Enclosed Auto Transport: Cost, Protection, and How Enclosed Car Shipping Works
Your car rides inside a covered trailer, out of the weather and away from road debris. A standard sedan ships enclosed for $875 to $2,800 across the 24 routes we publish. Your price locks when you book.
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Enclosed Car Shipping, in Short
Enclosed auto transport moves your car inside a trailer with walls and a roof. The trailer keeps out rain, hail, road salt, and gravel thrown up by traffic. A standard sedan ships enclosed for $875 to $2,800 on the 24 routes we publish. That is usually 40 to 60 percent more than open.
Fewer enclosed trucks run each route, so book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Most cars are picked up within a 1 to 5 day window. They spend 1 to 10 days on the truck, depending on distance.
Who Moves Your Car
We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224 and USDOT 2336907. We do not own trucks or employ drivers. We vet, book, and manage the carriers who do, and we stay on the shipment until it is delivered. You can check both numbers in the FMCSA SAFER system.
Before a carrier gets your car, we check its operating authority, its insurance on file, and its safety record. The carriers we book keep $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo coverage.
In business since 2010, with more than 50,000 vehicles shipped. Family owned, A+ with the BBB, and on the Inc. 5000 list. When you call, a real person picks up.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport means your car rides inside a trailer with walls and a roof. It is the same trip as open transport, in a box instead of on a rack.
Hard-Sided vs Soft-Sided Enclosed Trailers
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Hard-Sided Trailer
A rigid box with solid walls and a roof. It gives the most protection from weather, debris, and knocks, and it holds off heat and cold better. Ask for a hard-sided price for an exotic or a restored classic.
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Soft-Sided Trailer
Heavy canvas sides keep out rain, wind, branches, and blowing debris. It can cost a little less than hard-sided, and it suits luxury and sports cars that need a clean finish.
How Your Car Rides
Most enclosed carriers load low cars on a hydraulic lift gate or extended ramps. That keeps the bumper and underbody clear of the edge. Many secure the car with soft straps around the tires, so nothing hooks to the frame.
The trailer carries fewer cars than a two-level open rack, so each car pays a bigger share of the trip.
Watch Enclosed Car Shipping in Action
Two clips from our YouTube channel show an Aston Martin and a Lamborghini in enclosed carriers.
How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
Enclosed car shipping costs $875 to $2,800 for a standard sedan across the 24 routes we publish. Trips under 500 miles run $950 to $1,275. Trips of 2,500 miles and up run $2,100 to $2,800. That is usually 40 to 60 percent more than open on the same route.
Every price in the table comes from our route pages, priced from bookings on each lane. Our car shipping cost guide covers all 24 routes, vehicle size, and season.
Enclosed Car Shipping Rates by Distance
| Distance | Enclosed cost | Open cost | Transit | Example route, enclosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $950 to $1,275 | $450 to $875 | 1 to 3 days | New York to Massachusetts, $950 to $1,100 |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $875 to $1,700 | $575 to $1,200 | 1 to 4 days | Atlanta to Dallas, $900 to $1,350 |
| 1,000 to 1,500 miles | $1,150 to $2,475 | $800 to $1,650 | 3 to 5 days | New York to Florida, $1,275 to $1,450 |
| 1,500 to 2,500 miles | $1,000 to $2,800 | $650 to $1,800 | 3 to 10 days | New York to Colorado, $1,000 to $1,400 |
| 2,500 miles and up | $2,100 to $2,800 | $1,450 to $1,750 | 6 to 10 days | New York to California, $2,375 to $2,800 |
Each band runs from the lowest to the highest price on its route pages. Your route page or a quote is closer. Enclosed trips under 500 miles start higher than the next band, since a minimum charge sets the price on short hops.
What Changes Your Enclosed Shipping Price
- Distance. Longer trips cost more in total and less per mile. Demand on the lane moves the price too.
- Hard or soft sides. A soft-sided trailer can cost a little less than a hard-sided one.
- Vehicle size and height. A bigger car takes more room. A very low car needs a lift gate or extended ramps, which narrows the trucks that can take it.
- Season. On most lanes, October through December and May through August run 10 to 20 percent above base. January and February usually cost the least.
- Your dates. Fewer enclosed trucks run each route, so a flexible pickup window helps more here. A fixed date means a truck has to come to you.
- Pickup and delivery spots. A metro near the interstate costs less than a town far off it.
Want the enclosed price for your car? A locked quote takes about a minute.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth It?
Yes for a classic, an exotic, a car worth about $75,000 or more, or a car with fresh or high-end paint. For a daily driver, open does the job for less. Outside snowbird season, New York to Florida runs $1,275 to $1,450 enclosed against $800 to $950 open.
Enclosed vs Open at a Glance
| Factor | Enclosed transport | Open transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually 40 to 60 percent more, and more on short trips | The base rate on every route |
| New York to Florida, base season | $1,275 to $1,450 | $800 to $950 |
| Trailer | Hard-sided or soft-sided box, fewer cars per load | Two-level open rack, 8 to 10 cars |
| Exposure | Sealed from weather, road debris, and eyes | Weather and road dust, like a day of driving |
| Trucks on the road | About 15 percent of car haulers. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead | About 85 percent. Books in 1 to 2 weeks |
| Loading | Lift gate or extended ramps on most trucks | Standard ramps, wheel straps |
| Best for | Classics, exotics, low cars, and fresh paint | Daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, and leases |
Which One Fits Your Car?
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Ship Enclosed When
- It is a classic, an exotic, or a show car
- It is worth about $75,000 or more
- It sits low or has fresh or high-end paint
- It ships in hail season or on salted winter roads
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Open Is Fine When
- It is a daily driver, SUV, pickup, or lease
- You want the lowest rate and the fastest booking
- It is a project car or a fixer-upper
- A rock chip would not change its value
Our open car shipping page covers the two-level trucks most cars ride on.
Not sure which trailer fits? Get both prices in one quote.
How Long Does Enclosed Car Shipping Take?
Plan on a 1 to 5 day pickup window plus 1 to 10 days on the truck. Fewer enclosed trucks run each route, so the pickup can land at the long end of the window.
From Booking to Delivery
| Stage | How long | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | 2 to 3 weeks ahead | Book 3 to 4 weeks out from May through August and October through December. |
| Pickup window | Usually 1 to 5 days | The driver calls to set a time. Remote areas and peak season sit at the long end. |
| On the truck | 1 to 10 days | Set by distance. Most carriers cover about 500 miles a day under federal hours of service rules. |
| Delivery | A call about 24 hours out | The driver confirms the window. You inspect the car and sign the bill of lading. |
These are typical windows, not promised dates. Storms and road closures slow enclosed trucks the same as open ones and can add a day or more. Read how weather affects auto transport.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Safe?
Yes. It gives your car more protection than open transport. The trailer keeps out weather and road debris. The carrier's cargo insurance is on your car from pickup to delivery.
What the Trailer Keeps Out
Rain, hail, snow, and winter road salt. Sun on a long desert run. Gravel and grit thrown up by traffic. Curious eyes too, since nobody on the road can see what is inside.
A hard-sided trailer also holds off heat and cold. Neither type moves faster in a storm, so plan for the same weather delays as open.
What Keeps Your Car Safe
Vetted Carriers
We check each carrier's operating authority, insurance on file, and safety record before it gets your car.
Cargo Insurance
Carriers we book keep $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo coverage. Limits vary by carrier.
Gentle Loading
Most enclosed carriers use a lift gate or extended ramps for low cars. Many use soft tire straps.
Bill of Lading
You and the driver record the car's condition at pickup, then check it again at delivery.
Check the Cargo Limit Against Your Car's Value
Ask us for the carrier's insurance certificate before dispatch, and check the cargo limit and deductible against what your car is worth. Your own auto policy may also cover the car in transit, so call your insurer. Our guide on whether you need insurance to ship your car covers the details.
If Your Car Arrives Damaged
Mark the damage on the bill of lading while the driver is there, and get the driver's signature. Take clear photos. Then call us and the carrier right away. The carrier's insurer can deny a claim for damage that was not noted at delivery.
In most cases the carrier asks for three repair estimates and pays one. Our guide on what to do if your car is damaged during transport walks through the claim.
How to Choose an Enclosed Car Shipping Company
Before you book with anyone, us included, get clear answers to six questions.
Is It Licensed?
Look up the MC number in the FMCSA SAFER system and check that its authority is active. Ours is MC-796224.
What Is the Cargo Limit?
Ask for the carrier's insurance certificate. Check the limit and the deductible against your car's value.
How Will It Load?
A low car needs a lift gate or extended ramps. Ask about soft straps around the tires.
Is the Price Real?
A quote far below the rest is usually a price no carrier will run.
What Do Customers Say?
Read reviews on BBB, Google, and Transport Reviews.
Is the Date an Estimate?
Ask whether the date is an estimate. Most pickup and delivery dates run on windows.
Our guide to car shipping scams lists the warning signs.
Cars and Moves That Ship Enclosed
Enclosed makes the most sense for these. Our car shipping services page covers every vehicle type.
Classic Cars
Restored paint and chrome stay out of the weather. A project car or fixer-upper can ship open for less.
Exotic and Luxury Cars
Ask for a lift gate or race ramps for a low car, and soft straps around the tires.
Motorcycles
Bikes can ship open, but crated on a pallet inside an enclosed trailer is the safest way.
Snowbird Cars
High-value cars heading south for the winter. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead in the fall.
Auction Purchases
Classic, exotic, and collectible cars bought at auction, picked up from the lot.
Military PCS Moves
A classic or high-end car on PCS orders. Active duty, veterans, and families get $50 off any service.
How Enclosed Car Shipping Works
Enclosed or open, every shipment runs on the same five steps. Our how car shipping works guide covers each one.
Quote
Tell us the vehicle, both ZIP codes, and your first available date. The price locks when you book.
Match
We book a vetted enclosed carrier headed your way, then email you the details.
Pickup
The driver calls ahead to set a time. You walk the car together and both sign the bill of lading.
Transit
The car rides to its destination while the driver and our dispatch team keep you updated.
Delivery
The driver calls about 24 hours out. You check the car, sign, pay the balance, and drive off.
How to Prepare Your Car for Enclosed Transport
A little prep the day before pickup prevents most problems at delivery. Work down this list.
Wash It
A clean car shows every chip and scratch at inspection.
Photograph It
Every panel, the roof, the wheels, and the odometer, with the date showing.
Tell Us How Low It Sits
Mention a lowered suspension or a front lip when you book, so the carrier brings the right ramps.
Remove Loose Parts
Fold the mirrors, lower the antenna, and take off racks and loose trim.
Flag Any Leaks
A leak can drip on a car below, so tell the driver before loading.
Leave a Quarter Tank
More fuel adds weight and buys you nothing.
Pull the Toll Tag
Or it bills you for every toll the truck drives through.
Empty the Cabin
Up to 100 pounds can ride in the trunk or back seat, below the window line, at your own risk.
Car does not run? Tell us when you book, and read our guide to shipping a car that does not run. The car shipping prep checklist covers the rest.
Enclosed Car Shipping Routes and States
We arrange enclosed car shipping across the continental United States. Each route page lists enclosed and open prices, transit times, and the highways the truck runs.
Popular Routes With Enclosed Prices
- New York to Florida
- New York to California
- New York to Texas
- California to Texas
- Texas to California
- New York to Arizona
- New York to North Carolina
- Florida to New Jersey
- New York to Colorado
- New York to Illinois
- Atlanta to Dallas
- San Diego to Portland
See all 24 on our popular car shipping routes page.
Car Shipping by State
Every state has its own guide. Find yours on our ship by state page.
Enclosed Car Shipping Questions
Quick answers before you book. Our auto transport FAQ page covers the rest.
What is enclosed car shipping?
Shipping your car inside a trailer with walls and a roof, which keeps weather and road debris off it. Classics, exotics, and high-value cars usually ship this way. It costs more than open and needs more lead time.
How much does enclosed car shipping cost?
Across the 24 routes we publish, a standard sedan ships enclosed for $875 to $2,800. Trips under 500 miles run $950 to $1,275, and trips of 2,500 miles and up run $2,100 to $2,800. Vehicle size, the season, and your dates move the price.
Why does enclosed cost more than open?
It usually runs 40 to 60 percent more, and more on short trips. An enclosed trailer carries fewer cars than a two-level open rack, so each car pays a bigger share of the trip. Only about 15 percent of car haulers are enclosed, so fewer trucks compete for your load.
Is enclosed car transport worth it?
Yes for a classic, an exotic, a car worth about $75,000 or more, or a car with fresh or high-end paint. For a daily driver, SUV, or lease, open does the job for less.
What is the difference between hard-sided and soft-sided enclosed transport?
Hard-sided trailers have solid walls and give the most protection from weather, debris, heat, and cold. Soft-sided trailers use heavy canvas sides that keep out rain, wind, and blowing debris, and can cost a little less.
What is the difference between open and enclosed car shipping?
Open carriers have no walls or roof and hold 8 to 10 cars. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, seal out weather and road debris, and usually cost 40 to 60 percent more. Most daily drivers ship open.
How long does enclosed car shipping take?
Most cars are picked up within a 1 to 5 day window. Time on the truck runs 1 to 3 days under 500 miles. Trips of 2,500 miles or more take 6 to 10 days. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
How do enclosed carriers load low cars?
Most use a hydraulic lift gate or extended ramps, so the bumper and underbody clear the edge. Many secure the car with soft straps around the tires. Tell us how low the car sits when you book, and ask for soft straps.
Is my car insured during enclosed transport?
Yes. Carriers we book keep $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo coverage, and we verify it before dispatch. Limits vary by carrier, so ask for the certificate and check the limit against your car's value.
Can you ship a car that does not run in an enclosed trailer?
Yes, if it rolls, steers, and brakes. It needs a carrier with a winch, which usually adds $100 to $250. A car that cannot roll needs a specialty rig and its own quote, so tell us when you book.
What happens if my car is damaged during enclosed transport?
Mark the damage on the bill of lading before the driver leaves, get the driver's signature, and take photos. Then call us. In most cases the carrier asks for three repair estimates and pays one of them.
Can I put personal items in my car?
Up to 100 pounds in the trunk or back seat, below the window line, at your own risk. Those items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, so leave valuables, electronics, and documents out.
Is Number 1 Auto Transport a broker or a carrier?
We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224 and USDOT 2336907. We do not own trucks or employ drivers. We vet, book, and manage the carriers who do, and we stay on the shipment until it is delivered.
How do I pay for enclosed car shipping?
A deposit is charged after pickup. The balance is paid to the driver at delivery by cash, certified check, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or money order. Your dispatcher confirms which ones your carrier takes.
Get Your Enclosed Car Shipping Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery points in the form at the top of this page, or call and talk to a real person. Read what customers say on our auto transport reviews page, then lock your rate.
Number 1 Auto Transport
Phone: 855.422.4141
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm ET, Saturday 9am to 5pm ET
MC-796224 | USDOT 2336907
Number 1 Auto Transport is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, not a motor carrier. We arrange transportation with vetted, FMCSA-authorized carriers who hold active cargo insurance. Prices and transit times shown are typical ranges, not a binding quote. Your locked rate is confirmed at booking.