How-to · Updated October 2, 2026
How much more is enclosed car shipping than open?
Direct answer
On a 1,100-mile sedan, open is $1,675.52 and enclosed is $2,100.56. The gap is $425.04, because enclosed multiplies linehaul by 1.42 and leaves fuel, insurance, and fees alone.
Same sedan, three distances
3,600 lb, standard urgency, normal demand, $3.75 fuel, 6.2 MPG, $28,000 declared value, $80 terminal, $120 door fee.
| Miles | Open | Enclosed | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $992.874 days | $1,186.075 days | $193.20 |
| 1,100 | $1,675.525 days | $2,100.566 days | $425.04 |
| 2,500 | $3,268.358 days | $4,234.359 days | $966.00 |
Open linehaul on 1,100 miles is $1,012.00. Enclosed linehaul is $1,437.04. Fuel stays $239.52 either way.
Speed and demand on the open lane
Expedited multiplies linehaul by 1.2. High demand multiplies it by 1.12. Low demand uses 0.95. These stack with the enclosed multiplier when you combine them.
| 1,100-mile open sedan | Total | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, normal demand | $1,675.52 | 5 |
| Expedited | $1,877.92 | 5 |
| High demand | $1,796.96 | 5 |
Limits
- A planning comparison. Enclosed trailers often cost more on a live quote because capacity is tighter, and the 1.42 factor is this model’s stand-in for that.
- The multiplier hits linehaul only. A short trip with large door fees will show a smaller percentage gap than a long trip.
- Running condition, modifications, and the exact pickup ZIP are outside the estimate.
Use the calculator
The full open-sedan breakdown: how much it costs to ship a car. Switch transport type in the car shipping cost calculator.