Quick Answer
Enclosed transport typically costs about 40–60% more than open on the same lane — Los Angeles to Dallas, for example, typically runs $1,500–$2,200 enclosed versus $1,000–$1,500 open. Most enclosed trailers carry just 1–6 cars, and enclosed capacity is thinner than open, so it pays to book further ahead.
Why cars ride enclosed
An open carrier is a fine way to move most cars. Enclosed transport exists for the ones where "fine" isn't good enough — where the finish, the originality, and the value of the car are the whole point.
On an open trailer, your car spends days exposed to whatever the interstate serves up: rain, road dust and grit, flying debris, summer sun, winter salt spray. A daily driver shrugs that off. A classic with original paint, a freshly restored show car, or a six-figure exotic shouldn't have to. Inside an enclosed trailer, none of it touches the car — it rides in a sealed box, in the condition it left in.
Sealed against the road
Weather, road debris, and dust are the three things that age a car's finish fastest, and an enclosed trailer blocks all three for the entire trip. No multi-day exposure, no grit blasting the nose at highway speed, no surprise hailstorm two states away. The car that goes in is the car that comes out.
Out of sight, out of mind
A valuable car on an open rack advertises itself at every fuel stop and overnight park. Inside an enclosed trailer, nobody passing by knows what's riding in there — which is exactly the point. Discretion is a real layer of theft deterrence, and for high-value cars it's reason enough on its own.
Who ships enclosed
If any of these sound like your car, enclosed is the honest recommendation. If none of them do, open transport will serve you well — and we'll tell you so when you get your quote.
What enclosed transport includes
Enclosed isn't just an open trailer with walls. The equipment and the handling are different at every step:
- Fully enclosed trailerYour car rides completely sealed inside — never on an open rack.
- Liftgate or low-angle rampsMany enclosed trailers load by power liftgate; others use long ramps with a low approach angle. Either way loading is flat and careful — and for a low car, we'll match the setup to the car.
- Just 1–6 vehicles per trailerFar fewer cars per load than an open carrier's 7–10, with more room and more care around each one.
- Experienced enclosed carriersWe dispatch carriers who specialize in enclosed work and high-value vehicles, vetted like every carrier we use.
- Door-to-door servicePickup and delivery at your addresses, as close as the trailer can safely and legally reach.
- Insurance coverage includedEvery shipment includes insurance coverage in transit, with a condition inspection documented at both ends.
Enclosed vs. open, side by side
Both are door-to-door, both include insurance coverage, and both are handled by vetted carriers. The differences are protection, privacy, equipment — and price.
| Compare | Enclosed | Open |
|---|---|---|
| Weather & debris protection | Fully shielded | Exposed |
| Visibility in transit | Out of sight | Visible |
| Loading | Liftgate or ramps | Ramps |
| Cars per load | 1–6 | 7–10 |
| Typical cost | About 40–60% more | Baseline |
| Best for | Classics, exotics, luxury, bikes | Daily drivers & budget moves |
Equipment varies by carrier — tell us what your car needs when you book and we'll match the trailer to the car.
Typical enclosed pricing by lane
These are the lanes enclosed customers book most, with typical open and enclosed ranges shown side by side. Each lane links to its full route guide.
| Lane | Open typical | Enclosed typical | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA → Dallas, TX | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,200 | 3–5 days |
| Los Angeles, CA → New York City, NY | $1,500–$1,900 | $2,200–$2,800 | 6–8 days |
| New York City, NY → Miami, FL | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,500–$2,100 | 3–5 days |
| Chicago, IL → Orlando, FL | $900–$1,300 | $1,400–$2,000 | 3–5 days |
| Boston, MA → Miami, FL | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,600–$2,200 | 4–6 days |
| Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA | $900–$1,300 | $1,400–$2,000 | 2–4 days |
| Miami, FL → Atlanta, GA | $700–$1,100 | $1,100–$1,700 | 1–3 days |
| Phoenix, AZ → Dallas, TX | $900–$1,300 | $1,400–$2,000 | 2–4 days |
| Los Angeles, CA → Phoenix, AZ | $500–$900 | $800–$1,400 | 1–2 days |
| Dallas, TX → Houston, TX | $500–$900 | $700–$1,300 | 1–2 days |
Ranges are for a standard sedan in running condition. Your price depends on the specific pickup and delivery cities — get a free quote for your addresses, vehicle, and dates.
How enclosed shipping works
Three steps, start to finish. We handle the carrier, the scheduling, and the updates — you just hand over the keys.
Get your quote & book
Get a shipping quote and book with $0 due upfront. Nothing is due until your car is picked up.
We dispatch an enclosed carrier
We match your car with a vetted enclosed carrier running your lane — equipped for your car — and confirm your pickup window with you.
Pickup, transit & delivery
Door to door, with a condition inspection at both ends. The balance is due on delivery.
What affects the enclosed price
Enclosed starts from the same math as open, then adds the realities of a much smaller fleet:
- Distance. The biggest factor on any lane. Longer hauls cost more in total but less per mile.
- Vehicle size & weight. A compact classic is the baseline. Large luxury SUVs and heavy vehicles take more of the trailer and price accordingly.
- Lane & enclosed capacity. Enclosed trailers are far thinner on the ground than open carriers. Busy lanes schedule easier; out-of-the-way lanes need more lead time — and a little flexibility on dates genuinely helps your price.
- Season. Auction season, show season, and the fall and spring snowbird runs all tighten enclosed capacity. Booking ahead of the rush usually prices better.
- Timeline. A wide pickup window gives us more trailers to match you with. A hard deadline on a thin lane can cost more to hit.
Preparing your car for enclosed transport
A little preparation protects the car and makes the pickup inspection bulletproof:
- Wash it, then photograph every sideA clean car and your own photos set the inspection baseline before the driver documents condition at pickup.
- Remove loose items & personal effectsCarriers aren't insured for belongings left inside the vehicle, so anything loose should ride with you, not the car.
- Disable the alarmAn alarm that keeps triggering in transit drains the battery and slows down every stop.
- Note any leaksTell us about fluid leaks up front so the carrier can position the car correctly in the trailer.
- Keep fuel at about a quarter tankPlenty for loading and unloading, without the weight of a full tank.
- Have both keys readyThe driver needs a working key at both ends — a spare avoids delays if one goes missing.
- Tell us about low clearance or modificationsLowering, splitters, wide-body kits, roof racks — tell us when you book so we dispatch the right trailer and equipment.
Service notes
Where enclosed service runs
Enclosed transport is door-to-door nationwide — pickup and delivery at your addresses wherever a trailer can safely reach. Shipping to Hawaii is available — call 800-507-2629 for a quote. We do not ship to or from Alaska.
Enclosed transport FAQs
How much does enclosed car shipping cost?
Enclosed transport typically runs about 40–60% more than open on the same lane. Los Angeles to Dallas, for example, typically runs $1,500–$2,200 enclosed versus $1,000–$1,500 open, and shorter lanes like Dallas to Houston run $700–$1,300 enclosed. Your price depends on the specific pickup and delivery cities, your vehicle, and your dates — get a free quote for your lane.
Is enclosed transport worth it?
If the car's finish and value are the point, yes. Enclosed keeps the vehicle sealed away from weather, road debris, and dust, and out of sight in transit — the right call for a classic, an exotic, a luxury car, or anything with fresh paint. For a daily driver in normal condition, open transport is usually all you need, and we'll tell you that honestly when you get your quote.
What kind of trailer will my car ride in?
A fully enclosed trailer — never an open rack. Most enclosed trailers load by power liftgate or long, low-angle ramps and carry just 1–6 vehicles, handled by carriers who specialize in enclosed work. Equipment varies by carrier — when you book, tell us what your car needs and we'll match the trailer to it.
Can you ship a low-clearance car?
Yes — low-clearance cars are one of the main reasons enclosed exists. Many enclosed trailers load by liftgate, which keeps the angle nearly flat; others use long ramps made for low cars — so front splitters, low spoilers, and lowered suspensions clear safely. Just tell us about any lowering, splitters, or modifications when you book, so we dispatch the right trailer.
Do motorcycles ship enclosed?
Yes. Motorcycles and golf carts ship enclosed-only with us — they ride inside an enclosed trailer, protected from weather and road debris the whole way. Cars, trucks, and SUVs can choose open or enclosed; bikes and carts always go enclosed.
How far ahead should I book enclosed?
Earlier than you would for open. Enclosed capacity is thinner — fewer trailers run each lane — so a week or more of lead time helps, and flexibility on your pickup dates helps even more. If your dates are fixed, book as soon as you can and we'll work the schedule around them.
Is insurance included with enclosed transport?
Yes — every shipment, open or enclosed, includes insurance coverage while your vehicle is in transit, and we only work with vetted, insured carriers. At pickup, you and the driver document the car's condition together on the bill of lading.
Is enclosed transport door to door?
Yes, same as open. The carrier picks up and delivers as close to your addresses as it can safely and legally reach. If a street is too tight for the trailer, the driver will meet you at a nearby parking lot or wide street, usually within a few minutes of your door.