Shipping a vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car from another state, sending a vehicle to a family member, or transporting a luxury car, choosing the right type of auto transport service can make the process easier and safer.
At LISCA Transport, we help customers understand their options so they can choose a service that fits their vehicle, schedule, and budget. Here are the most common types of auto transport services.
Open Auto Transport
Open auto transport is the most common method of shipping vehicles in the United States. Your vehicle is transported on an open carrier, similar to the trucks commonly seen delivering new cars to dealerships.
Open transport is a great option for everyday vehicles, SUVs, pickup trucks, and many other standard vehicles. Because open carriers are widely available, this is typically one of the most affordable ways to transport a vehicle long distance.
Benefits of Open Transport
- More affordable than enclosed transport
- Widely available throughout the country
- Great for most standard vehicles
- Efficient for long-distance transportation
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto transport provides additional protection by transporting your vehicle inside a covered trailer. This protects the vehicle from road debris, rain, snow, dust, and other outside exposure during transportation.
Enclosed shipping is especially popular for luxury, exotic, classic, collectible, and high-value vehicles. It generally costs more than open transport because enclosed carriers transport fewer vehicles and provide a higher level of protection.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport
With door-to-door auto transport, the carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle as close as safely and legally possible to the addresses you provide.
Large transport trucks may not be able to enter certain residential streets because of low-hanging trees, narrow roads, weight restrictions, or tight turns. In those situations, the driver will usually coordinate a nearby safe location for pickup or delivery.
Door-to-door service saves customers from having to drive their vehicle to and from a shipping terminal.
Expedited Auto Transport
Sometimes you can’t wait several days for a vehicle to be picked up. Expedited auto transport is designed for customers who need faster pickup.
At LISCA Transport, customers can ask about expedited pickup options when timing is especially important. Expedited service generally costs more because finding and securing a carrier within a shorter timeframe requires additional coordination.
Non-Running Vehicle Transport
A vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to run to be transported.
If your car is inoperable, it’s important to tell the transport company before booking. The carrier may need special equipment, such as a winch, to safely load and unload the vehicle.
Because additional equipment and work may be required, transporting an inoperable vehicle can cost more than transporting a vehicle that runs and drives normally.
Motorcycle, ATV and Specialty Vehicle Transport
Auto transport isn’t limited to cars. Depending on the equipment and carrier availability, transportation can also be arranged for motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, and other specialty vehicles.
Providing accurate dimensions, weight, condition, and pickup and delivery ZIP codes helps determine the appropriate carrier and price.
Which Auto Transport Service Should You Choose?
For most everyday cars, open transport with door-to-door service is a practical and affordable choice.
If you’re transporting a classic, exotic, luxury, or particularly valuable vehicle, enclosed transportation may be worth considering for the additional protection.
If your vehicle doesn’t run, make sure to request inoperable vehicle transport. And if you need your vehicle picked up quickly, ask about expedited pickup.
Ship Your Vehicle With LISCA Transport
Every shipment is different. Distance, vehicle size, vehicle condition, transportation method, seasonal demand, pickup location, and delivery location can all affect pricing and availability.
LISCA Transport provides nationwide vehicle transportation services, including open and enclosed auto transport, door-to-door shipping, expedited pickup options, and transportation for inoperable vehicles.
If you’re ready to ship, provide your pickup ZIP code, delivery ZIP code, vehicle year, make, model, and condition to receive a quote.
Get your auto transport quote today and let LISCA Transport help get your vehicle where it needs to go.