When it comes to shipping a vehicle, your foremost concern is its safety during transit. In that case, enclosed car transport is much preferable for offering higher levels of protection. However, its average cost is significantly higher than that of an open carrier.
Is the extra expense really worth it? In this guide, we will shed light upon all the cost-related considerations of enclosed car shipping so you can make an informed decision. Let’s begin.
What is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport is a type of vehicle shipping service, typically preferred for transporting high-value, luxury, antique, or exotic cars. It offers higher levels of protection against the external elements, road debris, and potential damages, as the vehicle is placed in an enclosed trailer or container.
Enclosed vehicle transport also comes in handy when you want to ship your car during harsh weather conditions, like heavy rain, snowstorms, etc. With added safety comes extra costs, too; however, it is completely justified for your peace of mind.
Benefits of Enclosed Car Transport
Besides utmost vehicle protection, enclosed car transport offers a few other advantages too. Let’s have a look at them:
- Added security: Since your car is enclosed inside a trailer with this type of shipping, the chances of it getting stolen or vandalized are minimal.
- Various options: In enclosed car shipping, you can choose from various options depending on your requirements. For instance, if you are transporting multiple vehicles, you can opt for multi-car haulers. Otherwise, a single-vehicle trailer is sufficient. Other options include hard-sided and soft-sided trailers.
- Premium features: Usually, enclosed trailers are well-equipped with modern features such as air ride suspension systems and GPS tracking. This ensures timely and safe delivery of your vehicle at your destination.
- Privacy: Enclosed transport keeps the vehicle out of sight from prying eyes, maintaining privacy. This can be beneficial if you own high-profile vehicles and prefer discretion, whether for personal security reasons or simply to avoid drawing attention.
- Transporting non-operational vehicles: Enclosed haulers usually have tools and technology to tackle non-operational cars. Since they can not be driven onto the trailer, hydraulic lifts or winches are used for the safe loading and unloading of such vehicles.
Cost Considerations of Enclosed Car Transport
The average cost of shipping a vehicle via an enclosed carrier can be 25% to 40% higher than that of an open trailer. It precisely depends on the type of enclosed trailer you choose. Here’s a table to understand this better:
Type of Enclosed Carrier |
% Increase in Price as Compared to an Open Trailer |
Multi-car trailer |
25 to 30% |
Soft-sided trailer |
30% |
One-or-two-vehicle carrier |
35% |
Custom-built enclosed hauler |
40% |
Per mile rates of enclosed car shipping are typically around $1.40 (might vary depending on the specific service provider). Considering that, for a 500-mile distance, you would have to pay around $650. Similarly, if the shipping distance is 1,000 miles, the estimated cost can be around $840, and so on.
For accurate rates, you can use a shipping cost calculator.
5 Factors that Affect the Cost of Enclosed Car Transport
The enclosed vehicle shipping rates vary depending on various factors. Here is a look at them:
Distance and Route
Firstly, the distance between your pick-up and drop off location matters a lot as the costs are usually calculated per mile. Since longer routes, such as cross-country, require more fuel, time, and maintenance, the charges would be higher as compared to inter-state ones.
Moreover, if the route towards your destination is complex or remote, the service would be slightly costly. This is mainly due to the logistical challenges of driving through such pathways.
Vehicle Size and Condition
For heavier or bulky vehicles like SUVs, you can expect to pay more as they need extra space inside the trailer. Also, if your car is non-operational and requires special handling, the shipping quotes would increase further.
Time of Year
When transporting during peak seasons like summer or holidays, the prices are a bit higher considering the high volume of moves. Therefore, it is better to schedule your transport during the off-season to save some bucks.
Type of Trailer
Opting for a single-car carrier over a multi-car trailer adds to the overall cost due to its exclusivity.
Similarly, if you go for hard-sided trailers having walls made of steel or aluminum, the shipping costs would increase. On the other hand, soft-sided trailers made from heavy-duty canvas or vinyl are cost-effective, but you would have to compromise on the level of protection offered.
Additional Services
If you take additional services, such as door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping, it can also impact the overall expense. Moreover, you need to take care of the insurance upgrades, as standard ones usually do not cover the full value of a luxury vehicle.
Many companies also offer climate-controlled enclosed trailers where specific temperature and humidity levels are maintained. This helps protect the vehicle’s interior and exterior from adverse weather conditions. If you take this service, remember it comes with additional cost implications.
3 Tips to Save Money on Enclosed Vehicle Shipping
Let’s have a look at some tips through which you can save money while still ensuring high-quality transport service for your vehicle:
- Compare multiple quotes: Research through different shipping companies and get estimated quotes from all of them. Make sure there are no hidden charges. Then, compare the obtained prices to choose the one that offers the best service at reasonable rates.
- Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping: While you might have to compromise on the convenience offered by door-to-door transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping is more economical. However, only opt for this route if the locations of the terminals are feasible for you in terms of distance.
- Consider group shipping: If anyone you know wants to transport their vehicle around the same time and route, you can consider pooling your shipments. It can lead to significant savings as many companies offer discounts for multiple vehicles.
Nexus Auto Transport - Ship Your High-End Vehicles Safely in Enclosed Trailers
When transporting a luxury vehicle, it is important to prioritize safety over money! For safe delivery of your valued possession, contact Nexus Auto Transport. We feature fully-protected enclosed car haulers along with qualified and trained drivers. Furthermore, we also offer 24/7 tracking of your vehicle for your peace of mind.
Our other quality shipping services encompass door-to-door delivery, boat transport, cross-country shipping, and more. Get in touch with us now by calling 224-218-2949 for further details!
