Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and public view. It costs $759–$2,200+ depending on distance – approximately 30-60% more than open transport. Recommended for any vehicle valued over $50,000 or requiring maximum protection.
| Distance i miles | Enclosed Car Transport | vs. Open CAr Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $759 – $969 | ~35% more |
| 500 – 1,500 miles | $1,000 – $1,600 | ~40% more |
| Over 1,500 miles | $1,659 – $2,200+ | ~45% more |
Enclosed Auto Transport offers more protection. Enclosed car shipping fully protects the vehicle from road and weather elements. The car will not be exposed to dust, flying road debris, possible rock chips from passing automobiles and certainly weather elements.
This is the type of protection any high end automobile owners prefers. When shipping a car with a paint job for thousands of dollars, enclosed car transport is the best solution. Many covered carriers highlight their white glove service by actually handling vehicles with white gloves! This is to ensure no scratches or even spots appear on the vehicle.
For everyday vehicles under $50,000, open transport is safe, widely available, and 30–40% cheaper.
| Carrier Type | Vehicle Capacity | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-sided multi-car enclosed trailer | 3-6 vehicles | Luxury, classic, most high-value vehicles | Standard enclosed rate |
| Soft-sided enclosed trailer | 4-7 vehicles | Good protection, more availability | Slightly below hard-sided |
| Single-car enclosed carrier | 1 only vehicle | Ultra-high-value, show cars, or exact-date delivery must | ~2x standard enclosed rate |
| Lift-gate / low-clearance trailer | 1-3 vehicles | Sports cars, race cars, modified vehicles | Premium rate |
Most enclosed auto carriers are equipped with hydraulic lift gates, to hold the vehicle horizontal while loading and unloading. The drivers have experience in handling high-end and classic automobiles.
The cost is higher because enclosed trailers are a specialized and more expensive. Drivers must learn how to operate the trailer and must know how to handle high end automobiles.
The cargo insurance for a covered auto transport truck is higher due to their high-end cargo. This means the carrier pays more out of packet to provide insurance for its cargo.
In the US only about ten percent of the whole fleet is enclosed trucks, which makes this type of transport less available and more expensive. Prices go up even more when there is higher demand.
Call Corsia Team Now To Discuss Your Options
Customers should not use auction websites. These types of marketplaces encourage underbidding wars between shipping companies. Once you list your vehicle and accept a bid your hands are tight. The rate is always below current market price and you end up waiting for weeks for a carrier to accept such a rate.
Do your research beyond first page of Google. Request several car shipping quotes and talk to representatives before choosing. Get the idea of the average auto transport rates.
You should also avoid auto transport lead provider websites. This is the third entity you will encounter online. Their websites often mislead people into thinking they are the actual shipping company. In reality, however, they are neither a broker nor a carrier.
Companies and private customers ship vehicles via covered auto transport trailers daily. This is the recommended transport option for high end and classic automobiles. Owners of special vehicles want to preserve their condition and a covered car shipping carrier provides the necessary protection.
The enclosed trailer is completely covered. It is similar to a regular cargo truck. However, an automobile transport trailer is special. An enclosed trailer is usually hard sided and completely shields the vehicle. Some of them could be soft sided. Inside the frame consists of special ramps to load and unload vehicles. Review our guide and learn more about different types of auto transport trailers
Most enclosed trailers have hydraulic ramps to hold vehicles horizontally while loading. Such ramps also enable easy loading of low ground clearance vehicles. With enclosed service drivers usually use soft straps to secure the vehicle to the ramp. Enclosed carrier drivers are experienced in handling high-end automobiles and their service is often white glove. This equals a five start hotel service.
Corsia Logistics team knows how to handle special cargo with care. The whole shipping process requires great coordination between agents, dispatchers and carriers. Our agents do this on daily basis. Corsia team specializes in enclosed car transport, and we can deliver any car to any point in the US and internationally.
When you research check main aspects. You need to make sure the company is registered and licensed with USDOT, and has insurance. Then call and discuss your options. Corsia Logistics’ team of knowledgeable logistics experts is known for its dedication to customer education. Check our customer reviews now!
A trustworthy company will help you understand how auto shipping works and explain the factors that affect prices. Try to understand the values of the company. You have to be able to choose a dependable auto transport company, but before doing so you need to understand how the industry works.
To discuss the enclosed car shipping process and schedule your shipment request a quote online!
Enclosed auto transport is preferred for transporting high-value, rare, exotic, or classic cars due to the added protection it offers compared to open-air trailers.
Vintage and classic automobiles often have delicate paint finishes, chrome accents, and interior materials that require protection from exposure to the elements. Enclosed transport ensures that classic cars arrive at their destination in pristine condition, preserving their value.
High-end automobiles, such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bugattis, are frequently transported using enclosed carriers. These vehicles often feature advanced carbon materials, aerodynamic designs, and custom paint finishes that require extra care during transportation. We call that care white glove service!
Luxury vehicles from brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Benz may benefit from enclosed transport as well to safeguard their premium exteriors and interiors, advanced electronics, and sophisticated features from potential damage during transport.
Rare and collectible automobiles, including limited-production models, prototypes, and one-of-a-kind custom builds, are commonly transported using enclosed carriers to ensure their safety and security. These vehicles often have significant historical or sentimental value and require special handling to prevent any damage.
Any car with a high market value, usually above $50,000, regardless of make or model, can benefit from enclosed auto transport to minimize the risk of damage or theft during transit. Such automobiles can also benefit from automated lift gates that hold the vehicle horizontal while loading, which is a feature many enclosed carrier provide.
Overall, enclosed auto transport is suitable for transporting any vehicle that requires maximum protection during transit, especially those with high value, unique features, or sentimental significance. By choosing enclosed vehicle transport, owners will have peace of mind knowing that their vehicles will arrive safely and securely at their destination.
Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered trailers to ship vehicles, protecting them from weather, road debris, and other external elements, as well as providing privacy. It is the preferred method for luxury, exotic, classic, and high-value vehicles, carrying 1-6 cars per trailer rather than the 7-10 of an open carrier.
Enclosed auto transport costs $759-$969 for trips under 500 miles, $1,000-$1,600 for 500-1,500 miles, and $1,659-$2,200+ for over 1,500 miles. This is 30 to 60% more than open transport, reflecting fewer available trucks, specialized equipment, and higher insurance coverage.
Enclosed transport is recommended for: luxury cars (Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Bentley); exotic vehicles (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren); classic and collector cars; high-value EVs (Tesla Model S/X, Rivian, Lucid); low-clearance sports cars; and any vehicle valued over $50,000-$60,000.
Yes. Enclosed transport provides full protection from weather, UV exposure, and road debris. Carriers typically carry $1 million or more in cargo insurance per vehicle – far higher than open carrier limits. Drivers are also more experienced with high-value automobiles.
Enclosed transport costs 30-60% more than open. A cross-country open shipment averaging $1,200 would cost $1,560-$1,920 via enclosed carrier. The premium reflects fewer carriers available, higher per-vehicle insurance, and specialized loading equipment.
Enclosed transit times match open transport: 1-2 days under 500 miles, 3-5 days for 1,000-1,500 miles, 7-10 days for 2,000+ miles. Scheduling takes slightly longer than open transport due to fewer available carriers, so booking 7 to 14 days in advance is recommended.
