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Collector Vehicles
Classic Cars
Older, restored and collectible automobiles can benefit from the covered trailer environment.
Premium Vehicle Shipping
Enclosed Auto Transport & Car Shipping.
Enclosed auto transport provides an additional layer of exterior protection for vehicles during shipping. American Auto Express coordinates nationwide enclosed car shipping for classic, exotic, luxury, collector and other specialty automobiles.
Covered Trailer Transport
Nationwide Shipping
Specialty Vehicles
Added Exterior Protection
Premium Enclosed Vehicle Transportation
Protection
Covered Trailer Environment
Vehicles
Classic, Exotic & Luxury Cars
Coverage
Nationwide Transportation
Service
Personal Transport Coordination
What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport moves a vehicle inside a covered transportation trailer. Unlike an open carrier, the vehicle is surrounded by the trailer during the shipping process.
As a result, enclosed transportation reduces exposure to normal weather, road debris and outside conditions. For this reason, customers often choose it for valuable or specialty automobiles.
Who Should Consider Enclosed Car Shipping?
Classic cars, collector vehicles, exotic automobiles and high-end luxury cars are common candidates. In addition, customers may choose enclosed shipping for restored or sentimental vehicles.
However, enclosed service is not required for every vehicle. Standard daily drivers are often transported efficiently on open carriers.
How Is An Enclosed Carrier Different?
The primary difference is the trailer environment. An enclosed trailer surrounds the vehicle during transportation. Therefore, outside exposure is reduced.
Enclosed carriers may also transport fewer vehicles at once. As a result, availability and pricing can differ from standard open carrier service.
Federal Vehicle Shipping Guidance
Consumers can review federal information before selecting an interstate vehicle transporter or broker. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides guidance for automobile transportation customers.
Read The FMCSA Automobile Transporter Advisory →Vehicles That Benefit From Enclosed Transport.
Enclosed carriers are commonly selected when customers want to reduce exterior exposure during transportation. The service is especially popular for specialty, valuable and collectible vehicles.
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Specialty Vehicles
Exotic Cars
Exotic vehicles often have low ground clearance, special finishes and high replacement values.
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Premium Vehicles
Luxury Cars
Luxury vehicle owners may prefer additional protection from ordinary road and weather exposure.
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Personal Value
Special Vehicles
A vehicle does not have to be exotic to matter. Customers may choose enclosed transport for sentimental or personally important automobiles.
Added Vehicle Protection
Protected From More Of The Outside World.
An enclosed trailer creates a covered transportation environment around the vehicle. Therefore, the automobile has less exposure to normal weather and roadway conditions during the trip.
Covered transportation trailer
Reduced exposure to roadway debris
Reduced exposure to normal weather
Popular for specialty and high-value automobiles
How Enclosed Auto Transport Works.
The process is straightforward. First, shipment details are reviewed. Next, transportation is coordinated. Finally, the vehicle is picked up and delivered.
01
Quote
Tell Us About The Vehicle
First, provide the year, make, model, pickup location and destination.
02
Coordinate
Schedule Transportation
Next, transportation is coordinated around the route, vehicle and requested timing.
03
Pickup
Inspect & Load
At pickup, vehicle condition is reviewed. Afterward, the vehicle is carefully loaded into the enclosed trailer.
04
Delivery
Receive Your Vehicle
Finally, the vehicle reaches the destination. It is then unloaded and ready for final inspection.
Enclosed Shipping Pricing
What Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?
Enclosed transportation generally costs more than standard open carrier shipping. One reason is that enclosed carriers typically move fewer vehicles.
In addition, specialized equipment and limited trailer capacity can affect pricing. However, the exact cost depends on the individual shipment.
Therefore, the best estimate uses your actual vehicle, pickup location, destination and requested dates.
Explore Vehicle Shipping Costs →
Pricing Factor
Distance
Longer trips generally require more transportation time, fuel and carrier capacity.
Pricing Factor
Vehicle Size
Large vehicles require more enclosed trailer space.
Pricing Factor
Route Demand
Carrier availability can vary between transportation lanes and destinations.
Pricing Factor
Vehicle Condition
Non-running vehicles may require additional loading equipment or coordination.
Pricing Factor
Time Of Year
Seasonal transportation demand can affect current carrier availability.
Pricing Factor
Scheduling
Flexible dates may differ from shipments requiring faster pickup.
Enclosed Or Open? Know The Difference.
Both options can move a vehicle across the country. However, they serve different priorities. Open transport emphasizes availability and value, while enclosed shipping adds a covered trailer environment.
Standard Transportation
Open Carrier Shipping
Open carriers are commonly used for everyday cars, trucks and SUVs. They generally offer broader availability and more cost-conscious transportation.
Popular for daily drivers
Broad nationwide carrier availability
Typically lower transportation cost
Vehicle remains exposed to outside conditions
Explore Open Carrier Shipping →
Premium Transportation
Enclosed Carrier Shipping
Enclosed trailers reduce exposure to normal weather and roadway conditions. Therefore, they are often selected for specialty automobiles.
Covered trailer environment
Reduced exterior exposure
Popular for classic and exotic cars
Premium transportation option
All Makes & Models
Premium Shipping For Virtually Any Make.
American Auto Express coordinates vehicle transportation for domestic, imported, electric, luxury and specialty manufacturers. Select a brand below to explore make-specific shipping information.
Don't see your vehicle listed? American Auto Express coordinates transportation for many additional makes, models and specialty automobiles. Include your exact vehicle information when requesting a quote.
Before Pickup
Prepare Your Vehicle For Enclosed Shipping.
Preparing the automobile before pickup helps make inspection and loading easier. It also gives you an opportunity to document vehicle condition.
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Document Vehicle Condition
First, take clear photographs of the vehicle before the carrier arrives.
02
Remove Personal Belongings
Next, remove unnecessary personal items and valuables from the automobile.
03
Check Ground Clearance
Tell us if the vehicle is lowered or has unusual clearance requirements.
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Provide Working Keys
Have a working set of vehicle keys available for pickup and delivery.
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Share Special Requirements
Finally, tell us about vehicle modifications or other details that may affect loading.
Enclosed Car Shipping Questions
Enclosed Auto Transport FAQ.
Enclosed auto transport moves a vehicle inside a
covered trailer. Therefore, the automobile has reduced
exposure to normal weather and roadway conditions
during transportation.
Classic, exotic, collector, luxury and specialty
vehicles are commonly transported in enclosed trailers.
However, any customer can request enclosed service if
they prefer the covered trailer environment.
Generally, enclosed transportation costs more than
open carrier service. Enclosed carriers often move
fewer vehicles and have more limited capacity.
A covered trailer reduces exposure to normal rain,
sun, road debris and other outside conditions.
However, transportation conditions can vary, so no
shipping method should be described as risk-free.
Many low-clearance and specialty automobiles can be
transported in enclosed trailers. Tell American Auto
Express about ground clearance and modifications when
requesting your quote so the vehicle requirements can
be considered.
First, provide the pickup and delivery locations.
Next, provide the vehicle year, make, model and
condition. Finally, include your preferred shipping
dates and any special vehicle requirements.
Nationwide Enclosed Vehicle Shipping
Your Vehicle Deserves The Right Transport.
Tell us what you're shipping, where it needs to go and when transportation is needed. American Auto Express can help coordinate an enclosed shipping option for your vehicle.