Are you planning to transport a valuable, luxury, sports, vintage, or classic car? If so, you might be concerned about how to protect your vehicle during transit. Whether it’s a brand-new luxury car, a rare classic, or a vintage collectible, keeping your vehicle safe from road hazards, weather conditions, potential damage, and vandalism is a top priority.

That’s where enclosed car transport comes into play. At JP Auto Transport, we understand the importance of protecting your prized possessions, and our enclosed car transport service offers the ultimate solution.

When it comes to auto transport, there are two main options: open transport and enclosed transport. While open transport is more common and cost-effective, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as enclosed transport. If you’re shipping a high- value car, an exotic vehicle, or a cherished collectible, enclosed car transport is often the best choice.

But what exactly is enclosed car transport, and why should you choose it over other options? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of enclosed car transport, how it works, its advantages, and why it’s the ideal choice for certain types of vehicles.

What is Enclosed Auto Transport?

In the U.S., there are around 4,500 companies involved in the car hauling industry, including those that offer enclosed car transport services. The enclosed car transport segment, while a smaller portion compared to open carriers, is expected to see growing demand, particularly for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles that require extra protection during transport.

Although exact numbers for enclosed carriers alone are not widely available, it’s known that 82% of all car carriers currently in use are open-air, leaving the remaining 18% dedicated to enclosed car transport and other specialized hauling.

This means that while enclosed carriers are less common, they serve a crucial niche in the auto transport market, particularly for customers seeking the safest way to transport

high-value vehicles.

Enclosed car transport is a specialized method of shipping vehicles in which the car is  transported in a fully enclosed trailer, providing maximum protection from the elements  and road debris.

Unlike open transport, where vehicles are exposed to weather and external conditions, enclosed trailers shield your car from potential hazards, ensuring it arrives at its destination in pristine condition.

This method is particularly popular among owners of high-end, classic, or exotic cars, as well as those transporting vehicles with sentimental or high financial value. By opting for enclosed transport, you are choosing peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is fully protected during transit.

Cost of Shipping a Car in an Enclosed Car Carrier

The cost of shipping a vehicle using an enclosed carrier is typically 25% to 40% higher than with an open trailer. The exact price depends on the specific type of enclosed trailer you select. Here’s a table to help illustrate this more clearly:

Type	% price increase compared to Open Car Transport
Soft-sided enclosed car hauler	30%
Hard-sided enclosed car hauler	35%
One or two-vehicle enclosed carrier	40%
Custom-built enclosed carrier	45%

Enclosed car shipping rates generally average around $1.40 – $2.00 per mile, though this can vary depending on the service provider. For example, the cost to ship a car in an enclosed carrier over a 500-mile distance might range from $700 to $1.000, while shipping a car over a longer distance of 1,000 miles could cost between $1.200 and $2.000.

Try JP’s instant car shipping calculator to estimate your vehicle shipping price.

Here’s a table showing the typical percentage price increase for enclosed car transport compared to open car transport, based on distance:

Distance in miles	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport	Price Increase (%)
500	$500 – $750	$700 – $1.000	25% – 40%
1,000	$800 – $1.100	$1.200 – $1.500	25% – 40%
1,500	$1.000 – $1.300	$1.700 – $2.000	25% – 40%
2,000	$1.200 – $1.500	$2.200 – $2.700+	25% – 40%

These percentages reflect the typical price increases associated with enclosed transport, which offers superior protection. The extra cost covers the specialized care and security provided by enclosed trailers. Keep in mind that these are averages and actual prices can vary based on factors such as vehicle size, route, and enclosed carrier availability.

Why Choose Enclosed Car Transport?

While enclosed car transport may be more expensive than open transport, it offers several key benefits that make it worth the investment, especially for valuable or delicate vehicles.

Maximum Protection

The most significant advantage of enclosed car transport is the level of protection it provides. Your vehicle is transported inside a covered trailer, protecting it from external elements such as rain, snow, dirt, and road debris. This is especially important for classic or luxury cars that require special care.

In an enclosed trailer, your vehicle is also shielded from potential damage caused by weather events, such as hailstorms or extreme temperatures, which can be detrimental to a car’s exterior and interior. This level of protection is simply not possible with open transport, where vehicles are exposed to the elements.

Greater Security

Enclosed car transport offers added security for your vehicle. Because your car is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, it’s hidden from public view, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism. This is especially important when transporting high-value or rare cars that could be targeted by thieves.

Furthermore, enclosed trailers are often equipped with advanced locking mechanisms and additional security measures, providing extra peace of mind during the shipping process.

Tailored to High-Value and Specialty Cars

If you own a high-end, classic, or specialty vehicle, enclosed car transport is the ideal choice. These vehicles often require extra care and attention during transport, and enclosed trailers are designed to accommodate their unique needs. Whether it’s a low- clearance sports car, a vintage collectible, or an exotic vehicle, enclosed transport offers specialized handling and equipment to ensure safe delivery.

Many enclosed transport companies, including JP Auto Transport, use soft tie-downs and hydraulic lift gates to gently load and unload your vehicle, preventing any damage during the process.

Protection from Road Debris

One of the major risks of open transport is the exposure to road debris. Stones, gravel,  and other debris kicked up from the road can cause dings, scratches, and even more severe damage to your vehicle’s paint and exterior. Enclosed transport eliminates this risk by keeping your car completely shielded within a covered trailer.

Weather Protection

If you’re shipping your car during the winter months or through regions prone to extreme weather conditions, enclosed transport is the best option for protecting your vehicle. Open transport exposes cars to snow, rain, ice, and harsh sun, which can cause damage to both the exterior and interior. Enclosed transport ensures that your car is kept in a controlled environment, free from the risks posed by changing weather.

Preserving Your Car’s Value

For owners of collectible or classic cars, preserving the vehicle’s condition is crucial for maintaining its value. Even minor damage or wear can significantly reduce the value of these types of vehicles. By opting for enclosed transport, you minimize the risk of damage and ensure that your car remains in the best possible condition throughout the shipping process.

Peace of Mind

When shipping a high-value car, peace of mind is priceless. Knowing that your vehicle is fully protected from the elements, road debris, and theft allows you to relax, confident that your prized possession is in good hands. Enclosed transport provides an extra layer of  security and care, ensuring that your vehicle arrives in the same condition as when it was loaded onto the trailer.

Who Should Choose Enclosed Car Shipping?

While enclosed car transport offers superior protection, it’s not always necessary for every vehicle. This option is best suited for:

Classic Cars	Vintage and collectible cars require special care to maintain their value and appearance. Enclosed transport ensures these vehicles are fully protected from external damage during transit.
Luxury and Sports Cars	High-end cars, including luxury sedans, sports cars, and exotic vehicles, benefit from the enhanced protection of enclosed transport. These vehicles often have delicate finishes or custom features that could be damaged by road debris or weather.
Custom and Modified Cars	If your car has been heavily modified or customized, enclosed transport offers the best protection for these unique features.
Rare or High-Value Vehicles	Rare and expensive vehicles, such as limited-edition models or exotic supercars, are prime candidates for enclosed transport. The extra security provided by enclosed trailers ensures these vehicles are kept safe from theft and vandalism.
Vehicles with Sentimental Value	If your car holds sentimental value— whether it’s a family heirloom or a special gift—enclosed transport is a great way to ensure it’s handled with care and delivered in perfect condition.

Types of Enclosed Car Carriers

There are two main types of enclosed car transport carriers:

Soft-sided enclosed carriers: These trailers have a canvas or vinyl covering that provides basic protection from the elements and road debris. While not as secure as hard-sided trailers, soft-sided trailers offer a good balance of protection and cost. They are typically used for standard enclosed transport needs.

Hard-sided enclosed carriers: These trailers are made of rigid materials such as aluminum or steel and provide the highest level of protection. Hard-sided trailers shield vehicles from all external elements and offer superior security against theft and vandalism. They are the best choice for high-value, rare, or delicate vehicles.

At JP Auto Transport, we offer both soft-sided and hard-sided enclosed transport options to meet your specific needs and budget.

Types Enclosed Car Trailers

There are also three main types of enclosed car transport trailers:

Single-level, single-vehicle enclosed trailer:

This type of specialized auto transport is typically used for hauling especially valuable cars over short distances. Gooseneck trailers and bumper-pull trailers are commonly used, and both can be pulled by a dually truck, such as a Ford F-350 Super Duty Dually or a Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Dually.

Single-level, multi-vehicle enclosed trailer:

There are also enclosed carriers that can carry more than one vehicle — usually three — in an enclosed trailer pulled by a semi.

Multi-level, multi-vehicle enclosed trailer:

This type of enclosed carrier is tall and sits closer to the roadbed because it can accommodate two stacked rows of vehicles (usually six to eight in total). These trailers are pulled by semi-trucks and are loaded and unloaded just like an open carrier with adjustable deck ramps.

How Enclosed Car Hauling Works

The process of enclosed car transport is simple, but understanding how it works can help ensure a smooth experience. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how we handle enclosed car transport at JP Auto Transport:

Request a Quote: The first step is to request a free, no-obligation quote. You can do this through our online quote tool, where you’ll receive transparent pricing based on factors such as distance, vehicle type, and transport options.

Book Your Transport: Once you’re satisfied with the quote, you can book your transport. We’ll work with you to arrange the best pickup and delivery dates that fit your schedule.

Prepare Your Vehicle: Before your vehicle is picked up, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare it for transport. This includes cleaning your car, documenting its condition with photos, and ensuring that there’s only about a quarter tank of fuel in the car.

Pickup and Inspection: On the scheduled pickup day, the transport driver will arrive to load your vehicle into the enclosed trailer. Both you and the driver will inspect the car and note its condition on the Bill of Lading, a legal document that serves as a condition report and receipt for the transport service.

Transport and Tracking: Your car will be carefully secured inside the enclosed trailer using soft tie-downs to prevent any damage. During transit, you’ll have the option to track your vehicle’s journey through our advanced tracking system.

Delivery and Final Inspection: Upon arrival at the destination, the transport driver will unload your vehicle and conduct a final inspection with you. You’ll compare the vehicle’s condition to the original report on the Bill of Lading and sign off on the delivery if everything is in order.

Liftgates in Enclosed Auto Transport

A liftgate is a hydraulic device installed at the back of a truck, specifically designed to raise and lower vehicles during enclosed transport. Its purpose is to facilitate smooth, controlled loading and unloading, particularly for vehicles with low ground clearance.

Liftgates play a crucial role in protecting high-end and luxury cars by minimizing the risk of damage during loading and transport. This is especially beneficial for maintaining the vehicle’s condition and value, ensuring the safest possible handling throughout the car shipping process.

Ship Your Car with JP’s Enclosed Transport Service

If you’re looking for the highest level of protection and care for your vehicle during transit, enclosed car transport is the perfect solution. At JP Auto Transport, we specialize in providing safe, reliable, and efficient enclosed car transport services tailored to your needs.

Inc. 5000 Award

JP Auto Transport is proud to be recognized by Inc. 5000 magazine as one of the fastest- growing companies in America. This prestigious honor highlights our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth in the auto transport industry.

Get a Free Quote for Enclosed Car Transport

Ready to ship your car with the ultimate protection? Visit JP Auto Transport to get a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is here to answer any questions you have and guide you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience from start to finish.

Don’t leave your valuable car’s transport to chance—trust JP Auto Transport for secure, professional enclosed car transport services.