What Is an Enclosed Transport?

1. What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
2. Which Are the Enclosed Trailer Types?
3. What Are the Advantages of Enclosed Car Transport?
4. How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?
5. The Differences Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping
6. Types of open carriers to choose from
7. Final Thoughts

Luxury cars and other premium vehicles are transported across the country daily. Many of them are priceless for the owners. Naturally, any owner would want to take the utmost care when transporting these cars.

And, of course, these vehicles must arrive at their destination in pristine condition. But how do car owners and shipping companies do that? The answer lies in enclosed transport.

Enclosed transport refers to a method of shipping vehicles in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting them from the elements and road debris. This type of transportation is especially important for valuable or delicate vehicles, such as classic cars, exotic sports cars, and luxury sedans.

In this article, we'll examine what enclosed transport is and how it works. We’ll also discover why enclosed transport is one of the best shipping methods for your vehicle.

What Is Enclosed Car Transport?

Enclosed car transport is a form of vehicle transportation that adds extra protection to the vehicles it carries. Unlike traditional open-car shipping, enclosed carriers are closed on all sides and use ramps, even with low-clearance cars.

This method makes them ideal for luxury vehicles such as vintage classics. It also features customizable hydraulic systems for loading and unloading, which helps protect distinctive automobiles from hazardous road conditions.

We suggest using enclosed carriers if you need to ship your high-value car over long distances or in inclement weather like winters.

And because a transport trailer prevents wind, rain, snow, and other road elements from entering the cargo space, it provides superior protection from road hazards.

It may be more expensive than open transport, but sometimes that added layer of security is worth any added cost.

Which Are the Enclosed Trailer Types?

Enclosed trailers are popular for individuals and companies looking to protect their cargo from hazardous environmental conditions.

They come in a variety of different types. Each offers various solutions for the needs of the car you wish to transport, with the size and type of the vehicle affecting the choice.

• Single-vehicle enclosed trailers are most often used for transporting single automobiles over short distances, making them ideal for sensitive and luxurious cars that one might not want to risk unprotected over longer trips.
• Single-level multi-vehicle trailers can also accommodate two to five vehicles, making them great at quickly loading multiple cars while still protecting them from external elements. Multi-level multi-car haulers can transport up to seven cars for larger shipments, making them popular for long-distance transportation.
• Hard-sided enclosed trailers provide ultimate protection with their aluminum and steel walls, perfect for heavy machinery or fragile cargo that must remain intact no matter what situation may arise during transit.

What Are the Advantages of Enclosed Car Transport?

Enclosed trailers offer numerous advantages in terms of safety, reliability, and durability, making them an essential solution when protecting precious vehicle loads, no matter how near or far they need to go.

Enclosed car transportation can be a great convenience for those looking to ship vehicles from one place to another with an increased level of safety and immobility. With enclosed car transport, the vehicle is kept in climate-controlled conditions, which ensures it will remain safe and secure during transit.

In addition, since the truck is enclosed, there’s no risk of damage from road debris or poor weather conditions. The two layers of protection in an enclosed vehicle transporter allow expensive automobiles to stay safe from environmental hazards while en route.

The heavy-duty straps used by some companies to hold cars in place within the truck limit motion and movement, thus ensuring that each shipment is handled with care, regardless of whether it's traveling across the country or just being hauled down a few miles away.

This adds up substantially to the peace of mind of anybody who chooses to transport their cars via an enclosed car carrier.

How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?

Enclosed auto transport is the best option for transporting valuable luxury cars or classic car collections.

Compared to open auto shipping, this type of transportation offers an extra layer of protection from bad weather, dirt and dust, and other rocky road variants that these valuable vehicles must endure on the road.

Although it comes at a slight increase in cost compared to open auto transport companies, its many advantages make it worth it in the long run.

Cost estimates for enclosed auto transportation depend upon several variables:

• Vehicle size and type
• Distance traveled
• Size restrictions placed upon transporters

On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $1500 for a single regular-sized car that is being shipped a distance within 1000 miles.

However, when shipping multiple cars at once, you may qualify for discounts that significantly cut shipping costs. Additional services such as door-to-door delivery or pickup may also add additional fees but provide convenience.

The Differences Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping

Open car shipping companies are an economical and popular way to ship your vehicle. Your car will be transported on a two-level trailer, typically seen on highways. This method accommodates virtually every vehicle type and makes the ideal solution when transporting standard models or used automobiles.

Open transport is more exposed to the weather elements, so there may be minor bumps and scratches associated with the transport of your vehicle. However, these are normal for open transportation, so don’t expect pristine conditions in this shipping form.

Enclosed transport provides greater protection and security for your vehicle during shipping than open transport. The car stays completely protected from weather conditions such as rain, snow, dust, or wind while delivered safely in a secure crate or container shipped inside an enclosed trailer.

Enclosed car shipping services are often preferred by people who wish to move their new, antique, collectible, or expensive cars because they provide greater protection rarely experienced with open transport methods.

In most cases, these shipments also come with higher insurance coverage due to the added security provided by enclosed transport services.

Types of open carriers to choose from

Open-air car carriers offer a reliable and cost-effective way of moving cars from one location to another. Like enclosed transporters, these open carriers come in different varieties.

• The two-level, multi-car carrier is the most popular choice for vehicle transportation, as it carries multiple cars simultaneously and is common for commercial shipments over long distances. It's also great for time sensitivity due to its efficient loading and unloading process.
• The single-level, multi-car carrier is perfect for moving sports and luxury autos as it's more secure than the two-level transporter. It only holds one or two vehicles at a time, so it's often used for timely deliveries.
• Finally, the dually truck with a single-level tow trailer is ideal if you need to transport your car across short distances or move your car locally. It can also be hinged onto an existing trailer to bring heavier loads over longer distances.

Final Thoughts

Enclosed transport is the best option for those looking to ensure their valuable vehicles' safe and secure transportation. Whether you're a collector, dealer, or just looking to transport your regular ride, enclosed transport provides the peace of mind and protection you need.

So, next time you need to move a car, consider an enclosed transport and rest easy knowing your vehicle is in good hands.

A1 Auto Transport can provide seamless assistance if you need assistance with the shipping process. As one of the premier auto transport services, our expertise ensures seamless service delivery for luxury cars and classic vehicles using safe and reliable methods.

Discover our auto transporter services and get your free shipping cost estimation.