Open Auto Transport Carrier

Shipping a car, truck, SUV or motorcycle is an increasingly popular way to overcome the logistical challenges that come with relocation, online auto purchases as well as career or college moves. As you begin to research your auto transport needs, you’ll soon begin to ponder which kind of auto transport carrier you should select for your vehicle. There are three types of auto carriers used to ship cars across town or across the country.

Types of Auto Transport Carriers

  1. Open Auto Transport – The open auto transport is the most commonly-used type of carrier. This is the most affordable option and is perfect for the average, standard-sized vehicle. It is the common mode of auto transport used by car dealerships, and you likely see them out on the highways and byways that you drive on frequently. The open carrier is usually a two-level truck with cars loaded on the top and bottom.
  2. Enclosed Auto Transport – The enclosed auto transport is, as the name implies, an enclosed carrier. This type of carrier is often picked for added protection. If your vehicle is in a delicate condition, has a paint job that requires protection from the elements or is a luxury or vintage model – the enclosed auto transport might be the solution you’re searching for.
  3. Flatbed Truck Transport – For shorter cross-town auto transport needs or for over-sized equipment, your car shipment might require a flatbed truck transport option.

Pros and Cons of Different Auto Shipping Options

Pros & cons of using an open auto transport carrier – The pro of the open carrier is its affordable price. It is the most common type of auto transport carrier and costs the least to ship your vehicle to its final destination. For these open carriers, there are no sides and no roof, so your vehicles are exposed to the elements at all times. In areas of the country where extreme heat or extreme winter conditions are prominent, the open carrier can be a risky option.

Pros & cons of using an enclosed auto transport carrier – The enclosed auto transport carrier is an excellent choice for luxury cars, vintage cars or sports cars that need extra protection. The pros of using an enclosed auto carrier are protection from the elements, temperature control as well as an added layer of security. The danger of using an enclosed carrier is less visibility. If your car shifts around during the shipping process, it may not be noticed until damage has occurred to the vehicle. In addition, an important con of the enclosed auto transport carrier is the added price.

Pros & cons of using a flatbed auto transport carrier – The flatbed truck is not as commonly-used and mostly reserved for large equipment. The pro of choosing this type of auto transport is that it can accommodate a larger need and the cons are that it is less available and can impact the car shipping price.

Direct Connect Auto Transport offers all types of auto transport carrier options to its customers to accommodate their car shipping needs. We have a team of experienced car shipping specialists that will work closely with you to determine what the best, safest and the most affordable option is for you based on your unique vehicle.

Start today with an instant, free online car shipping quote!