Enclosed Car Transport: What is Enclosed Car Shipping?

Enclosed car shipping offers maximum protection for high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles. Your car is transported in a fully covered trailer, shielded from weather, road debris, and other elements.

Why Choose Enclosed Transport?

  • Complete protection from the elements
  • Ideal for exotic, vintage, or custom vehicles
  • Higher insurance coverage
  • Soft- or hard-sided trailer options
  • Handled by experienced, specialized drivers

Though more expensive than open transport, enclosed shipping provides added security and peace of mind for valuable cars.

Mechanic securing blue car on tow truck.

How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?

Enclosed auto transport typically costs more than open transport due to the added protection and specialized service it provides. Several key factors influence the higher price:

Blue car carrier truck on the road.

Specialized Equipment and Drivers

Enclosed trailers are more expensive to operate and require skilled drivers trained to handle luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles with care.

Military vehicles on a flatbed trailer at sunset.

Higher Cargo Insurance

Carriers must carry higher insurance coverage to protect high-value vehicles, which increases operating costs and, in turn, shipping rates.

Car being transported on a flatbed truck.

Limited Availability

Only about 10% of car carriers in the U.S. are enclosed, making this service less common. When demand rises on specific routes, prices increase due to limited supply.

Car transporter carrying white sedans on highway.

Why Choose an Enclosed Car Carrier?

Enclosed car carriers fully shield your vehicle from rain, dust, debris, and rock chips that can occur during transport. Unlike open trailers, your vehicle is not exposed to the elements, ensuring a cleaner, safer delivery.

If your car has a custom paint job, low ground clearance, or high value, enclosed shipping is the best option. Many premium enclosed carriers offer white-glove service, handling vehicles with the utmost careā€”even wearing actual gloves to avoid leaving marks or scratches.

Enclosed Auto Transport: The Gold Standard in Vehicle Shipping

Enclosed car shipping is the safest and most secure method for transporting high-end, luxury, classic, or specialty vehicles. These trailers offer complete protection from weather, road debris, and other hazards. Most enclosed carriers are equipped with hydraulic lift gates, allowing vehicles to remain fully horizontal during loading and unloadingā€”ideal for low-clearance or high-value cars. At Prime Path Transport, we work only with licensed, insured, and experienced carriers who specialize in handling high-end vehicles with white-glove service.

A car carrier truck loaded with black vehicles at sunset.
Car being towed on a flatbed truck.

When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed transport is recommended for:

  • Luxury and exotic vehicles
  • Classic and antique cars
  • Vehicles with custom paint or bodywork
  • Any vehicle valued over $50,000
  • Low-clearance or modified cars

Whether youā€™re shipping a Ferrari, vintage Mustang, or a fully restored show car, enclosed transport ensures your vehicle arrives in pristine condition.

Why Enclosed Transport Costs More

Several factors contribute to the higher price of enclosed car shipping:

  • Specialized trailers and equipment like hydraulic lift gates and soft straps
  • Higher insurance coverage to protect valuable cargo
  • Experienced drivers trained to handle luxury and specialty vehicles
  • Limited availabilityā€”enclosed carriers make up only about 10% of the market.

While enclosed auto transport is more expensive, it provides unmatched peace of mind.

Truck transporting cars on highway.
Close-up of a car tire on a ramp secured with a strap.

Cost Tips for Enclosed Vehicle Transport

Donā€™t choose based on price alone. Rates fluctuate based on route, season, and demand. Be cautious of companies that overcharge simply due to brand recognition. Instead, work with a licensed, bonded, and transparent broker like Prime Path Transport. We offer:

  • Competitive, fair pricing
  • Full insurance during transit
  • Access to the most reputable enclosed carriers in the industry
  • Nationwide and international service
  • Coordinated logistics from dispatch to delivery

Prime Path Transport: Experts in Enclosed Car Shipping

We treat every vehicle with the care it deserves, no matter the make or model. Our team handles the logistics, communication, and coordination needed to ship your vehicle safely and efficiently across the U.S. or overseas. When protection matters, choose enclosed auto transport with Prime Path Transportā€”where every detail is handled with precision and care.

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