When arranging car shipping in Canada, you may need to compare open and enclosed transport. The choice should reflect the vehicle, route, handoff locations, and the level of protection you prefer.
Start with the details of the move rather than choosing from the service names alone.
What is open car transport?
Open car transport moves vehicles on open equipment. It may be considered for standard vehicle moves when enclosed equipment is not a stated preference or vehicle-specific requirement.
Suitability still depends on the vehicle. Provide accurate information about its condition, dimensions, modifications, and any special handling considerations before requesting an estimate.
Read the open car transport page for the service overview.
What is enclosed car transport?
Enclosed car transport moves vehicles within enclosed equipment. It may be considered when an owner places a higher priority on reducing exposure to outside conditions or wants to discuss a more specialized vehicle.
Not every valuable, newer, older, or unusual vehicle automatically requires the same arrangement. Consider the vehicle’s condition, intended use, modifications, and your preferences.
Read the enclosed car transport page for more information.
Questions to ask before choosing
- What are the complete pickup and delivery locations?
- Is the vehicle standard, modified, oversized, damaged, or non-running?
- Does it have low clearance or another feature that should be disclosed?
- Are there access restrictions at either handoff location?
- Is enclosed transport a preference or a vehicle-specific requirement?
- What service details are included in the response or estimate?
Consider the vehicle first
A newer vehicle is not automatically an enclosed-transport vehicle, and an older vehicle is not automatically suited to open transport.
If the vehicle does not start, roll, or steer normally, disclose that before selecting a service. The same applies to significant modifications, unusual dimensions, or existing damage.
Consider access at both ends
Your comparison should include the pickup and delivery locations. Property access, parking conditions, building rules, and the availability of an authorized contact can all be relevant to the handoff discussion.
You may also need to compare door-to-door car shipping with terminal-to-terminal car shipping. Do not assume either structure is available or appropriate until the route is reviewed.
Compare the complete arrangement
An estimate alone does not explain whether an arrangement suits the vehicle and route. Review the equipment type, handoff structure, addresses, vehicle information, and any stated conditions together.
The goal is not to select the most impressive-sounding option. It is to request an arrangement that reflects your vehicle, route, and priorities.
Not sure which option fits your vehicle? Submit your route and vehicle details through the Car Shipping Cost Calculator for review.