Auto Transport Options : Open vs. Enclosed car Shipping

The options available for the transport of your vehicle will depend upon multiple factors. Some of these are which auto transport carrier you select, what type of vehicle you need to transport, the delivery destination of your vehicle in relation to the point of origin, and personal preferences. The cost involved with each of the options may be a factor as well.

Some vehicles will require special handling in how they are shipped or secured. This may affect how you or your auto transport company prefers to ship your particular vehicle. A brief explanation of the difference between enclosed and open shipping is below.

Enclosed Carrier Truck

This method is basically the use of a fully enclosed truck to ship your vehicle. The vehicle is protected from weather conditions and road hazards such as loose gravel, which may cause chips in paint or glass.

Materials such as canvas enclose some, while others are enclosed with hard sides that are permanent in nature. More than one vehicle at a time may be transported this way, though fewer vehicles will generally fit into an enclosed carrier truck than on an open carrier truck.

Open Carrier Truck

This method is the one that is commonly seen used to deliver vehicles to dealerships. More than one vehicle is shipped at a time, and the vehicles are exposed to the elements. The advantage of this method over an enclosed carrier is that the cost will be less for this method than the enclosed carrier will.

Though using an open carrier truck may sound risky, dealerships use them quite regularly, which helps to illustrate just how safe and reliable they really are. Auto transport companies want your business, so they are not likely to use a method of shipping your vehicle that will harm it, or place it at significant risk.

Preparing your car for safe transportation is quick and easy. Use our handy hints to ensure your car enjoys a safe freight.

Your car condition prior to transport

• Thoroughly wash your car so a reliable condition assessment can be made prior to freight.
• Be present at the condition assessment or authorise someone else to be there on your behalf.
• List any existing mechanical issues and provide this to your freighter.
• Take photos of your car’s physical condition, including any defects.

Preparing your car mechanically

• Ensure steering, brakes and other core operations are fully functional for loading and unloading.
• Lower or remove all permanent and temporary antennae.
• Remove any temporary luggage, bike or ski racks.

Practical car transport suggestions

• Provide a full set of car keys to your freighter.
• Remove all personal and loose items from the car.
• Disable your car alarm.
• Have a ¼ tank of fuel in the car as this saves a lot of weight.

Location and contact details

• Ensure your pick-up and drop-off locations are accessible for transportation.
• Be on time for the scheduled pick-up and drop-off.
• Be sure to provide your phone details in case the freighter needs to contact you while your car is in transit
• Ensure you get contact details for your freighter so you can track your vehicle’s progress

We hope that you will choose ‘A&C CAR TRANSPORT’ for your move or keep our business in mind while looking into automobile transport services.