What is Enclosed Delivery?

What's in this article?

What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Types of Enclosed Carriers You Can Choose From
Pros and Cons of Enclosed Transport
Pros
Cons
Enclosed Car Shipping Costs
Open Air Car Shipping
Types of Open Air Carriers You Can Choose From
Wrapping Up

Have you ever heard of enclosed delivery? Shipping your valuable items safely and securely could require using this specialized service that may not be familiar to everyone.

Whether you're a business owner shipping products or an individual sending precious family heirlooms, enclosed delivery is an option you should consider.

This article will take an in-depth look at enclosed delivery, its benefits, and why it may be the optimal option for your shipping requirements.

What is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto transport is a service that provides customers with extra security and protection from the elements of their vehicles.

The trailer used for transportation is completely closed all around, including the top, bottom, and sides, ensuring that your vehicle will have the utmost protection available while it is being transported.

This type of transportation is perfect for people sending high-value vehicles across the country or clients with classic cars that need to be moved quickly and safely.

Plus, because they don't generally line up more than three cars at once on these trailers, vehicles are less likely to be damaged due to shifting during transportation.

The relatively low number of enclosed car carriers available makes this type of shipping much less common than open cases. Open car carriers usually fit around seven to ten cars per trailer—which means most freight companies prefer them because they perform more jobs in one run—so you are unlikely to find many enclosed trailers.

While this tends to make them a bit pricier than the open option, it will be worth the expense if your car doesn't withstand delicate handling or if you want your vehicle shipped privately instead of lined up with countless other items waiting for delivery.

Types of Enclosed Carriers You Can Choose From

Enclosed carriers provide an effective means of moving multiple cars simultaneously. Whether you're moving numerous cars or just one, many enclosed carrier structures are available.

Soft-sided and hard-sided trailers are two primary forms of enclosures; choosing which size depends on how many vehicles need transporting.

Multi-car enclosed trailers, which can hold up to seven cars, are cost-efficient and preferable if you only need car transport services for a few autos.

However, one- or two-car trailers tend to be much more expensive options and often used for special deliveries where the vehicle needs heightened protection from outside elements.

They are especially popular when handling antique or rare automobiles because they provide extra security from theft or damage that may occur during transit.

Pros and Cons of Enclosed Transport

Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of enclosed transport below.

Pros

The pros of auto transport companies are many and varied. The main benefit of auto transport is the security and protection provided during transportation and the access to experienced carriers who specialize in high-end types of vehicles.

The risk of damage from road debris or bad weather is removed, meaning your vehicle remains unscathed during its transit journey. Increased insurance coverage can give added peace of mind that your car will be well-looked.

Standard haulers usually utilize racing ramps and hydraulic lift gates for cars with low ground clearance, eliminating the need to ramp up a vehicle onto the back of a truck or endure long loading times; they also allow more than one vehicle to be shipped at a time.

These specialized services mean you no longer have to worry about transporting your pride and joy across the country or overseas and can ensure it reaches its destination safely.

Cons

One of the major cons of enclosed car shipping is that it costs more than open car shipping. Typically, it can cost up to 30-40% more, which might not be within everyone's budget.

Because with enclosed shipping, the vehicles are better protected from potential road debris or extreme weather conditions, carriers must also use special equipment and take extra precautions that come at an additional cost.

In addition to its high cost, another con associated with enclosed transport trailers is reduced fuel costs and efficiency. The additional protection adds weight to the vehicle, making carriers less fuel-efficient and increasing operating costs.

While this does not increase pricing directly for customers, they may feel uncomfortable about a business's carbon footprint as a result of their service.

Finally, because of the need for greater security in transporting a vehicle in an enclosed container, the delivery time might take longer than it would otherwise with open transport.

As fewer truck drivers specialize in enclosed transportation and larger vehicles require more stopping points for refueling and taking breaks, the route may as a result increase in distance, resulting in longer transit times.

Enclosed Car Shipping Costs

Enclosed auto shipping is the more secure and protected option for moving your automobiles across long distances. This type of transport offers additional protection from dust, dirt, debris, and weather conditions that could damage your vehicle during its journey.

On top of these added protections, another benefit to enclosed car shipping is keeping your vehicle safe from any theft or vandalism that often occurs with open-air transportation methods.

While this security comes at an extra cost, many individuals find it worth the premium as their car is in far better condition after the shipping process has ended compared to one who chose not to use the more secure option.

Although enclosed car shipping typically costs about 30% to 40% more per trip than the open shipping alternatives, many people still choose this form of transport for its superior extra protection and care for their vehicles.

Customers may also have access to liability insurance policies when enlisting this service that they would not usually have available with open carrier methods if something does happen during shipment.

Whether you are transporting a classic sports car across states or moving a new luxury sedan across countries, choosing an enclosed method of transport can help protect your valuable vehicles during their travels while providing peace of mind throughout the process itself.

Open Air Car Shipping

Open car shipping is a popular form of transportation for cars and one that you may have seen out on the highway. It involves transporting your vehicle on a trailer without walls, ceiling, or solid floor.

Your car will be exposed to harsh elements during transport, making it more vulnerable to damage. A trailer has the capability of transporting up to 10 cars at one time, depending on their sizes and weights.

Auto shipping services that use multi-vehicle transporters offer cost-efficient options that offer adequate safety while moving multiple cars at the same time.

Although your car will be unprotected from harsh weather conditions while traveling in open auto transport, damage or loss is unlikely due to experienced driving teams who take great care in handling cars with the utmost caution.

Additionally, some carriers offer insurance coverage for additional peace of mind. Open car shipping is an excellent choice for those looking to ship their vehicles quickly and inexpensively to another location.

Types of Open Air Carriers You Can Choose From

Open-air car shipping allows vehicle owners to have their vehicles transported over great distances in a safe and secure manner. For those looking to ship their cars, you can choose three primary types of open-air carriers.

Two-level, multi-car trailers: This type is the most popular choice for open-car shipping. It allows multiple vehicles to be shipped safely at one time and is usually more cost-effective than other methods or single carriers. Added safety for transporting fragile or valuable goods is another plus point.
Single-level, multi-car carriers: These carriers are often used for moving luxury or sports autos due to their added protection level.
Dual trucks with single-level tow trailers: This one is commonly used for short-distance and local deliveries as it is affordable and efficient for such trips.

Regardless of your option, reliable vehicle transport companies take their protective measures seriously. They must ensure the vehicles arrive at their destination intact and free of damage.

Wrapping Up

Enclosed delivery is the ultimate way to transport your precious cargo with peace of mind. Whether you're moving a classic car, high-end furniture, or valuable artwork, an enclosed carrier offers the protection and security you need.

Don't settle for a standard open carrier when you can have the best of the best with enclosed delivery. Trust us; your belongings will thank you!

If you need assistance shipping cars, A1 Auto Transport can help. Our expertise as one of the premier auto transport services ensures seamless service delivery. We deliver classic cars and electric vehicles—our methods are safe and reliable.

Discover our auto transporter services and get an instant shipping cost estimate.