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It’s never been easier to ship your car. Across the state or across the country, it really doesn’t matter. There are more options and providers than ever before. However, with all of this convenience comes a range of options. One of these options is to pick between open and enclosed transport. This may be something you’ve never heard of before. How can you decide which is the best option for your vehicle? Not to worry. We’re going to break down the choices so you can make a clear decision which is best for you.

When deciding between open and enclosed transport, it really means what kind of trailer you want to ship your car on. Open transport trailers are those double decker trailers that have anywhere between six and ten vehicles on board. You’ve probably seen them on the road. Enclosed trailers cover a variety of different trailers, but they all have one thing in common. Enclosed trailers have a canvas or hard shell cover that surrounds the trailer. There are pros and cons to each of them. What it really comes down to is preference and vehicle type.

Open Transport Trailers

When it comes to shipping your car, over 90% of the trailers on the road today are open transport trailers. With so many trailers on the road, you will surely be able to find a trailer to pick up your vehicle on the day you want. Also, drivers never want to drive with even a partially empty trailer. This means that if they have room and are on your way anyway, they may offer you a discounted rate. During the slow seasons of fall and spring, you may be able to negotiate a cheaper deal for your shipment using an open transport trailer. Open transport trailers are almost always faster and cheaper than their enclosed counterparts. However, there are some things to look out for.

Open transport trailers mean that your car is open to the elements as it drives along on the trailer. When your vehicle arrives, you can almost guarantee that there will be a healthy layer of dirt on your vehicle. After all, it’s like your vehicle just traveled the distance and it didn’t even get to use the windshield wiper fluid to brush off the bugs. Furthermore, the drive leaves your vehicle exposed to more than just dirt. A rogue pebble could leap up and crack a windshield. If you pick any reputable auto shipping company, their insurance will cover this. In fact, car dealerships transport their brand new cars using open transport trailers. For most people, open transport can save them time and money on their auto shipment. Just make sure your shipping company has quality insurance coverage just in case.

Enclosed Transport Trailers

Enclosed transport trailers could mean a large trailer with a canvas covering or a smaller trailer with a hardshell cover. There are all sorts of enclosed transport trailers. People with luxury vehicles or classic cars typically opt for the enclosed transit trailer. The right one really depends on the type of car you have. For instance, luxury vehicles with low clearance may not be able to drive up the ramp on a traditional trailer. You’re going to need to find a trailer with a hydraulic lift. However, the cover does offer your vehicle added protection. That protection does come at a cost.

The hydraulic trailer mentioned above doesn’t typically come equipped on larger trailers. It’s an industry secret that the way transport companies keep costs down for their customers is to divide the costs amongst all the cars on the trailers. This means if there are ten vehicles on the trailer, ten people will split the cost of gas, toll roads, specialty permits, and more. If there are only a couple of vehicles on the trailer, or worse, if you’re the only car on the trailer, all that comes out of your pocket. This is why some enclosed transport trailers could be much more expensive than some enclosed transport trailers. Not to mention, since there are fewer trailers on the road, your shipment could be delayed quite a bit. However, those with vehicles with specialty needs may find an enclosed transport trailer the best option.

The Best Trailer Depends on Your Vehicle Needs

When deciding between the two, it is important to decide based on the needs of your vehicle. For instance, if your vehicle’s ground clearance or aftermarket parts could make it so your vehicle doesn’t even fit on a standard open transport trailer. If you’re trying to save time and money, public transport may be the best option for you. If you’re still deciding, give Boston Car Transport a call today. Their knowledgeable staff can help you decide what the best option is for your car. You can even get an instant quote with industry leading insurance included right there in the quote.