Standard shipping options may not offer the protection you need when transporting a valuable, luxury, or classic vehicle. That’s where enclosed auto transport comes in. This specialized service is designed to provide extra security for your car during transit, keeping it safe from weather conditions, road debris, and potential damage.
Whether you’re shipping a collector’s car or an exotic vehicle or want peace of mind, enclosed transport ensures your vehicle is fully protected throughout the journey. While it tends to be more expensive than open transport, the added protection is often well worth the investment.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of enclosed car shipping, how it works, and why it might be the best choice for safeguarding your vehicle. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into the key advantages and details of enclosed auto transport.
Key Takeaways:
- The type of trailer you choose for your vehicle transport is critical in determining your shipment cost and timeline.
- Enclosed auto transport is a premium service where your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, which provides additional protection during transit.
- Opting for an enclosed trailer will typically increase your car shipping price by about 50% and may increase your shipment timeline since there are fewer available carriers.
In This Review:
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport is a premium vehicle shipping service that provides extra protection by transporting cars in an enclosed trailer. The trailers used in enclosed shipping have four sides and a roof, offering maximum protection. Enclosed trailers can be hardsided or softsided.
Unlike open auto transport, where vehicles are exposed to the elements, enclosed transport protects your car from weather, road debris, and potential damage during transit. This method is often chosen by owners of high-value, luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles that require extra care.
While enclosed car shipping typically costs 50% more than open transport, the added peace of mind is invaluable for those who want to ensure their vehicle arrives in pristine condition. Enclosed car shipping is ideal for anyone looking to safeguard their investment and prioritize the security of their car during long-distance transport or relocation.
When Should You Consider Enclosed Auto Transport?
With over 90% of Sherpa customers opting for open auto transport, open trailers are the most common method of moving vehicles. While more expensive, enclosed car shipping could be the right choice if you need more protection.
When deciding between open and enclosed auto shipping, several factors can help determine if enclosed transport is the better option for your vehicle:
- Vehicle Value: If your car is more than just a daily driver and you consider it an investment—such as a luxury, classic, or exotic vehicle—enclosed transport offers the protection needed to safeguard its value. The extra security is often worth the higher cost.
- Protection from Road Debris: Enclosed transport shields your vehicle from dust, dirt, rocks, and other debris that can damage it during transit, ensuring it arrives in the same condition as when loaded.
- Weather Conditions: Whether it’s snow, rain, or extreme heat, enclosed trailers protect your vehicle from harsh weather that could cause damage during shipping.
- Custom Paint Jobs: If your car has a unique or custom paint job, enclosed transport will protect it from potential chips, scratches, or fading caused by exposure to the elements.
While open car shipping may be quicker and more affordable, enclosed auto transport is the better choice for high-value vehicles that require extra care and protection during transit.
Pros and Cons of Enclosed Car Shipping
Protecting your vehicle from the elements is a major benefit of enclosed auto transport services. There are, however, a few drawbacks that come with this method of car shipping. Here are a few pros and cons of enclosed car transport you should keep in mind.
Pros:
- Maximum Protection: Vehicles are fully enclosed, safeguarding them from weather conditions, road debris, and potential damage during transit.
- Ideal for High-Value Cars: Perfect for luxury, exotic, classic, or collectible vehicles where maintaining pristine condition is a priority.
- Added Security: Enclosed trailers offer extra security features, including limited access and enhanced safety measures to prevent theft or vandalism.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Enclosed transport is typically at least 50% more expensive than open transport.
- Limited Availability: Fewer enclosed carriers are available, making it harder to schedule and may result in longer wait times for pickup.
- Less Capacity: Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles than open carriers, which can contribute to longer transport times due to limited space.
What to Look for in an Enclosed Auto Transport Company
There are a few key things to consider as you evaluate enclosed car shipping companies.
Whatever your unique vehicle shipping needs, be sure to keep these factors in mind as you make your decision:
- Enclosed auto shipping expertise: You want a company with an extensive record of enclosed car shipping. Look for a carrier with years of proven success in the enclosed auto transport industry.
- Locked-in quotes: Car shipping costs can skyrocket after initial estimates with some carriers. You should jump on the opportunity if a car shipping company locks in its quotes, like Sherpa.
- Solid insurance coverage: Basic liability insurance will come with any car shipping service. Sherpa provides extra peace of mind with $1 million in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage. Our team also verifies the good standing of every carrier’s insurance policy.
- Strong customer reviews: Before you make any arrangements, check out what customers are saying about enclosed car transport companies. Look for high marks on timeliness, customer service, and cost.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Whatever type of vehicle you need to ship, Sherpa Auto Transport can connect you with the best carrier to suit your preferences and budget. We pride ourselves on delivering five-star service on every shipment.
Here are a few reasons why Sherpa is the best choice for your enclosed car auto shipment:
Industry Expertise and Accolades
We are proud to hold numerous industry accolades attesting to our top-notch services. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has accredited us with an A+ rating, the highest distinction possible.
The Sherpa Price Lock Promise
At Sherpa, the price we give you the first time is the price you’ll pay upon vehicle delivery. If the originally quoted price isn’t enough for us to contract with a reputable auto transport carrier, we’ll contribute up to $300 to keep your price the same.
Our exclusive Price Lock Promise is beloved by customers for its price transparency.
Thorough Carrier Vetting
We know the carriers we work with inside and out. Our team uses a thorough vetting process to identify the best carriers in the auto transport industry. We’ve done our homework on accident reports, maintenance records, and customer feedback to build a network of preferred carriers. Our high standards mean we’ll pair you with an auto transport company you can trust.
Enclosed Auto Transport FAQs
Is enclosed car transport worth it?
Enclosed car transport is worth the investment for shipping luxury cars, classic cars, and other high-end vehicles. Although about 50% more expensive than open car shipping, enclosed auto transport offers extra protection from road hazards, adverse weather, and theft.
What does it mean to ship a car enclosed?
Enclosed auto transport refers to the type of car shipping trailer used. The trailers used in enclosed shipping are typically hard-sided and fully enclosed, offering maximum protection.
What is an enclosed car carrier?
An enclosed car carrier is a trailer that protects vehicles from road hazards and bad weather conditions. Your vehicle is shipped inside an enclosed trailer instead of on the racks of an open trailer. Enclosed car transport is ideal for shipping luxury, classic, and high-end racecars. Enclosed transport trailers can typically only accommodate a few cars at a time.
What's the difference between open and enclosed car shipping?
Open trailers are ideal for shipping most vehicles, with over 90% of Sherpa customers opting for an open trailer. Enclosed auto transport protects against road hazards and adds security, making it the ideal option for high-end vehicles.