When it’s time to transport a car, you have two primary options: open or enclosed shipping. While open transport is the go-to for most standard vehicles, enclosed vehicle shipping is the premium, secure choice for those who want maximum protection for their prized possession. If you’re a classic car collector, a proud owner of a luxury vehicle, or preparing to move a custom-built race car, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about secure auto transport.
What is Enclosed Vehicle Shipping?
Simply put, enclosed vehicle shipping means your car is transported inside a fully covered trailer. Think of it as a private, weatherproof garage on wheels. Unlike an open carrier, where a vehicle is exposed to rain, sun, dust, and road debris, an enclosed trailer shields your car from every external element, from the moment it’s picked up until it’s safely delivered.
This method is specifically designed for vehicles that require a higher level of care, security, and protection than a standard open carrier can provide.
Who Should Choose Enclosed Transport?
Enclosed shipping isn’t necessary for every vehicle, but it’s the gold standard for specific types of automobiles and situations:
- Luxury & Exotic Cars: If you own a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or a high-end Mercedes-Benz, the investment in enclosed transport protects your car’s value and flawless condition.
- Classic & Vintage Vehicles: These cars are often irreplaceable. Enclosed transport prevents rust, fading, and damage that could be caused by weather or road contaminants.
- Custom & Modified Cars: A vehicle with a low ground clearance, a custom paint job, or unique bodywork requires the specialized handling and security of an enclosed carrier.
- Show Cars & Race Cars: For vehicles traveling to an auto show or a racetrack, a scratch or chip can be a major issue. Enclosed transport ensures they arrive in show-ready condition.
- High-Value or Sentimental Vehicles: Any car that holds significant monetary or emotional value is a perfect candidate for enclosed shipping.
The Pros and Cons of Enclosed Shipping
Before you book, it’s important to understand the trade-offs of this premium service.
Pros of Enclosed Vehicle Shipping:
- Maximum Protection: This is the number one benefit. Your vehicle is completely safe from weather, dirt, rocks, and other road debris that can cause nicks, dings, and scratches.
- Enhanced Security: The enclosed nature of the trailer means your car is out of sight, protecting it from theft and vandalism.
- Peace of Mind: For owners of a valuable vehicle, knowing it is fully protected can make the entire transport process worry-free.
- Specialized Handling: Enclosed carriers often have professional lift gates and less-steep ramps, ensuring a safe and damage-free loading and unloading process.
Cons of Enclosed Vehicle Shipping:
- Higher Cost: This is the most significant drawback. Enclosed transport can cost anywhere from 30% to 65% more than open shipping due to the specialized equipment and the lower number of vehicles that can be transported per trip.
- Limited Availability: There are far fewer enclosed carriers on the road. This can lead to longer wait times for pickup and less flexibility in scheduling.
- Potentially Slower Service: Because carriers need to consolidate a full load of high-end vehicles, the route may be less direct than an open carrier’s route.
The Enclosed Vehicle Shipping Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the process will help you prepare and feel more confident about your shipment.
1. Get a Quote & Book: Contact a reputable auto transport company that specializes in enclosed shipping. Provide details about your vehicle and the route. Once you receive a quote you’re happy with, book your shipment.
Prepare Your Vehicle:
- Remove all personal items and valuables from the car.
- Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full to reduce weight.
- Wash the exterior of the car to make a pre-shipment inspection easier.
3. Pickup & Inspection: A professional driver will arrive at your specified location. Together, you will inspect the vehicle and document any existing damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL). This document is crucial for your protection, as it serves as a record of your car’s condition before transport.
4. During Transit: Your car will be carefully loaded and secured inside the enclosed trailer. The driver will be your main point of contact, providing updates on the vehicle’s progress. Throughout the journey, your car is safe from external hazards.
5. Delivery & Final Inspection: The carrier will contact you to confirm the delivery time and location. Upon arrival, you will perform a final inspection using the Bill of Lading. Once you confirm the vehicle is in the same condition as when it was picked up, you can sign the BOL and make the final payment.
Choosing enclosed vehicle shipping is a significant decision that reflects a commitment to protecting your valuable asset. While the cost is higher and the booking process may take longer, the peace of mind and the assurance of a secure, damage-free transport are well worth the investment for the right vehicle.
Why Choose Gaatco for Enclosed Car Shipping?
Make a seamless transition to your service:
At Gaatco, we understand that your vehicle is more than transportation—it’s your investment, your pride. We offer:
- Fully enclosed, secure trailers with premium handling and soft tie-down systems
- Transparent door-to-door service, complete with real-time GPS tracking
- Competitive pricing tailored to the level of protection you need
- Committed customer care from quote to delivery
Choosing enclosed car shipping isn’t just about moving a vehicle; it’s about providing an uncompromised level of safety and protection for your asset. While open transport is perfectly reliable for everyday cars, enclosed shipping is a strategic choice made for specific reasons that go beyond standard convenience.
Unmatched Protection Against All Elements: The most compelling reason to choose enclosed transport is the superior protection it offers. Your vehicle is completely shielded from all external threats it would face on an open carrier. This includes damage from weather events like hail, snow, and heavy rain, as well as exposure to harsh sunlight. More importantly, it prevents chips, scratches, and dings caused by rocks, gravel, and other road debris that are kicked up by other vehicles or the transport truck itself. For a classic or luxury car with a flawless paint job, this peace of mind is invaluable.
Enhanced Security and Privacy: Enclosed trailers offer a significant security advantage. By keeping your vehicle out of public view, the risk of theft, vandalism, and curious onlookers is virtually eliminated. Your high-value vehicle is not on display for the duration of its journey, adding an essential layer of privacy and security that an open carrier simply cannot provide. This is especially crucial for rare, exotic, or one-of-a-kind cars.
Preserving Monetary and Sentimental Value: A vehicle is a significant investment, and its condition directly impacts its value. Enclosed transport ensures your car arrives in the exact same condition it was in at pickup, safeguarding its pristine state. This is vital for collectors and sellers who need to maintain a vehicle’s value for resale or exhibition. For a car with sentimental value—an heirloom or a long-term project—this service protects not just an object, but a cherished part of your history.
Specialized Handling for Unique Vehicles: Enclosed carriers are equipped to handle cars with specific needs that open trailers cannot accommodate. This includes vehicles with low ground clearance, which can be easily loaded and unloaded using hydraulic lift gates, eliminating the risk of scraping the undercarriage. Drivers who operate these carriers are often trained to handle high-end vehicles, providing the careful attention and expertise required for custom and modified automobiles