Mercedes is a classic automobile company that has produced many classics we know and adore today, such as the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. It’s also about to release newer models soon, with Mercedes-Benz 2022 already in the market.
You need a reliable shipping method for whichever model you want to purchase, whether as a vintage collectible or to drive. But which type of transport will protect this pricey possession adequately, open or enclosed carrier?
To understand that, you need to know how enclosed and open automobile transport work, the shipping charges for each, and their pros and cons.
Types of Carriers to Transport Mercedes
Generally, there are two types of transport carriers that you can use to transport personal vehicles: enclosed auto transport and open auto transport. Both have two different applications; you can use each according to the distance and environment to travel across.
Both types come in two forms: single hauler and multilevel hauler. The multilevel hauler will allow you to carry anywhere between two to ten vehicles at once, depending on your carrier. When shipping a Mercedes, you must choose the type of transport carefully.
Whether you choose an open or enclosed carrier will depend on the size and weight of the car and how many vehicles are in demand currently. Whichever you choose, you’ll have to secure the vehicles on the transport using nylon straps to ensure the automobile doesn’t move or slide off.
Shipping in an Enclosed Transport
An enclosed auto transport is a carrier that adds protection all around a vehicle when transporting it. If you plan to ship luxury, sports, or vintage collectible automobiles, enclosed auto transport will add cushioning and overall protection from harsh environmental factors and accidents.
Shipping any car in an enclosed vehicle transport is much pricier than shipping on an open carrier. Since it’s a closed system, most enclosed carriers can’t carry more than two vehicles at a time. This means spending more fuel and more time on the road, thus making it an expensive choice.
However, the walls, the door, and the ceiling will protect expensive automobiles like electric Mercedes from environmental damage. Therefore, that extra expense can be worth it when vehicles arrive without a scratch on the locations.
1. Types of Enclosed Transport
There are two forms of enclosed vehicle carriers: soft-sided and hard-sided. Each is used for different purposes, providing varying levels of protection for your expensive automobile.
It’s safe to compare this transport with a tent, as tents can protect you only up to an extent. Hard-sided enclosed transports are like houses protecting us from almost all obstacles. Let’s see why.
2. Soft-Sided Enclosed Transport
A soft-sided enclosed automobile carrier has walls and a ceiling made of flexible material, mainly polyvinyl. It’ll partially protect an automobile from environmental things like dust, rain, birds, twigs, branches, etc. Besides, soft-sided enclosed transport is more affordable due to the material. However, it won’t protect vehicles from accidents on the road.
3. Hard-Sided Shipping Carriers
On the other hand, a hard-sided enclosed automobile carrier is a closed cargo-style carrier with cushioning inside to protect the vehicle. It’ll prevent automobiles from all sorts of hazards and accidents. While it may not be able to keep them scratchless in an accident or a likely hurricane, the vehicles transported won’t face much damage.
Of course, the added protection comes with a hefty price tag. But it feels worthy when the vehicle reaches its destination safely and sound.
Shipping on an Open Carrier
The most common type of transport requested for shipping a car is an open carrier, which is also the industry standard transport. An open automobile transport carries vehicles on a trailer, securing it following the standard vehicle transportation protocols.
Extra security on the vehicle is added by including more ropes to keep the car locked to the ramp. Because an open carrier can carry more vehicles at a time, it saves a lot of fuel and time on the road for car dealers, making it a cost-friendly option. However, the pricing can vary if someone orders their vehicle to be shipped alone on the carrier.
Factors Affecting Open Carrier Cost
An open carrier doesn’t have as many options as an enclosed carrier since it’s an open system, as the name suggests. However, some factors can bring variations in the carrier cost. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Vehicle Model
The model and maker of the vehicle you’re transporting will significantly affect the shipping cost. Any expensive vehicle and vintage collectible, such as Mercedes convertibles, is way more valuable than regular sedans and SUVs, which is why companies charge higher for shipping them. Besides, a larger vehicle needs more space, so the carrier needs to accommodate it nicely.
2. Distance to Cover
The distance from the car dealership or factory to the customer’s location will determine the shipping charge. Besides, whether the location is in the city or the suburbs will also play a role in determining the cost.
Generally, the larger the distance to be covered, the lower the cost per mile. Also, suppose the shipping is in a city. In that case, more trucks are available, bringing down the shipping cost further.
3. Transport Duration
How long it’ll take to ship the vehicle from one location to another can also be cost-determinate. Urgent shipping will add to the shipping charge, while a considerable difference between purchasing date and the delivery date will reduce the price. And yes, this applies to Mercedes and other valuable cars as well.
4. Seasons
Seasons play a considerable role in the shipping cost. It’ll take a lot of time and care to ship vehicles during snow and rain, especially for Mercedes and other valuable cars. Also, whether it’s a holiday season or not will also play a role in shipping cost changes.
Open or Enclosed Carrier to Transport Mercedes
Although costs are higher, hard-sided enclosed vehicle transport is the best option for any Mercedes you buy, whether it’s the latest Mercedes-Benz 2022 or the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S.
Keeping it covered during the entire shipping period will ensure the delicate details don’t get any scratches, especially on the paint. Besides, the cushioning in the hard-sided enclosed transport will protect your Mercedes from bumpy roads or any possible accident, saving you a lot of trouble.
Final Thoughts
Whether to choose an open or enclosed carrier to ship your Mercedes home is debatable, and a personal call. The option to ship a Mercedes to its destination on open transport still remains, however shipping it in an enclosed carrier is much safer. It’s better to pay extra shipping charges than spend money to repair a valuable vehicle, which will definitely come with an expensive price tag.
