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Open vs. Enclosed Transport & Choosing the Right Service Tier: What You Need to Know Before Booking

When shipping a vehicle, many customers wonder:
“How fast will my car be picked up?”
or
“Why isn’t delivery guaranteed with open transport?”

At Bigfella Auto Express, we offer flexible options tailored to your budget and timeline. Below is a clear breakdown of our Economy, Standard, and Priority service tiers — plus the key differences between open and enclosed transport — so you can make an informed decision.


Bigfella Auto Express Service Tiers

We understand not every shipment is the same — that's why we offer three levels of service:

Priority Service

1–3 business days (earliest possible pickup)

  • Guaranteed fast pickup for urgent moves

  • We schedule your exact pickup window

  • Example: Request Monday → Pickup by Wednesday

  • Best for customers who need a vehicle picked up ASAP

Standard Service

3–5 business days (typical scheduling window)

  • Most popular option

  • Balanced pricing and timing

  • Example: Request Monday → Pickup by Wednesday–Friday

  • Best for customers who want value and reliable timing

Economy Service

5–7 business days (maximum flexibility)

  • Most affordable option

  • Pickup takes longer to attract lower-cost carriers

  • Example: Request Monday → Pickup by Friday–Sunday

  • Best for customers on a budget with flexible timing


Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open Transport

  • Most common and cost-effective method

  • Vehicles are shipped on open, multi-car trailers (typically 6–10 cars)

  • Pickup and delivery times are estimates, not guarantees

  • Shared routes mean delays are possible due to multiple drop-offs

  • Ideal for standard vehicles and flexible schedules

Enclosed Transport

  • Vehicles are shipped in fully enclosed trailers (1–2 cars)

  • Protected from weather, road debris, and outside exposure

  • Preferred if you need a specific day/time pickup

  • Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles


Why Are Delivery Windows Flexible with Open Transport?

With open carriers, drivers have multiple pickups and deliveries. That means:

  • Routes change based on logistics and availability

  • Traffic, weather, or mechanical issues can cause delays

  • Pickup and drop-off timeframes are estimated, not guaranteed

If you need a guaranteed pickup or specific timing, enclosed transport or Priority Service is the better choice.


What Our Contract Says About Timelines

At Bigfella Auto Express, transparency is built into our Auto Transport Agreement. Per Section 5:

"Pickup and delivery windows are estimated and subject to delays beyond our control such as traffic, weather, or mechanical issues."

This means:

  • Delivery times are not guaranteed with open transport

  • Compensation for delays is evaluated on a case-by-case basis

  • Choosing enclosed or priority options gives you more control


📌 Summary Table

Option Timeframe Cost Best For
Priority 1–3 business days $$$ Urgent moves, guaranteed scheduling
Standard 3–5 business days $$ Balanced timing and pricing
Economy 5–7 business days $ Budget-friendly, flexible schedules
Open Transport Flexible estimates Lower Standard cars, low cost
Enclosed Transport Set appointments Higher High-value vehicles, exact timing

Need Help Deciding?

Let our team guide you through the best option based on your timeline and budget.
📞 Call us at 346-536-8700 or 💬 Get a fast quote at BigfellaAutoExpress.com