If you’ve recently purchased a luxury vehicle or plan to relocate with one, you might be wondering: Can luxury cars be shipped open carrier? The short answer is yes—but with a few important caveats. While open carrier shipping is the most common and affordable method of vehicle transport, it may not always be the ideal choice for high-value cars. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and key considerations so you can make an informed, confident decision.
Understand What Open Carrier Shipping Means
An open carrier is the type of trailer you’ve likely seen on highways, hauling multiple vehicles on two levels with no enclosure. These are the most widely used carriers in the auto transport industry due to their efficiency and lower cost.
Pros of Open Carrier Shipping:
* Cost-effective: Usually 30-40% cheaper than enclosed transport.
* More available: Faster pickup and delivery times due to the abundance of open carriers.
* Safe for standard vehicles: Over 90% of all vehicles in the U.S. are shipped this way without incident.
But what about luxury cars? That’s where things get more nuanced.
Evaluate the Condition and Value of Your Luxury Vehicle
When asking whether your luxury car can be shipped open carrier, it’s essential to consider its market and sentimental value. A daily-driver Mercedes or Tesla Model 3 may be fine with open transport. However, a fully-loaded Bentley, Ferrari, or restored classic with custom parts deserves a closer look.
Questions to ask yourself:
* Is the paint job custom or extremely delicate?
* Does the vehicle have low ground clearance or modified bodywork?
* Would a small scratch or ding result in thousands of dollars in repairs or devaluation?
If you answered yes to any of these, you should strongly consider enclosed transport for peace of mind.
Real-World Insight: At Shipping Your Car, we’ve seen clients ship luxury SUVs like Range Rovers via open carrier with no issues. But for exotic cars like Lamborghinis or collector’s editions, most choose enclosed trailers for added protection.
Weigh the Risk Factors of Open Carrier Shipping
Luxury cars can absolutely be shipped via open carrier, but it’s crucial to understand the associated risks so you’re not blindsided.
Potential risk factors:
* Exposure to elements: Your vehicle will be vulnerable to rain, hail, road dust, and UV rays during transport.
* Higher chance of cosmetic damage: Flying debris or tree branches during loading/unloading can cause minor scratches.
* Limited insurance coverage in some cases: Some carriers may offer basic liability coverage, which may not reflect your car’s full value.
While damage is rare—occurring in fewer than 5% of shipments—when it involves a six-figure vehicle, even minor damage can be costly and stressful.
Expert Tip: Always ask your transporter for a certificate of insurance and review the policy’s damage liability limits before committing.
Consider Enclosed Carrier as a Premium Alternative
If your luxury car is brand new, extremely high-value, or being delivered for a special event, enclosed transport is the preferred option.
Why enclosed may be worth the extra cost:
* Protection from weather and road hazards
* Higher insurance coverage
* Soft-tie strapping to prevent frame or wheel damage
* Lift-gate loading to handle low-clearance vehicles
* White-glove service from experienced luxury car handlers
Of course, this comes at a premium—usually 30–60% more than open carrier rates. But for many luxury car owners, that premium is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Still not sure? Our team at Shipping Your Car will walk you through both options and offer a free quote tailored to your vehicle and shipping needs.
Prep Your Luxury Car Regardless of the Carrier Type
No matter how you ship your car, proper preparation will reduce risks and ensure a smooth transport process.
Checklist before shipment:
* Clean the car: This makes inspection for dings or scratches easier.
* Take photos from all angles: A visual record will help you in case of an insurance claim.
* Remove personal items and valuables: These aren’t covered by the transporter’s insurance.
* Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Prevent leaks or tire damage during loading.
* Disable alarms and provide specific instructions if needed.
Pro Tip: If your vehicle has unique features—like push-button ignition, adaptive air suspension, or valet modes—inform the carrier before pickup.
Final Verdict: Should You Ship a Luxury Car via Open Carrier?
So, can luxury cars be shipped open carrier? Yes. But should they? That depends on your comfort level with risk, the car’s value, and your budget.
For high-end vehicles, enclosed transport is often the safer, smarter option. However, if you’re moving a lightly-used luxury car and are okay with the risks of exposure, open carrier can be a practical and budget-friendly solution.
Whatever your decision, partnering with a trustworthy and experienced transport provider is key. At Shipping Your Car, we specialize in both open and enclosed auto shipping—offering full transparency, comprehensive insurance options, and nationwide service tailored to your luxury vehicle’s needs.
Ready to move your prized car safely? Let our experts help you make the right choice.
