Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth the Cost? Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to transporting your vehicle, there are several options available to ensure its safe arrival at your desired destination. The two primary methods are open auto transport and enclosed auto transport. Open car transport, the most common and cost-effective option, involves shipping vehicles on an open carrier exposed to the elements. On the other hand, enclosed auto transport provides a higher level of protection by transporting vehicles in a covered carrier, shielding them from weather conditions and road debris.
Enclosed vehicle transport is particularly appealing for owners of luxury, classic, or exotic cars and those transporting motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. This method offers enhanced car shipping security and peace of mind, ensuring your valuable asset remains in pristine condition throughout its journey.
In this article, we’ll examine the enclosed auto transport's specifics, including its benefits, costs, and scenarios when it might be the best choice. Our goal is to help you evaluate whether the added expense is worth it for your particular needs.
By the end of this discussion, you’ll have a clear understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of enclosed transport, enabling you to make an informed decision for your vehicle relocation.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport is a specialized method of vehicle shipping that involves transporting cars in a fully covered trailer. This approach provides an extra layer of protection against external elements such as weather conditions, road debris, and potential damage during transit. Unlike open transport, where vehicles are exposed on an open trailer, enclosed car shipping ensures your vehicle is shielded from all sides.
Types of Enclosed Transport Carriers
- Soft-sided enclosed trailers: These trailers have a flexible, durable canvas or vinyl cover that encloses the vehicle. While they offer a significant amount of protection, they may not be as robust as hard-sided trailers.
- Hard-sided enclosed trailers: These trailers feature rigid, solid walls made from metal or fiberglass. They provide maximum protection and are often used for high-value vehicles. These trailers can also be equipped with hydraulic lift gates, which are essential for safely loading and unloading low-clearance cars.
Typical Use Cases for Enclosed Transport
Enclosed auto transport is often chosen for the following scenarios:
- Luxury and exotic cars
- Classic and antique cars
- Motorcycles and specialty vehicles
- Harsh weather conditions
- Long-distance moves
Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport
Protection from the Elements
One of the primary benefits of enclosed auto transport is its comprehensive protection from various weather conditions. Unlike open transport, where vehicles are exposed to the elements, enclosed carriers shield your car from rain, snow, hail, and even extreme temperatures. This protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your vehicle’s exterior and interior, preventing potential damage that could occur during transit.
Protection from Road Debris and Dirt
Enclosed auto transport also guards your vehicle against road debris and dirt. Rocks, gravel, and other particles kicked up by the road or other vehicles can cause scratches, dents, and other forms of damage to your car. By opting for enclosed transport, you ensure that your vehicle remains clean and unharmed throughout its journey.
Reduced Risk of Theft and Vandalism
Enclosed auto transport significantly reduces the risk of theft and vandalism. The fully covered trailers provide an added layer of security, making it difficult for potential thieves to access or even see your vehicle. This is especially important when shipping high-value cars, as it ensures that your investment is well-protected during transit.
Privacy for High-Value Vehicles
Enclosed carriers offer complete privacy for high-value vehicles. Whether you’re shipping a luxury car, a rare classic, or an exotic vehicle, enclosed transport keeps your car out of sight from prying eyes. This privacy not only enhances security but also gives owners peace of mind knowing that their valuable assets are safe.
Transporting Luxury, Classic, and Exotic Cars
Enclosed auto transport is the preferred choice for luxury, classic, and exotic car owners. These vehicles often have higher market values and require meticulous care to maintain their pristine condition. Enclosed carriers provide the best protection against any potential damage, ensuring that these special vehicles arrive at their destination in perfect shape.
Motorcycles and Other Specialty Vehicles
In addition to cars, enclosed transport is ideal for motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. Motorcycles, with their exposed parts and delicate components, benefit greatly from the protection offered by enclosed carriers. Similarly, any specialty vehicle that requires extra care during transit can be safely transported using enclosed auto transport, ensuring they are protected from the elements and any potential hazards on the road.
Cost of Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Comparison of Costs with Open Transport
Enclosed auto transport typically has a higher price point than open transport. On average, the cost of enclosed transport can be about 30-50% more than that of open carriers. For example, if shipping a car using open transport costs $1,000, using enclosed transport might cost anywhere from $1,300 to $1,500. This significant price difference is an important consideration for those evaluating whether the benefits of enclosed transport justify the additional expense.
Factors Contributing to the Higher Cost
Several factors contribute to the higher cost of enclosed auto transport.
Firstly, enclosed carriers generally carry fewer vehicles at a time, which means the transportation costs are distributed among fewer customers.
Additionally, enclosed carriers are typically more expensive to maintain and operate due to their specialized design and features. The drivers of enclosed carriers often have specialized training and experience in handling high-value vehicles, adding to the overall service cost.
Furthermore, the added security and protection from the elements provided by enclosed transport justify the premium pricing for many customers, especially those shipping luxury, classic, or exotic cars.
Fewer Enclosed Carriers on the Market
There are fewer enclosed carriers available than open carriers, making them a less common option in the auto transport industry. This limited availability is partly due to the higher costs associated with purchasing and maintaining enclosed carriers, which means fewer companies offer this service. As a result, finding an enclosed carrier might require more effort and advanced planning than booking an open carrier.
Potential Wait Times and Scheduling Issues
The limited availability of enclosed carriers can lead to potential wait times and scheduling issues. Customers might experience longer lead times before their vehicle can be picked up and shipped, especially during peak seasons or times of high demand.
Additionally, because enclosed carriers can only transport a limited number of vehicles at a time, there may be fewer scheduling options available, requiring customers to be more flexible with their pickup and delivery dates.
Planning ahead and booking early can help mitigate some of these challenges, but it's an important consideration for those in need of timely transport services.
Scenarios When Enclosed Auto Transport is Worth It
Let’s examine some situations when auto transport is definitely worth the added expense.
Classic, Luxury, and Exotic Cars
Enclosed auto transport is often the preferred choice for shipping high-value vehicles such as classic, luxury, and exotic cars. These vehicles typically have higher market values and sentimental worth, making their protection during transit paramount. Enclosed carriers provide a controlled environment that shields these valuable cars from external elements and potential damage, ensuring they arrive at their destination in pristine condition.
Custom or Modified Vehicles
Custom or modified vehicles also benefit significantly from enclosed transport. The unique modifications and custom work on these vehicles can be delicate and susceptible to damage from road debris, weather conditions, or even prying eyes. By using an enclosed carrier, owners can safeguard their investment and ensure that their vehicle remains secure and untouched throughout the journey.
Ensuring Maximum Protection Over Long Distances
When shipping a vehicle over long distances or across the country, the risk of encountering adverse weather conditions, road debris, and other potential hazards increases. Enclosed auto transport offers maximum protection during these extended journeys. The controlled environment of an enclosed carrier reduces the risk of damage, ensuring that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it was in when it was loaded.
Transport During Seasons with Harsh Weather
Enclosed auto transport is particularly beneficial during seasons with extreme weather conditions. Whether it's the scorching heat of summer, the heavy rains of spring, or the snow and ice of winter, enclosed carriers provide a shield against these elements.
Vehicles transported in enclosed carriers are protected from potential weather-related damage such as paint fading, hail dents, and corrosion caused by road salt. This level of protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of high-value and cherished vehicles.
How to Choose the Right Transport Option
Determining if the Vehicle Warrants Enclosed Transport
The first step in choosing the right transport option is to assess the value and condition of your vehicle.
High-value vehicles, such as luxury, classic, exotic, or custom-modified cars, typically warrant the additional protection provided by enclosed transport. These vehicles often have higher market values and may also hold significant sentimental value, making their safety during transit a top priority.
If your vehicle falls into any of these categories or is in pristine, showroom-quality condition, enclosed transport is likely the best option to ensure it remains in perfect shape.
Balancing Cost with the Level of Protection Needed
Budget is a crucial factor when deciding between open and enclosed auto transport. Enclosed transport generally comes at a higher price point due to the added protection and limited availability of enclosed carriers. However, it’s essential to balance the car transport cost with the level of protection your vehicle needs.
If your budget allows, and your vehicle is high-value or susceptible to damage from weather and road conditions, investing in enclosed transport can be worthwhile for peace of mind.
On the other hand, if your vehicle is less valuable or more rugged, and budget constraints are tight, open transport may be a more cost-effective solution.
Finding Reputable Transport Companies
Choosing the right transport company is as important as selecting the type of transport. Start by researching various auto transport companies and compiling a list of potential candidates.
Look for companies with a solid reputation, extensive experience, and proper licensing and insurance. It’s crucial to ensure that the company you choose has a track record of safely transporting vehicles similar to yours.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials
One of the best ways to gauge the reliability and quality of a transport company is by reading reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Look for feedback on the company’s professionalism, communication, punctuality, and handling of vehicles. Positive reviews and high ratings are indicators of a trustworthy company.
Additionally, consider reaching out to the company directly to ask questions and gauge their customer service. Reliable companies will be transparent, answer your questions thoroughly, and provide clear information about their services, pricing, and procedures.
By assessing your vehicle’s value and condition, evaluating your budget constraints, and thoroughly researching and comparing providers, you can make an informed decision about the best transport option for your needs. Ensuring you choose the right transport method and company will provide peace of mind and help guarantee that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and securely.
Conclusion
In summary, enclosed auto transport offers unparalleled protection for your vehicle, shielding it from harsh weather conditions, road debris, and potential theft or vandalism. This option is particularly beneficial for high-value vehicles such as luxury, classic, and exotic cars, as well as custom or modified vehicles. Despite the higher car transport cost and limited availability, the peace of mind and security provided by enclosed transport can be well worth the investment, especially for long-distance or cross-country moves and during seasons with extreme weather.
When deciding whether enclosed auto transport is worth it, consider the value and condition of your vehicle, your budget constraints, and the specific circumstances of your move. The additional cost is often justified for high-value or highly sentimental vehicles. However, open transport might be a more suitable option if your vehicle is less valuable or you are working with a tight budget.
For those in need of reliable and professional enclosed auto transport services, SGT Auto Transport’s experienced team can provide expert advice, competitive quotes, and top-notch service to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and securely.
Whether you’re shipping a luxury car across the country or need to move a classic car during the winter, SGT Auto Transport can help you choose the best transport option for your needs. Get in touch today for a professional consultation and a quote tailored to your requirements.
