Enclosed Car Transport For Residential Moves
Security is the number 1 thing on your mind when you’re relocating home and have to move your expensive rides as well. You cannot trust them with random movers who aren’t even licensed to move vehicles, and you’re busy with the overall move, so driving the vehicle(s) safely to the new place is also challenging.
That’s where enclosed car transport is your best bet for safe, timely and hands-off moving of your luxury automobile(s). Easy Auto Ship offers top-notch covered vehicle shipping services with safety features like hydraulic lift gates for safe loading/unloading, high cargo coverage, steel walled protection from all sides, and experienced drivers with thorough background checks.
Flexible Enclosed Auto Transport Services For Home Moves
The last thing you need is your car arriving with scratches, dings, or weather damage. That’s where enclosed auto transport services come in to save the day.
Single Vehicle Transport For Exotic/Luxury Cars:
Your prized Porsche or restored ‘67 Mustang deserves white-glove treatment. Single-vehicle enclosed car transport protects from road debris, harsh weather, and prying eyes. Professional drivers understand the unique handling requirements of high-value vehicles.
- Your vehicle stays clean and protected in a fully enclosed trailer throughout the journey
- Hydraulic lift gates ensure scratch-free loading for low-clearance vehicles
- Periodic updates let you monitor your car’s location in real-time
Multi-Vehicle Protected Car Delivery Solutions
Moving the whole family fleet? Protected car delivery solutions keep multiple vehicles safe under one roof. Whether you’re relocating two daily drivers or an entire collection, enclosed trailers accommodate various combinations:
- Family SUV plus a sports car? No problem - modern trailers have adjustable decks
- Multiple collector cars? They’ll get individual tie-down points and extra padding between vehicles
Our loading, unloading and transport plans account for each vehicle’s dimensions and weight distribution so the whole move is tailored to your needs.
Expedited Enclosed Moving: Hotshot Trailers Can Even Meet Your Schedule of Move
Sometimes, the standard delivery window won’t cut it. When time is critical, expedited vehicle shipping gets you on the fast track. Hotshot trailers typically carry 1-3 vehicles and run dedicated routes:
- Direct point-to-point delivery with minimal stops reduces transit time
- Professional drivers work in teams for continuous movement
- Real-time updates keep you informed of delivery progress
Non-Running Vehicle Transport: Solutions for inoperable cars
Got a project car that won’t start? No sweat. Specialized equipment handles non-running vehicles safely:
- Powerful winches guide inoperable cars onto flatbed trailers
- Extra straps and wheel nets prevent rolling during transport
- Enclosed trailers protect exposed parts from weather damage
Covered Vehicle Shipping + Motorcycle Combo
Need to move both your daily driver and weekend toys? Many enclosed trailers feature dedicated motorcycle sections. Your Harley rides safely alongside your minivan:
- Special motorcycle tie-down systems prevent tipping
- Separate compartments keep vehicles from contacting each other
- Loading ramps accommodate both two and four-wheeled vehicles
Residential Enclosed Car Transport Cost
Enclosed car transport costs start from $0.8 per mile for distances over 2,500 miles, $1 for 1,000-2,499 miles, 1.4 for 500-999 miles, and go up to $1.8 per mile for distances under 500 miles. This difference in cost is partly due to economies of scale. Here’s what it means.
Carriers run long routes, thousands of miles across states. So the fixed costs like truck maintenance, driver salaries, fuel cost, insurance, and administrative expenses spread across all vehicles being moved. So the per mile cost becomes lower for all people shipping the car.
Nevertheless, the cost increases if you need to ship the vehicle to a short distance because the cost spread pool is smaller now. Here’s why this happens:
When you move a vehicle a small distance, lets say 500 miles, the carrier take your vehicle but has to drop it off soon. This means if it’s going on a 1,500 mile route, it will go remaining 1,000 miles with an empty spot for a vehicle.
Then there are also other factors such as:
- The time of year (industry demand keeps going up and down)
- How strong a carrier network a company have (to find carriers going same route as yours for lower cost)
- Fuel Cost: When fuel cost increases, like it did for diesel price from $2.98/gallon in February 2021 to $3.6/gallon in February 2025, the cost to operate the truck increases.
- Vehicle Dimensions & Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles take more space and put more load onto the trailer, so they cost more to haul.
- Enclosed Carrier: The protection enclosed carrier offers means restricted dimensions so the number of vehicles it carries also reduces to 4-6 compared to up to 10 vehicles for open trailers.
That said, here are some sample estimates for enclosed car relocation:
| Distance Range | Enclosed Cost/Mile | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-499 miles | $1.80 | Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Dallas to Austin |
| 500-999 miles | $1.40 | Chicago to Atlanta, Denver to Phoenix |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $1.00 | New York to Miami, Seattle to Los Angeles |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.80 | San Francisco to Boston, Portland, OR to Portland, ME |
Types of Vehicles Needing Covered Vehicle Shipping
Not all vehicles are created equal, and some require extra care during transport. Here’s a breakdown of the types of vehicles that often need protected car delivery solutions:
1. Luxury and High-End Vehicles
Luxury cars like BMWs, Mercedes-Benz, and Teslas are expensive to repair. Even minor scratches or dents can cost thousands to fix. Owners of these vehicles often choose enclosed auto transport services to keep their cars safe from road debris, weather, and other risks.
2. Classic and Antique Cars
Classic cars, such as a 1967 Ford Mustang or a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, are more than just vehicles—they’re investments. These cars often have fragile parts and unique finishes that need protection. Enclosed transport ensures they arrive in pristine condition.
3. Sports Cars and Exotics
Low-profile vehicles like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches are built for speed, not durability. Their low ground clearance and sensitive exteriors make them prone to damage during transport. Covered shipping is a must for these high-performance machines.
4. Custom or Modified Vehicles
If your car has custom paint jobs, aftermarket parts, or unique modifications, it’s worth protecting. Open transport exposes vehicles to dirt, rocks, and weather, which can ruin custom work. Enclosed transport keeps these details intact.
5. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles like Teslas and Rivians have advanced technology and sensitive batteries. While they’re durable, their high value and specialized components make enclosed transport a smart choice for long-distance moves.
6. Motorcycles and ATVs
Two-wheelers and off-road vehicles are smaller but just as vulnerable. Enclosed transport protects different vehicle types from wind, rain, and road debris, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
Why Choose Enclosed Transport for Residential Moves?
Based on the FMCSA 2021 data, the vast majority (77%) of truck incidents result in property damage only. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the moving truck you hire to move expensive vehicle will also get into accident, damaging your vehicle. But this does highlight the significance of precautionary measures when moving luxury or classic vehicles during residential moves. You need your beauty parked in your new driveway the same way it in your old place. This justifies the need for enclosed transport.
With over one-third (37%) occurring during riskier nighttime hours, and more than half (54%) taking place in less-controlled rural environments - making a strong case for the additional protection enclosed transport provides for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles during residential moves.
Some more reasons why hiring an enclosed car transport service is worth the little bit of extra money include:
- Safety During Long-Distance Moves: Avoid highway debris, extreme weather, and accidental damage. Reduced risk of theft or vandalism.
- Multi-Vehicle Solutions: Transport 2–3 household vehicles in one shipment (e.g., family cars, collector vehicles).
- Multiple Enclosed Carrier Types: We have all kinds of carriers in our network from gooseneck, soft and hard sided to single-vehicle hotshot if you need faster shipping.
- Door-to-Door Service: Direct pickup/delivery to your home, avoiding terminal transfers. Also, enclosed carriers can navigate narrow streets, low-hanging trees, and tight turns common in residential areas, ensuring safe pickup and delivery
- Higher Insurance: Coverage tailored to personal vehicles (e.g., agreed value for classics).
- Peace of Mind: Focus on your household move while professionals handle car transport.
Hire Easy Auto Ship To Make Your Residential Moves Safer & Convenient:
Moving home doesn’t have to be challenging and stress-inducing. We understand you already have a lot on your plate as packing your life and relocating to a new place is not something we do every day. However, when it comes to shipping your exotic, luxury, and expensive rides, you need to be extra careful. Because a single scratch can add hundreds or even thousands to your overall move expenses. This is where Easy Auto Ship can help with protected car delivery solutions.
We pick the vehicles from your old address, haul them safely inside an enclosed shipping trailer to your new address, and safely unload using lift gates. Even if you’re not sure about getting this service, finding out how much it costs for free, without an obligation and in just a few minutes won’t hurt, right? Call our agents at (888) 687-3243 or use free enclosed shipping quote calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the difference between enclosed and open transport for moving my car?
Enclosed transport uses secure, weatherproof trailers for luxury/exotic cars or classic/collector vehicles, while open transport exposes vehicles to the elements but costs less.
Is enclosed car shipping worth the cost for a cross-country relocation?
Yes, for high-value vehicles—full coverage insurance, damage-free guarantees, and climate-controlled options justify distance-based pricing, especially with seasonal demand spikes.
How do I prepare my vehicle for enclosed transport during a home move?
Complete vehicle preparation (remove personal items, note size/weight) and opt for door-to-door delivery to streamline home-moving coordination.
Can I track my car during enclosed shipping?
Yes, most services offer real-time tracking alongside flexible scheduling and nationwide coverage to align with your move.
Does enclosed transport work with my home-moving timeline?
Providers prioritize flexible scheduling and nationwide coverage, but costs vary with distance-based pricing and seasonal demand.
