Both enclosed and open transport services are available from the leading vehicle shipping firms. Enclosed transport is normally required only when shipping a high-value vehicle or a vehicle with low ground clearance. Because it is not exposed to the elements (or criminals) during shipping, an enclosed carrier can keep your car safer than an open carrier. However, at a cost of around $1,500, it is roughly 40% more expensive.
Enclosed transportation is used by just approximately 10% of clients. If you’re carrying a car with low ground clearance or one of the numerous specialty vehicles, the extra expense can be worth it:
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Enclosed transportation implies your car is transported in a completely enclosed trailer on a truck with only a few other vehicles. It’s the equivalent of traveling first class on a plane (but the coach exits first since your delivery time is slower).
Your car will be trapped between up to ten other vehicles on an open truck—a car carrier exposed to the elements on all sides. It’s similar to traveling in coach on a plane (but without the windows).
According to a review of over 700 quotes, enclosed transportation costs around $1,500. Enclosed transport is often roughly 40% more expensive than delivering your car on an open carrier.
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| Transport type | Average cost |
| Enclosed transport $1,500 | Open transport $1,080 |
An enclosed trailer protects the car from the elements and other vehicles. Instead of sharing open space with ten other cars, your vehicle is surrounded on all sides by walls and bunks with only a few others.
Enclosed trailers ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination without a scratch, whether it’s a new house or a car show.
We’ve all driven beside lowriders, automobiles that are built to be as near to the earth as possible. When a carrier tries to drive a car onto an open transport trailer, it will bottom out like a car going over a decent-sized speed bump.
Nobody wants their car to be destroyed, especially if the truck hasn’t yet left the parking lot.
Special equipment on some enclosed car carriers allows cars with a clearance of four inches or less to be safely lifted onto the carrier. Check with your auto transporter to determine if they offer this service.
For low-clearance cars, enclosed trailers aren’t just the best option; they’re the only option.
If you want your specialty automobile (e.g., luxury cars, sports cars, or antique cars) to have extra security in transit or if your vehicle rides four inches or less above the ground, enclosed vehicle transport is a good option. Be aware that it can cost up to 40% more than public transportation.
Because open shipping is less expensive, the top vehicle shipping firms specialize in it. Furthermore, unlike specialty cars, which can cost as much as a house to restore if damaged in transit, the expense of cleaning off dirt or repairing damage is significantly lower than the normal, daily car, so the premium for enclosed transport isn’t worth it for most shipments.
You probably don’t require enclosed transportation if you buy your automobile from a standard dealership (Honda, Ford, Hyundai, etc.).