Choosing the right type of car shipping for you

Choosing between open carrier auto shipping and enclosed carrier auto shipping is a crucial decision when it comes to transporting your vehicle. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, and the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of protection you require for your vehicle. Let’s explore the key differences and factors to consider for both open and enclosed carrier auto shipping.

**Open Carrier Auto Shipping:**

**Advantages:**

1. **Cost-Effective:** Open carrier shipping is typically more affordable than enclosed carrier shipping. This makes it a popular choice for standard vehicles and those with tighter budgets.

2. **Faster Pickup:** Due to the prevalence of open carriers, they are often readily available, leading to faster pickup and delivery times compared to enclosed carriers.

3. **Visibility:** Open carriers offer visibility, allowing you to see your vehicle during transport. This can provide peace of mind for some customers.

**Considerations:**

1. **Exposure to Elements:** Vehicles transported on open carriers are exposed to the elements, including weather conditions, dust, and road debris. While modern open carriers have safety measures to mitigate these risks, it’s still a consideration.

2. **Limited Protection:** While open carriers have sturdy structures to prevent most damage, they don’t offer the same level of protection as enclosed carriers.

**Enclosed Carrier Auto Shipping:**

**Advantages:**

1. **Superior Protection:** Enclosed carriers provide the highest level of protection for your vehicle. They shield your car from weather elements, road debris, and potential damage during transit.

2. **Ideal for Specialty Vehicles:** If you own a luxury car, classic vehicle, or any high-value automobile, enclosed carrier shipping is the recommended option. It’s also suitable for show cars, rare vehicles, or any vehicle where pristine condition matters.

3. **Peace of Mind:** The added security and protection offered by enclosed carriers can give you peace of mind, especially if your vehicle is particularly valuable or sentimental.

**Considerations:**

1. **Higher Cost:** The extra protection comes with a higher price tag. Enclosed carrier shipping is generally more expensive than open carrier shipping.

2. **Limited Availability:** Enclosed carriers might have fewer units available compared to open carriers, potentially leading to longer lead times for booking.

**Which Option is Best for You?**

The choice between open and enclosed carrier shipping depends on your individual circumstances. If your vehicle is a standard car, you’re on a budget, and you’re comfortable with the exposure to elements, open carrier shipping can be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if your vehicle is valuable, delicate, or requires the highest level of protection, enclosed carrier shipping is the better option.

Ultimately, it’s essential to assess your priorities, budget, and the value you place on your vehicle’s condition during transport. Consulting with a reputable car shipping company like Metti International (https://mettiintl.com/) can also help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.