Enclosed Car Shipping: Is It Worth It?

Enclosed car shipping costs more than open transport, sometimes a lot more. For some cars, it’s money well spent. For others, it’s paying for protection you don’t need. Here’s how to tell the difference.

What You’re Paying For

• Cover. The car rides inside a hard- or soft-sided trailer, out of the rain, sun, hail, road salt and stone chips.
• Fewer cars per load. Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles, which is a big part of why they cost more.
• Specialized loading. Many enclosed carriers use hydraulic liftgates instead of steep ramps, and soft straps instead of chains.
• Privacy. No one on the highway sees what’s inside.

When It’s Worth It

• Exotic and supercars, especially low ones with splitters or long overhangs
• Classics, restorations and collector cars
• Show and concours cars, where a single chip matters
• Fresh paint, ceramic coating or a new wrap
• New or nearly new luxury cars you want delivered spotless
• Long winter routes through snow and salt

A simple test: if a stone chip or a coat of road grime would cost you real money or real heartache, go enclosed.

When It Isn’t

For a daily driver, a family SUV, a work truck or a used car you just bought, open transport is the better value. Your car is exposed to about what it sees on the highway every day, and open carriers are far easier to schedule.

Things to Ask About

• Liftgate or ramps? Essential if your car sits low.
• Hard-sided or soft-sided? Both keep weather off. Hard-sided adds more protection from debris.
• Insurance limits. Tell the company your car’s value and ask to see the carrier’s cargo insurance certificate.
• Lead time. There are fewer enclosed carriers, so book early on less-traveled routes.

Get Both Prices

The easiest way to decide is to see the real difference on your route. Ask for open and enclosed in the same quote. More on our enclosed auto transport and exotic and classic car shipping pages.