Transporting a car, particularly a high-value, vintage, or luxury car, demands careful thought regarding how it will be transported. Among the options provided, enclosed auto transport is the crème de la crème for individuals seeking ultimate protection and care while shipping. This degree of care does come at a cost, though.
Knowing the cost of enclosed car transport and the determinants of the cost can prepare you to make a smart choice between protection and expense. Here, we are going to cover what enclosed car transport is, why it is beneficial, what determines the price, and how to save money when shipping a car enclosed.
Enclosed car shipping is a way of shipping cars in an entirely enclosed trailer. In contrast to open auto shipping, in which cars are left open on an open trailer, enclosed shipping provides a closed environment with walls, a roof, and a solid floor. Enclosed shipping is most in demand when transporting exotic cars, classic automobiles, and other high-value cars that need additional protection from the weather, road debris, and possible theft.
There are different types of enclosed carriers, including:
Soft-sided trailers with coverings for protection
Hard-sided trailers with rigid walls and roofs
Enclosed trailers with the capacity to transport multiple cars at once
Single-car or two-car enclosed trailers for more specialized, higher-end hauling
Each type caters to different needs and budgets, but all provide superior protection compared to Open Auto Transport options. Therefore, if you value your car too much, we advise considering enclosed auto transport with Bold.
Enclosed car shipping has a few benefits which are the primary reason individuals are ready to spend additional cash contrasted with open car shipping:
Protection from Weather and Road Debris: Your vehicle is shielded from rain, snow, dust, and road debris, which protects the exterior and paintwork from damage.
Greater Security: Enclosed trailers are closed and locked, thus less susceptible to theft or harm en route.
Professional handling: Enclosed carrier drivers are professional drivers who are trained to transport exotic, fragile, or low-ground-clearance vehicles.
Peace of Mind: Insurers may recommend or insist on covered transport for valuable automobiles, which provides a further level of security and peace of mind.
All these advantages combined make enclosed transport the go-to option for car enthusiasts to get their car transported in pristine condition. Need a reliable car transport company? Opt for Bold Auto Transport for hassle-free auto transport.
Covered auto shipping is generally more expensive than open auto shipping because of the added protection and specialized service during the transportation. Enclosed shipping will cost on average 25% to 40% more than open shipping. Open shipping might cost $1,140 for a 1,900-mile shipment, and the covered ones would be between $1,425 and $1,596 based on the type of trailer.
| Type of Enclosed Carrier | Price Increase vs Open Trailer |
| Multi-car trailer | 25% to 30% |
| Soft-sided trailer | 30% |
| One- or two-vehicle carrier | 35% |
| Custom-built enclosed hauler | 40% |
Though cost is a consideration, you must balance the cost with the importance of safety and protection, particularly if you are transporting a valuable or fragile vehicle. You can feel free to use Bold Auto Transport’s Car Shipping Cost Calculator to acquire an estimate quote.
Several key factors influence the final price of enclosed vehicle shipping:
The farther the distance your vehicle must go, the more it will cost. This is because of higher gas, driver time, and coordination of logistics. Cross-country transport will obviously cost more than regional or local delivery. More remote or less commonly used routes might also cost more because there are fewer carriers available.
Heavier and larger vehicles occupy more space and put more weight on the trailer, which boosts the fuel expense and lowers the quantity of vehicles that may be transported at a time. Inoperable vehicles can also be more expensive since they need special treatment or equipment.
Pricing is influenced by seasonal demand. Transporting items during peak moving seasons or in bad weather may be more expensive because of increased demand and possible disruptions. Being able to schedule shipping at a less busy time reduces the cost.
The kind of enclosed carrier used affects the price:
Multi-car enclosed trailers are more economical as the cost is shared among several cars.
One- or two-car trailers provide more specialized service but at higher cost.
Soft-sided trailers compared to hard-sided trailers can also differ in cost based on the degree of protection and customization needed.
Additional services like Door-to-Door Car Shipping, express shipping, or extra insurance protection are included in the total price. Door-to-door delivery provides the convenience of picking up and delivering your vehicle at designated points but tends to cost more than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
While enclosed car shipping is a premium service, there are ways to reduce your costs without sacrificing protection. Here are some of them:
Obtain quotes from multiple auto shipping companies to receive competitive rates. Utilize an online car shipping calculator and receive instant quotes and easily compare them. If your main purpose is to find a discounted price, comparing multiple quotes is the most important step for you.
Choosing terminal-to-terminal service, where you drop off and collect your car at specific terminals, is less expensive than door-to-door delivery. This is convenient if you have time and convenient access to terminals.
If feasible, combine your shipment with others to split the expense of an enclosed trailer. Enclosed multi-car trailers make the expense per car less by splitting the cost between multiple cars.
Enclosed auto shipping is the safest and most protective way of transporting your vehicle during shipping, making it the ideal choice for transporting luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles. Although enclosed automobile shipping is more expensive than open car shipping, knowing what affects prices can help you budget.
By comparing prices, selecting the right type of service, and looking into group shipping, you can reap the rewards of enclosed auto shipping without breaking the bank. If peace of mind and the best possible care for your car are what you require, enclosed shipping is definitely worth the investment.
This is a comprehensive guide that should provide you with the information you require to undertake Enclosed Car shipping confidently and economically. Regardless of whether it is a valuable classic or a new luxury car, knowledge of your options guarantees a seamless and safe transport process.
Enclosed auto transport generally runs 25% to 40% more than open transport. The prices differ according to distance, vehicle size, trailer type, and additional services, but you ought to pay a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars depending on your shipment details.
Enclosed transport is best for luxury cars, classic vehicles, collector cars, and any automobile that requires extra protection from weather and road hazards during shipping.
Yes, the farther your vehicle needs to be shipped, the higher the cost due to increased fuel consumption and driver time.
Employ an auto shipping price calculator or get quotations from various car shipping firms. Giving information regarding your automobile, route, and services you would wish to enjoy will enable you to receive precise quotations.
Yes, you can save by comparing quotes, choosing terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door, and considering group shipping options to share costs.
