Open vs. Enclosed Transport:
Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?

Open transport is the standard method used to move the majority of vehicles in the United States — the same multi-car carriers you see on the highway loaded with new inventory headed to dealerships. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer, typically alongside five to nine other cars, fully exposed to weather and road conditions.

That exposure sounds alarming, but it rarely causes problems in practice. Vehicles are secured with wheel straps and tie-downs, and professional drivers take the same care with your car that they would with any cargo. Road debris, rain, and dust are the realistic risks — not the dramatic scenarios people imagine.

Open transport is also significantly more available. Because there are far more open carriers on the road, pickup windows are shorter and routing is more flexible. For most routes, open transport is the faster option as well as the more affordable one.

Enclosed transport moves your vehicle inside a fully sealed trailer — protected from weather, road debris, and visibility. Carriers typically hold two to six vehicles, and the reduced load means more attention per car. Soft straps and wheel cradles are standard, minimizing contact with the vehicle's finish.

For collector cars, exotics, and vehicles with significant monetary or sentimental value, enclosed transport isn't a luxury — it's the appropriate standard of care. The same logic applies to vehicles with fresh paint, custom bodywork, or low ground clearance that makes loading on a standard open carrier impractical.

Enclosed transport costs roughly 40–60% more than open, and availability is more limited — particularly on less-traveled routes. Plan for a slightly longer pickup window if your origin or destination is outside a major metro corridor.

The simplest framework: if replacing or repairing your vehicle after a transport incident would be painful — financially or otherwise — choose enclosed. If the vehicle is a daily driver or a modern car with standard insurance coverage, open transport is the rational choice.

A few specific situations where enclosed is the right call regardless of cost:

• Pre-war and vintage vehicles with original paint or coachwork
• Concours-prepared cars heading to or from a show
• Exotics and supercars with low ground clearance
• Vehicles with fresh paint or bodywork that hasn't fully cured
• Any vehicle where the owner's peace of mind requires it

If you're unsure, our team is available to talk through the specifics of your vehicle and route. We'll give you an honest recommendation — not the upsell.

All NTS shipments — open and enclosed — are covered by carrier liability insurance. However, carrier liability is not the same as agreed-value coverage. For high-value vehicles, we recommend confirming that your existing collector car or specialty auto policy extends to vehicles in transit, or arranging supplemental coverage before pickup.

The Bill of Lading — the condition report signed at pickup and delivery — is your primary documentation in any insurance claim. Photograph your vehicle thoroughly before it's loaded, and review the condition report carefully at both ends of the shipment.