How much more does enclosed shipping cost?

Enclosed transport typically costs 40% to 60% more than open transport on the same route, because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars.

When is enclosed transport worth it?

For luxury, exotic, classic or freshly restored cars, low-clearance vehicles and cars that must arrive spotless. For everyday cars, open transport is safe and much cheaper.

Is open transport safe?

Yes. Most cars ship on open carriers and arrive without damage. The main exposure is weather and road dust, which a wash removes.

Is an estimate the same as a quote?

No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Cost

How much more enclosed transport costs than open, by distance, and when the extra protection is worth paying for.

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Open transport

$875 – $2,365

The standard, lowest-cost option.

About open transport

Enclosed transport

$1,140 – $3,780

Usually 30–60% more than open.

About enclosed transport

Open vs. enclosed cost by distance

Enclosed figures apply the published enclosed premium to the open range rather than coming from separately published enclosed prices.

Open and enclosed car shipping cost by distance (estimates)
Distance	Open	Enclosed	Typical difference
Under 500 miles	$280 – $770	$340 – $1,230	+$60–$460
500–999 miles	$550 – $1,420	$700 – $2,270	+$150–$850
1,000–1,499 miles	$875 – $2,365	$1,140 – $3,780	+$265–$1,415
1,500–1,999 miles	$700 – $3,310	$910 – $5,290	+$210–$1,980
2,000+ miles	$875 – $4,725	$1,140 – $7,560	+$265–$2,835

Where these figures come from

Published industry studies, not Haulwide shipments. Checked Sep 16, 2026.

SGT Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
Published Sep 9, 2026. 30 months of the company's own shipping data (January 2024 to June 2026) across all 50 states and 1,581 state-to-state lanes, limited to completed single-vehicle open transport deliveries and mix-adjusted for distance.
Move.org(opens in a new tab)
Published Mar 4, 2026. Nearly 800 broker quotes analyzed, priced for a running 2025 Toyota Camry with a one-week lead time using October 2025 quotes.
Kelley Blue Book(opens in a new tab)
Published Jan 12, 2026. Quotes requested from eight transport companies for a 2025 Honda Accord on three routes from Orlando, on standard open carriers.
Direct Connect Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
No publication date given. The company's own carrier data for an operable sedan on open transport; the page states no publication date.
RoadRunner Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
Published Sep 1, 2026. The company's completed shipment history, which it describes as over 1 million vehicles delivered across 30+ years, updated September 2026. Its nationwide average is $1,215 at a median distance of 987 miles and a median $1.23 per mile.

The sources disagree, so figures are shown as the span across them rather than a single price. Pricing methodology

What you get for the difference

Open vs. enclosed transport compared
Feature	Open	Enclosed
Typical price (sedan)	$875 – $2,365	$1,140 – $3,780
Protection	Exposed to weather and road dust	Covered from weather, debris and view
Cars per truck	Usually 7–10	Usually 1–7
Truck availability	Widely available	Fewer trucks; book earlier
Loading	Ramps	Often hydraulic liftgate
Best for	Everyday cars, SUVs and pickups	Luxury, classic, exotic and restored cars

A typical open car carrier holds about 7 to 10 vehicles, limited by size and an 80,000-pound weight cap, while enclosed trailers often carry 1 to 7.

Enclosed is worth it when…

The car is luxury, exotic, classic or collectible
The paint is new or the car was just restored
The car sits low and could scrape on ramps
It must arrive clean for a sale, show or auction
The route crosses snow, salt or long gravel stretches

Ways to lower an enclosed quote

Book a week or more ahead; enclosed trailers fill early.
Avoid summer and the snowbird rush.
Ask about soft-sided trailers, which usually cost less than hard-sided.
Meet the truck at a spot a large trailer can reach easily.

Open vs. enclosed guide

Frequently asked questions

All FAQs

How much more does enclosed shipping cost?
Enclosed transport typically costs 40% to 60% more than open transport on the same route, because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars.
When is enclosed transport worth it?
For luxury, exotic, classic or freshly restored cars, low-clearance vehicles and cars that must arrive spotless. For everyday cars, open transport is safe and much cheaper.
Open vs. enclosed car shipping

Is open transport safe?
Yes. Most cars ship on open carriers and arrive without damage. The main exposure is weather and road dust, which a wash removes.
Is an estimate the same as a quote?
No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.
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