- Enclosed Auto Transport Services
- Enclosed Auto Transport Examples
- Why Use Enclosed Car Transport?
- Different Types Of Enclosed Shipping Options
- Single Enclosed Car Trailers
- Multi-Car Enclosed Trailer
- Why Enclosed Transport Is More Expensive
- Why You Will Love Enclosed Auto Transport
- Guaranteed Pickup And Delivery Dates
- Direct Contact
- Tracking
- Higher Insurance Coverage
- Benefits Of Covered Shipping
- Distance
- The Kind Of Car Transported
- Carrier Availability
- Season
- Related Information
Enclosed Auto Transport Services
A-1 Auto Transport offers top-of-the-line enclosed auto transport and car shipping services! Whether you need a vehicle moved across the state, to the other side of the country, or even internationally, A-1 Auto Transport offers an easy solution. With the added level of protection and security that only comes with enclosed auto transport, you can rest assured your car will arrive safe and sound.
Those with high-end, luxury vehicles, exotic cars, vintage hotrods, and antique autos tend to prefer enclosed carriers over alternative shipping methods. Whether your everyday vehicle or a valuable one-of-a-kind restoration, requesting an enclosed carrier with A-1 Auto Transport provides the safest option available.
Enclosed Auto Transport Examples
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Miles | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO to Kansas City, KS | $560-$1120 | 248 | 2-4 |
| Detroit, MI to Chicago, IL | $590-$1150 | 282 | 2-4 |
| Las Vegas, NV to Salt Lake City, UT | $790-$1200 | 421 | 2-4 |
| New York, NY to Indiana, IN | $850-$1550 | 708 | 3-5 |
| Phoenix, AZ to Denver, CO | $900-$1600 | 865 | 3-5 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX | $995-$1900 | 1436 | 4-6 |
| Louisiana to Montana | $1510-$1930 | 1854 | 5-7 |
| Oklahoma City, OK to Portland, OR | $1560-$1950 | 1909 | 5-7 |
| California to Delaware | $1700-$2600 | 2849 | 5-7 |
| Seattle, WA to Miami, FL | $1730-$2700 | 3298 | 7-9 |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
- *Prices can vary depending on the availability of enclosed carriers in your area.
Why Use Enclosed Car Transport?
The primary advantage of using covered car transport over other options (such as open carrier transportation) is it provides the highest level of security and extra protection. Not only is the vehicle safeguarded from weather, rocks, and other road debris that may be kicked up by the road, but it will also be out of view from prying eyes. Enclosed car transport provides a secure environment and prevents any unwanted passersby from tampering with or having access to it. This is especially important when shipping high-value, rare, or classic cars.
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With well over half a million cars stolen annually in the United States, and $4.5 billion lost as a result, any extra security that can be provided is a good investment when considering an enclosed auto transport company. Even with existing auto insurance in place - an absolute must when shipping your car - haggling with an insurance company over a claim is a headache. Avoid all that by using a highly competent, professional vehicle transport service like A-1.
When shipping a car it may be possible to get a better rate on private insurance for the vehicle if you go through a shipping company. Enclosed shipping is the most secure method for transporting vehicles from one location to another and insurance companies know this. In fact many insurers of car transporters provide discounts to businesses that employ trucks for the transportation of their clients' vehicles.
Different Types of Enclosed Shipping Options
There are two primary types of enclosed auto shipping carriers: those that ship one car and those that ship multiple vehicles (usually between two and four).
Single Enclosed Car Trailers
Many of the companies that use a fully enclosed trailer (also referred to as an enclosed car carrier) to ship a vehicle move only one car at a time. This method of is typically reserved for cars that are a luxury vehicle, high-end make or model, or another types of valuable vehicle. A single-car trailer is one of the safest and most secure methods of transporting a vehicle.
In some instances, you can find enclosed car carriers that have padded interiors for an extra level of protection. These are referred to as soft-sided enclosed carriers or simply soft-sided carriers. If this is an option you think you might need, be sure to mention it when you first contact an enclosed auto-shipping company.
Multi-Car Enclosed Trailer
A multi-car enclosed trailer can haul one or more cars and the trailer often comes as a double-decker where two levels of cars can be stacked. Just as the single-enclosed car trailer is, multi-car trailers are reserved for expensive vehicles and the fact that they are enclosed on all sides prevents the cars from being exposed to the elements during shipment.
Why Enclosed Transport Is More Expensive
If you have priced enclosed auto transport and compared the rates with open auto transport services, you probably noticed that enclosed transport costs more. There are a few reasons for this.
- One reason that enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open auto transport is that there are fewer enclosed auto carriers on the road. Most transport carriers are open carriers and with fewer enclosed carriers available, you may have to request an enclosed carrier earlier to get the dates you requested.
- Many drivers who deliver motor vehicles their own carriers and open carriers are cheaper to buy than enclosed carriers. Due to the cost, there are fewer enclosed carriers available.
- Enclosed carriers simply cannot compete with open carriers when it comes to the number of vehicles that can be hauled at one time. When an enclosed carrier may have anywhere from one to four cars loaded for delivery, an open carrier can haul up to nine or ten cars at one time. This means that even when a customer pays a higher fee for delivery with enclosed services, the driver and company are making less money because fewer vehicles can be loaded for delivery.
- Weather can play a big factor in determining the average cost of enclosed auto transport. If you are shipping during the winter in areas where there may be snow and ice on the ground there is a chance that many roadways may be closed for safety reasons and if so, this can cause the rate to increase.
Why You Will Love Enclosed Auto Transport
There are many reasons that our customers love enclosed auto transport, and if you have a car that needs added protection during relocation, you’re going to love it as well.
Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Dates
With enclosed auto transport, you can have guaranteed pickup and delivery dates, so you will know when your car will be picked up and delivered. If anything occurs on the route that would create a delay, you will be contacted immediately.
Direct Contact
You will be able to contact the driver directly, so you can stay on top of everything about the delivery of your car.
Tracking
We offer real-time tracking that you can check on your computer, Smartphone, or other internet-capable devices.
Higher Insurance Coverage
All motor vehicles are covered during auto transport, but when you have a very expensive car to ship and you use enclosed shipping services, the coverage amounts may be higher than if you were to use open transport. Be sure to inquire about the insurance coverage amount when you get your quote and book service.
Benefits of Covered Shipping
- A stress-free shipping experience with a trusted and accountable auto-shipping leader
- Protection against inclement weather during transport
- Ensure the safety of your vehicle’s body and paint from dust, dirt, and road debris
- Additional theft protection; is an important consideration for valuable vehicles
- Safeguard the value of your vehicle throughout the shipping process
Distance
For the most part, the farther you have to ship a car, the more it will cost. This may not always be the case, since locations along well-traveled routes may cost less than a shorter trip that’s off the beaten path. But in general, a longer journey means a larger bill.
The Kind of Car Transported
There are two reasons why you have to supply your make and model when requesting a quote. The first is to see how big your vehicle is—the larger your car is, the fewer cars your carrier can transport overall.
The second reason is to get a sense of the value of your car. A more expensive car requires more levels of protection, as well as more insurance. Those additional costs usually translate into a higher price tag.
Carrier Availability
There are far more open-air transport carriers on the road than there are enclosed trailers for several reasons. Open-air carriers are cheaper to purchase and cost less to maintain, and they carry up to three times as many cars at once
Season
Car shipping rates tend to fluctuate throughout the year, based on many factors. In the summer, for instance, there’s an increased demand and that can lead to higher prices. In the winter, on the other hand, there’s less demand for car shipping in most of the country, but snow and ice can cause significant delays in shipments.
Related Information
- Should I ship my vehicle enclosed?
- Why use enclosed car transportation services?
- Cost of enclosed auto transport
- Enclosed car transport delivery times
- Open-air vs enclosed shipping methods
Frequently Asked Questions
Enclosed car transport works exactly how it sounds: Your car is moved from one location to another inside of an enclosed carrier, offering superior protection against hazards along the way.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you to benefit from three different types of enclosed carriers.
These hard-sided trailers are equipped to carry multiple cars at the same time, oftentimes using a double-decker system that allows cars to be stacked on top of each other.
The hard sides of these trailers prevent damage from any debris that might get kicked up during the trip. It offers superior protection from the elements. For an additional charge, your car can also be covered while it’s inside the carrier, as well.
This transportation method involves an open-air carrier that has been covered in either vinyl or canvas. While this method provides some protection, it can still leave cars vulnerable to damage from road debris. It usually isn’t recommended for more expensive cars that need greater protection.
Just like the multi-car trailers, the single-car version is also hard-sided—and in some cases, they’re padded on the inside for added protection.
Because they only carry a single car, these trailers are typically the most expensive way to transport vehicles. They’re best used for moving very expensive cars over short distances, like high-end classic or luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and race cars.
No matter what kind of vehicle you have, there are advantages to transporting your car versus simply driving it yourself. Aside from avoiding excess miles on your car and the risk of being involved in an auto accident on a long (and exhausting) drive, enclosed car transport companies make moving cars over long distances much less complicated, especially for families or people who have other pressing obligations, like members of the military.
When it comes to car transport, most vehicle owners are primarily concerned about the price, which is why many people prefer their cars shipped on standard carriers. While these carriers are typically the cheapest option, they also leave cars vulnerable to several hazards, including:
- Damage from snow, rain, and hail
- Highway debris, like rocks and detritus from previous accidents
- Nosy strangers who are a little too interested
Enclosed vehicle transport, on the other hand, offers superior protection against all these threats. While it tends to cost more than using an open-air carrier, it’s still an affordable option for those who are wanting a more secure way to transport their cars.
The most important thing to consider when you’re deciding between open-air and enclosed vehicle transport is the balance between the amount of protection you need and the added cost to ship your car.
For many vehicles, open-air carriers will be sufficient, but for car owners with luxury, vintage, classic, or other high-value cars, you’re more likely to want the added protection of an enclosed carrier.
When you work with one of the partners of A-1 Auto Transport, you can feel confident that your car is in good hands. We only work with reliable, professional auto transport companies that we trust to handle the most valuable vehicles.
Enclosed carriers offer many features that help to protect your car from damage. In addition to the protection provided by hard-sided trailers, many enclosed carriers come equipped with hydraulic lifts, which are not available on open-air models.
Hydraulic lifts protect cars with low clearances and will protect your vehicle’s undercarriage from damage.
Enclosed carriers also tend to offer higher levels of insurance coverage than open-air carriers, since they tend to carry more valuable vehicles. Any time you hire auto movers, you should inquire about their insurance coverage levels to ensure that your vehicle is fully protected in the rare event that something were to happen to the carrier.
Ideally, you should book your car transport services as early as possible since there may be limited carrier availability. Because there are far fewer enclosed carriers on the road, there is more competition to secure their services, so wait times tend to be longer. Add in the fact that these carriers are also smaller than their open-air counterparts, and you can see why an earlier booking is better!
It’s almost impossible to say from one day to the next how much it will cost to ship a car in an enclosed car carrier. The cost of vehicle transportation varies depending on a range of factors, the most important of which are the type of vehicle and the shipping distance.
Absolutely! If you purchase a car from a dealer that’s not near your home, they will often offer to set up enclosed auto transportation for you. While this may be convenient, you usually end up paying a premium for allowing them to set up the shipment for you.
Instead, you can work with A-1 Auto Transport directly and we’ll set up your car relocation for you. We work with dealers, private sellers, and others to ensure your car is transported safely. Online car buyers are especially likely to benefit from our services, as are buyers at classic, vintage, or luxury car auctions.
Federal law limits truck drivers to no more than 500 miles per day and imposes additional limits on how many days in a row they’re allowed to drive. This limits how fast we can get your car to its destination.
However, at A-1 Auto Transport, we plan our routes for maximum efficiency, which means that you’ll get your car as soon as possible. You can track your car’s progress in real-time on any internet-capable device. If we experience any delays, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
When shipping your car, the first step is to remove all personal items to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Beyond legal liability, extra items increase the weight of the car, which can cause problems for the carrier. In addition, these items aren’t covered under the carrier’s insurance policy.
The second thing to do is make sure your car has only ¼ tank of gas or less. This helps to ensure your car isn’t carrying any extra weight and reduces the chance of an accidental fire.
The final step is to secure or remove external elements from your car, like bike racks or non-retractable antennas.
According to the DOT, car transport companies are not permitted to ship cars with personal possessions left inside. All car carriers must pass through weigh stations and inspection locations, and any violations of this policy discovered during these stops can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
In order to operate an auto transport service, a company must provide insurance coverage for the vehicles they carry. While enclosed carriers often come with increased insurance coverage, you can also purchase additional coverage if you feel it's necessary.
Not much at all! When your car is picked up, you’ll receive a bill of lading, which is a statement describing the condition of your vehicle and stipulating where your vehicle arrives. You’ll also receive a copy of your insurance coverage so you have documentation of what is and is not covered during transit.
Yes! For a small additional fee, A-1 Auto Transport will ensure that your car is picked up and dropped off at a location of your choosing -- usually at your home. While this service is also available with open-air carriers, because enclosed trailers are smaller, they can usually fit into much more compact areas, making them better suited to driving in neighborhoods.
We cannot deliver a car if the owner or a designated representative is not present on the pickup date. You’ll need to sign the bill of lading acknowledging pick-up or delivery. This requires someone to be physically present.
If you are unable to be there yourself, you’ll need to contact A-1 Auto Transport before the carrier arrives to let them know who will be there instead.
For open transport carriers, it’s difficult in even the best of times to be specific about when your car will arrive. If you're opting for enclosed car transport, it's somewhat easier to determine pick-up/pickup dates and times, but it's still an estimate. This is because other factors like weather and road work can affect car transport times.
But with enclosed shipping, you can have your pick-up and delivery dates guaranteed, which means that you’ll know exactly when your car will be available. We offer terminal-to-terminal shipping. For an extra fee, you can receive door-to-door service. And in the event of delays, we’ll notify you as soon as possible.
Whether you have a guaranteed delivery date or not, you will receive a call from your driver 12 to 24 hours before when your car is ready to be delivered, allowing you to schedule a pick-up at a time that is most convenient for you.
We will do our best to ensure that your car arrives within the delivery window you provide. If we encounter any delays due to weather or traffic, we will let you know as soon as possible.
There are many cases in which a car owner wants to transport a vehicle that is not currently running, especially for cars bought at auction or classic cars that are being restored. We are happy to work with you to transport these cars. Since these vehicles require specialized equipment and logistics, however, there are usually additional fees.
Not a problem! We have years of experience transporting cars overseas, and we’re well-versed in every step of the international shipping process. Every country has its own laws and regulations for importing foreign vehicles. We’ll help you navigate the process with as little stress as possible.
The cost of transporting a car shifts from day to day, and while we’re almost always able to honor our quotes until the end of the current business day, you’ll need to get a new quote after that timeframe.
We will do our best to honor the quote you receive, but we also reserve the right to make adjustments if conditions change or we receive new information.
We take pride in our flexibility, and that’s why we accept several different forms of payment. If you have questions about how you can pay for shipping your vehicle, contact us and we’ll help you find the answers you need.
At A-1 Auto Transport, we believe in our mission to get the job done right without ever cutting corners. We strive to embody our core values of expertise, authority, and transparency, and we hold our drivers to the same high standards.
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