What is enclosed car shipping?
Enclosed car shipping is a way to ship your vehicle with maximum protection. Enclosed auto transporters ship your vehicle in a trailer that’s enclosed on all sides. This provides complete protection from the weather and traffic debris and is ideal for high-value, collectible, restored, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Is enclosed vehicle shipping the safest option for shipping your vehicle?
Yes, enclosed auto shipping is the safest option. It provides maximum protection from weather, road debris, and other potential hazards and ensures the vehicle’s condition remains pristine during transit. We generally recommend it for high-value or classic cars.
Is enclosed car transport a more expensive way to ship a car than open car transport?
Yes, enclosed car transport is generally more expensive than open car transport due to the added protection and limited availability of enclosed carriers. These carriers provide a higher level of security for valuable and delicate vehicles. Expect to pay 40% to 60% more than open car transport.
The number of enclosed trailers is roughly 5-10% compared to open transport, which is 90-95% of the total US auto transport fleet. In addition, enclosed carriers can transport fewer cars simultaneously. Both these factors increase the cost.
Ready to ship?
Your journey starts here:
The benefits of enclosed auto transport:
Enclosed carrier auto transport offers premium protection and care for your vehicle during transport. This method is especially beneficial for high-value, luxury, or classic cars that require extra security. Here are the key advantages of choosing enclosed auto transport:
Maximum protection Enclosed carriers shield your vehicle from weather conditions, road debris, and other potential hazards, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. It is the better option for restored cars, classics, exotic supercars, and vehicles with expensive paint jobs.
Caters for cars with low ground clearance If you own a vehicle with low ground clearance, enclosed car shipping can cater to your needs thanks to the hydraulic lift gates or extended racing ramps for loading and unloading cars into enclosed trailers.
Enhanced security With fewer vehicles per load and a more secure environment, enclosed car shipping reduces the risk of theft or vandalism.
Reduced exposure Your vehicle is enclosed on all sides, protecting it from dust, dirt, and other environmental factors that could cause damage.
Top-level service Enclosed car transportation often comes with additional benefits, such as more experienced drivers and higher insurance coverage, providing extra peace of mind.
Special handling Vehicles transported via enclosed car transporters are often loaded and unloaded with more care, ensuring delicate or high-end value cars are treated with the utmost respect.
When we recommend enclosed vehicle shipping
Enclosed vehicle shipping is a premium service designed to offer the highest level of protection and care for your vehicle during transport. Here are specific situations when we recommend choosing enclosed auto transport services:
- High-value vehicles: If you own a luxury, exotic, or classic car, enclosed car transport protects your valuable investment from potential damage.
- Classic and antique cars: Enclosed auto transportation ensures that vintage or antique vehicles, which may be irreplaceable or have high sentimental value, remain pristine.
- Severe weather conditions: If your route involves areas prone to severe weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or hail, enclosed shipping shields your vehicle from the elements.
- Specialized or modified vehicles: Enclosed transport provides extra care and security for cars with custom modifications or unique features.
- Long-distance transport: Enclosed transport offers better protection from road hazards and environmental factors for cross-country or long-distance shipping over extended periods.
- Collector cars: If you have a collection of rare or limited-edition cars, enclosed shipping ensures each vehicle is handled with the utmost care and security.
- Personal preference for extra security: Some customers, regardless of vehicle type, prefer the peace of mind that comes with the enhanced protection and security of enclosed vehicle shipping.
- Restored project cars: If you’ve got a precious restored project car, enclosed car transport ensures it’s handled with care and respect.
In these scenarios, enclosed car transport services offer the best solution for ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and in perfect condition, making it a worthy investment for added security and peace of mind.
What is the difference between enclosed car shipping and open car transport?
- Enclosed transport provides complete coverage for the vehicle during transit, whereas open transport does not offer such protection.
- Open transport generally offers faster shipping times compared to enclosed transport.
- Open transport is typically 40-60% less expensive than enclosed transport.
- Open transport is well-suited for shipping everyday vehicles or newly purchased cars.
- Enclosed transport is ideal for transporting collectible, restored classic vehicles, or exotic supercars.
- Open transport is more suitable for larger, bulkier vehicles like SUVs, mini-vans, and vans.
How does enclosed car transport work?
Ready for hassle-free enclosed auto shipping? We’ve got you covered with our simple process:
- Get a quote and book your order: Use our instant online quote calculator, talk to our friendly car shipping experts at (708) 300-0053, or use live chat to get your quick and free enclosed car shipping quotes.
- We pick up your car: Rest easy as we send a fully vetted and insured carrier to pick up your vehicle as close to your specified location as possible, ensuring safety and legality.
- We deliver your car: Look forward to a smooth delivery process as the carrier keeps you in the loop about the nearing arrival. Once your car is inspected and confirmed to be in good condition, simply sign to accept the delivery.
step 1
Get a free, instant quote and book your order
When you're ready to start, we have a couple of super easy options for you! You can use our free instant car shipping cost calculator online or chat with our friendly car shipping experts over the phone or via live chat to get a personalized quote.
Using our online quote calculator is quick and straightforward. Just provide us with a few basic details, such as your pick-up and delivery city or ZIP code, the year, make, and model of your vehicle, its condition, the number of cars you want to ship, and the type of transport you're looking for.
You’ll also need to let us know when your car is ready for transport. This is commonly known as the First Available Pick-Up Date in the auto transport industry.
We'll also need your email address and telephone number. We'll use the email address to send a copy of your quote and the phone number to verify that you're real.
The quote you receive is all-inclusive with no hidden fees. No pressure – you don't have to commit to anything or make a booking right now.
Your quote is good for 14 days. If you decide to book later, we can recalculate the cost without requiring you to re-enter your details. Our enclosed auto shipping quotes system keeps all your information safe and secure.
We've also got your back with a price match promise. Let us know if our quote doesn't suit you, and we'll do our best to match a direct competitor's price.
Ready to make a booking? You can use the link in your quote email to complete the process, or give us a call at (708) 300-0063 or chat with us. There is no need for any upfront payments at this stage, and cancellation is totally free as long as we haven't scheduled your shipment yet.
We work with many fully insured and trustworthy carriers, and we'll find the perfect one for your needs. Once we've matched you with a carrier, we'll reach out to explain the next steps and share the carrier’s info.
When everything's confirmed, you can choose how to pay. You can choose cash on Delivery (COD), credit/debit card payment, or Zelle payment, and you can take care of it all when you make the booking.
step 2
We pick up your vehicle
Your carrier gives you a heads-up the day before they come to pick up your car and check in again a few hours before they arrive. It's not just a courtesy call—they want to ensure someone is there to hand over the car. If you can't be there, you can have someone else who's at least 18 years old take care of it for you.
The carrier also double-checks the pick-up location to ensure it's accessible for their big trucks and trailers. You can talk to the driver about choosing a better spot nearby if there are any parking or access issues, low-hanging trees, or power lines. You can agree to meet the driver at a parking lot, your workplace, or on a wider street.
When the carrier arrives, you and the driver examine your vehicle together. Record any existing damage, like dents, scratches, or chips, on the Bill of Lading (BOL). This document might be paper, but carriers often use an app.
Once you’ve completed all the paperwork, it's time to hand over the keys and bid farewell to your vehicle. Don't worry – you'll see it again in just a few days.
If you ever want updates along the way, you can reach out to our car shipping experts, the carrier, or the driver by phone, live chat, or email – we're here for you!
step 3
We deliver your vehicle
The carrier calls you the day before and a few hours before they arrive to let you know they’re on their way. During these calls, they’ll confirm that you'll be available to receive your vehicle and that the delivery location is safe and legal.
If you won't be available to receive your vehicle, you can choose someone else to act on your behalf. This person can be a neighbor, relative, friend, or work colleague as long as they are over 18 years old.
When your vehicle arrives, take a good look at it with the driver and compare it with the original Bill of Lading (BOL). Once everything checks out, sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) to accept the delivery and make the necessary payment.
How long does an enclosed auto transporter take to deliver your vehicle?
Shipping a car using open carrier transport can take varying amounts of time, depending on multiple factors. These factors include the distance, route, weather or traffic conditions, the carrier’s schedule and policies, and other considerations.
For short distances within the same region, the shipping process can typically be completed in just a few days, while longer distances, such as cross-country transport, might extend the timeline to around ten days.
While the distance between pick-up and delivery is the most apparent factor, other significant variables contribute to the duration of the shipping process for your vehicle.
- Pick-up and drop-off locations: These play a crucial role in the speed of the process. Shipping from metropolitan areas is faster due to better infrastructure and high demand, whereas rural regions might experience slightly longer transit times due to limited access and fewer service providers.
- Distance: Naturally, longer distances take more time, with short distances usually taking 1-2 days and cross-country shipments ranging from 7-9 days.
- Seasonal demand: Seasonal demand also impacts shipping times. High demand during peak moving seasons from late spring to early fall can lead to shorter transit times, while reduced demand and holiday breaks for drivers during winter months might result in longer wait times.
- Weather conditions: Weather conditions, such as snowstorms or heavy rain, can lead to slower transport due to safety concerns, resulting in slower driving speeds or temporary halts.
- Road conditions and traffic: Additionally, road conditions and traffic play a role in potential delays, with urban areas experiencing congestion and the rural regions facing limitations in alternative routes and responses to road issues.
- Driver regulations: Regulations for truck drivers are vital for safety but can potentially extend transit times due to limited driving hours.
- Vehicle type and condition: The vehicle type and condition also impact the shipping process, with larger, heavier, or specialized vehicles potentially requiring more time for loading and handling.
- Transportation method: Open transport is generally faster due to higher availability and simultaneous shipment of multiple vehicles. In contrast, enclosed car shipping offers greater protection but may take longer due to fewer available carriers and more meticulous handling processes.
- Service level: Finally, the chosen service level, such as expedited auto transport services or terminal-to-terminal shipping, may also influence the duration of the shipping process.
How much does enclosed car shipping cost?
Are you wondering about enclosed car shipping rates? The price can vary based on several factors, such as market demand, the distance the vehicle needs to travel, the type of vehicle you want to transport, its condition and value, the time of year, fuel prices, pick-up and delivery locations, and any extra services you might need.
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions regarding enclosed car shipping.
- Market demand: Prices can fluctuate depending on how many people need their cars shipped, especially in urban areas and at certain times of the year.
- Truck availability: When there aren't enough trucks, prices can increase due to high demand.
- Distance: Shorter, busy routes usually cost more, while longer routes offer lower rates.
- Vehicle dimensions: Bigger and heavier vehicles usually cost more to transport because of size and weight restrictions.
- Vehicle value: Transporting high-value cars can cost more, especially when you choose enclosed shipping for extra protection.
- Vehicle condition: If a car isn't running, it might need special equipment and take more time to load and unload, affecting the enclosed car shipping cost.
- Time of year: Shipping during busy periods, like summer and holidays, might cost more, while slower times might be more affordable.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuations in fuel costs can impact shipping prices, with higher fuel prices usually leading to higher shipping costs.
- Expedited/express transport: If you need your car picked up and delivered quickly, it might cost more due to the faster service.
- Guaranteed car pick-up service date: Ensuring your car gets picked up within a specific time frame can mean extra costs for securing a carrier.
- Type of transport: Open car transport is more common and cost-effective, while enclosed shipping offers more protection at a higher cost.
- Pick-up and delivery locations: Some places might have additional costs due to access challenges or extra fees.
- Extra services: If you need special services beyond basic shipping, that could mean additional charges. Guaranteed pick-up, expedited or express shipping increases the enclosed auto transport cost.
- Discounts: Some people might qualify for car shipping discounts, like military or student discounts, which can help reduce shipping costs.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
| How much does enclosed car transport cost? | |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $1,425 |
| SUV | $1,525 |
| Pick-up Truck | $1,710 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
Why choose WeShipCars for your enclosed auto transport services?
We appreciate your interest in WeShipCars for your open car transport shipping needs. We understand that finding a reliable partner for stress-free vehicle transportation is essential to you. At WeShipCars, we provide excellent open car transport services that set us apart from the rest.
If you're wondering why you should choose WeShipCars, here are some great reasons to consider our shipping services:
No upfront payment
We believe in transparent and convenient service and require zero upfront payment; ensuring your convenience and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Price match guarantee
We are committed to offering you the best deal possible with our price match guarantee, ensuring you always receive exceptional value.
Free cancellation
We understand that life is unpredictable, and plans can change. That's why we provide the freedom to cancel your booking at no cost, giving you the flexibility you need to adapt to any situation.
Fully vetted and insured carriers
Your vehicle's safety is our top priority. We work exclusively with fully vetted and insured carriers who maintain the highest standards of professionalism and care during transportation.
Full insurance coverage
Our comprehensive cargo insurance coverage fully covers your vehicle during transit, providing complete peace of mind throughout shipping.
Fully customizable services
We understand that every customer is different, and we tailor our services to your unique requirements for a personalized and efficient shipping experience.
Dedicated car shipping experts
Our team of dedicated car shipping experts is committed to guiding you through every step of the process, providing expert assistance and support from initial booking to delivery.
24/7 customer support
We are here to address your queries and concerns with our 24/7 customer support team, providing prompt assistance anytime, day or night, ensuring a smooth and stress-free shipping experience.
Ready to ship?
Your journey starts here:
Frequently Asked Questions
We do not recommend enclosed auto shipping in the following situations:
- Standard vehicle transport: Open transport is often sufficient and more cost-effective for everyday cars or vehicles without special protection needs.
- Budget Constraints: If cost is a major concern, open transport, being 40-60% cheaper, is a more economical choice.
- Short-Distance Shipping: Open transport is usually adequate for shorter distances, where the risk of damage from the elements is lower.
- Larger Vehicles: Enclosed transport may not be suitable for larger or bulkier vehicles, such as SUVs, mini-vans, and vans, which fit better on open carriers.
- Quick Delivery Needs: Open transport generally offers faster shipping times due to its greater availability and efficiency, making it a better option for those needing quick delivery.
Open transport is often the more practical and cost-effective choice in these cases.
- Soft-Sided Enclosed Carriers: These carriers feature a soft, canvas-like material covering the sides of the trailer. They protect from weather and road debris but don’t offer as much security as hard-sided carriers.
- Hard-Sided Enclosed Carriers: These carriers are completely enclosed with solid, rigid sides, offering maximum protection from weather, road debris, and potential theft. They are ideal for high-value, luxury, or classic cars.
- Single-Car Enclosed Trailers: Carriers use these smaller trailers to transport a single vehicle. They provide individual attention and the highest level of protection, making them ideal for highly valuable or sensitive vehicles.
- Multi-Car Enclosed Trailers: These larger trailers can transport multiple vehicles at once while providing the same level of protection as single-car enclosed trailers. Carriers often use them to ship several high-value cars together.
- Box Trailers: Box trailers are fully enclosed, box-like structures that offer significant protection from all external elements. They often transport high-value vehicles or multiple cars securely and efficiently.
Each type of enclosed auto transporter offers varying levels of protection and capacity, catering to different needs and preferences for vehicle shipping.
Yes, extra insurance protection is typically part of enclosed auto transport services. Usually, the cargo insurance for enclosed transport ranges from $500,000 to $1,000,000, which is 2 to 4 times more than the coverage offered by open transport.
This higher level of insurance provides added peace of mind, ensuring that high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles are well-protected during transit.
Related pages
Get a free, instant quote today and see how easy and affordable auto transport can be with WeShipCars.