How each trailer works
An open carrier is the multi-level hauler you see on the interstate, typically loading seven to ten vehicles on two decks. Because the cost of the trip is spread across that many cars, the price per vehicle is the lowest in the industry and capacity is available on almost every lane, almost every week.
An enclosed carrier is a hard-sided or soft-sided trailer that fully encloses the vehicles. Capacity is normally one to six cars, loading is done with a liftgate or low-angle ramps, and most enclosed units carry higher cargo insurance limits than a standard open hauler.
The practical differences
Both options are moved by carriers whose FMCSA operating authority and active cargo and liability insurance we verify before dispatch. The difference is exposure, capacity and cost — not legitimacy.
| Open transport | Enclosed transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest available | Meaningfully higher per vehicle |
| Weather and road debris | Exposed, as when driving | Fully protected |
| Cars per trailer | Usually 7-10 | Usually 1-6 |
| Availability | Widest, on every lane | Narrower, may need a longer booking window |
| Low clearance loading | Standard ramps | Liftgate or low-angle ramps |
Choose open transport when
For the large majority of daily-driver moves, open transport is the right answer and paying for enclosed buys protection the vehicle does not need.
- You are shipping a standard sedan, SUV, pickup or minivan
- The car is a daily driver rather than a collector or show vehicle
- You want the lowest price and the widest pickup window options
- You are moving dealer inventory or several units at once
Choose enclosed transport when
Enclosed exists for vehicles where a stone chip, brake dust or a week of rain is a real financial problem, or where the car physically cannot climb a standard ramp.
- Classic, collector, exotic or show cars
- New or recently restored paint and bare-metal finishes
- Low ground clearance, air suspension, or a non-running project car needing a liftgate
- Motorcycles that you want strapped inside rather than on an open deck
What it means for your quote
Because open and enclosed price differently on the same route, we quote them separately. Send the pickup and drop-off ZIP codes and the vehicle, and you can compare both numbers on your exact lane before you commit to either.