Enclosed Car Shipping

Our enclosed car shipping service offers both hard and soft-sided carriers that provide the safest way to transport your vehicle.

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Effortless Retrieval

Effortlessly Arrange Car Pickup

Swift Delivery

Safe and Timely Car Drop-off

Reliable Transport

Protected with Insurance

We offer premium enclosed auto transport services with a focus on excellence

"I have now used Number 1 Auto Transport a few times. Most recent was from Long Island to California. I worked with James and he was able to set up everything very quickly and efficiently. "

Amy Brown

"I moved from NY to Florida and the only smooth part was my auto transport with Rob. He gives such fair prices and got the car to me two days early. They picked up when they said and had zero issues with the car upon return."

Nic Gee

"Excellent service. Treated my wife's car with respect and like it was a million dollar car. Would recommend without hesitation or reservations and will use them again if I am ever in the need for a trnsporter."

Marc P

Understanding Enclosed Auto Transport

Our enclosed hard and soft-sided carriers are the safest way to transport your vehicle. These carriers protect your vehicle from harsh elements such as wind, rain, sleet, ice, and wind-blown debris. An enclosed carrier secures your car, so there’s no sliding around. The specialized platform provides a gentler slope when loading or unloading, so your vehicle loads easily and safely.

Soft-Sided vs Hard-Sided Enclosed Car Shipping

A soft-sided enclosed auto transport carrier protects your vehicle from branches, blowing debris, and other things that could ding and damage your vehicle during transport. Soft-sided enclosed carriers are perfect for shipping luxury or sports vehicles as they help your car maintain its beautiful finish due to the harsh elements’ lack of exposure. Like all auto transport options, this will also help avoid accumulating thousands of miles on a single trip.

A hard-sided enclosed transport is a fully enclosed auto trailer. This protects your vehicle in the unlikely event your car is exposed to possible damages during transportation. Our hard-sided enclosed transport service is especially beneficial for owners of exotic and classic cars. Using a hard-sided carrier helps prevent fluid spillage or loss in transit, ensuring nothing spills out and damages your vehicle or other vehicles.

Why choose Hard-Sided over Soft-Sided Enclosed Auto Transport?

 Hard-sided transports offer more protection. The protection provided by soft-sided enclosed transport is excellent. Still, the security and safety found in the nearly-impenetrable shell of the hard-sided hauler are the best you’ll find on the road today. Hard-sided trailers also offer climate control, protecting your valuable vehicle from cold and heat.

Imagine having a trusted enclosed vehicle transport company shipping your collectible from New York to Los Angeles or bringing your beloved exotic car from a frigid northern city to the sunny beaches of Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. That’s what you get with Number 1 Auto Transport.

When Should I Ship My Vehicle in an Enclosed Auto Transport?

If you answer yes to these questions, shipping your vehicle in a soft-sided or hard-sided enclosed auto transporter is likely the best choice.

  • Does your vehicle have sentimental value?
  • Does your vehicle an investment vehicle?
  • Is your vehicle a classic car, a luxury car, or an exotic sports car?
  • Is the value of your car more significant than what an open carrier insurance policy cover?
  • Does your vehicle have a high-end paint job, lots of chrome, or exterior modifications?
  • Does your vehicle have low ground clearance, including aftermarket body kits?
  • Are you transporting your vehicle at a time when there is abysmal weather expected, particularly sleet and hail from storms or high winds?


These instances are times you’d instead go with enclosed auto transport. Don’t take any chances with your high-end vehicles and custom paintwork – ship your auto securely in a hard-sided enclosed transporter through Number 1 Auto Transport!

How Long Does It Take To Transport an Enclosed Car?

Depending on the car’s location, most pickup windows are 24-72 hours from when the vehicle is ready to be picked up. This window could take up to 5 days in remote areas.

  • Enclosed Car Transport turnaround time for a destination under 1,000 miles in 2-3 days.
  • From 1,000-1750, the transit time is estimated to be 4-6 days.
  • From 1,750-2,500, the transit time is estimated at 7-10 days.

Video Example:
How we ship an Aston Martin

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Why Trust Us

Proven Reliability

Number 1 Auto has a consistent track record of successfully transporting vehicles, earning a reputation for reliability and dependability in the industry.

Customer Satisfaction

Our customer-centric approach ensures your satisfaction with transparent communication, dedicated support, and regular updates throughout the shipping process.

Diverse Service Options

Choose from a wide range of services, including open and enclosed carriers, expedited shipping, and custom solutions tailored to your specific needs.

What are the Pros and Cons of Enclosed Car Transport?

Pros of Enclosed Car Transport:

Enclosed auto transportation, or covered car shipping,  means the vehicle will be sealed in a trailer throughout its journey. This provides protection and security for the car and often comes with a higher degree of service and attention. Enclosed transport means the vehicle will be sealed from hail, snow, sleet, rocks, and other flying road debris.

Also, enclosed drivers are well-versed in high-value vehicles, so your vehicle will receive greater care. Enclosed car transport carriers will also come with higher cargo insurance coverage.

If you plan on shipping a low-to-the-ground car, most of the enclosed carriers will also be equipped with a hydraulic lift gate or extended long ramps to easily load a vehicle with low ground clearance.

Cons of Enclosed Auto Transport:

The only real con to enclosed auto shipping is the higher costBecause of the higher degree of care, higher insurance coverage, and fewer cars moved with enclosed transport trailers; this option is often more costly. There are not as many enclosed carriers today, meaning they are priced at a premium.

Fewer carriers on the road leading to the other con of shipping enclosed – longer lead time and slightly more planning needed. While open car carriers are all over and quickly scheduled, enclosed carriers will need to be scheduled further ahead and may have fewer options for delivery and pickup dates. This could be an even bigger issue if the vehicle has specific requirements, such as being wider or taller than the average vehicle.

Video Example:
Shipping a Lamborghini in an
Enclosed Carrier

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Enclosed Auto Transport FAQ's

Enclosed auto transport is a specialized method of shipping vehicles in fully enclosed carriers, providing a secure and protected environment during transit. Unlike open transport, where vehicles are exposed to the elements, enclosed carriers shield the vehicle from potential damage caused by weather, road debris, or other external factors.

A hard-sided enclosed transport is a fully enclosed auto trailer. This protects your vehicle in the unlikely event your car is exposed to possible damages during transportation. Our hard-sided enclosed transport service is especially beneficial for owners of exotic and classic cars. The carriers (six-car enclosed trailers with two levels and above) load a hydraulic lift gate.

This makes loading smaller cars lower to the ground easier while keeping your car as level as possible. Why does that matter? It helps prevent fluid spillage or loss in transit, ensuring nothing spills out and damages your vehicle or other vehicles. Almost every hard-sided enclosed car transporter has drip pans to protect cars on the bottom rack from the transmission or other fluids from vehicles on the top rack. It also means your vehicle will show up ready to roll off and go; no fluid top-offs are needed.

Why choose hard-sided over soft-sided? Hard-sided transports offer more protection. The protection provided by soft-sided enclosed transport is excellent. Still, the security and safety found in the nearly-impenetrable shell of the hard-sided hauler are the best you’ll find on the road today. Hard-sided trailers also offer climate control, protecting your valuable vehicle from cold and heat.

Imagine having a trusted enclosed vehicle transport company shipping your collectible from New York to Los Angeles or bringing your beloved exotic car from a frigid northern city to the sunny beaches of Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive. That’s what you get with Number 1 Auto Transport.

Vehicle transportation services, whether open or enclosed, are accomplished via truck. Attached to this truck is either an open-aired trailer with multiple vehicles or an enclosed trailer carrying one or multiple vehicles to their destination. Open-air trailers offer no protection from the elements but are suitable for the standard sedan, pickup truck, or SUV. Enclosed vehicle transportation involves shipping the vehicle in a fully enclosed trailer. This offers a higher level of protection and security for the car. Also, it provides more peace of mind for owners of new, high-value, rare, and antique vehicles.

Before handing over your vehicle to the transport company, make sure it is clean and free of personal belongings. Document any existing damages and take photographs for your records. Ensure that the fuel tank is less than a quarter full, and secure any loose parts or accessories.