Customer Reviews

Open vs. Closed Carrier Transport

Posted on 08/02/2018

carrier transport
Driving can be expensive and time consuming on your part, so why not choose a safer, easier, and more affordable option? You are starting your research on different types of carriers to transport your car. You keep seeing the terms open carrier transport and close carrier transport, but which one is the better choice for you and your car? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of transport. It is important to consider the information below prior to making your decision.
 
An open carrier transport is the most popular way to transport your car. This means your car will be outdoors and is not enclosed. Therefore, it is not protected from outside factors while traveling. Your car will be neatly strapped to the carrier in order to reduce mobility and to protect against vibrations that are caused on the road while driving. There are several types of transporting vehicles from single car carriers to trucks capable of transporting ten or more cars.  Your car may be subjected to weather and road elements such as rain, snow, hail, debris, bugs, and birds. However, the good news is, an open carrier transport is usually faster and since they are in demand, there are usually more trucks and drivers available for your needs. If you are transporting your car last minute, then you may want to consider open carrier transports.
 
A closed carrier transport means your car is enclosed and housed inside of a covered truck. If you have a classic or an exotic car, then a closed carrier transport may be the better choice for you. The reason being that the biggest advantage to a closed carrier transport is that your car will be protected from weather and road  elements. However, if you decide to go for the closed carrier transport, be sure to book your transport dates early and quickly! The truth is there are fewer closed transport carriers on the road, which makes them harder to schedule. As a result, it could also be more costly.
 
Call us today for open carrier transport and closed carrier transport quotes, so you can make an informed decision on which carrier is the best for you!
 

Instant Car Shipping Quote

Calculate your car shipping rate in 3 easy steps!

1Shipment Details

Open vs. Closed Carrier Transport

Posted on 08/02/2018

carrier transport
Driving can be expensive and time consuming on your part, so why not choose a safer, easier, and more affordable option? You are starting your research on different types of carriers to transport your car. You keep seeing the terms open carrier transport and close carrier transport, but which one is the better choice for you and your car? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of transport. It is important to consider the information below prior to making your decision.
 
An open carrier transport is the most popular way to transport your car. This means your car will be outdoors and is not enclosed. Therefore, it is not protected from outside factors while traveling. Your car will be neatly strapped to the carrier in order to reduce mobility and to protect against vibrations that are caused on the road while driving. There are several types of transporting vehicles from single car carriers to trucks capable of transporting ten or more cars.  Your car may be subjected to weather and road elements such as rain, snow, hail, debris, bugs, and birds. However, the good news is, an open carrier transport is usually faster and since they are in demand, there are usually more trucks and drivers available for your needs. If you are transporting your car last minute, then you may want to consider open carrier transports.
 
A closed carrier transport means your car is enclosed and housed inside of a covered truck. If you have a classic or an exotic car, then a closed carrier transport may be the better choice for you. The reason being that the biggest advantage to a closed carrier transport is that your car will be protected from weather and road  elements. However, if you decide to go for the closed carrier transport, be sure to book your transport dates early and quickly! The truth is there are fewer closed transport carriers on the road, which makes them harder to schedule. As a result, it could also be more costly.
 
Call us today for open carrier transport and closed carrier transport quotes, so you can make an informed decision on which carrier is the best for you!
 

ready to ship

Ready to Get Started?

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

"The driver was professional and courteous. Very pleased with my entire experience with RoadRunner Auto Transport."

Sally D.

Atlanta, GA

5 stars
google reviews

"When I bought a car out of state I was unsure what to expect with the shipping. RoadRunner made everything so easy!"

Jenna D.

Lufkin, TX

5 stars
shopper approved reviews

"Out of all the car shipping companies we spoke with, RoadRunner was the most professional and knowledgable."

Corey L.

Boston, MA

5 stars
transport reviews

"We needed 2 cars shipped across the country last minute and RoadRunner really came through big time for us!"

Amanda M.

Los Angeles, CA

5 stars
better business bureau reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.


When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.