April 15, 2026
12 min(s) to read
When booking vehicle transport, one of the biggest pricing decisions you’ll make is choosing between open vs enclosed car shipping.
Both methods safely transport vehicles across the country, but they differ significantly in price, protection, availability, and ideal use cases.
So how much more does enclosed shipping cost? And when is it worth paying extra?
In this guide, we’ll compare open vs enclosed car shipping cost, break down average pricing, and help you determine which transport option makes the most sense for your vehicle.
Open car shipping is the most common vehicle transport method in the United States.
Your car is loaded onto an open-air multi-car trailer, similar to the carriers used by dealerships.
Benefits of Open Transport
Open transport is used for the vast majority of everyday vehicles shipped across the country.
Enclosed car shipping transports your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer.
This protects the vehicle from:
Enclosed transport is generally reserved for high-value or specialty vehicles.
Below is a general pricing comparison for 2026:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 0–500 miles | $500–$900 | $800–$1,300 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $700–$1,100 | $1,100–$1,700 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $900–$1,400 | $1,400–$2,200 |
| 1,500–2,500+ miles | $1,100–$1,800 | $1,800–$3,000+ |
Enclosed shipping typically costs 30% to 60% more than open transport.
There are several reasons enclosed car shipping is more expensive.
1. Fewer Vehicles Per Trailer
Open carriers often transport 7–10 vehicles at once.
Enclosed trailers usually carry 2–6 vehicles, reducing carrier revenue per trip.
2. Higher Insurance Coverage
Enclosed shipments often include increased insurance limits for high-value vehicles.
3. Specialized Equipment
Enclosed trailers require:
4. Lower Carrier Availability
There are significantly fewer enclosed carriers than open carriers nationwide.
Lower supply means higher pricing.
Open transport is ideal for most customers shipping:
If your vehicle is replaceable and doesn’t require premium protection, open shipping is usually the best value.
Enclosed transport is recommended for:
If your vehicle’s value or sensitivity justifies extra protection, enclosed transport can be worth the premium.
Yes—open car shipping is considered very safe.
Despite being exposed to weather and road conditions:
Most customers shipping everyday vehicles choose open transport without issue.
Not necessarily. While enclosed transport offers more protection, it may not provide enough added value for standard vehicles.
For example:
Paying an extra $700–$1,200 to protect a standard commuter car may not make financial sense.
Scenario:
Shipping a 2024 Honda Accord from California to Texas
| Transport Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Open Carrier | $950 |
| Enclosed Carrier | $1,550 |
Difference: $600
For a standard sedan, many customers prefer to save the money and use open transport.
Regardless of open or enclosed, final cost still depends on:
Ask yourself:
Is the vehicle high-value?
If yes → Consider enclosed.
Is the vehicle rare or collectible?
If yes → Consider enclosed.
Is the vehicle modified or low-clearance?
If yes → Enclosed may be safer.
Is budget your top priority?
If yes → Open is better.
If you need enclosed transport but want to reduce cost:
When comparing open vs enclosed car shipping cost, the main difference is that:
Enclosed transport generally costs 30–60% more than open shipping.
For most everyday vehicles, open transport offers the best value and remains the industry standard.
However, for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles, the extra cost of enclosed shipping may be well worth the added protection.
The right choice depends on your vehicle, budget, and risk tolerance.
Need an exact quote?
Use our Car Shipping Calculator to compare open and enclosed transport pricing based on your route and vehicle.
Compare Fall vs. Spring car shipping in this 2026 Seasonal Movers Guide. Learn how rates, demand, weather, and carrier availability impact your auto transport costs.
Shipping a car for the first time? Learn how the process works, what affects pricing, and how Payless Auto Shipping makes vehicle transport simple, safe, and affordable.
