Choosing the Right Car Transport Carrier in Australia: Open vs Enclosed Trailers

3 min read

When planning to ship your car, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right car transport carrier. The carrier type not only determines cost and convenience but also plays a vital role in ensuring the safe transport of your vehicle. In Australia, car shipping companies primarily offer two options: open car transport trailers and enclosed car transport trailers. Both provide distinct advantages depending on your vehicle, budget, and transport needs.

Open Car Trailers: Safe, Modern, and Cost-Effective

Open carriers are the most commonly used vehicle carriers in Australia, trusted by private car owners, dealerships, and fleet operators alike. While open trailers were once viewed as less protective, modern design and technology have made them exceptionally safe for everyday vehicles.

Why Open Car Transport is Reliable

• Modern racking and secure strapping systems to hold vehicles firmly in place.
• Advanced suspension and loading systems that minimise road vibrations.
• Streamlined design that reduces exposure risks from weather and debris.

This means that open transport is not only the most affordable option but also a safe car transport method that delivers vehicles reliably across long distances.

Single-Level Multi-Car Trailer (Open)

Compact and agile, this carrier is ideal for local and regional moves. Smaller trucks provide easier access to residential streets and tight delivery points, making them highly practical.

Multi-Level Multi-Car Trailer (Open)

The most popular choice for interstate car shipping in Australia, these trailers can transport multiple vehicles at once, offering efficiency and cost savings. They are the industry standard for both private customers and dealerships.

Enclosed Car Trailers: Premium Protection for Prestige Vehicles

If you are transporting a prestige, sports, or collector vehicle, enclosed car transport is the premium choice. These carriers fully protect vehicles from weather, dust, and road hazards, ensuring they arrive in showroom condition.

Multi-Level Multi-Car Trailer (Enclosed)

Widely used by luxury dealerships and collectors, these enclosed carriers combine the efficiency of multi-car transport with total protection.

Single-Level Single-Car Trailer (Enclosed)

The gold standard of premium car shipping services. Dedicated to one vehicle at a time, these carriers provide white-glove handling, ideal for short-distance or urgent deliveries of prestige cars.

Key Takeaways

• Open car transport trailers are the most common in Australia, cost-effective, modern, and safe for everyday vehicles.
• Enclosed car transport trailers provide premium protection, ideal for prestige, luxury, or collectible cars.
• Single-level trailers are flexible, faster, and well-suited to point-to-point or local transport.
• Multi-level trailers carry multiple vehicles at once, offering efficiency and lower costs for interstate moves.
• The best carrier choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and protection needs, everyday cars are suited to open carriers, while prestige vehicles benefit from enclosed transport.

Which Car Transport Carrier is Best for You?

• Open car transport – Modern, affordable, and secure; the best choice for everyday vehicles.
• Enclosed car transport – Maximum protection for prestige, exotic, or collectible cars.
• Single-level trailers – Flexible and faster for direct point-to-point delivery.
• Multi-level trailers – Efficient and cost-effective