Open Car Transport vs. Towing: What’s Best for Short Distances?

When it comes to moving a vehicle, there are multiple options available, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. For short-distance car transport, two of the most commonly considered methods are open car transport and towing. Both of these services are used for moving cars from one place to another, but which one is the better choice for short-distance car transport?

In this article, we’ll compare open car transport with towing, discussing the pros and cons of each and helping you determine which option is best for your specific needs.

What is Open Car Transport?

Open car transport is a method of shipping vehicles on an open-air carrier. The vehicle is loaded onto a multi-car carrier, which is designed to transport several cars at once. This method is commonly used for moving vehicles over medium to long distances, but it can also be a viable option for short-distance car transport.

How Does Open Car Transport Work?

In open car transport, your car is placed on an open trailer, typically alongside other vehicles. While it is exposed to the elements, the car is securely strapped down, ensuring it is safe throughout the journey. This method is often used for transporting cars that do not require additional protection from weather or road conditions.

What is Towing?

Towing, on the other hand, involves using a tow truck to move a vehicle from one location to another. This can be done with a traditional tow dolly, a flatbed truck, or a wheel-lift truck, depending on the specific needs of the vehicle. Towing is typically used for short-distance car transport, especially when the vehicle needs to be moved from one local area to another.

How Does Towing Work?

With towing, a vehicle is either towed by its wheels or placed on a flatbed truck, depending on the equipment being used. Tow trucks can be used for shorter distances, like moving a car within a city or across town. It’s typically the go-to option for emergency situations, breakdowns, or moving vehicles for a relatively short span.

Open Car Transport vs. Towing: What’s Best for Short Distances?

Both open car transport and towing can serve the purpose of short-distance car transport, but there are key differences that could make one better suited for your situation. Here’s how they compare across several important factors:

1. Cost

• Open Car Transport: Open car transport tends to be more affordable for longer distances, as it’s a more cost-effective way to ship multiple vehicles. However, for very short-distance car transport, the price may still be reasonable but could vary depending on the location and specific transport company.
• Towing: Towing is often more affordable for short-distance moves, especially when you’re just moving your car within a local area. Towing rates are typically determined by distance, and it’s a more economical choice for moving a car only a few miles or within the same city.

Conclusion: For short distances, towing is typically the more cost-effective option, while open car transport is better for longer distances and bulk shipments.

2. Convenience and Ease

• Open Car Transport: Although open car transport is designed for longer journeys, it is still a relatively convenient option for short-distance car transport. The vehicle is picked up from your location and delivered to your destination, so you don’t need to worry about dropping the car off anywhere. However, if you’re only moving the car a short distance, this service could take a bit longer to arrange.
• Towing: Towing is often more straightforward and convenient for short-distance car transport. Tow trucks are widely available, and the vehicle can be moved quickly from one location to another, sometimes even immediately after contacting the service. The convenience of having a tow truck arrive directly at your location and move the vehicle quickly makes it ideal for local, short-distance transport.

Conclusion: For short-distance car transport, towing tends to be more convenient due to the speed and simplicity of the service, while open car transport can still be used but may require more scheduling.

3. Vehicle Protection

• Open Car Transport: While open car transport offers some level of protection, such as securing the car on the trailer, it is still exposed to the elements. The vehicle may be subjected to dirt, rain, snow, or other weather conditions, which could affect its appearance, particularly if it’s a brand-new or luxury car.
• Towing: With towing, vehicles are either lifted by their wheels or placed on a flatbed, so the exposure to the elements depends on the type of tow truck being used. If the car is towed on a flatbed, it is fully off the ground and securely fastened, offering more protection than open car transport. However, it’s still exposed to dirt and debris while in transit, just like open carriers.

Conclusion: Towing on a flatbed generally offers better protection than open car transport, but neither option provides complete shelter from environmental factors like dust or weather.

4. Speed and Efficiency

• Open Car Transport: For short-distance car transport, open car transport may be a slower option compared to towing, especially if you need to wait for an available carrier. Transporting multiple vehicles at once can also add time, as your vehicle might be one of several being shipped on the same trailer.
• Towing: Towing is faster for short-distance car transport. Once the vehicle is attached to the tow truck, the driver can transport it directly to the destination without any delays, making it ideal for situations that require speed and immediate transport.

Conclusion: Towing is faster and more efficient for short-distance car transport, as the vehicle can be picked up and dropped off quickly.

5. Distance and Type of Vehicle

• Open Car Transport: This method is ideal for longer distances, as it’s designed to move multiple vehicles at once. However, it’s still effective for short-distance car transport if you’re looking for an affordable solution, especially for bulk shipments.
• Towing: Towing is the best choice for short-distance car transport where the car needs to be moved locally, such as moving a car from one neighborhood to another or from a dealership to your home.

Conclusion: Towing is better suited for local and short-distance needs, while open car transport is more appropriate for longer journeys or multiple vehicle shipments.

Which is Best for You?

• Choose Open Car Transport if: You’re moving a car over a moderate distance and want to ship multiple vehicles at once. It’s affordable for short-distance car transport when looking for a standard solution that is still cost-effective.
• Choose Towing if: You need to move a car a short distance within the same city or area. Towing offers a fast, affordable, and convenient option for local moves.

For short-distance car transport, the decision between open car transport and towing ultimately depends on your specific needs. While towing is generally the better option for moving vehicles quickly and affordably within local areas, open car transport can still be a viable solution for those looking to ship cars over a moderate distance with a budget-friendly price tag.

Both options have their advantages, but for the quickest, most cost-effective, and efficient transport over short distances, towing typically comes out on top. Consider your vehicle’s needs, the distance, and how quickly you need the transport completed when making your decision. If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars. See some different payment options like pay per card, Ethereum and others.