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Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed Car Transport: What You Need to Know Before Shipping Your Vehicle
When it comes to transporting your vehicle across the country, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between open and enclosed car transport. While open carriers are more common and affordable, enclosed car shipping offers the highest level of protection and care for your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about enclosed auto transport—from pricing and benefits to the factors that influence cost, and why it might be the best choice for your vehicle.
What is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport is a premium auto shipping service where your vehicle is transported in a fully covered trailer. Unlike open carriers, enclosed trailers shield your car from external elements like rain, snow, dust, debris, and road hazards. This service is typically preferred by owners of:
- Exotic cars
- Classic and antique vehicles
- Luxury or high-end sports cars
- Custom-built or modified vehicles
- Dealership display models
Whether you’re relocating, attending a car show, or delivering a newly purchased vehicle, enclosed transport ensures peace of mind by offering maximum protection.
How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
Enclosed auto transport generally costs 30% to 40% more than open transport. The exact price, however, can vary depending on multiple key factors:
- Shipping Distance
The longer the distance, the higher the cost. For instance, shipping a car from Los Angeles to Miami will cost significantly more than a route from Atlanta to Charlotte.
- Vehicle Type and Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans cost more to ship than compact or mid-size cars. This is due to space and weight limitations on the trailer.
- Vehicle Condition
If the car is inoperable, special equipment (like winches or forklifts) may be needed to load and unload it, which can increase the total price.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations
Urban and easily accessible locations are typically cheaper than rural or hard-to-reach areas. Door-to-door delivery is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal service.
- Time of Year
Shipping during peak seasons—like summer months or holidays—can increase costs due to higher demand. Off-peak seasons like fall may offer lower rates.
- Transport Type
Standard enclosed trailers are available, but you can also choose specialized options like single-car enclosed trailers or lift-gate loading systems for ultra-low clearance cars.
- Insurance Coverage
While enclosed shipping includes insurance, make sure the provider’s policy limits cover the value of your vehicle. Reputable companies like Safemile Auto Transport include comprehensive cargo insurance.
Why Choose Enclosed Auto Transport?
Here are the key benefits of selecting enclosed car transport:
Maximum Protection
Your vehicle is shielded from weather, road salt, debris, and prying eyes. This is critical for high-value or collector cars that demand pristine condition.
Increased Security
Vehicles are not only protected from the elements but also from theft and vandalism, thanks to locked and covered trailers.
Specialized Equipment
Enclosed carriers often come equipped with lift gates or hydraulic ramps to accommodate low-clearance or modified vehicles.
VIP Handling
Fewer cars are loaded onto an enclosed trailer (typically 2 to 6), meaning less handling and more personalized care.
Comparing Enclosed vs. Open Car Transport
| Feature | Enclosed Transport | Open Transport |
| Protection from elements | ✅ Full | ❌ Exposed |
| Insurance coverage | Higher | Standard |
| Ideal for | High-value & luxury cars | Daily drivers |
| Pricing | 30–40% more | Most affordable |
| Vehicle visibility | Private | Exposed to public |
| Common trailer capacity | 2–6 vehicles | 7–10 vehicles |
Who Should Use Enclosed Car Shipping?
- Luxury vehicle owners wanting scratch-free delivery
- Car show participants transporting prized show cars
- Dealers delivering high-end models to clients
- Collectors moving rare and vintage autos
- Online buyers purchasing out-of-state vehicles worth protecting
If you’ve invested thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—into your vehicle, enclosed transport is a no-brainer.
Tips to Reduce Enclosed Auto Transport Costs
- Book Early: Schedule your shipment 1–2 weeks in advance to avoid expedited fees.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Open date ranges give carriers more options and can lower your quote.
- Use Terminal Shipping: If possible, delivering and picking up at a terminal can reduce costs.
- Request a Quote: Use Safemile’s free quote calculator to compare enclosed and open shipping instantly.
Why Choose Safemile Auto Transport for Enclosed Car Shipping?
At Safemile Auto Transport, we specialize in high-value vehicle transportation with:
- Nationwide service across all 50 states
- Fully insured and vetted carriers
- Advanced enclosed trailers with GPS tracking
- Door-to-door delivery options
- 24/7 support from shipping advisors
We understand how important your car is to you—and we treat it with the care it deserves.
📞 Call us today at 888-277-8212 or get a quote using our Instant Quote Calculator to find out how affordable enclosed car transport can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enclosed Car Transport
Q: How long does enclosed car shipping take?
A: It depends on distance, but typically ranges from 3 to 9 days.
Q: Is enclosed car shipping worth it?
A: Absolutely—especially if your vehicle is valuable or irreplaceable.
Q: Can I ship multiple cars at once?
A: Yes. Enclosed trailers can transport up to 6 cars, depending on size and weight.
Q: Does Safemile provide enclosed transport to Alaska or Hawaii?
A: Yes, we offer enclosed shipping to and from all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Final Thoughts
Enclosed car transport may cost a bit more than open auto shipping, but for those who want the highest level of protection, it’s worth every penny. Whether you’re moving, buying a car out of state, or need to get a show car to its next big event, Safemile Auto Transport is your trusted partner for secure and reliable enclosed vehicle shipping.
Get in touch today and let our team handle the heavy lifting—while your car travels in style and safety.
