What is Open Air and Enclosed Freight Transportation
Choosing between open and enclosed trucking is an important decision that can affect both the cost and condition of your vehicle. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand what each entails before making a choice.
What is Open-Air Auto Transport for?
Open auto transport involves transporting a vehicle on a truck and trailer that has no walls or roof. With this method, the vehicle is exposed to a variety of weather factors including rain, snow, wind, and dust, just as if you were behind the wheel yourself. Despite this exposure, the vehicles are secured with support frames to ensure that they remain stable during transportation.
Advantages of Open Auto Transport
Cost-effective: Open-air car transportation is generally more affordable than enclosed auto transportation. Its cost can be 30-50% lower due to the ability of these carriers to transport multiple vehicles at the same time – typically 7 to 10 vehicles per auto shipment.
Accessibility: Open-air transportation companies are more common than enclosed carriers, making it easier to find available dates for transportation. This method works quite often, similar to public buses on busy routes. At Global Auto Transportation, we specialize in providing any type of car transport service at your convenience.
More Rapid Delivery Times: Due to its wide availability and ability to transport multiple vehicles at the same time, open-air auto transportation often provides faster delivery times than the enclosed option.
Disadvantages of Open-Air Auto Transportation
Exposure to the Elements: The most significant disadvantage is that vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris, which can result in a buildup of dirt and potential damage from flying objects.
Limited protection: Vehicles transported in open carrier trailers are not individually protected, so they may be dirty or have minor scratches or dents from road conditions.
Less personalized service: Open carrier auto transport typically offers less personalized service compared to enclosed options, which can be an important factor for exotic vehicles.
What is Enclosed Auto Transportation?
Enclosed auto transport provides a higher level of protection because your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer. This method protects your vehicle from outside influences and road debris, ensuring it is delivered in pristine condition.
Types of Enclosed Car Transport
Soft-Side (Covered )Transport
This uses temporary tarps or coverings on an open trailer that provide some protection from the elements, but are less secure than hard-sided options.
Enclosed Hard-Sided Auto Transportation
This method involves using a trailer with permanent walls and roof, which creates a safe environment for your vehicle. It is especially recommended for valuable vehicles such as vintage, luxury, or sporty models.
Benefits of Enclosed Car Transportation
Superior Protection: Vehicles transported in enclosed trailers are protected from weather and road debris, greatly reducing the risk of damage during transportation.
Improved Security: Enclosed vehicles typically offer better protection against theft and vandalism because trailers are keyed
Care for High-Value Vehicles: Many drivers working in enclosed transport are specially trained to handle high-value or rare vehicles, ensuring that they receive the utmost care during transit.
Fewer Stops in Transit: Covered transportation often involves fewer stops along the route, reducing the likelihood of delays and potential exposure to hazards.
Disadvantages of enclosed auto transport
Higher Cost: Enclosed road transport is usually more expensive than open transport due to the additional protection and specialized equipment required for safe transport67.
Limited Availability: There are fewer closed carriers on the road than open carriers (less than 10% of trucking companies), which can make it difficult to find available services during peak seasons48.
Less Capacity: Enclosed trailers typically hold fewer vehicles (usually around 6) compared to open trailers, which can increase the cost per vehicle transported due to reduced efficiency.
Making the Right Decision: Open or Enclosed Auto Transport?
The choice between open and enclosed vehicles ultimately depends on several factors:
Budgetary Considerations: If cost comes first, open-air transportation is likely the better choice. This is an economical solution for standard cars that don’t require special handling.
Type of Vehicle: For expensive cars, such as vintage models or luxury brands, enclosed transportation is recommended because it is better protection against possible damage.
Personal preference: Consider how much you care about the condition of your car when you arrive. If you are comfortable with minor environmental exposure during transportation and don’t mind a little dirt, open air may be sufficient.
The Urgency of Car Transportation: If you need your car delivered quickly or are planning specific dates, outdoor carriers can offer a more flexible schedule.
Conclusion
Both open and enclosed methods of car transportation have their pros and cons, making them suitable for different needs and circumstances. Open-air car transportation is ideal for frugal people transporting standard cars who don’t mind some exposure to them during transportation. Enclosed vehicles, on the other hand, offer peace of mind to those transporting high-value vehicles for whom protection is more important than cost.
Regardless of your choice, partnering with a reliable auto transportation provider ensures that your vehicle will be treated with care along the way. When you work with Global Auto Transportation, you can rest assured that you are working with one of the leading auto transport service providers in the United States.
By carefully reviewing these options, you will be able to make an informed decision that will meet your needs and preferences while ensuring that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and securely.
