Choosing how to ship your vehicle is not always obvious. Whether you are transporting a brand-new car, a well-maintained daily driver, or a high-value classic, the right decision comes down to balancing cost, convenience, timing, and protection.
With extensive experience providing car shipping and vehicle transport services across Canada, the United States, and cross-border routes, Interlane helps customers select the transport method that fits their priorities. Below is a clear breakdown of the most common car shipping methods, how they work, and when each option makes sense.
Car Transport by Truck
Truck-based auto transport is the most widely used vehicle shipping method in North America. It offers flexibility, broad geographic coverage, and multiple service levels depending on your vehicle type and budget.
Interlane supports both open and enclosed truck transport, often paired with door to door car shipping or terminal-based delivery.
Open Car Transport
Open car transport is the industry standard and the most economical way to ship a vehicle. Cars are secured on open-air trailers that typically carry multiple vehicles on the same route.
Key advantages of open auto transport include:
- Lower cost: Shared transport reduces fuel and labor expenses
- High availability: Open drivers operate on nearly all major routes
- Faster scheduling: More drivers means shorter pickup windows
Trade-offs to consider:
- Exposure to weather: Vehicles are exposed to rain, dust, and road debris
- Cosmetic dirt: Cars typically arrive needing a wash
Open transport is a practical choice for standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks and is commonly used alongside vehicle transport services for relocations and long-distance moves.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed car shipping places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, offering maximum protection throughout transit. This method is designed for vehicles where condition preservation is critical.
Benefits of enclosed auto transport include:
- Complete environmental protection: No exposure to weather or road debris
- Higher security: Vehicles remain out of sight during transit
- Specialized handling: Ideal for low-clearance and high-value vehicles
Considerations:
- Higher cost: Typically 30 to 50 percent more than open transport
- Limited availability: Enclosed drivers should be booked earlier
Enclosed shipping is commonly recommended for luxury, antique, and exotic vehicles or when transporting during harsh winter conditions. Learn more about enclosed car shipping options.
Car Shipping by Rail
Rail transport is an efficient option for long-distance vehicle moves, particularly across Canada or between major Canadian and U.S. hubs. While it does not offer true door-to-door service, it can provide meaningful cost savings over long-haul trucking.
Vehicles shipped by rail are transported between major terminals and may be paired with terminal to terminal car shipping or short-distance trucking at either end.
Advantages of rail car shipping include:
- Lower long-distance cost: Rail is often cheaper over cross-country routes
- Reduced highway exposure: Less impact from traffic and road conditions
- Consistent schedules: Fixed rail routes improve predictability
Limitations to be aware of:
- Terminal-based pickup and delivery only
- Longer transit times than dedicated trucking
- Vehicles must be fully operable
Rail transport works well for flexible timelines and budget-focused cross-country moves.
How to Compare Car Shipping Methods
Selecting the right shipping method depends on several factors:
- Vehicle value: Higher-value vehicles benefit from enclosed protection
- Distance: Rail and open transport offer savings on long routes
- Timeline: Door-to-door trucking is usually faster
- Budget: Open and terminal-based services reduce overall cost
Many customers compare options using a car shipping cost calculator before deciding.