Transporting Your Car: Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth It?
Enclosed car shipping costs more than open. The question of whether enclosed car shipping is worth it depends on your vehicle and situation.
What You Get With Enclosed Car Shipping
Your car rides inside a fully sealed trailer. No road debris, no weather exposure, no dust, no contact with anything outside the unit. The trailer carries fewer vehicles than an open carrier, which means less repositioning during loading and unloading.
You also get a higher level of attention. Enclosed shipments are typically handled with extra care because the vehicles inside tend to be higher in value. The drivers know what they’re carrying and treat the load accordingly.
When Enclosed Car Shipping Is Worth It
High-Value Vehicles
If your car is worth significantly more than a typical daily driver, enclosed makes sense. The cost of the upgrade is small relative to the value you’re protecting. A rock chip or road rash on a six-figure vehicle costs far more to fix than the price difference between open and enclosed.
Vehicles With Special Paint or Finishes
Custom paint, matte finishes, vinyl wraps, and ceramic coatings all react poorly to road debris and UV exposure. If you’ve invested in the exterior of your car, enclosed transport keeps that investment intact during the move.
Cars Being Delivered to a Buyer
If you’ve sold a vehicle and the buyer is expecting it in perfect condition, enclosed shipping eliminates the risk of cosmetic issues during transit. The car arrives exactly as it left.
Show Cars and Concours Entries
If the car is heading to a show or competition where presentation matters, enclosed is the only option that makes sense. Even minor dust accumulation or water spots from road spray can be a problem.
When Open Transport Is Enough
For most daily drivers, commuter cars, and standard vehicles, open transport provides more than enough protection. Open car transport follows a thorough inspection and insurance process that covers your vehicle during transit. Tens of thousands of cars ship on open carriers every year across Canada without issue.
If your car lives in a parking lot at work and you’re not worried about a bit of road dust, open transport will get it where it needs to go safely and at a lower cost.
The Cost Difference
Enclosed shipping costs more than open on every route. The exact difference depends on distance and your vehicle. Several factors affect car shipping costs in Canada, and transport type is one of the biggest. But for the right vehicle, the premium pays for itself in peace of mind.
One thing that doesn’t change the price at Automoves: vehicle size. Whether you’re shipping a compact coupe or a full-size SUV, the rate is the same for the same route and transport type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trying to decide between open and enclosed?
If you want to compare the cost for your specific vehicle and route, get a free quote from Automoves and see both options side by side.
