All You Need to Know About Enclosed Car Shipping Services

Typically, transportation providers will use an open air trailer that is specifically designed to haul vehicles.  The trailer is built without walls, simply built to accommodate as many vehicles as possible safely and securely on ramps built into the design.  Because of this, the vehicles are exposed to the elements and provide less protection from potential damage while in transit.   If you are considering shipping a vehicle that is viewed as a classic or collector auto or is considered a luxury vehicle (typically valued over $45,00 and would lose value if damaged and repaired), then you should consider purchasing enclosed car shipping services.

Enclosed Car Shipping

What are Enclosed Car Shipping Services?

Enclosed car shipping services utilize a box type trailer that is built specifically for hauling auto, typically by themselves or with only one or two other vehicles.  Having 4 walls, a ceiling and a roof around your vehicle means there will be no damage from wind, rain, snow or other elements. 

Your vehicle will be just as secure in this type of trailer through a series of loading straps specifically designed to hold your vehicle in place while in transit and avoid damage from rough terrain, potholes or heavy winds.

For trailers that haul more than one vehicle at a time, there may be a vehicle in the top of half of the trailer and a second and or third vehicle in the bottom half, separated by a high strength floor.

Is There Any Reason I Shouldn’t Use Enclosed Car Shipping Services?

Other than a significantly higher cost of transportation, your vehicle will be more difficult to inspect for damage while in transit which is very unlikely considering the protection of enclosed car shipping services.  Other than that, there’s no better way to protect your valuable possession while in transit, whether internationally or domestically,  than in an enclosed trailer.

What is the Cost Difference to Use Enclosed Car Shipping Services?

Enclosed car shipping services are much more expensive than open air auto shipping for several reasons.  Typically, enclosed services can carry fewer autos at one time, so the transportation provider is getting less value out of their equipment.  In addition, enclosed trailers are less zero dynamic resulting in greater fuel usage by the driver and thereby a higher cost.  Finally, the purchase cost of an enclosed trailer is much higher than an open air trailer because of the material and process involved in manufacturing.

Is the Cost Difference Worth It?

If your vehicle is considered highly valuable (typically over $45,000) or is more at risk for damage from the wind, rain or other elements (especially if your vehicle has exposed seats or engine components) then an enclosed shipping service is worth the additional cost.  If you are simply moving your personal vehicle and have insurance that will repair any damage that happens in transit, you may want to save yourself the money and go with the standard auto hauling trailer.