When it comes to shipping your vehicle across the country, you have two main options: open carrier transport and enclosed auto transport. While open carriers are more common, enclosed truck auto transport offers superior protection and peace of mind, especially for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and exotic automobiles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top benefits of choosing enclosed auto transport for your valuable vehicle.
What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport refers to shipping vehicles inside fully covered trailers instead of open carriers. These specialized enclosed trailers protect your car from external elements throughout the entire shipping process. Whether you’re moving a vintage collector car, a high end luxury vehicle, or a brand new sports car, enclosed transport provides premium protection that open carriers simply cannot match.
1. Complete Weather Protection
One of the most significant advantages of enclosed auto transport is comprehensive weather protection. Your vehicle stays completely shielded from rain, snow, sleet, hail, and harsh sunlight during the entire journey. This protection is particularly important if you’re shipping a classic car or luxury vehicle with sensitive paintwork.
Extreme weather conditions can cause serious damage to vehicles during transport. Hailstones can dent bodywork, heavy rain can seep into vulnerable areas, and intense UV rays can fade paint and interior materials. With enclosed car shipping, your vehicle remains in a climate controlled environment, safe from all weather related hazards.
2. Road Debris Protection
When your car travels on an open carrier, it’s exposed to rocks, gravel, dirt, and other road debris kicked up by other vehicles on the highway. These projectiles can chip paint, crack windshields, and damage exterior components. Enclosed auto transport eliminates this risk entirely.
The fully enclosed trailer acts as a protective barrier between your vehicle and the road. Whether the transport truck is traveling through construction zones, rural areas with loose gravel, or busy highways, your car stays completely protected from flying debris that could cause cosmetic or structural damage.
3. Enhanced Security
Security is a top priority when shipping expensive vehicles. Enclosed car transport offers significantly better security compared to open carrier transport. The closed environment makes it much more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your vehicle during transport or at rest stops.
Many enclosed transport companies also provide additional security features such as GPS tracking, locked trailers, and insurance coverage specifically designed for high value vehicles. This extra layer of protection gives vehicle owners peace of mind knowing their investment is secure throughout the shipping process.
4. Complete Privacy
If you own a rare collector car, exotic sports car, or celebrity owned vehicle, you may not want it displayed publicly during transport. Enclosed auto transport provides complete privacy that open carriers cannot offer. Your valuable automobile remains hidden from public view throughout the entire journey.
This privacy benefit is especially important for car collectors, dealers, and individuals transporting vehicles with sentimental or historical significance. The enclosed trailer keeps your prized possession away from prying eyes and unwanted attention.
5. Customized Handling
Enclosed car shipping services typically offer more flexibility for special handling needs. Whether you need climate controlled transport, hydraulic lift gates for low clearance vehicles, or specific loading procedures for modified cars, enclosed carriers can accommodate these requirements.
Many enclosed transport companies specialize in handling exotic cars, vintage automobiles, and custom modified vehicles that require extra care. They understand that each vehicle is unique and may need special attention during loading, transport, and unloading processes.
6. Perfect for Classic and Exotic Cars
Classic cars, exotic sports cars, and high end luxury vehicles have specific transportation needs that standard open carriers may not adequately meet. Enclosed auto transport is better equipped to handle these special requirements.
Vintage automobiles often have delicate components, original paint that needs protection, and mechanical systems that require careful handling. Exotic cars may have low ground clearance, wide bodies, or expensive carbon fiber components that need extra care. Enclosed trailers provide the specialized environment these valuable vehicles deserve.
7. Paint and Cosmetic Preservation
For vehicles with custom paint jobs, show quality finishes, or factory fresh exteriors, cosmetic preservation is paramount. Enclosed car transport minimizes exposure to elements that can damage or deteriorate your vehicle’s appearance.
Dust, pollen, bird droppings, tree sap, and industrial fallout can all affect your car’s finish during open transport. Even if these contaminants are cleaned off after delivery, they may have already caused damage. Enclosed trailers keep your vehicle pristine, ensuring it arrives in the same condition it left.
8. No Added Mileage
Unlike drive away services where someone drives your car to its destination, enclosed auto transport means your vehicle is shipped without adding any miles to the odometer. This is particularly important for new cars, Tutorial low mileage classics, or vehicles being sold where every mile affects the value.
Keeping mileage off your vehicle also means less wear on the engine, transmission, tires, and other mechanical components. For collector cars and limited edition vehicles, maintaining original mileage is often crucial to preserving value.
How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?
While enclosed car shipping does cost more than open carrier transport, the price difference is often reasonable considering the added protection and benefits. The exact cost depends on several factors including:
- Distance of transport
- Size and weight of your vehicle
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Time of year and demand
- Specific services required
On average, enclosed auto transport costs approximately 40 to 60 percent more than open carrier shipping. For a luxury vehicle, classic car, or exotic automobile worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, this additional cost is a small price to pay for comprehensive protection.
Is Enclosed Auto Transport Right for Your Vehicle?
Enclosed car transport is ideal if you own:
- Classic or vintage automobiles
- Exotic and luxury sports cars
- High end vehicles with expensive custom features
- Show cars or concourse quality vehicles
- Rare or collectible automobiles
- Brand new vehicles you want to keep pristine
- Any vehicle you consider irreplaceable
While enclosed transport may not be necessary for everyday vehicles, it’s the smart choice for any automobile where protection, security, and peace of mind are priorities.
Read More: Which Car Carrier Is Best? Open, Enclosed, or Top Load?
Choosing the Right Enclosed Auto Transport Company
When selecting an enclosed car transport company, look for providers that:
- Specialize in high value vehicle transport
- Carry comprehensive insurance coverage
- Have positive customer reviews and references
- Offer door to door service options
- Provide GPS tracking and regular updates
- Conduct thorough vehicle inspections before and after transport
- Employ experienced drivers familiar with handling valuable vehicles
Take time to compare quotes from multiple enclosed transport companies, but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Quality service, proper insurance, and experienced handling are worth paying for when it comes to your valuable vehicle.
Final Thoughts on Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed truck auto transport offers unmatched protection, security, and peace of mind for vehicle owners who want the best care for their automobiles. From complete weather protection and road debris shielding to enhanced security and cosmetic preservation, the benefits clearly justify the additional cost for high value vehicles.
Whether you’re relocating a classic car collection, purchasing an exotic vehicle from another state, or simply want premium protection for your luxury automobile, enclosed car transport is the superior choice. The combination of physical protection, security measures, specialized handling, and professional service ensures your vehicle arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
