Reliable Enclosed Car Shipping Services Nationwide
Enclosed car shipping is a premium vehicle transportation option built for luxury, classic, exotic, and other high-value vehicles that need extra protection in transit. Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, road debris, and outside exposure, with door-to-door service and real-time tracking nationwide.
No upfront payment
Door-to-door service.
Real-time tracking.
FMCSA Registered
Get Instant Quote Now +1 (800) 550-1515What Customers Say About All State to State Auto Transport
What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer instead of an open carrier, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris during transit. Enclosed carriers typically hold fewer vehicles per trip, so the trailer is fully enclosed rather than open to the elements, making it a common choice for shipping perishable or sensitive cargo as well as vehicles.
Because of that lower capacity and the added protection, enclosed transport costs more than open transport. It's the right call for vehicles where that extra protection matters. Everyday vehicles are usually better served by open transport, which we cover below.
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Types of Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed carriers come in soft-sided and hard-sided builds and in single-car, multi-car, and liftgate configurations. Here's how they compare so you can choose what fits your vehicle.
A single-car Enclosed Carrier
For shipping one vehicle at a time in a dedicated trailer. Best for particularly rare, valuable, or sensitive vehicles that call for undivided carrier space. Capacity: 1 vehicle
Multi-Car Enclosed Carrier
To transport several vehicles in one shipment. More widely available and generally more cost-effective than a single-car carrier since costs are split across vehicles. Capacity: 2 to 6 vehicles
Soft-Sided Enclosed Carrier
A durable, weather-resistant tarp instead of solid walls and a roof. Shields vehicles from dust, road dirt, and weather at a more flexible and affordable price point than hard-sided trailers, though it offers less physical security. Capacity: up to 6 vehicles
Hard-Sided Enclosed Carrier
A fully boxed trailer with solid walls and a roof, typically built from composite panels. Offers the highest level of physical protection and security, making it a common choice for antique and other high-value vehicles. Capacity: up to 6 vehicles
Liftgate Enclosed Carrier
Equipped with a hydraulic liftgate for loading and unloading; no ramp or forklift needed. Ideal for vehicles with low ground clearance, modified cars, sports cars, classic cars, and non-running vehicles. Capacity: 2 to 3 vehicles
How Enclosed Car Shipping Works
Request a Quote
Tell us about your vehicle, pickup location, and destination.
Get Matched With a Carrier
We assign a carrier and an enclosed trailer suited to your vehicle, whether that's single-car, multi-car, soft-sided, hard-sided, or liftgate.
Pickup
Your vehicle is inspected, loaded, and secured inside the covered trailer.
Transit
Your vehicle travels shielded from weather and road debris, with real-time tracking available along the way.
Delivery
Your vehicle is unloaded and delivered to your requested location. Inspect it against your pre-shipment photos before signing off.
When to Consider Enclosed Auto Transport
Shipping a high-value vehicle, such as a luxury, modified, classic, collectible, or sports car
Shipping safety is your top priority
You want to protect your vehicle from bad weather during transport
Your vehicle needs dedicated or specialized handling
Get Instant Quote NowOpen vs. Enclosed Which Do You Need?
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More affordable | Typically 30-60% higher |
| Level of protection | Medium | High |
| Shipping capacity | Up to 8-10 vehicles per load | Up to 6 vehicles per load |
| Availability | Widely available | More limited |
| Best for | Everyday cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles | Luxury, classic, exotic, collector vehicles |
| Weather protection | Exposed to conditions | Fully covered |
| Road debris | Some exposure | Reduced exposure |
Open transport is the most widely used shipping method, since most carriers on the road run open trailers, and its cost is split across more vehicles per load. It's a practical, affordable choice for standard vehicles, but it isn't recommended for high-value or modified cars, since those vehicles stay exposed to the elements throughout the trip.
Bottom line: if you're shipping a standard vehicle, open transport is the practical choice. If your vehicle is high-value or you simply want the added protection, enclosed transport is worth the premium. Either way, we follow the same strict safety protocols and transparent pricing.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
Remove personal belongings
Take out valuables and personal items; anything left in the vehicle isn't covered by insurance.
Clean the vehicle
inside and out, before pickup.
Document the condition
Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles, noting any existing damage, so you can confirm it arrives the way it left.
Check fuel level
Keep the tank a quarter full or less.
Secure loose items
Remove or secure exterior accessories that could detach in transit.
Check tires and general condition
Make sure tire pressure is at the recommended level and the vehicle is ready for loading.
Report leaks or mechanical issues
Let us know before pickup.
Disconnect the battery
if applicable, before shipping.
Have keys ready
for the carrier at pickup.
Flag special conditions
Non-running, modified, oversized, low clearance, or special loading needs.
Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport
Most Secure Option
Your vehicle is kept fully shielded from the outside world, reducing the risk of damage or unauthorized access. Ideal for high-value, luxury, and modified vehicles.
Protection from External Factors
The covered trailer protects against harsh weather, road conditions, dust, and debris, so your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was picked up in.
Low Risk of Uncertainty
A rigid, fully covered trailer body keeps your vehicle shielded from the kinds of outside factors that create uncertainty during shipping.
Better for Low-Ground-Clearance Vehicles
Loading and unloading a low-clearance vehicle carries a real risk of underbody damage. A liftgate-enclosed carrier removes that risk, using a hydraulic lift instead of a ramp or forklift.
Flexible Across Vehicle Types
Enclosed trailers come in several configurations, suitable for everything from standard vehicles to high-value models, regardless of size or weight.
How Much Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
Enclosed auto transport typically runs $950 to $2,500, with a per-mile rate of roughly $0.95 to $1.45, depending on your specific shipment. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport because enclosed carriers hold fewer vehicles, so the cost is split among fewer vehicles, and because of the added protection they provide.
Average Cost to Ship a Car by Enclosed Auto Transport
| Distance | Example Route | Estimated Total Cost in $ | Estimated Cost per Mile in $ |
|---|---|---|---|
|
50–500 miles |
Dallas → Houston |
700–1,100 |
1.40–2.20 |
|
501–1,000 miles |
Chicago → Atlanta |
1,000–1,400 |
1.00–1.40 |
|
1,001–1,500 miles |
Dallas → Miami |
1,250–1,750 |
0.85–1.40 |
|
1,501–2,000 miles |
Chicago → Phoenix |
1,400–1,900 |
0.70–1.20 |
|
2,001–2,500 miles |
Atlanta → Los Angeles |
1,600–2,100 |
0.65–1.05 |
|
2,501–3,000 miles |
New York → Los Angeles |
1,700–2,500 |
0.57–1.00 |
|
3,001–3,500 miles |
Seattle → Miami |
1,900–2,700 |
0.54–0.90 |
What Affects Your Shipping Cost
Your shipping cost depends on the distance, route, vehicle size and condition, season, carrier type, accessibility, and delivery timeframe. Enclosed, expedited, or specialized transport may cost more.
Vehicles We Ship with Enclosed Transport
Luxury car transport
Classic car transport
Exotic car deliveries
Collector car shipping
Custom or modified cars
Low-ground-clearance vehicles
Show cars and auction vehicles
Corporate or dealership transport
Antique car transport
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Why Choose All State-to-State Auto Transport
No Upfront Payment
We don't charge until a driver is assigned to pick up your vehicle.
Door-to-Door Service
We coordinate nationwide pickup and delivery as close to your requested locations as carrier access allows.
FMCSA Registered
We are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Insured Carriers
We work with properly insured carriers that meet applicable insurance requirements.
Real-Time Tracking
Stay informed about your vehicle throughout the transportation process.
18+ Years of Experience
Since 2008, our experienced team has coordinated vehicle transportation from pickup through delivery.