough roads, making enclosed transport a more suitable option in these cases.
Matching Needs With Budget
The budget will inevitably influence which car transport option you choose. Enclosed transport, while offering superior protection, is the more expensive option. If the car is a standard model and you’re more concerned with cost-effectiveness than keeping it entirely free from potential dust or rain, open transport may be the better fit.
For those with a higher budget and a need to ensure the car arrives in perfect condition, enclosed transport is worth the investment. Regardless of your choice, moving cross country is always best done with the help of professional movers who can handle both household items and vehicle transport efficiently.
Choosing the Right Cross-Country Moving Company
Relocating across the country involves more than just packing up belongings and hitting the road. From organizing all possessions to coordinating travel plans, there are countless tasks that need to be managed. This is why hiring a professional moving company is the best option. Movers not only provide crucial services like packing or moving but also take care of the heavy lifting, disassembly, and reassembly of furniture, saving you time and effort.
Trying to do it all yourself can quickly become overwhelming, so turning to experts who know how to handle every detail makes the entire process smoother. It’s also essential to find a moving company that can provide all the services you need in one package, including car shipping.
Coordinating car transport separately can be a hassle, but some movers offer vehicle shipping as part of their service, ensuring that the car arrives just as easily as the rest of your possessions. Choosing a full-service company like Cross Country Moving Company, which handles everything from packing and storage services to car transport, will help reduce the relocation stress, leaving you free to focus on settling in.
Transport the Car With Ultimate Protection
When transporting a car across the country, it’s vital to choose a company that offers the right level of protection. Comprehensive insurance is key to ensuring the vehicle is covered in case of damage. Unfortunately, there are scammers in the relocation industry who offer suspiciously low prices and fail to provide proper coverage for shipments. To avoid falling into this trap, it’s important to do thorough research.
One of the easiest ways to check if a moving company is legitimate is by confirming they offer insurance for both household goods and car shipping. Reputable companies provide extensive coverage, offering up to $100,000 reimbursement for open trailer transport and $500,000 for enclosed trailers.
Also, you should check reviews, verify licensing, and make sure they’re registered with the Department of Transportation. Trustworthy cross-country moving companies will prioritize your peace of mind, offering insurance that safeguards everything, from a couch to a car, during the move.
Making the Right Choice – Car Transport Open vs. Enclosed
Deciding between open and enclosed trailer transport comes down to the vehicle’s value, protection needs, and budget. Open transport offers an affordable and efficient option, while enclosed transport provides maximum protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Regardless of which option you choose, selecting a reliable moving company with comprehensive insurance ensures your car arrives safely and securely.
To make the best choice for the upcoming move, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice and a free quote. Cross Country Moving Company is here to help you navigate the car shipping process and ensure your vehicle is in good hands every step of the way.
