At American Car Transporters, one of the most important choices customers make before scheduling a shipment is deciding between open and enclosed transport. Both are safe and reliable options, but they serve different needs depending on your vehicle type, route, and level of protection you want during the winter season. When temperatures drop and snow starts to fall across the northern states, understanding this difference can help you make a confident decision and ensure your car arrives in perfect condition. Whether you are a snowbird heading south or a collector shipping a prized car, knowing which transport type fits your situation is key to a smooth experience.

Understanding Open Auto Transport

Open transport is the most widely used and cost effective method of shipping vehicles across the country. If you have ever seen a double decker trailer full of new cars heading to a dealership, you have seen open transport in action. These carriers are designed to safely haul multiple vehicles at once, keeping them secure while exposed to open air.

How Open Transport Works

Vehicles are loaded onto a trailer with two or three levels depending on the carrier’s design. The driver uses wheel straps or chains to secure each car, ensuring it stays in place throughout the journey. The trailer is open, meaning your vehicle is exposed to weather elements such as sun, wind, and rain. During winter, that may also include road salt or light snow. However, the vehicle is still elevated off the ground, which minimizes direct exposure to debris or grime from the road surface.

When to Choose Open Transport

Open transport is ideal for most standard vehicles including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers. It is the preferred option for everyday cars because it provides a strong balance between safety and affordability. If your car is used regularly and does not require extra protection for its paint or undercarriage, open transport is the right choice. It is also easier to schedule because there are more open carriers operating on popular routes such as New York to Florida, Chicago to Miami, or Boston to Tampa during the snowbird season.

Advantages of Open Transport

Open transport is efficient and accessible. It offers widespread availability across all major shipping lanes. It allows for faster pickup and delivery times because open trailers move constantly between regions. Each carrier can transport multiple cars, which keeps the process streamlined and reduces per vehicle cost. Open carriers are also equipped with proper tie downs, ramps, and inspection systems that maintain your car’s security throughout transit.

Understanding Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto transport is the premium option for customers seeking full protection from winter weather and road debris. Your vehicle travels inside a sealed trailer, shielded from all external elements. It is the preferred method for luxury, exotic, classic, and high value vehicles that require additional care.

How Enclosed Transport Works

Instead of being exposed to open air, your vehicle is loaded into a fully enclosed trailer that protects it from snow, ice, salt, and debris. These trailers are designed with climate resistance in mind, featuring soft tie downs, hydraulic lift gates, and padded interiors to prevent any contact or movement during transit. Because enclosed carriers hold fewer vehicles than open trailers, they provide a more personalized shipping experience with extra attention to detail.

When to Choose Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport is the right choice if your vehicle has high value, delicate paint, or sentimental importance. This includes luxury cars, rare models, classic restorations, and new purchases you want to preserve in pristine condition. During winter, it is especially beneficial because enclosed carriers completely block out exposure to salt and slush. Many customers moving to Florida, Texas, or Arizona during the colder months select enclosed service for peace of mind.

Advantages of Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport offers unmatched protection from weather and road hazards. Vehicles remain clean and secure throughout the journey. The carriers are equipped with advanced suspension systems that minimize vibration and movement. Soft straps replace metal chains to protect delicate finishes, and the trailers themselves are monitored closely by professional drivers who specialize in high value shipments. Enclosed shipping also comes with increased insurance coverage limits, providing an extra layer of financial protection for premium cars.

Comparing Open vs Enclosed Transport

When deciding between open and enclosed auto transport, it helps to compare key aspects side by side. Both options are safe and insured, but they differ in exposure, handling, and cost structure.
Protection Level: Open carriers provide solid protection against most road conditions, but vehicles are still exposed to weather. Enclosed carriers offer complete coverage, shielding your car from all environmental elements.
Cost: Open transport is generally more affordable because it carries more vehicles at once. Enclosed transport is considered premium service and priced accordingly due to limited capacity and specialized handling.
Availability: Open transport has higher availability, especially during peak snowbird season. Enclosed transport is in greater demand and may require earlier booking, particularly for winter routes.
Vehicle Type: Open transport suits everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, collector, or vintage vehicles that need extra care.
Cleanliness: Vehicles on open carriers may arrive with minor surface dust or residue from the trip, while those shipped enclosed typically arrive spotless and ready to drive.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter adds another layer of decision making for vehicle transport. Snow, ice, and road salt can accelerate wear, making enclosed transport especially appealing during this time of year. If your car will travel through regions known for heavy snow or deicing materials, enclosed service offers the best long term protection. However, for most standard vehicles, open transport remains completely safe and dependable. Our carriers follow strict inspection and safety standards regardless of trailer type, ensuring every vehicle arrives in excellent condition.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Either Option

Whether you choose open or enclosed shipping, proper preparation is essential. Wash your car before pickup so the driver can complete a clear inspection. Remove personal items and valuables. Disable alarms that could trigger during movement. Leave a quarter tank of gas to allow for loading and unloading. Take photos of your vehicle before transport for your records. These steps help guarantee a smooth handoff and quick delivery inspection.

Insurance and Peace of Mind

Both open and enclosed shipments are covered by carrier insurance, offering protection in the rare event of damage. Before transport, your driver completes a detailed inspection and provides a copy of the condition report. You will repeat this process at delivery. At American Car Transporters, we verify every carrier’s insurance credentials before dispatch, ensuring that your vehicle is always protected and in qualified hands.

Which Option Is Right for You

Choosing between open and enclosed transport depends on your priorities. If you value efficiency and are shipping a standard daily driver, open transport offers excellent safety and value. If you want complete protection or are transporting a luxury or collectible vehicle, enclosed shipping is the superior choice. Our coordinators can walk you through both options, explaining how weather, timing, and route specifics may influence your decision.

Why Work With American Car Transporters

Our company has years of experience handling both open and enclosed shipments for customers nationwide. We manage thousands of winter routes every season and maintain trusted partnerships with licensed, insured carriers. Our process is transparent, our communication is clear, and our pricing is honest. Whether you are moving a single vehicle or coordinating multiple cars, we tailor your shipment to fit your needs and timeline.

Customer Experience

Customers who book with American Car Transporters appreciate our reliability and professionalism. Many return each year to move their vehicles between northern and southern homes. They know that regardless of the method they choose, our team monitors every step and keeps them updated from pickup to delivery. We handle everything from scheduling and inspection to documentation and carrier coordination, making the experience simple from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Question

Do I need enclosed transport for my car in winter. It depends on your vehicle and preferences. Most standard vehicles are perfectly safe on open carriers, which remain the most common option. If you own a luxury, classic, or high value car and want to avoid all exposure to snow or salt, enclosed transport provides maximum protection during winter travel.

Get Your Car Shipped Safely This Winter

Whether you decide on open or enclosed transport, trust the experts at American Car Transporters to make the process easy and dependable. We specialize in winter auto transport and coordinate routes nationwide to fit your schedule. Visit American Car Transporters to learn more about our open and enclosed shipping options or contact us today to request your free quote and plan your winter vehicle transport.