- Typical load
- 1–7 cars
- LA → Dallas
- $2,325
- vs. open
- +42%
Who ships enclosed
Enclosed transport is the choice for vehicles where condition is the whole point: classic and collector cars, exotics, new luxury cars on their way to a buyer, show and auction cars, and anything lowered or with a front splitter that won't clear a standard ramp.
It's also worth it in winter for cars leaving salt-belt states, and for long cross-country moves where a car would otherwise spend a week outdoors.
What you get
- Full cover from rain, snow, sun, road debris and dust.
- Soft-tie wheel straps instead of chains on the frame.
- Hydraulic liftgate loading on many trailers, so low cars stay level.
- Fewer vehicles per truck and higher cargo insurance limits.
Enclosed vs. open prices
Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, so each car pays a bigger share of the trip. Here's the difference on sample routes this week for a running sedan.
| Route | Miles | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas → HoustonRegional · TX → TX | 266 | $775 | $1,040 | 1–2 days |
| Chicago → AtlantaMulti-state · IL → GA | 695 | $1,135 | $1,590 | 2–3 days |
| Seattle → DenverCross-region · WA → CO | 1,203 | $1,460 | $2,100 | 3–5 days |
| Chicago → Los AngelesLong haul · IL → CA | 2,056 | $1,880 | $2,745 | 5–7 days |
| Los Angeles → New YorkCoast to coast · CA → NY | 2,885 | $2,205 | $3,255 | 6–10 days |
Questions about enclosed transport
What is enclosed car transport?
Your car rides inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris and dust. Most enclosed trailers carry 1 to 7 vehicles, and many use a hydraulic liftgate instead of ramps.
How much more does enclosed shipping cost?
About 42 percent more than open transport on a route like Dallas to Chicago (950 miles): $1,870 enclosed versus $1,315 open. The table on this page shows more examples.
Does enclosed transport include more insurance?
Enclosed carriers typically carry higher cargo insurance limits because they haul higher-value vehicles. Ask your dispatcher for the certificate if your car's value is high.