Enclosed Transport
Maximum Protection
for Premium Vehicles
Enclosed auto transport keeps your vehicle sealed inside a protective trailer from pickup to delivery. The gold standard for luxury, classic, and high-value cars.
What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed transport uses fully sealed trailers to ship your vehicle. Unlike open carriers where vehicles are exposed to the elements, enclosed trailers have solid walls and a roof that completely surround your car during transit. The result is total protection from weather, road debris, dust, and UV exposure.
These trailers typically carry 2 to 6 vehicles at a time, compared to the 7-10 vehicles on an open carrier. The reduced capacity means each vehicle gets more space, more careful handling, and more attention from the driver. Many enclosed carriers also feature hydraulic lift gates for loading low-clearance vehicles without ramps.
Enclosed transport costs approximately 30-40% more than open transport. For most routes, this translates to a few hundred dollars in additional cost. If your vehicle is worth $50,000 or more, or holds significant sentimental value, the premium is a worthwhile investment in peace of mind.
Why Choose Enclosed Transport
Four layers of protection that open carriers simply cannot provide.
Complete Weather Protection
Your vehicle rides inside a fully sealed trailer, shielded from rain, snow, hail, dust, and UV exposure. Nothing touches your paint during transit.
Road Debris Shield
Enclosed walls block rocks, gravel, tire rubber, and other road debris that open carriers cannot. Zero risk of stone chips or surface scratches from highway hazards.
Privacy & Security
High-value vehicles stay out of sight during transit. Enclosed trailers deter theft, prevent unwanted attention, and keep your vehicle confidential from pickup to delivery.
Enhanced Insurance
Enclosed carriers typically carry higher insurance limits to match the value of the vehicles they transport. Coverage often starts at $250,000 or more per vehicle.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier Capacity | 7-10 vehicles | 2-6 vehicles |
| Weather Protection | Exposed to elements | Fully enclosed |
| Road Debris | Possible exposure | Completely shielded |
| Cost | Standard pricing | 30-40% premium |
| Insurance Limits | Standard coverage | Enhanced coverage |
| Best For | Standard vehicles | Luxury, classic, & exotics |
Vehicles Best Suited for Enclosed Transport
If your vehicle falls into any of these categories, enclosed transport is the smart choice.
Luxury Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
Classic & Vintage Cars
Matching-numbers muscle cars, pre-war classics, concours-level restorations, barn finds
Exotic Supercars
Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bugatti, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and similar marques
Low-Clearance Vehicles
Lowered sports cars, wide-body kits, vehicles with aftermarket aero packages or splitters
Convertibles & Open-Top Cars
Soft-top roadsters, Targa tops, and any vehicle where weather exposure poses a risk to the interior
Frequently Asked Questions
How much more does enclosed transport cost than open?
Enclosed transport typically runs 30-40% more than open carrier pricing. For a cross-country move, that might mean an additional $300-$600 depending on the vehicle and route. For high-value vehicles worth $50,000 or more, the premium is a small price for the added protection.
How many vehicles fit on an enclosed carrier?
Enclosed trailers typically carry 2 to 6 vehicles depending on the trailer type. Hard-sided enclosed carriers usually hold 4-6 cars. Smaller specialty trailers designed for exotic and high-value vehicles may carry just 2-3. The reduced capacity is what drives the higher price, but it also means more careful handling.
Is enclosed transport necessary for a new car?
It depends on the value and your peace of mind. Most new vehicles under $50,000 ship just fine on open carriers with no issues. If you are shipping a brand-new luxury vehicle, a limited-production model, or any car you want to receive in factory-perfect condition, enclosed transport removes any remaining risk.
Are there different types of enclosed trailers?
Yes. Hard-sided enclosed trailers have solid metal walls and are the most protective. Soft-sided enclosed trailers use heavy-duty vinyl or canvas walls that still block weather and debris but cost slightly less. Both types protect against the elements; hard-sided trailers offer the highest level of security and impact protection.
Can enclosed carriers handle lowered or modified vehicles?
Absolutely. Many enclosed trailers are equipped with hydraulic lift gates that can load vehicles with as little as 3 inches of ground clearance. This is one of the key reasons car enthusiasts and collectors choose enclosed transport for lowered sports cars and vehicles with aftermarket body kits.
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