Vehicles with a market value of $62,000 are typically considered luxury vehicles and so it makes sense if you’re looking to ship a vehicle close to or above this price point using an enclosed carrier. And even if your vehicle falls within the $20k to $40k range, you might still want to ship it safely to ensure it doesn’t depreciate quickly due to any accidental bumps, scratches when using an open carrier. Or maybe you have some sentimental values attached to the car and you want to ensure it is hauled safely? Whatever your reason might be, you’ll first want to know how much does it cost to ship a car enclosed. And this guide is all about breaking that down for you. So let’s get started:
Understanding the Cost Differences Between Enclosed & Open Car Transport:
Enclosed car transport cost ranges from $1.4 per mile for short distances and goes as low as $0.56 per mile for longer distances. The difference is typically 30% to 40% higher than open transport. But why is that?
That’s because the protection, care, and VIP treatment enclosed car shipping offers. Your vehicle gets extra protection from the road debris, flying pebbles and gravel at the road level, UV rays, weather hazards such as rain and snow, and also prying eyes if it’s a super-expensive vehicle. This is especially useful if you’re shipping a luxury, high-value, or vintage car.
So let’s say you’re shipping a Ford Mustang 500 miles using an open carrier. This will cost you $500. But if you use an enclosed carrier for the same, you’ll likely pay $700.
The cost difference between an open and enclosed carrier at 500 miles shipping distance is 40% or $200.
The price difference becomes more significant as the distances grow. So for 2,500 miles, you might pay $1,000 via open carrier but if you opt for enclosed carriers, it will likely cost you $1,400.
| Distance (Miles) | Open Car Transport Cost | Enclosed Car Transport Cost (with a 40% increase) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 500 | $1.00/mile x 500 = $500 | $1.40/mile x 500 = $700 |
| 501 - 999 | $0.75/mile x 500 = $375 | $1.05/mile x 500 = $525 |
| 1,000 - 1,999 | $0.60/mile x 1,000 = $600 | $0.84/mile x 1,000 = $840 |
| 2,000 - 2,499 | $0.50/mile x 2,000 = $1,000 | $0.70/mile x 2,000 = $1,400 |
| 2,500+ | $0.40/mile x 2,500+ = $1,000+ | $0.56/mile x 2,500+ = $1,400+ |
Different Enclosed Car Shipping Trailer Options and Their Prices
Knowing the quotes to ship a car enclosed and which enclosed carrier you need is crucial, as it helps you make an informed decision. But let’s break it down, shall we?
- Multi-car Enclosed Trailers. These trailers come in single or double levels, with the latter accommodating more cars. They are a smart choice for budget-conscious customers, as you will share expenses with other customers. However, this might mean less thorough inspections, but the security of your vehicle is always maintained. Regarding the price difference, enclosed car shipping with multi-car trailers might be 25% to 30% higher than open carriers, with single-level trailers being more expensive than multi-level ones.
- Soft-side Enclosed Trailers. They offer protection from the elements, but they are not entirely sealed. These trailers are less expensive than hard-side enclosed ones but provide less security. The price difference could be 30% higher than open carriers.
- One- or Two-car Enclosed Trailers. If you prefer a more exclusive shipping experience, you could opt for these hotshot trailers. As you won’t be sharing expenses, the cost is higher. The price difference might be 35% higher than open carriers.
- Custom-built Enclosed Car Shipping Trailers. Lastly, these trailers are your best bet for those shipping high-value, modified, oversized, or specialized vehicles. As these are tailored to specific needs, they offer the highest vehicle protection and care level. However, they are the most expensive due to customization needs, and the price difference might be 40% higher than open carriers.
Here’s an example for you to better understand pricing differences.
Suppose you’re transporting a luxury car over a distance of 1900 miles. An open carrier would cost you approximately $1140. Enclosed carrier options would increase the cost as follows:
| Type of Enclosed Trailer | Estimated Cost | %age Increase Compared to Open Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-car enclosed trailer | $1425 to $1482 | 25 to 30 % |
| Soft-side enclosed trailer | Approx. $1482 | 30 % |
| One- or two-car enclosed trailer | Approx. $1596 | 35 % |
| Custom-built enclosed trailer | Approx. $1596 | 40 % |
Do keep in mind that these are ballpark figures. This means your actual price is subject to change based on factors such as fuel prices, carrier availability and market demand.
Leading Factors in Calculating Enclosed Auto Transport Cost
Contrary to popular belief shipping a car via an enclosed trailer isn’t as simple as quoting a flat rate. Why? There are a couple of factors that affect the final cost you pay and understanding what these factors are can help you estimate your costs and plan ahead.
Here are all the factors that determine your final quote:
Distance and Fuel Usage
The longer your trip, the higher the price you pay. Think about it, more miles simply translate to more fuel consumption and time. A coast-to-coast shipment from New York to California would cost you significantly more than a short interstate trip from New York to Philadelphia.
Pick-up and Delivery Location
If you’re shipping your car to the middle of nowhere, such as hard-to-reach or rural areas, you can expect to pay significantly more. A dropoff in rural Texas would be more costly than one made in Houston, simply because the latter is more accessible.
Auto Weight and Size
Since larger and heavier vehicles take up more space, they bump up transport costs compared to small compact ones.
Added Security and Handling Expenses
If you’re shipping a luxury car and need some extra security you can expect it to come at a premium cost. Soft straps, braces and covers are all designed to prevent damage to your vehicle during transit.
Premium Shipping Options
Most shipping companies also offer add-on services but at a premium cost. These features include guaranteed shipping by a particular date as well as door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
Condition of the Vehicle
Vehicles that aren’t in great condition or don’t run at all require special equipment such as hydraulic liftgates for loading and unloading. Requesting for such equipment also increases the cost of shipping.
Enclosed Trailer
Not all enclosed trailers cost the same. Hard-sided enclosed trailers are more expensive than soft-sided ones, but offer better protection as well.
Now that you know what factors affect your final cost, shopping around and comparing quotes is always a good idea. This way you find a service that aligns with your budget and requirements.
At the end of the day it’s really just about one thing: shipping your vehicle to its destination safely.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth the Cost?
Let’s kick things off by comparing enclosed car shipping against other transport methods such as ocean, rail and air shipping that exceed 2000 miles.
Enclosed Car Shipping
When it comes to security and convenience, nothing compares to enclosed car shipping. Not only does this transport method protect your vehicle from harsh weather conditions, it’s also safe from roadside debris and potential damage.
For a 2000 mile trip, you can expect a price range between $1300 and $2500. While this figure is a lot higher than the cost of other shipping methods, you’re actually paying for peace of mind. Your role here is pretty limited, especially since most companies handle pickups and drop-offs for you.
Ocean Container Transport
While ocean container transport is commonly used to send vehicles overseas, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations according to the U.S and the destination city.
This method can cost you anywhere between $1000 and $3000. While it might seem reasonable at first the paperwork involved is hardly that. You might also face potential risks such as seawater damage, humidity and shifting cargo especially if your vehicle isn’t properly secured.
According to the Federal Maritime Commission you’ll also have to take some extra safety measures such as:
- Draining the vehicle of all fuel and hazardous materials
- Disconnect or temporarily remove the battery
- Remove all loose items within the vehicle
Rail Transport
Rail transport prices typically range between $600 and $1200 for a 2000 mile trip. While this is the cheapest option out of them all, it’s not always the easiest. That’s because rail transport is only possible through the Amtrak Auto Train service which operates on limited routes. This means that it doesn’t cover most areas across the country.
You’ll also need to drive your vehicle to the departure station and pick it up from the arrival station. This adds to the time and effort on both ends of the trip. There’s also the off chance of rough handling of your vehicle during loading and unloading.
On the flip side, our enclosed car shipping takes care of everything. From home pickup to delivery, your car remains protected every mile of the way. No stress, no added risk.
Air Shipping
Air shipping is the most expensive car shipping method. For a 2000 mile trip, you can expect to dish out a whopping $15000 to $20000 or even more, depending on the vehicle, route and service provider.
That said, there’s no denying that it’s both the fastest and most efficient shipping method and requires minimal effort from your end. The risk of potential damage is also low, since your vehicle is securely fastened in the plane’s cargo area.
Regardless, enclosed car shipping is the smarter option for most people. You get similar peace of mind without paying an arm and a leg.
| Car Shipping Method | Cost (2,000 miles) | Effort Required | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed Car Shipping | $1,300 - $2,500 | Minimal | Low (Fully covered trailer) |
| Ocean Container Transport | $800 - $1,500 | Laborious (documentation, loading, unloading) | Moderate (Seawater, shifting loads) |
| Rail Transport | $600 - $1,200 | Moderate (getting a car to/from the train station) | Moderate (Handling, derailments) |
| Air Shipping | $20,000+ | Minimal | Low (Secured in the plane’s cargo area) |
9 Tips for Getting Better Enclosed Car Shipping Quotes
1. Understand Your Unique Requirements
Before getting your quote, ask yourself what you really need. Are you shipping a vintage car or an SUV truck? The type of vehicle you’re transporting plays an important role in the final price you pay.
You should also know when you want your vehicle picked up and dropped off. Also ask yourself whether you require additional safety measures. The more detailed your request the better chances of getting a realistic and fair quote.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
If you’ve gotten a quote, good. But don’t stop there. Reach out to more auto transport companies to understand what else is out there. This helps you compare prices, service, and value of cost.
Remember cheap doesn’t always translate to the best. Your vehicle’s safety is the most important factor to weigh before anything else.
3. Research Your Potential Carriers
Snagging a good deal is great but make sure you know that your carrier has extensive experience with enclosed shipping.
You can do this by:
- Reading reviews
- Asking around
- Checking for active insurance and proper authority
According to the FMCSA all motor carriers are required to maintain current insurance filings as well as operating authority. You can also search up your potential carrier online to verify they’re compliant with FMCSA guidelines.
4. Ask for Comprehensive Quotes
When you’re requesting a quote make sure you understand everything. Have they factored in insurance, loading, offloading and taxes in the quote?
Asking for a comprehensive quote means there aren’t any hidden surprises when it’s time to pay.
5. Specify the Level of Care and Protection
If you’re shipping a luxury or vintage vehicle make sure to communicate your needs with your carrier. Vehicles like these need special equipment and handling which adds to the final cost.
Enclosed car shipping is typically the best option. This is because your vehicle remains protected against road debris, damage and harsh weather conditions.
6. Confirm the Insurance Coverage
Most car shipping quotes come with insurance. But is it enough to cover your vehicle if things were to go south?
If your vehicle is luxury, vintage or high in value, most standard policies may not cut it. Always ask about extra coverage such as Gap Insurance. While it bumps up the price, it also gives you added peace of mind.
7. Time Your Shipment
If you’re looking to save on a bunch of cash, time your shipment by avoiding the holiday rush. During these peak times, prices tend to go up. This is why if you’re flexible with your schedule, ask your shipper about the cheapest shipping dates.
8. Avoid Middlemen
Instead of approaching lead aggregators that send your quote request to thousands of brokers and carriers and you are bombarded with offers, make it a point to work directly with the carrier or a broker like Easy Auto Ship for clearer communication and a better overall deal.
9. Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the quote you’re given. If you’ve done your homework and due research don’t be afraid to use that information as leverage. Most companies are open to adjusting their quotes to close the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How are cars packed for shipping?
Cars are packed with immense care and precision. When loading your vehicle onto an enclosed trailer we use wheel chocks and straps. This helps prevent it from shifting during transit.
Are cars shipped in shipping containers?
Yes! Shipping containers are usually used for overseas transportation. They offer protection against weather, saltwater and other external factors. They do cost significantly more, though.
How do I choose an enclosed car trailer?
Think about:
- Your car’s weight and size
- How far it needs to travel
- What sort of road it will travel on
For long-distance trips trailers with better suspension are ideal.
How many cars fit in an enclosed car hauler?
While they can fit 4 to 6 cars it depends on the size of both the trailer and cars.
How many cars can you fit in a 40ft trailer?
You can fit 4 standard cars or 3 SUVs inside a 40ft trailer. This depends on the actual dimensions so these figures may vary.
Can you fit 2 cars in a 40ft container?
Yes! The most important thing is to load them securely to prevent damage.
What size enclosed trailer do you need for a car?
Most cars will fit in a 20ft container. If you’re shipping a larger vehicle you may need a 24ft or longer trailer. It depends on your vehicle’s dimensions.
What size trailer do I need for 3 cars?
To transport 3 cars you’ll need a 40ft container. Again, this figure depends on your vehicle’s dimensions.
How wide is an enclosed car trailer inside?
They’re typically 6 to 8.5 feet wide. This is usually sufficient room to fit standard vehicles comfortably.
What’s the enclosed car transport cost per mile?
You’re looking at anywhere between $1.25 and $2.00 per mile. This price may vary based on:
- Distance
- Vehicle dimensions
- Trailer
- Pickup and delivery locations
Parting Words:
Remember that the car shipping prices are not set in stone as it’s unique to each car depending on its specifications, total shipping distance, and time of the year. If you think your vehicle deserves some extra protection then you need enclosed shipping and a trusted company such as Easy Auto Ship.
We offer door to door enclosed auto transport with addons like top-load transport for further security and expedited shipping for faster pickups. So if you want to know how much it will cost you to ship your car enclosed, call (888) 687-3243 or use our free enclosed shipping cost calculator to get no-obligation, tailored quotes quickly.
