Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Do You Really Need to Pay Double?
When you need to ship a car—whether it’s a classic restoration, a dealership trade, or your daily driver—you are faced with a choice: Open Transport or Enclosed Transport. Enclosed shipping sounds safer, but it often costs 50% to 100% more. Is it worth it? For 95% of vehicles, the answer is no. Here is why Texas drivers are switching to Dedicated Open Hot Shot instead.
What is Enclosed Transport? (The Pros & Cons) Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a box trailer. It protects the car from rain, dust, and road debris.
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When you need it: If you are moving a multi-million dollar Ferrari or a museum piece with 100-year-old original paint, pay the extra money for Enclosed.
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The Downside: It is slow. Enclosed carriers are rare, meaning you might wait weeks for a pickup.
The “La Chingona” Open Advantage Most people think “Open Transport” means a giant 18-wheeler carrying 10 cars stacked on top of each other. That is not what we do. At La Chingona Trucking, we specialize in Single-Car Dedicated Transport.
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No Stacking: Your car is never parked under another vehicle leaking oil. It sits alone on our 18ft flat deck.
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Zero Terminals: Big carriers unload your car at dusty terminals to switch trucks. We pick it up, strap it down, and don’t touch it again until we hand you the keys.
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Road Safety: We use “over-the-wheel” soft straps that never touch your rims or suspension. Your car rides as smoothly as it would if you were driving it yourself—just without the mileage on the odometer.
Which One is Right for You?
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Choose Enclosed if: You have a SEMA show car or a vehicle worth over $250,000.
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Choose La Chingona Open Hot Shot if: You want your car moved this week, you want to save hundreds of dollars, and you want direct communication with the driver.
Don’t overpay for a box you don’t need. Get “White Glove” service on an open trailer. Enter your route below to see how much you can save with La Chingona Trucking.
Major Texas Auction Locations We Service
We provide priority transport to and from all major salvage and insurance auction yards across the Lone Star State. If you have won a vehicle at any of these locations, we can handle the recovery.
Copart Texas Locations
- Copart Austin – 201 Jackson Ln, Manor, TX 78653
- Copart San Antonio – 11510 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
- Copart Dallas – 505 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75061
- Copart Houston (North, South, and Central)
- Copart Corpus Christi – 303 Archer Rd, Robstown, TX 78380
- Copart Fort Worth – 4501 N Beach St, Fort Worth, TX 76137
IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) Texas Locations
- IAA Austin – 2100 Patterson Industrial Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660
- IAA San Antonio – 11049 I-35 N, San Antonio, TX 78233
- IAA Dallas – 3720 Dalworth St, Arlington, TX 76011
- IAA Houston – 16602 East Fwy, Baytown, TX 77521
Independent & Specialty Auctions
- ADESA Austin – 2101 Ferguson Ln, Austin, TX 78754
- Manheim Texas Hobby – 8215 Kopman Rd, Houston, TX 77061
- Alliance Auto Auction Austin – 15500 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Texas Vehicle Registration: Step-by-Step
If you have recently purchased a vehicle or moved to the state, follow these steps to obtain your Texas plates and registration:
Step 1: Vehicle Inspection
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before it can be registered. If you live in a designated “Initial Emissions County” (like Travis or Williamson), you will also need an emissions test.
- Find a station using the Official DPS Station Locator.
- The inspector will provide a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which is uploaded digitally to the state database.
Step 2: Texas Insurance Coverage
You must show proof of insurance that meets the Texas Minimum Liability Requirements ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
Step 3: Application for Title (Form 130-U)
You must visit your County Tax Assessor-Collector office to complete the registration. Bring the following:
- Your current out-of-state or auction title.
- A completed Form 130-U Application.
- Proof of the safety inspection and insurance.
- Payment for the 6.25% sales tax and registration fees.
Special Requirements for Salvage Titles
Purchasing a vehicle with a Salvage or Non-Repairable title requires an extra step. These vehicles are not road-legal until they pass a specialized Rebuilt Salvage Inspection.
Since these vehicles often cannot be legally driven to the inspection station, **La Chingona Trucking** specializes in transporting these units to the required facilities so you can get your “Rebuilt” title and back on the road.
