Choosing between enclosed and open transport for vehicle shipping can be a difficult decision. Both methods have their advantages but most car owners wonder whether enclosed car shipping takes longer than open transport. While both types of transport are dependable, there are some important differences regarding timing, costs, and the level of protection provided to your vehicle.
In this guide, we will look at how enclosed car shipping functions, the aspects that impact transit time, and how it differs from open transport. After reading it, I expect you to better understand how each shipping method works, including the expected shipping times.
Defining Open Car Transport
Before going into detail about enclosed car shipping let’s first touch on open transport. Open transport is one of the most used and least expensive methods of shipping a car. Your vehicle will be placed onto an open transporter like a multi-car trailer which can carry several cars at a go.
Even though open transport is usually the quickest and most cost efficient option, there are several disadvantages to this method because the vehicle is exposed to the weather and road debris. Still, it is a preferred method for many people because of its prices and reasonable speeds.
Steps in Open Transport:
- Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are placed onboard the open trailer with many others.
- In order for the vehicles to remain stable throughout the process, they are strapped down with non-abrasive nylon straps.
- This technique is preferred in the case of standard vehicles as it provides speedy delivery services.
What is Enclosed Car Shipping?
In comparison to other types of car shipping, enclosed car shipping is considered a premium service due to how protective it is. This option places the vehicle into an enclosed trailer which protects it from the weather and road debris. Due to the amount of protection offered by this method, it is suitable for vintage cars, luxury vehicles, or delicate cars which can’t be exposed to harsh conditions that may damage their paintwork.
How Enclosed Car Shipping Works:
– The vehicle is fully covered from the outside and placed in an enclosed trailer.
– Protection from weather, dirt, road debris, or any other potentially harmful substance.
– Suitable for high-value, rare, or custom cars that are normally more delicate and require additional care are often moved in enclosed transport.
Does Enclosed Car Shipping Take Longer Than Open Transport?
It is said that the correct answer is, “That depends”. Enclosed car shipping may take slightly longer than open transport, but the difference in time is often very small. The factors include:
- The Availability of Enclosed Trailers
Enclosed car shipping uses specialized trailers that are not as common as the open carriers used for regular vehicles. This means there may be fewer available trailers which could result in longer wait times for pickup. This is not always the case, as there are many professional companies that have abundant fleets of enclosed trailers.
- Fewer Deliveries Per Trip
Carriers that use enclosed transport focus on transporting fewer vehicles per trip as opposed to open transport, where a single carrier may transport multiple vehicles at once. This will most likely result in limited deliveries which means the carrier will have to make extra stops or travel to fewer places. Because enclosed transport is often more specialized, it can take longer to finalize the delivery schedule.
- Scheduling and Routing
Particularized scheduling is often needed for enclosed car shipping, and even more so for high-end vehicles. Cars may be transported as individual shipments or with greater care to ensure their proper handling. This can make scheduling even more difficult, particularly if the shipping route has fewer delivery points.
Other Factors That Affect Shipping Time
Besides the carrier type, other factors impact how long it will take to ship your vehicle, regardless of whether it is through open or enclosed transport, for example, the vehicle’s make and model. Below are some of the most important factors that affect the time taken to ship a car:
- Distance
The jig provided during the estimated time of arrival is one of the major determinants in the distance between the pickup and drop-off, the longer the distance the more time it is expected to take and vice versa. The amount of time needed for traveling a mentioned distance will always be longer than shorter distances, regardless of the method used.
- Seasonality
The time of year (travel season or not) brings an added variation to the time of transport. While summer, holiday or peak months adds more demand which in turn delays further transport. Specialized types in particular enclosed transport are slower during these times due to an increased need for their services.
- Shipping Companies’ Services Offered
It is crucial to note that not every vehicle shipping company will have both open and closed transport options available. If you want enclosed transport, specific companies may need to become available first. Remember to inquire about the company’s availability and estimated transit times during booking.
- Route Complexity
The length of time it takes to ship a vehicle can also be affected by the complexity of the routes. An example of a simple straightforward route is one that does not have to deal with meandering ways or may have limited access roads, unlike other routes that may have these features and slow down the process.
Is Enclosed Transport the Right Choice For Your Vehicle?
Your decision to ship a vehicle using an enclosed or open transport will be dictated mostly by the amount of value the vehicle has and the level of protection desired. Even though using enclosed transport might lead to shipping delays, here are reasons why you may choose it.
- Protection for Luxury or Classic Cars
The estimated arriving time will be longer, but if you are shipping a luxury car, exotic car, or even a vintage car an enclosed trailer provide you with extra protection. Using such a method guarantees that your vehicle will not be exposed to rain, dirt, or any debris like other environmental factors.
- Psychologically Ideal
When it comes to cargo security, shipping cars in an enclosed container takes the prize. In the event that you are transporting a car with great monetary value or sentimental worth, you likely will not mind the additional time it takes for enclosed shipping to be carried out because of the heightened caution that is taken with the vehicle.
- Lower Difficulty with Increased Value
In the case where a vehicle’s value surpasses the expense of shipping, an enclosed trailer will add much valuable protection for those who require it. Most people will agree this is not necessary, enclosed trailers do provide the best guarantee against damages for people with expensive or rare vehicles.
Concluding remarks
The range in time difference is often negligible when it comes to enclosed car shipping compared to open transport. The only enviro marks of distinction reside in the scope of a vehicle’s value, degree of caution needed and the calmness that the person requires during the shipping phase.
Shipping a classic car or a luxury vehicle, rest assured your car will be securely transported with our open and enclosed cart shipping options tailored for your needs.
