Open vs. enclosed car transport: which one do you need?

When you post a car on Haulr, one of the first choices is the trailer type. Both options get your car there safely. The difference is how much it’s exposed along the way, and what that protection costs.

Open trailers

Open carriers are the multi-level trailers you see on the highway. They’re the most common way to ship a car, which makes them easier to book and more affordable.

• Best for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs
• More drivers and more routes, so pickup is often sooner
• The car is exposed to weather and road dust, much like daily driving

Enclosed trailers

Enclosed trailers fully cover the car. Many use liftgates or low ramps, which helps with cars that sit low to the ground.

• Best for classic, exotic, luxury, or newly restored cars
• Protects against rain, hail, sun, and stone chips
• Fewer trailers on the road, so allow more time to book

How to choose

Ask yourself one question: would a layer of road dust or a stone chip be a real problem? If the answer is no, an open trailer is the practical choice. If the car has paint you’d rather not risk, or its value depends on its condition, choose enclosed.