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Are you looking to ship your car through enclosed shipping but don’t know how much it’ll cost? Do you need to understand how enclosed car shipping rates are calculated before evaluating the quotes?
While enclosed car transport is more secure compared to other types of shipping, it is also more expensive.
Let’s understand how enclosed trailer car shipping cost is calculated by different carriers and shipping services.
Understanding the Cost Differences Between Enclosed & Open Car Transport
There are two popular methods of vehicle transportation: open trailer shipping and enclosed transportation.
In open car transport, your car travels with others on an open trailer along a fixed route. This process is the cheapest method of car shipping, but it does not guarantee protection for your car from elements like moisture, snow and dust.
On the other hand, enclosed car shipping involves shipping your car across the country in a closed container. This protects your vehicle from harmful elements like inclement weather, prying eyes and hazardous road conditions.
Enclosed shipping typically costs more, but it provides more protection and security than open transportation. So, enclosed containers are perfect for your expensive, antique or classic cars because they provide the utmost protection against damage.
While enclosed auto transport costs more than open trailer shipping, it comes with benefits such as increased car transport insurance coverage and specialized trailers to protect your vehicle.
Leading Factors in Enclosed Auto Transport Cost
Enclosed car shipping rates are calculated based on several factors, such as:
Distance of Transportation
Enclosed car shipping costs increase with the distance to your preferred location. However, the per-mile cost to transport your vehicle will decrease with larger distances because it allows the carrier to operate heavier carriers over longer trips and achieve economies of scale.
For example, the per-mile cost of enclosed shipping from Atlanta to Louisville is higher than the cost from Atlanta to New York City.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The heavier or larger your car, the more it’ll cost to ship it through an enclosed container. This is because the carrier will require more space and/or equipment to transport your car to its destination.
So, shipping an SUV or a heavier car will cost more than transporting a sedan or a hatchback.
Time of the Year and Seasonal Demand
When calculating enclosed car transportation costs, the season in which you ship your car is just as important as where you’re shipping it.
For instance, summer is a period of high demand, which means there are fewer carriers available. Thus, enclosed auto transport costs tend to increase in the summer and winter than in spring or autumn.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations
The pick-up and drop-off locations of your vehicle also determine the cost of enclosed auto transportation.
This is because it is easier for the carrier to send an enclosed container to a location that is well-connected to interstates and highways compared to areas with poor connectivity.
Therefore, the cost of enclosed auto transportation is higher when you’re shipping to/from areas with poor highway connectivity compared to areas that provide easy access.
Shipping Timeline
Lastly, covered car transport cost is also affected by how soon you want your car shipped and how fast you want it to arrive at your destination.
If you need to ship your car within a specific time frame, expedited enclosed shipping will ensure that your car is picked up and delivered as soon as possible. However, it will also cost more as compared to regular enclosed car shipping.
Here are some tips to help you obtain the best quotes for enclosed car transportation:
- Book your enclosed car transport service as far in advance as possible. This will give the shipping provider ample time to assign your shipment to a carrier and schedule your vehicle’s pick-up.
- Be as flexible as possible with your vehicle’s pick-up and delivery timeframe. This will allow the carrier to optimize its route and eliminate the cost of an enclosed carrier going out of its way specifically for your vehicle.
- Avoid peak seasons for enclosed shipping, as high demand for auto transport results in lower availability of enclosed carriers and higher transportation costs. If possible, try to schedule your enclosed car shipping from January to March.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth the Cost?
Let’s get down to brass tacks: is enclosed shipping really worth the increased cost? In most cases, it depends on your car shipping requirements and priorities.
For example, if you are shipping a classic, rare, or expensive car, you don’t want to compromise on its safety or protection. In these cases, enclosed car shipping is the best way to guarantee that your car arrives at its destination without scratches, marks or damage.
To determine whether enclosed car shipping is the service you need, calculate which is lower: the cost of potential damage to your vehicle or the cost of enclosed shipping.
If the latter is lower, enclosed car shipping is the right option for you.
Further, enclosed car transport rates include benefits like increased insurance coverage, which protects you from financial liability in the rare case your vehicle is damaged during transportation.
Common Myths About Enclosed Car Shipping Rates
As enclosed shipping has become more common, so have misconceptions about it. Let’s dispel some of these myths about the process of enclosed auto transportation:
Enclosed Shipping is Only For Luxury Vehicles
While people certainly use enclosed car shipping for luxury vehicles, it is helpful for several other types of cars. For instance, classic, exotic or vintage cars may not be luxury vehicles but still require safe transportation to minimize the risk of damage.
Further, it may also be used to safely transport motorcycles or powersports.
Enclosed car shipping is for any and all vehicles that require protection from the elements, not just luxury vehicles.
Enclosed Car Shipping is Always Extremely Expensive
Although enclosed car shipping costs more than open trailer transportation, it is not always extremely expensive.
For instance, if you’re flexible with the dates, book the transportation well in advance and ship your car when there’s less demand, you’re likely to get a better deal on enclosed car shipping rates.
Further, the make, model, size and weight of your vehicle, plus the distance it has to travel, all play a role in enclosed car transport costs.
Open Car Shipping is Just as Safe as Enclosed Shipping
This myth is just flat-out wrong: when cars are shipped on open trailers, they are exposed to the elements, such as heat, moisture or even hail.
On the other hand, enclosed car shipping protects your car from exposure to various hazards and weather conditions. So, no matter where you’re shipping your car to or from, enclosed shipping provides total protection from the elements.
Enclosed Shipping Guarantees Delivery Speed
Unfortunately, this is not true. Just like open trailers, enclosed carriers can travel between 300 and 500 miles every day. Plus, they may have to stop on the way to load or unload other vehicles.
Remember: enclosed shipping is a method of transportation. It has little to do with the timing.
If you need to ship your car as fast as possible, you can always opt for expedited car shipping.
How to Choose the Right Enclosed Car Shipping Company
Choosing the right enclosed car shipping provider is vital for the safe and smooth transportation of your vehicle.
At ACERTUS, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to shipping your car. That’s why we have developed an expansive network of highly qualified, carefully vetted carriers who uphold a 99.5% damage-free delivery rate to provide you with the best possible enclosed shipping experience.
Here’s how you can ensure an enclosed car shipping provider will meet your needs:
Check the Carrier’s Experience and Services
First, make sure that the company provides specialized enclosed car shipping services and has considerable experience in enclosed auto transportation.
This will assure you that others have trusted their cars to the company, and so can you. It will also tell you that the company has the necessary equipment and expertise needed to seamlessly execute enclosed car shipping.
Verify Carrier Reputation through Customer Reviews
Next, read through the company’s customer reviews. This will give you a balanced perspective on the carrier’s operations and performance.
Ensure that the Carrier Provides Insurance Coverage
Insurance is an extremely important component of enclosed shipping. When trusting a company with your classic, vintage, rare or expensive vehicles, you want to make sure you’re covered in the rare case of damages.
At ACERTUS, we provide industry-leading insurance coverage for all moves at no extra cost to you.
Look for Transparent Quotes
At ACERTUS, the price you’re quoted when requesting enclosed car shipping rates is the price you pay. Unlike other shipping providers, there are no hidden or excluded fees such as instant tracking fees, loading or unloading fees and/or insurance charges.
Get Instant Enclosed Shipping Quotes with ACERTUS
Enclosed shipping is the best way to ship your car without worrying about potential damage or exposure to elements.
With over 20 years of enclosed shipping experience, our dedicated teams and highly-qualified carriers are committed to helping you move seamlessly.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect shipping solution for your expensive, rare, classic, vintage or precious car, we’ve got you covered.
Find enclosed car transport rates that fit your bill and meet all your shipping requirements with our instant, commitment-free shipping quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence enclosed car shipping rates?
Factors affecting enclosed car shipping rates include the transportation distance, your vehicle’s make, model and size, the seasonal demand, and your shipping timeline. The greater the distance or faster you need your vehicle shipped, the more the cost of enclosed shipping will be.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping more expensive than Open Shipping?
Yes, over the same distance, enclosed car shipping costs more than open-trailer transportation. This is because there are more open trailers than enclosed carriers. Thus, a lower supply and a higher demand lead to a greater cost of transportation. To get the cheapest enclosed car shipping deal, book your transportation well in advance, be flexible with the shipping timeline and ship your car in months with less demand like January, February or March.
How do I get an enclosed car shipping quote?
Getting an instant, commitment-free enclosed car shipping quote from ACERTUS is easy. All we need to know is your vehicle information and where you want your car to be picked up from and delivered to. Once you get your quote, you can book your transport online or by speaking to one of our dedicated shipping representatives.
How long does enclosed car shipping usually take?
The time it takes for enclosed car shipping depends on the distance to your destination, potential congestion and weather delays. The average carrier covers between 300 and 500 miles per day.
Can I track my car during enclosed shipping?
When you move with ACERTUS, you’ll receive text and email notifications keeping you up-to-date with your vehicle’s progress throughout its journey.
