On average, expect to pay $800 more per 1,000-mile trip if you choose covered vehicle transport services. But is it worth the price? Should you go for it? This guide answers the most asked questions once and for all by comparing the pros and cons of both open and enclosed vehicle carriers. You’ll also get to know when you should choose which option.
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Is Covered Vehicle Transport Services Worth the Cost?
It depends! Whether you should go for covered vehicle transport services or if enclosed truck transportation services are worth their cost depends on a number of different factors. First and foremost, enclosed trailers are for luxury vehicle shipping.
They’re an ideal option when you need to transport your high-end, vintage car to a long distance. Or when you just need to protect your valuable vehicle from the prying eyes. Plus, it’s best against harsh weather conditions. In all of these circumstances, a covered vehicle transport service is worth the price.
According to statistics, classic car transport services supported by the covered shipment trailers have less than a 1% chance of sustaining damage during transportation when compared to open shipment carriers. But you need to consider other factors as well. So, it’s best if you compare the pros and cons of both vehicle transport methods before you go for one.
Covered Vehicle Transport Method
Pros:
- It’s best against harsh weather conditions and road debris
- An ideal option for luxury, classic, and vintage car owners
- Protects your vehicle against theft and vandalism
- Offers a sense of security and privacy
- Protects your vehicle against the risk of damage during the loading and unloading process
- Some enclosed car transport services also offer real-time car tracking option, offering an extra layer of care and convenience
- It is best for long-distance transport or international luxury vehicle shipping
Cons:
- The enclosed vehicle transport method is expensive
- Enclosed vehicle transport service is limited with high demand, and if you go for it, you might have to wait longer for your car delivery
- Enclosed trailers are often bulkier and less agile, making it difficult to access tight urban spaces and certain loading and unloading zones
Open Vehicle Transport Method
Pros:
- Open truck transportation services are the most cost-effective car shipping method
- It’s best for standard passenger vehicles, such as various pickup trucks, SUVs, and Sedans
- Ideal for short-distance transport in areas where weather is moderate
- You can book a last-minute shipment with an SUV shipping company if you choose the open-car transport method
- It’s the most readily available option with faster delivery time
Cons:
- Your vehicle is more exposed to cosmetic and structural damage during transportation
- Harsh weather and road elements might impact your car’s condition
- Your car is more prone to theft and vandalism when shipped through open car carriers
- There are higher chances of damage during the loading and unloading process
- You might not be able to track your vehicle
When Should You Pick Covered Classic Car Transport Services?
More often than not, an SUV shipping company offers both vehicle shipping methods – open and enclosed. Which one you should pick depends on your budget, distance, and the value of your vehicle.
Here’s a quick sneak peek into when you should pick covered vehicle transport methods and when you should not.
| When to Choose Covered Vehicle Transport Method | When to Choose the Covered Vehicle Transport Method |
|---|---|
| When shipping an expensive, luxury vehicle that needs to be protected against theft and vandalism | When NOT to Choose the Covered Vehicle Transport Method |
| When you need protection against road elements and weather conditions | When you’re shipping a standard vehicle |
| When shipping long-distance | When shipping short distance |
| When you have the budget and can wait for long | When you’re budget is low |
Types of Covered Vehicle Carriers You Can Choose From
When looking for high-end, luxury cars or motorcycle transport services, covered vehicle carriers are your best option. There are different types of them and you can actually pick one of them as per your budget and other requirements. For instance:
Soft-Sided Enclosed Carriers
If your budget is tight and you only need to ship your luxury car or motorcycle over a short distance, you can pick soft-sided enclosed carriers. These have durable canvas or vinyl-built soft sides that still offer protection against weather conditions and road debris but are less secure.
Soft-sided covered trailers cost less as compared to hard-sided enclosed trailers.
Hard-Sided Enclosed Carriers
When you need to transport your classic vehicle over a long distance (especially international shipping), and you need high-end security, these hard-sided enclosed carriers are the best. Though they’ll cost more and you might have to wait longer for the vehicle delivery, the kind of security and protection these offer is unmatchable.
These carriers have sides made of metal or fiberglass, offering extra privacy and protection against theft.
Single-Car Enclosed Carriers
These luxury car and motorcycle transport state to state services are for exotic car owners who need the highest level of care and protection for their vehicles. Single-car enclosed carriers are more expensive due to customized services and additional security.
Multi-Car Enclosed Carriers
Now if you need to go a little cheaper but still need a covered vehicle carrier, you can book a multi-car enclosed carrier. These are larger in size and can transport multiple cars at once.
The Final Cost of Covered Vehicle Transportation
As per Angi, the average cost of moving a car in an enclosed trailer is around $900-$2,500, which is almost $300-$1,300 more than the standard open car carrier. This higher cost is due to the high demand for enclosed vehicle transport services, plus fuel prices, and the fact that only a few cars can be transported at once when using an enclosed car transport service.
