What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport is the premium method for shipping high-value vehicles. Your car travels inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. It’s the gold standard for luxury, exotic, classic, and collector vehicles.
At Xpress Auto Transport, our enclosed carrier service moves your investment with extra care. Drivers specialize in handling premium vehicles. Trailers feature soft tie-downs, hydraulic lift gates, and climate-controlled options. As a result, your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.
When Should You Choose Enclosed Car Shipping?
Not every vehicle needs enclosed transport. However, certain situations make it the clear choice. Below are the most common reasons customers select this service.
- High-value vehicles — cars worth $80,000 or more.
- Classic and antique cars — vintage vehicles need maximum protection.
- Exotic and supercars — Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and similar marques.
- Low-clearance vehicles — lowered cars that can’t safely board open carriers.
- Show cars and concours vehicles — arrive ready to display.
- New EVs and luxury models — protect freshly delivered investments.
How Enclosed Transport Protects Your Vehicle
Enclosed trailers offer multiple layers of protection that open carriers cannot match. Each feature serves a specific purpose for premium vehicle shipping.
Full Weather Protection
Rain, snow, dust, salt, and sun all stay outside. Your finish stays clean throughout the entire journey.
Road Debris Shielding
Highway debris like rocks and gravel never touches your vehicle. This eliminates the risk of chips and paint damage.
Hydraulic Lift Gates
Low-clearance and rare vehicles load gently via hydraulic lift gates. This avoids the steep angles of traditional ramps.
Soft Tie-Downs and Wheel Nets
Premium carriers use wheel nets rather than frame chains. As a result, there is no stress on suspension components.
Lower Vehicle Capacity
Most enclosed trailers carry only 2 to 6 vehicles. Fewer cars means more space, less movement, and better protection.
Single-Car vs. Multi-Car Enclosed Trailers
Two main types of enclosed trailers exist. Each has different price points and use cases.
Multi-car enclosed trailers haul 4 to 7 vehicles and offer the most affordable enclosed pricing. They suit most luxury vehicles and standard exotic cars perfectly.
Single-car or two-car enclosed trailers offer maximum protection for the most valuable vehicles. They’re the choice for million-dollar collector cars and irreplaceable classics.
How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?
Enclosed transport typically costs 40% to 80% more than open transport. The exact price depends on several variables.
- Distance — longer routes cost more in total.
- Vehicle type — oversized SUVs and trucks cost more.
- Trailer type — single-car trailers cost more than multi-car options.
- Pickup location — major metros are more affordable than rural areas.
- Season — show season and snowbird routes see higher rates.
Most cross-country enclosed shipments range from $1,500 to $2,800. Single-car trailers can exceed $3,500 for premium routes. Get an exact quote for your specific vehicle and route.
Is Enclosed Transport Worth the Extra Cost?
For the right vehicle, absolutely. Consider what you’re protecting against. A single rock chip on a freshly painted exotic can cost $5,000 to repair. Hail damage on a classic Ferrari could be five figures.
If your vehicle is worth more than $80,000, irreplaceable, or freshly restored, enclosed transport is the smart investment. The extra cost is small compared to the peace of mind.
However, for daily drivers and standard cars, open carrier shipping remains the smarter choice. We’ll give you honest advice based on your specific vehicle.
Why Choose Xpress for Enclosed Auto Transport?
Our enclosed carrier network is hand-selected for experience with premium vehicles. Every driver understands the value of what they’re hauling. Every trailer meets strict equipment standards. Furthermore, every shipment includes full cargo insurance with zero deductible.