Enclosed Auto Transport Cost | Covered Car Transport Service

Freight A Car In An Enclosed Carrier: How Much Does It Cost?

As you may or may not be aware, the two main domestic vehicle shipping methods in the United States are Open Transport and Enclosed Transport.

In dealing strictly with enclosed carriers, as the more expensive shipment option, it's essential to understand its price and the factors that can subsequently affect it, including distance and weather conditions.

The truth is that when you're provided with a motorcar shipping service price quote or information from automobile shipping companies, how it is derived depends on a few different aspects, such as distances, weather conditions, etc., combined. The more reputable car shipping companies will be able to provide you with as accurate of a quote as possible at the very beginning, something which A-1 Auto Transport can do.

Factors That Determine the Secured Auto Moving Cost

Many factors determine the auto transport cost. The first thing to note is that, on average, the shipment cost of enclosed auto carrier service is around $1.00 per mile, around twice the amount that open auto delivery costs. However, this should not be relied upon when determining the actual car shipping quotes, as it doesn't always come out to this rate due to various elements. Instead, many other factors can affect the final secured auto shipping services price, which are the following:

• Weather: If you're choosing the enclosed carrier shipment service option from an automobile shipping company during the winter, in which your automobile has to be transported in areas of the country that experience snowy or harsh weather, that'll make the motorcar shipping cost rise in most instances. That's because there are fewer scheduled routes around this time, and more security measures must be taken due to the increased risks involved to prevent possible damage. When a trailer drives in country areas with low visibility due to snow and roads covered in ice, it's much more dangerous, and the carrier costs more to insure. So, weather and damage protection are factors as well.
• Location: Location is another critical factor that can drive up shipment costs. Suppose you live in a remote area or one that isn't easily accessible. This is often the case in door-to-door shipping if one doesn't live near a city & state in the country. To lower costs for secured car shipping service and enhance convenience for customers, considering elements such as the location and driving the vehicle to a more cost-effective destination can be arranged with the enclosed car shipping companies.

Motorcar shipping companies can lower the shipment services costs based on factors such as your location in a city or near a town, within a populous state, or along a heavily used traffic route within the country. The more popular the area is in the country, the more delivery trucks/trailers pass by or are located near it, thus leading to lower costs for you. Delivery costs can decrease by up to 50% in some instances for secured auto-shipping services in high-traffic volume areas.

Another aspect of location that plays a part is the elevation of the area, which can impact carrier costs. Living in the mountains will lead to higher carrier costs, influenced by weather conditions, road elements, vehicle size, and the type of moving trailer. Not only does the transport trailer required for a covered automobile shipping service have to take extra protection measures to ensure safety from possible damage, but it also will mean that the delivery time increases. For example, if the road is particularly steep, the freight trailer must be driven much more slowly (especially in winter) to the top and bottom to prevent possible damage. This can result in a few extra hundred dollars in costs increase by enclosed car shipping companies.

Enclosed Car Shipping: How Much Does It Cost Per Mile?

We’ve already explained and provided you with information on how the cost of motorcar hauling services, especially covered car shipping costs, varies due to the details of the cars being transported, the distances, the time of year, damage protection, and other factors. But if you’re looking for an exact estimate for secured motorcar moving costs, particularly when considering automobile shipping quotes, let's talk money.

Understanding the intricacies of the motorcar shipping quotes provided by reputable companies like A-1 Auto Transport is crucial in planning and budgeting your vehicle's transportation. These quotes consider specific details and factors, ensuring transparency and helping you make informed decisions about your automobile shipping needs.

According to the figures for 2021, which are subject to change, the average automobile transportation prices are $2 per mile and higher for distances. This information and data apply to enclosed car transportation projects covered within 200 miles or less; if your project is long-distance, i.e., over 1,500 miles, you'll have to pay considerably less per mile.

On average, the dip can be as low as$0.58 per mile.

However, this is only accurate information for regular automobile transporting; the enclosed motorcar sending cost per mile is more significant because of the trailer/container and the added element of protection to prevent damage. Usually, the rates are 40% higher than the base carrier rates due to the enhanced security measures for the container.

While the per-mile rate may drop for long-distance hauling services, the overall secured car shipping cost will still be higher.

Enclosed Car Transporting: Advantages

Why pay extra for covered automobile shipping costs?

A secured transport service is the superior option when compared with open motorcar shipping services in several regards, such as:

• It offers a much greater protection against environmental excesses, making it particularly advantageous in harsh weather conditions.
• No need to worry about low-hanging branches and whatnot.
• There is an almost negligible chance of any damage to your ride during the vehicle transport.
• It offers peace of mind, especially for shipping cars with sentimental or materialistic value.
• You can ship multiple cars within a single container/trailers

Overall, enclosed automobile freight offers much more than traditional vehicle/trailer delivery options, but the added element of more excellent protection stands out the most. With your cars sealed safely inside trailers during vehicle freight, environmental extremes, tree branches, and more.

The perfect way to ship a valuable vehicle!

Enclosed Car Transport: Limitations

Some might debate against secured automobile freight, which is also understandable.

Mostly, they’d bring up the following:

Closed motorcar shipping service quotes are pricier in comparison, 40% more than the price of transporting cars via open-air transport, depending on the company. However, the increased quote cost of this shipment service is not without good reason; your vehicle will be much safer.

Another limitation of enclosed automobile sending is the level of difficulty on the part of the transporter, which varies based on the weather conditions, road elements, and the type of vehicles being transported. The driver will have to face a ton of trouble when inspecting cars during the ride, thus the added car shipping cost.

Also, compared with open freight, this vehicle transport mode, especially in covered car shipping services, is less efficient in fuel usage. Typically, an open carrier can transport more vehicles in one go, making that mode of shipment more fuel-efficient and environment-friendly.

Lastly, this vehicle transport mode, commonly used in secured automobile shipping services, is more complex, demands more significant labor, and works well only if you're shipping a valuable car.

Otherwise, open motorcar transportation is appropriate when moving vehicles within the country.

Insurance Coverage for Enclosed Auto Transport

Insurance coverage for the secured auto freight industry is a safety shield for your unique cars during their journey. When you opt for secured automobile shipping services, especially designed for valuable or classic cars, the insurance provided by enclosed car shipping companies offers extra protection. It covers potential damage from bad weather, road debris, and possible accidents. It's crucial to read and understand the insurance policy to ensure it aligns with the value of your cars and protects against specific risks related to secured transportation. This way, you can have peace of mind, knowing your special vehicles are well taken care of and financially protected throughout the motorcar shipping services adventure.

Enclosed Car Transport: Bottom Line

The cost of transporting an automobile fluctuates depending on the shipping and delivery option you pick and other factors, including distance within the country and weather considerations. Secured automobile shipping is comparatively pricier, but the cost difference is justifiable, and your cars will receive extra protection and security in return for the expense hike.

Secured car shipping delivery is popular for long-distance and international vehicle moving shipments because of its security for expensive or sentimentally significant cars. While open transport can get the job done, enclosed motorcar hauling service is far more feasible for shipping vehicles of more excellent value because of its additional protection.

But, of course, this comes with a higher price.

The trade-off is between overall cost and the protection afforded for your vehicles.

A1 Auto Transport company offers complete freedom to all clients regarding their options for overland (local) and overseas or country-to-country vehicle delivery. Our staff is highly competent and experienced enough to offer the best personalized carrier service, no matter what package and distance you choose. We provide the best car moving quotes on every shipment service, ensuring reliable and competitive pricing quotes among carriers.

Call us today, and we’ll get started!

Reasons Why Secure Vehicle Shipping Prices Are Higher Than Those of Open Auto Transporting

Besides the factors above that can affect covered auto carrier moving costs, it costs more than open auto shipping for a few reasons:

• Enclosed auto shipping carriers only hold 2 to 3 vehicles instead of 8 to 10 on open auto shipping carriers—more vehicles = cheaper customer costs.
• Secured auto transport carriers utilize special shipping containers/trailers that require specialized protection equipment and measures to protect the vehicle from the elements. These measures include harnesses and ropes to minimize vehicle movement and road shock.
• Enclosed car auto shipping carriers are used less. This is essential for supply and demand, meaning that costs are higher for the airline due to less demand.
• Enclosed auto shipping carriers have to be equipped with specific outer layers to add an extra layer of protection to protect the containers/trailers from the elements.

Relevant Statistics

• The average cost of enclosed auto moving for a distance of 500 miles is $1,250.
• Approximately 60% of customers choose enclosed auto transport for classic or luxury cars.
• Enclosed auto moving ensures 99.9% protection against damage during transit.
• On average, enclosed auto transport costs 30% more than open auto transport.
• Over 80% of customers who opt for enclosed auto freight report higher satisfaction with the service quality than open transport.

General Facts

• Covered auto freight refers to a shipping method where vehicles are transported in a fully enclosed trailer.
• The cost of enclosed auto transporting varies depending on distance, vehicle size, and the specific transportation company.
• Generally, enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open auto transport due to the added protection and security it provides.
• Luxury and vintage cars are commonly transported using secured carriers to shield them from weather conditions and potential damage.
• Additional services such as expedited shipping or door-to-door delivery can impact the overall cost of enclosed auto transport.

Due to the above factors and information, one shouldn't rely on an automatically generated quote from an online formula many vehicle hauling companies use. Instead, one should use any instant quote as just a rough guide. The best way to find out the cost of moving the enclosed vehicle is to speak to a representative and provide your exact location details, whether you want to ship within the country or overseas, as carriers may have varying pricing structures. A-1 Auto Transport offers live customer service assistance and is dedicated to helping you determine an accurate price for your vehicle moving before making any commitments.

Related Information & FAQ

• Cost of enclosed auto transport
• Receive an instant quote for enclosed auto transport