A brief glimpse
The leading vehicle transport companies offer both enclosed and open transport options. However, unless you are transporting a very expensive or low-ground-clearance vehicle, enclosed transport is typically unnecessary. Your vehicle will be safer in an enclosed carrier because it will not be exposed to the elements or potential criminals during transport. However, it is approximately 40% more costly, costing around $1,500.
10% of passengers only travel in enclosed vehicles. If you are transporting a vehicle with limited ground clearance or a variety of specialty vehicles, the additional cost may be justified:
- Vintage automobiles
- Vintage vehicles
- Unique automobiles
- Exotic automobiles
- High-end vehicles
What is enclosed automotive transport?
Your vehicle will be conveyed in a fully enclosed trailer on a truck with a small number of other automobiles. Comparable to traveling in first class on an airplane, but due to the slower delivery, coach passengers embark before you.
Your vehicle will be sandwiched between up to ten other vehicles on an open lorry, a car carrier that is exposed to the elements on all sides. It is comparable to flying coach (but without windows) on an airplane.
How much does it cost to convey an enclosed vehicle?
According to a Move.org study of nearly 700 estimates, enclosed transport costs approximately $1,500. Typically, the cost of transporting your vehicle in an enclosed vehicle is approximately 40 percent higher than shipping it via an open carrier.
When should my enclosed vehicle be transferred?
When transporting luxury vehicles, use enclosed auto transport.
If your vehicle was manufactured prior to 1970, accelerates from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than three seconds, or was driven in a James Bond film, you will need enclosed auto transport.
Why? Custom automobiles are shipped enclosed to maintain their immaculate condition.
Using an enclosed trailer protects the vehicle from the elements and other vehicles. As opposed to sharing an open space with ten other vehicles, your vehicle is enclosed on all sides and bunks with a small number of other vehicles.
With the assistance of enclosed containers, your vehicle will arrive at your new residence or a car show without any damage.
For vehicles with low ground clearance, enclosed auto transport services are recommended.
On the road, lowriders, or vehicles designed to be low to the earth, have been a common sight. When a carrier endeavors to drive a vehicle onto an open transport trailer, the vehicle will crash just as it would when driving over a speed bump of a reasonable height.
No one wants their automobile to be damaged, particularly when the truck has not yet left the parking lot.
Some enclosed car carriers are equipped with specialized elevators that can safely load vehicles with a maximum four-inch clearance. To determine if it has this feature, inquire with your vehicle transporter.
Enclosed trailers are not only the only option for low-clearance vehicles, but also the finest option.
Our suggestion
If your vehicle is less than four inches off the ground or if you want your specialty automobile (such as a luxury, sports, or classic car) to have additional protection during transport, you may want to consider enclosed vehicle transport. Be aware that the price discrepancy between private and public transportation can reach up to 40%.
Open shipping is a specialty of the finest auto transport companies for a good reason: it is less expensive. The cost of enclosed transport is typically not justified for the majority of shipments, as the cost of cleaning and repairing a standard, daily vehicle is significantly less than that of repairing specialty vehicles, which can cost as much as a home to repair if they are damaged in transit.
If you purchase your vehicle from a typical dealership (Honda, Ford, Hyundai, etc.), you typically do not require enclosed conveyance.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Automobile Transportation
How long does it take to transport a confined automobile?
Typically, enclosed travel is slower than open travel. There are fewer enclosed carriers because open travel is in greater demand. Consequently, enclosed transportation is typically slower than open transportation.
Which shipping companies offer enclosed vehicle transportation?
All vehicle transportation brokers collaborate with enclosed auto transport companies. Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and American Auto shipment are our top three enclosed auto transport recommendations.
Are automobiles contaminated during transport?
Cars are soiled during transport when open trailers are used, but not when enclosed trailers are utilized. Your vehicle is protected from the elements and kept dry while traveling in the fully enclosed trailer.
Are open auto transporters susceptible to damage from road debris?
This prevalent misconception is one of the reasons individuals occasionally request a top load location for their vehicles. The higher your vehicle is off the ground, the less likely it is to sustain damage from small pebbles and other road debris. In reality, the debris does not contact the side of your vehicle, but rather the front of the truck.
Exists a car carrier with a fleet of motorcycles?
Yes. While the majority of businesses transport bicycles, others treat your vehicle with special care. View our list of the top five motorcycle transportation companies.
What are the primary differences between enclosed and uncovered vehicle transport?
The primary differences between open and enclosed auto conveyance are price and security. Enclosed car carriers provide greater protection for your vehicle, but are more expensive.
How much does an open car carrier cost?
According to Move.org, the price of an open vehicle carrier is approximately $1,010. Compared to enclosed auto transport, the use of an open car transporter is typically 30% less expensive.
Is enclosed transportation safer than exposed shipping?
Covered shipping is indeed more secure than exposed shipping. As opposed to open auto transport, enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle from inclement weather and road detritus by transporting it inside a closed trailer.
Which vehicle transport company offers the most affordable closed transport?
Ship a Car Direct is the most affordable option for confined shipment. According to Move.org, the average price of $1,210 is approximately $290 less than the industry average for enclosed car trailers.