When it comes to shipping your car, there are several important decisions to make – especially if you’re moving to Chicago for a new job or as a student. Beyond choosing a reliable auto transport company and scheduling your pickup dates, one of the most critical choices is how your vehicle will be transported. This is often one of the first questions you’ll be asked: open carrier or enclosed carrier? Each option comes with its own advantages and drawbacks, depending on your vehicle type, budget, and level of protection needed. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, don’t worry – we’re here to break it down clearly so you can make an informed decision and choose the best shipping option for your car as you relocate to Chicago.
Open Auto Transport
When referring to open or enclosed transport, they are really asking what kind of trailer you want to ship your vehicle on. Open transport is by far the most popular option. These are the double-decker trailers that hold anywhere between six and ten vehicles. More than 90% of all transport trailers on the road are open transport trailers. “Open” transport means that your car is on an open trailer exposed to the elements.
Pros to Choose an Open Trailer
An Open Transport Trailer will almost always be less expensive and even faster than an enclosed trailer. It’s cheaper than enclosed transport because there are so many more trailers on the road. This means that the surplus of trailers makes using an open transport trailer a buyer’s market. You can often have a lot more room to negotiate on an open transport trailer as opposed to an enclosed transport. Additionally, with so many trailers on the road, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a trailer on your preferred shipping day. You could even potentially get a trailer even sooner, which results in a faster shipment.
Cons of Choosing an Open Trailer
However, there are some cons to an open transport trailer. The biggest issue is that your car is exposed to the elements. In a city like Chicago, this can be especially noticeable during unpredictable spring weather (that can cause delays), when cold snaps, rain, wind, and even late-season snow are still common. As a result, your car may arrive with a layer of dirt, road grime, or salt residue from the roads, which could potentially affect the exterior.
There are also typical road hazards to consider. A small pebble or debris can occasionally kick up and cause minor paint chips or even a windshield crack. While reputable auto transport companies carry insurance to cover such situations, it’s still something to keep in mind. That said, it’s worth noting that most car dealerships ship brand-new vehicles using open trailers, even in regions with changing weather conditions like Chicago.
For those who are relocating for work, school, or simply want a cost-effective and efficient option, open transport remains the most popular choice and offers an excellent balance between affordability and reliability.
Enclosed Auto Transport
An enclosed transport trailer refers to a variety of different types of trailers. However, they all have in common that the trailer has either a canvas or hard shell cover that surrounds the trailer. This offers much better protection for your vehicle while traveling. However, there are so many different types of trailers that offer varying degrees of protection. The base line is essentially the same trailer as an open transport trailer with a canvas covering that surrounds the vehicles. This helps prevent any dirt from building up and prevents the rogue rock from falling. However, some people with classic or luxury vehicles may request a specialty type of enclosed transport trailer.
Some exotic vehicles have very little ground clearance. When you ship on a traditional trailer, you’re going to need to drive your car up the ramp to the trailer. The driver will take care of this as they are trained professionals to make sure everything goes well. However, if your car is too low to the ground or if you have aftermarket parts that could protrude out, you may not be able to get your car on the trailer this way. If this is the case, you’re going to need to use a hydraulic lift to get your car on the trailer. These hydraulic lift trailers don’t always carry as many vehicles as a traditional auto transport trailer.
Even though enclosed transport offers more secure shipping options, they are almost always going to be more expensive and take longer. Since there is a limited number of enclosed transport trailers on the road, the competition to get your car on a trailer is tougher. Also, enclosed transport trailers don’t always carry as many vehicles. When you ship your vehicle, you are essentially splitting the cost between the cars on the trailer (costs like gas, tolls, and specialty permits). If your car is the only car on the trailer, that all comes out of your pocket. That all can really start to add up if you have to ship your car a great distance.
However, for those with classic or luxury vehicles, enclosed transport trailers are probably the best option for them. Especially if your car has aftermarket parts or little ground clearance, enclosed transport may be your only option. When you ship using an enclosed transport, the key is to be flexible with your time. If you can be flexible, you can still try to save a few bucks, but it will not be as cheap as an open transport trailer.
Auto Transport Trailer Types & When to Use Them
Below is a breakdown of the most common open and enclosed auto transport options, including when each is best used.
| Trailer Type | Open / Enclosed | Best for Vehicle Type | Best Use Cases |
| Standard Open Carrier (Multiple Cars) | Open | Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks | Most affordable option; ideal for everyday vehicles and long-distance moves |
| Single-Car Open Trailer | Open | Standard vehicles, light SUVs | Faster delivery and flexible scheduling when shipping one vehicle |
| Open Hot Shot Transport | Open | Single vehicles | Time-sensitive shipments or locations with limited carrier access |
| Multi-Vehicle Open Trailer | Open | Multiple personal or dealer vehicles | Cost-efficient option for shipping more than one car at the same time |
| Standard Enclosed Carrier | Enclosed | Luxury, classic, sports cars | Full protection from weather, road debris, and dirt |
| Soft-Sided Enclosed Trailer | Enclosed | Classic and high-value vehicles | Added protection with airflow; suitable for moderate weather conditions |
| Hard-Sided Enclosed Trailer | Enclosed | Exotic, collector, show cars | Maximum security and protection in all weather conditions |
| Enclosed Hot Shot Transport | Enclosed | High-value vehicles | Urgent transport with premium protection and flexible routing |
The Best Option Depends on your Vehicle
Picking the best trailer for your shipment really just depends on what you’re shipping. The key is to find a reputable auto shipper who has great insurance and a variety of trucks. This way, you can still have plenty of options to safely transport your vehicle. If you’re looking for an auto shipping company, give Car Transport Chicago a call. Their live customer service representatives can walk you through the process and help you decide the best choice for your vehicle. You can get yourself an instant quote that includes industry-leading insurance right there in the price. Give them a call to see the options you have to safely transport your vehicle anywhere in the United States and Puerto Rico.