Enclosed car transport is a service where vehicles are transported in a specialized trailer that provides complete protection from the outside elements. Unlike open transport, where cars are exposed to weather, dust, and road debris, enclosed transport vehicles are securely placed inside a covered trailer. This method is often used for valuable, vintage, or luxury cars, ensuring they reach their destination in pristine condition without any damage from external factors. Let’s take a look into the service.
Summary
How does the service work?
The top car shipping companies provide both open vehicle transport and enclosed vehicle transport services. Enclosed transport is typically necessary for very expensive cars or vehicles with low ground clearance. Unlike open carriers, enclosed ones shield your vehicle from the elements (weather conditions, road conditions, etc.) and potential theft or damage during shipping. However, this added protection comes at a higher cost of approximately $1,000 to $1,600, making it about 30% to 45% more expensive.
Only a small percentage, around 15%, of customers opt for enclosed transport. The extra expense might be justified if you’re transporting a car with low ground clearance or a special vehicle, such as:
- Custom automobiles
- Super cars
- Classic vehicles
- Luxury vehicles
- Antique cars
- Exotic cars
| Aspect | Enclosed Car Transport | Open Car Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Provides complete protection from elements, theft, and road debris. | Exposes the vehicle to weather, dust, and potential damage. |
| Cost | More expensive (around 30% higher cost). | More affordable, typically costing less. |
| Vehicle Types | Ideal for expensive, luxury, or specialty vehicles. | Suitable for regular cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. |
| Availability | Limited availability due to higher demand. | Widely available, easier to find a carrier. |
| Customer Peace of Mind | Offers higher peace of mind to owners of high-value or classic cars. | May cause concern for owners of valuable or cherished vehicles. |
| Insurance Coverage | Often comes with higher insurance coverage. | Insurance coverage may vary; may be lower. |
| Delivery Time | May have more precise delivery schedules. | Delivery times might be slightly faster. |
| Visibility | Keeps the vehicle hidden from public view. | Vehicle is visible during transportation. |
Remember that the choice between enclosed and open transport depends on your specific needs, budget, and the value of the vehicle being transported.
What are the specifics about enclosed vehicle transportation?
Enclosed transport entails your car traveling on a truck with only a few other vehicles, safely enclosed within a trailer, shielding it completely from the elements. It’s akin to enjoying a first-class experience on an airplane (although in this case, the delivery might take a bit longer, similar to how passengers in first class often exit the plane after those in coach).
Open transport, on the other hand, involves your car being among numerous vehicles on an open truck, exposed to the elements on the sides. It’s comparable to flying in coach class on an airplane (but without the benefit of windows).
Open Car Transport:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More Affordable | Exposure to Weather, Dust, and Road Debris |
| Widely Available | Potential for Minor Damage During Transport |
| Quicker to Find a Carrier | Limited Protection for High-Value or Specialty Vehicles |
| Suitable for Regular Cars, SUVs, Motorcycles | Less Privacy and Security for the Vehicle |
| Limited Insurance Coverage for Certain Situations |
Enclosed Car Transport:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete Protection from Elements | Higher Cost (Approximately 40% More Expensive) |
| Ideal for High-Value or Specialty Vehicles | Limited Availability Due to Higher Demand |
| Higher Insurance Coverage | Slightly Slower Delivery Times |
| Offers Peace of Mind for Owners of Expensive or Classic Cars | Limited Visibility During Transport |
| Less Environmentally Friendly (larger carbon footprint) |
If you are shipping your car on a relatively short route open transport should work out fine for you. Shipping cross-country, on the other hand, is a different story. If you want to transport a brand new vehicle or a car of high value it is strongly advisable that you choose enclosed car transport.
Is it more expensive to go with an enclosed carrier?
The pricing difference between open and enclosed car transport can vary significantly based on several factors such as the distance, the type of vehicle, the carrier, and the specific services offered. Generally, enclosed car transport is more expensive than open car transport due to the added protection it provides. On average, enclosed transport can cost around 40% to 60% more than open transport.
Open car transport is often more affordable because it allows carriers to transport multiple vehicles at once, thus spreading the costs among several customers. This method is suitable for standard vehicles and is widely available, making it a popular choice for many customers.
Enclosed car transport, on the other hand, offers complete protection from the elements, ensuring that your vehicle arrives in pristine condition. This method is preferred for high-value, classic, exotic, or luxury cars that require extra care and security during transportation. The enclosed trailers used in this service provide a higher level of security, protecting the vehicles from weather, road debris, and potential theft.
No matter which service you go with, it is also quite important to check the valid insurance of the carrier company responsible for shipping your car. You can do it online on the FMCSA’s website.
To get a better idea you can generate a free car shipping quote from our AI online calculator.
Choose the best option for you needs
If you own a classic that was made before 1970, can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than three seconds, or was featured in a Steve McQueen movie, you would want enclosed car shipping.
Why? Enclosed car shipping is specifically designed to keep unique vehicles in excellent condition.
With enclosed transport, your car is shielded from the weather and other vehicles. Instead of sharing space with 10 other cars in an open carrier, your vehicle travels with just a few others and is enclosed on all sides by walls.
Enclosed trailers ensure your car reaches your new home or a car show without a single scratch.
If a car is so low that it scrapes on a speed bump, the same problem occurs when trying to load it onto an open transport trailer.
Nobody wants a damaged car, especially before it even leaves the parking lot.
Certain enclosed car carriers come with special tools that can lift cars with very low ground clearance (four inches or less) safely onto the carrier. It’s crucial to ask your car shipping company if they offer this feature.
For cars with extremely low clearance, enclosed trailers are not just the best choice. they are the only option available.
FAQ – Understanding Enclosed Car Transport
Q: What is “enclosed car transport”?
Enclosed transport uses an enclosed trailer — like a box or van — so your vehicle is shielded from weather, road debris, dust, and external elements during the trip. It’s a step up in protection compared to open-carrier transport.
Q: When should I choose enclosed transport over open carrier?
Enclosed transport is usually worth it if:
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Your car is a luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicle.
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The car has special paint, detailing, low clearance, or delicate parts.
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You want maximum protection against weather, road salt, debris, or long-haul conditions.
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You’re especially concerned about minimizing wear, scratches, or chips during transit.
Q: Does enclosed transport cost more than standard (open) transport?
Yes — because of extra handling, limited carrier availability, and the added protection, enclosed transport typically costs more than open-carrier transport.
However, many owners consider the extra cost worthwhile when shipping high-value or rare vehicles.
Q: How should I prepare my car for enclosed transport?
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Clean the car thoroughly — interior and exterior — to document its condition clearly.
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Remove all personal items — most transport insurance doesn’t cover belongings left in the vehicle.
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Photograph the car from all angles (interior, exterior, undercarriage, wheels) before loading.
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Ensure tires, battery, fluids, and mechanical components are in good condition if the car will roll on/off the trailer.
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Secure or remove loose accessories (bike racks, roof carriers, loose trim) to avoid shifting inside enclosed transport.
Q: What’s the pickup/drop-off process when using enclosed transport?
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The carrier and you inspect the car together before loading — noting mileage and pre-existing condition.
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Once loaded in the enclosed trailer, the car remains sheltered until delivery.
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Upon delivery, inspect the car carefully again — compare with pre-shipping photos, check for any damage, scratches, or issues.
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Sign off only if satisfied; otherwise document any problems prior to acceptance.
Q: What types of cars benefit most from enclosed transport?
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Luxury, exotic, or supercars
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Classic or vintage vehicles
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Custom or modified vehicles
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Low-clearance or sporty cars
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Cars with expensive paint, custom detail, or high collector value
Q: Are there any downsides to enclosed transport?
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Higher cost compared to open transport.
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Sometimes longer wait time for carrier availability (fewer carriers offer enclosed trailers).
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Size restrictions — very large vehicles or unusual shapes may be harder to accommodate in enclosed trailers.
Q: How do I decide if enclosed transport is right for me?
Ask yourself:
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Is my car high-value or collectible?
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Do I care a lot about protecting paint, finish, underbody?
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Is the extra cost acceptable for peace of mind?
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Will the car be exposed to long routes, bad weather, debris, salt, or other hazards?
If you answered “yes” to most of these — enclosed transport is likely worth it.