Auto Transport Guides & Advice
Read expert tips on preparing your car for transit, understanding carrier insurance, and route planning.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Which to Choose?
When booking vehicle shipping, your primary decision is between Open Carrier and Enclosed Carrier. Open transport is the industry standard—it is highly available, cost-effective, and safe for 90% of passenger cars. However, the vehicle is exposed to highway debris and weather. Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer, shielding cars from rain, snow, road grime, and pebbles. While enclosed shipping costs 30% to 50% more, it is highly recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, and high-value sports vehicles.
How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport
Shipping a car for the first time can seem daunting, but standard preparation guarantees a smooth experience. First, thoroughly wash your vehicle so you can accurately document its pre-shipping condition. Take clear photos of all angles. Next, remove all personal belongings; transport insurance does not cover contents inside the vehicle. Make sure the fuel level is around 1/4 tank to minimize transit weight, and perform a quick mechanical check to make sure there are no active fluid leaks. Disable alarms, remove custom toll passes, and secure convertible tops.