Owning a vehicle is a significant investment. From daily commutes to road trips and everything in between, our cars and trucks take us where we need to go. But all those miles put wear and tear on our rides, not to mention exposure to weather and road hazards. Rain, snow, hail, and road debris can damage your vehicle’s exterior and reduce its value.
Fortunately, there is a solution to protect your wheels and keep them in like-new condition: enclosed vehicle transport. Enclosed transport uses an enclosed trailer or shipping container to transport your vehicle in a covered, protected space. This shields your vehicle from weather events and road debris that can lead to dings, dents, or body corrosion over time.
Enclosed transport is ideal for classic car collectors, dealers moving inventory, owners relocating vehicles, and anyone looking to keep their vehicle safe on the road or in storage. And it offers complete bumper-to-bumper protection, unlike open carrier transport.
Read on for more details on how enclosed vehicle transport works and its key benefits for protecting your automotive investment from unnecessary wear, tear, and damage. Let’s cover how to determine if your vehicle qualifies, what to expect regarding costs and timing, what safety procedures to follow before transport, and additional pointers to safeguard your vehicle’s condition and value.
The Risks to Vehicles on the Road
Our vehicles face numerous threats in transit or storage that can degrade their appearance and value over time. From minor cosmetic damage to severe mechanical issues, many hazards lurk on the roads and in the elements that can harm your vehicle.
Hail Storm Damage
Hail storms are everyday weather events that frequently impact unsheltered vehicles. As hail stones pelt vehicle exteriors, small dimples and dents form on body panels, glass surfaces, and trim pieces across the exterior. These tiny dents collect moisture and dirt, accelerating corrosion and rust formation. While seemingly minor initially, accumulated hail damage significantly hurts resale value and trade-in offers. Hail damage diminishes a vehicle’s value by $5,000-$8000 on average, based on industry data.
Storm Debris
Intense storms can blow branches, signs, and heavy debris that can dent or scratch vehicle exteriors. Storm winds also topple unsecured cargo that can strike vehicles while in transit. Massive debris like fallen trees or poles can shatter vehicle glass and puncture body panels, requiring expensive repairs. About 12% of auto insurance claim payouts stem from storm-related damage events.
Road Debris Strikes
On the road, vehicles must consistently evade debris. Tire treads, gravel, and rocks frequently chip paint finishes and pit windshields. Larger debris on high-speed roads, like fallen ladders or appliances, can dent panels and damage mechanical components underneath if struck. Even minor road scrapes incurred over time degrade surfaces and chrome pieces. Over 200,000 collisions with road debris occur annually across the United States.
Depreciation from Damage
While regular driving incurs expected wear, excessive debris, and weather damage accelerate cosmetic and mechanical degradation. More damage equates to steeper vehicle depreciation and loss of investment value over time. Enclosed transport minimizes exposure to these hazards. Vehicles with minor damage can depreciate 2-3 times faster than those without.
The Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport
When shipping your vehicle across the country, keeping it secure en route remains a top priority. Unlike standard open auto carriers, enclosed transport trailers surround cars, trucks, and SUVs during transit – providing pivotal defenses other shipping methods can lack. Below, we detail the critical benefits secured shipping inside fully enclosed trailers brings.
- Element Protection: Enclosed trailers provide vital shelter from exterior conditions to which carriers with open sides expose vehicles. Fully sealed metal or composite walls and ceilings block external weather and climate factors that could otherwise impact your vehicle’s body and interior.
- Debris Defense: Road hazards like gravel, debris, and other flung projectiles pose a risk to vehicle paint during standard open transport’s long highway journeys. Enclosed shipping prevents contact with such hazards by creating a protected capsule around your vehicle as it travels.
- Light Shielding: Extended sunlight exposure can degrade car interiors over time, causing dashboard cracking and upholstery fading. Enclosed trailers limit UV rays reaching your vehicle’s sensitive surfaces during cross-region trips.
- Climate Control: Unlike open car carriers, advanced enclosed models stabilize interior temperature and humidity. Climate regulation ensures vehicle cabins avoid extremes that could otherwise stress materials or finishes during shipping.
- Safety & Security: Enclosed shipping incorporates modern protections like GPS tracking, interior cameras, and tamper-resistant locking doors as anti-theft precautions less secure open transport often need to be improved. Some enclosed carriers also offer supplemental insurance options.
- Gentle Care: Open car haulers subject vehicles to more extreme trailer movement and road vibration, which could stress components or alignments long-term. Enclosed transport’s smooth-riding suspension delivers gentle, minimized shaking.
- White Glove Service: Some enclosed carriers like uShip specialize in luxury vehicles. Their staff is factory-trained to handle high-end cars properly. So, this service is customized for delicate luxury finishes. The handling is like a hotel concierge provides their VIP guests.
Here is a comparison of open auto transport vs. enclosed auto transport for you to make an informed decision:
| Feature | Open Auto Transport | Enclosed Auto Transport |
| Protection from Weather & Debris | Leaves vehicles exposed; No barriers to rain, sun, road debris/hazards | Fully encloses vehicle interior with insulated walls & ceiling blocking elements & hazards |
| Climate Control | No temperature or humidity regulation; Vehicle interior prone to heat/cold extremes | Actively stabilizes temp & humidity at safe levels to avoid interior damage |
| Sun Exposure | Unlimited UV ray contact can crack/fade interiors long-term | Limits sunlight penetrating vehicle interior through tinted glass enclosure |
| Road Vibration | More intense chassis vibration & shaking transmitted from trailer | Ride suspension absorbs road vibration & shock for smooth enclosed transport |
| Safety & Security | Minimal protections; doors unlocked & no cameras or trackers | Reinforced locks, interior cameras, GPS vehicle tracking standard security features |
| Vehicle Handling | Basic tiedown loading/unloading process | Some carriers offer white glove service customized for delicate/luxury vehicle transport |
Choosing the Right Enclosed Transport Service
When selecting an enclosed auto transport provider, key aspects to evaluate include:
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure the company carries adequate cargo and liability insurance to cover your vehicle in case of accidents or damage. Require a copy of their policy.
- Industry Experience: Look for established companies with years of transporting vehicles without incident. New operators need a proven safety track record.
- Online Reviews: Check independent sites like TransportReviews.com for customer feedback. Numerous top reviews indicate quality and reliable service.
- Equipment Quality: Modern enclosed trailers with climate control, GPS tracking, and smooth suspensions optimize protection. Ensure they invest in well-maintained equipment.
- Safety Record: Ask about their DOT safety rating and audit history. Companies compliant with regulations exhibit a commitment to secure shipping.
- White Glove Services: If transporting luxury or antique vehicles, select carriers specialized in delicate handling if this customized care matters.
Questions to Ask Providers
When reaching out to enclosed shipping companies, key questions to have answered include:
- How long have you been in business transporting vehicles?
- What insurance do you carry for vehicle cargo and liability needs?
- Do your trailers offer GPS, climate control, and shock absorption?
- Can you share online reviews and safety information?
- Do you offer specialty white glove services for high-end vehicles?
- What options exist for real-time tracking and receiving transport status updates?
Vetting carriers thoroughly ensure your prized vehicle ships securely inside a quality enclosed trailer under the care of an experienced, safety-focused company with accountability. Protect your automotive investments by doing research before selection.
Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Enclosed Auto Transport
Here are some tips on preparing your vehicle for enclosed transport:
- Gather Documentation: Have your title, registration, and insurance documents accessible should the carrier need to verify ownership or coverage.
- Clean Interior & Exterior: Remove trash and clutter from the cabin. Wash and detail your vehicle so it’s easy to spot potential new damage during inspection.
- Check Fluid Levels: Top off washer fluid and check oil and other fluid reservoirs to ensure they won’t leak during transit vibration.
- Gauge Tire Pressure: Ensure tires are filled adequately to handle trailer tie-down needs and elongated highway travel to avoid blowouts or flats.
- Photograph Condition: Take dated pictures capturing the entire vehicle’s condition at origin for comparison upon delivery to identify any new damage from transport.
- Prepare Accessories: Remove loose parts like bike racks and antennae so they don’t get damaged or stolen along the route.
Vehicle Owner Checklist
- Title, registration & insurance cards
- Clean interior & shiny exterior wash
- Approved fluid levels
- Adequate PSI tire pressure
- Complete photographic record
- Detachable accessory removal
Enclosed Auto Transport: Cost-Benefit Analysis
Enclosed vehicle shipping costs more than standard open transport – averaging 15-30% higher per industry data. But for valuable vehicles, the extra investment brings significant benefits:
- Risk Reduction: Enclosed trailers minimize hazards from road debris, weather, UV rays, vibration, temperature extremes, and even theft – preventing expensive damage.
- Peace of Mind: Vehicle tracking and climate monitoring allow real-time transport visibility so owners feel assured their asset stays protected.
- Resale Preservation: Limited wear and tear means vehicles retain optimal condition, supporting higher resale values.
- Specialized Handling: White glove enclosed service properly secures delicate finishes and alignments on expensive vehicles when only the best care will do.
For any cherished vehicle where safety takes priority over transport costs, enclosed shipping provides the ultimate protection.
General Pricing
Enclosed auto transport costs depend on factors like:
- Mileage: Longer distances equal higher costs for equipment transport and driver time.
- Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles reduce load capacity so that they may have a higher impact rate.
- Route: Difficult routes with mountains and cities boost fees.
- Season: Peak seasons see higher demand, so prices increase.
- Supplemental Services: Added services like white glove handling can add costs.
Though pricing varies across these factors, enclosed auto transport generally ranges from $700 to even $2,000+ for long hauls or specialty care. However, vehicle asset protection carries tangible value worth the premium costs to many owners, prioritizing defense against damage above all else.
Conclusion
When you require vehicle protection that goes above and beyond during a long-distance shipping journey, enclosed auto transport delivers essential defenses other methods lack. Unlike open carriers, fully sealed trailers encapsulate your asset – blocking weather, road debris, UV rays, extreme heat or cold, vibration, and potential theft. Advanced GPS tracking, interior cameras, and customizable white glove handling enable enclosed transport to provide comprehensive, concierge-level vehicle care tailored to your most vital priorities.
While enclosed shipping costs exceed open transport, vital protections carry tangible value for sure owners. Those shipping antique, luxury, custom, or irreplaceable vehicles find the benefits worth the premium pricing. Top providers offer supplemental insurance options when only the best coverage will suffice.
So, if you cringe imagining your cherished vehicle subjected to hundreds of unmonitored highway miles exposed on a trailer bed, select reputable enclosed haulers like uShip instead.
Most Common Questions (PAA)
What is enclosed transport for vehicles?
Enclosed transport ships vehicles inside secure trailers with fully sealed sidewalls and ceilings, unlike open carriers.
How does enclosed transport protect vehicles from weather hazards?
Enclosed trailers shield vehicles from weather hazards like rain, snow, wind, and hail that could otherwise damage exteriors or interiors.
Is enclosed transport worth the cost of luxury cars?
Yes, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for luxury vehicles to protect delicate finishes from scratches, fading, and climate damage risks open transport allows.
What are the risks of road hazards to vehicles during transport?
Road hazards like flying gravel or debris can chip vehicle paint or crack windshields without barriers during open transport.
How do you prepare a vehicle for enclosed transport?
To prepare a vehicle, gather paperwork, clean interiors/exteriors, check fluid levels, adjust tire PSI, photograph condition, and remove loose accessories.
What factors should I consider when choosing an enclosed transport service?
When selecting an enclosed carrier, consider factors like reputation, equipment quality, insurance coverage, experience record, safety ratings, specialty services offered, and real-time tracking capabilities.
Can enclosed transport protect against all types of weather conditions?
Yes, fully enclosed trailers protect against rain, snow, wind, sunlight, temperature extremes, and road projectiles thanks to securely insulated walls and ceilings.
How does enclosed transport compare to open transport?
Unlike open carriers, enclosed shipping surrounds vehicles to block weather and road debris, providing climate control, security features, and smoother rides.
What kind of insurance is needed for enclosed vehicle transport?
Enclosed transporters should carry cargo insurance covering vehicle damage and liabilities like accident costs.
Are there specific types of vehicles that benefit more from enclosed transport?
Antique, exotic, custom, or classic vehicles and other high-value assets benefit more from enclosed shipping’s protections.
