Blog Post

When transporting a car, you have two options: an open trailer or an enclosed trailer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, with the primary distinction being that an enclosed trailer offers the highest level of protection for your vehicle during transit.

However, it’s important to note that this superior protection comes at a cost. Enclosed transportation can be significantly more expensive—up to double the cost of open transport, depending on the route. On average, expect to pay about 40-50% more for enclosed versus open transportation.

Due to the higher cost, enclosed shipping is typically reserved for rare, exotic, or classic restored vehicles that require extra care and protection.

Are Car Covers an Option to Enclosed Transportation?

What if you’re an average person who’s just bought a brand-new, fully equipped Lexus LX350? You’re interested in shipping it enclosed but are concerned about the high cost. What alternatives are available to you? Is it possible to transport the car on an open trailer using a car cover? Regrettably, this is not an option.

Car Covers During Transportation Are a Liability to You (and the Driver)

Most car carriers, including us, prohibit the use of car covers during transportation. The main reason is that securing a cover on a vehicle while it is being transported is nearly impossible. The wind force generated as the truck speeds down the highway is so powerful that it can easily rip off or tear apart any car cover.

For instance, we recently had a customer who had purchased a new Corvette and requested to transport it on an open trailer with a car cover. Despite reservations, our driver agreed. However, it didn’t take long—less than ten miles on the road—for the wind to tear the cover down the middle, illustrating our concerns vividly. Fortunately, the car wasn’t scratched or damaged when the cover was torn open, which was a stroke of luck.

Moreover, even if a car cover does survive the journey, it’s more likely to damage the vehicle than protect it. No car cover can fit perfectly; the inevitable slack allows the cover to flap in the wind, risking scratches to the car’s surface. Additionally, components like zippers, grommets, and tie-downs can cause damage by hitting the car.

Car covers also present a liability risk. If one were to fly off and cause an accident, the driver would be liable. Furthermore, should a cover that remains in place cause damage, the driver is again held responsible.

From the driver’s perspective, car covers are a hassle. Removing and refolding a cover without causing damage to the vehicle is time-consuming. And if the vehicle needs to be reloaded, the process must be repeated, adding unnecessary delays.

For these reasons, the use of car covers during transportation on an open trailer is discouraged, and we strongly advise against it.

Putting Your Mind at Ease (Since Car Covers are a No-Go)

Open transportation offers a cost-effective and secure solution for car shipping. It stands as the preferred choice for transporting the majority of vehicles across the nation today. Unless you possess a rare, exotic, or meticulously restored classic car, choosing an enclosed trailer may not be necessary.

Consider the perspective that shipping a car on an open trailer bears no greater risk than leaving your vehicle parked outdoors or driving it on a typical road. The longest journey, coast to coast, spans roughly seven days. It’s likely your vehicle spent as much time on a dealership lot before purchase or that you drive it regularly over a week without concern.

Your vehicle remains just as safe on an open trailer as it would parked in your driveway or navigating the streets. It’s worth noting that the truck and trailer of the driver primarily absorb the impact of rocks and road debris, sparing the transported vehicles from damage.

Most importantly, the risk of damage predominantly arises during the loading and unloading process, not while the vehicle is in transit. Errors made by the driver in these moments are the typical cause of any harm.

Rest assured, incidents of damage during auto transport are exceedingly rare. In our experience, less than 1% of transports incur damage, meaning out of 100 transports, damage might occur in just one instance. When such damage does happen, it’s generally minor – a scratch or a ding – and easily rectifiable. We provide full insurance coverage for any damages and commit to resolving any issues, ensuring you are not left unsupported.

Choosing our services for your auto transport needs means you can confidently ship your vehicle on an open trailer, even without the use of car covers, knowing that your peace of mind is guaranteed.