How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Enclosed?

We know you absolutely adore your four-wheeled companion and wish to keep it in the best condition possible, especially when it’s being moved cross-country. That’s where we at Easy Auto Ship step in to ease your worries. This blog post answers your burning question: “How much does it cost to ship a car enclosed?” Now, we understand that a budget plays a key role when making such decisions, and the safety of your vehicle is also paramount.

To give you a comprehensive answer, we will break down the various factors that influence the cost of enclosed car shipping, including distance, vehicle type, weight, time of year, and more. So, we’ve got you covered whether you have a compact sedan, a bulky SUV, or a sleek sports car. That said, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty of car shipping quotes.

Understanding the Cost Differences Between Enclosed & Open Car Transport:

Let’s start by stating that the cost of shipping a car, whether open or enclosed, can significantly vary. However, enclosed car transport starts at a rate typically 25% higher than open transport and can go up to 40% higher. On average, you can expect the cost to ship a car enclosed to be around 30% higher. But why is that?

The answer lies in the care, protection, and service enclosed car shipping provides. Enclosed carriers offer extra protection from weather, road debris, gravels, and other potential hazards that could damage your vehicle. This is especially beneficial if your car is a classic, luxury, or high-value.

Now, let’s get into specifics. On average, Open car transport quotes are:

• $1 per mile for up to 500 miles
• $0.75 from 500-999 miles
• $0.6 from 1,000 to 1,999 miles
• $0.5 from 2,000 to 2,499 miles
• $0.4 for 2,500+ miles.

If we apply the average 30% increase for enclosed car shipping to these rates, you’ll get a better idea of what to expect.

For instance, if you’re shipping your car 500 miles, an open carrier would cost about $500, while an enclosed carrier would cost around $650.

The cost difference becomes even more apparent for longer distances like 2,500 miles. An open carrier would cost approximately $1,000, while an enclosed carrier would cost around $1,300.

Different Enclosed Car Shipping Trailer Options and Their Prices

Knowing how much it quotes to ship a car enclosed 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 double-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. 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 t he price difference might be 40% higher than open carriers.

Let’s delve into a practical example to make this more straightforward. Imagine transporting a luxury car for 1,900 miles cross-country in an enclosed trailer, and an open carrier quotes $1,140. Here’s how the prices would look for the different enclosed trailer options:

• With a multi-car enclosed trailer, your car shipping cost could range from $1,425 to $1,482 (25% to 30% higher).
• Opting for a soft-side enclosed trailer, shipping your car enclosed could cost around $1,482 (30% higher).
• Choosing a one- or two-car enclosed trailer, you might pay approximately $1,596 (35% higher).
• If you go for a custom-built enclosed car shipping trailer, you could pay as much as $1,596 (40% higher).

These are approximate figures. The actual cost to move will depend on various factors, such as current fuel prices, demand, and supply.

Leading Factors in Calculating Enclosed Auto Transport Cost

Well, the answer is more complex than you might think. This is because the cost to ship a car enclosed is influenced by several factors. Let’s take a look at these key elements one by one.

Distance and Fuel Usage

The farther the destination, the higher the cost. It’s all about the miles covered and the fuel consumed. For instance, shipping a car from New York to California will cost significantly more than shipping it from New York to Philadelphia. The increase in distance results in greater fuel consumption, directly impacting the cost of shipping your car enclosed.

Pick-up and Delivery Location

It might cost you more if you’re located in a remote area or a location that is hard to reach. For example, shipping a car to a rural area in Texas may cost more than shipping it to a major city like Houston due to the added effort and time required to reach remote locations.

Auto Weight and Size

They also play a crucial role in car shipping. Larger and heavier cars require more transportation resources, which increases the overall cost. So, if you’re shipping a compact car, expect a lower quote than an SUV or a truck.

Added Security and Handling Expenses

These come into play in enclosed car shipping due to the extra care provided. Enclosed auto transport uses covers, braces, and straps to protect your car, increasing quotes. These added measures ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition as when it was picked up.

Premium Shipping Options

Available with enclosed car shipping, like door-to-door delivery and guaranteed delivery dates, can increase the cost. However, the convenience and peace of mind these services offer often make the extra cost worth it.

Condition of the Vehicle

This also impacts the cost to ship a car. If the car is non-running, it requires special equipment like hydraulic gates for loading and unloading, increasing the cost.

Enclosed Trailer

The type of carrier used affects the car shipping cost. Soft-sided trailers may be less expensive, but they may offer a different level of protection than hard-sided trailers.

All these factors contribute to the final cost of shipping your car enclosed. It’s essential to get quotes from different companies, compare them, and decide what works best for your budget and requirements.

Ultimately, it’s all about getting your car safely to its destination, and enclosed car shipping offers just that.

Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth the Cost?

Let’s dive into comparing enclosed car transport with other methods, namely ocean container transport, rail transport, and air shipping for transporting a car over 2,000 miles.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Now, let’s bring the spotlight onto enclosed car shipping first. This method provides all-round protection for your car, shielding it from weather and road debris. The expected budget for 2,000 miles lies between $1,300 and $2,500.

It’s more than ocean and rail transport, but remember, you’re paying for added security and less hassle. The effort on your part is minimal.

Most companies will pick up and deliver your car right to your doorstep. As for risks, they are significantly reduced with enclosed car shipping. Your car is securely tucked away in a fully covered trailer, limiting the chance of damage.

Ocean Container Transport

Ocean container transport is often used when sending your car overseas. But how does it stack up against enclosed car transport? On a 2,000-mile journey, the average cost of ocean container transport may range from $1,000 to $3,000. That’s a pretty penny!

In terms of effort, the whole process, including documentation, loading, and unloading, can be laborious. Moreover, your car is exposed to various risks, such as damage from seawater and shifting loads.

In contrast, Easy Auto Ship provides an enclosed car transport service that ensures your car is not exposed to such risks.

Rail Transport

Next up, let’s chat about rail transport. While this method is often less expensive, averaging $600 - $1,200 for 2,000 miles, it may involve more effort. However, this is only possible with Amtrak train service, and it has a particular route, so it only goes some across the country.

Moreover, you’ll have to get your car to the train station and pick it up from the destination station. Furthermore, your vehicle is at a higher risk of damage due to handling and potential derailments.

In contrast, with enclosed car shipping, your car is picked up directly from your home and delivered straight to your destination, reducing effort. It also minimizes risk as the car remains enclosed and protected throughout the journey.

Air Shipping

Lastly, consider air shipping, the most expensive transport method. For 2,000 miles, the price can easily skyrocket to $15,000 to $20,000 or more. However, it’s also the fastest method and requires less effort. The risk factor is relatively low, given that your car is secured in a plane’s cargo area.

Enclosed car shipping is much more cost-effective, offering similar benefits regarding reduced effort and minimized risks.

9 Tips for Getting Better Enclosed Car Shipping Quotes

Understand Your Unique Requirements

Understanding your unique requirements is the first step toward achieving better quotes. For instance, you might be shipping a vintage car or a brand-new SUV; the kind of car you’re shipping plays a crucial role in determining the cost.

As a car owner, you should also be clear about your pick-up and delivery dates. If you have any special instructions, like extra safety measures or specific loading and unloading requirements, mention them. The more precise you are about your needs, the easier it will be to avoid high quotes with unnecessary add-ons.

Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t just settle for the first auto transport quote you receive. Cast a wide net and approach several auto shipping companies to get multiple quotes. This allows you to compare different moving prices, services, and overall value for money.

But remember, don’t just focus on quotes. Your car is a valuable asset, and its safety should be a top priority, too.

Research Your Potential Carriers

It’s a good practice to research your potential carriers thoroughly. A cheap quote only sometimes means excellent service.

Do a comprehensive check on reviews, recommendations, and past experiences of the carrier with enclosed car shipping.

You want someone reliable and experienced who can handle your precious car carefully.

Ask for Comprehensive Quotes

When you ask for quotes, please ensure they cover all aspects of car shipping. This includes loading, unloading, insurance, and any applicable taxes.

A comprehensive quote helps you avoid hidden quotes that may crop up later, taking you by surprise and potentially stretching your budget.

Specify the Level of Care and Protection

If your car is a vintage model or a luxury one, it might require higher levels of protection. Make sure to specify this upfront to get an accurate quote.

Enclosed car shipping is the best bet for such cars as it protects them from weather elements and road debris.

Confirm the Insurance Coverage

Most enclosed car shipping quotes include insurance. However, please confirm if the insurance coverage is enough for your car’s value.

If not, ask for additional coverage (Gap Insurance) and include it in your quote. It might increase the cost, but the peace of mind it provides is worth it.

Time Your Shipment

The time of the year can significantly impact enclosed car shipping rates. For example, the cost might soar during the holiday season due to high demand.

If your schedule allows flexibility, ask the carrier about the cheapest date to ship your car.

Avoid Middlemen

Middlemen often add a commission to the carrier’s original quote. Try dealing with an enclosed car shipping company directly because then you need to pay the company’s fee and the carrier’s cost to ship.

This way, you’ll communicate your requirements more effectively and potentially get a better deal.

Negotiate

Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you’ve done your homework and the quote exceeds your budget, negotiate with the shipping company.

They have room for flexibility and could lower quotes if they want your business.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are cars packed for shipping?

The process of packing cars for shipping is a blend of science and art. The professional transporters at Easy Auto Ship take extreme care to secure your vehicle in the enclosed trailer.

With straps and wheel chocks, we secure the car firmly to avoid any movement during transit. This ensures that your precious vehicle reaches its new home without a scratch.

Are cars shipped in shipping containers?

Well, the short and sweet answer is yes! Cars can indeed be shipped in containers. This method is considered one of the safest, as the vehicle is completely protected from the elements.

However, it’s important to note that while container shipping offers unbeatable protection, it can be a bit pricier than other methods of transport.

How do I choose an enclosed car trailer?

Choosing the right enclosed car trailer involves considering a few key factors.

Firstly, consider the dimensions and weight of your car. The trailer you choose should comfortably accommodate your vehicle.

Secondly, think about the distance and the type of roads your car will be transported over. If your car will be shipped over rough terrains or long distances, you might opt for a trailer with additional suspension for increased safety.

How many cars fit in an enclosed car hauler?

An enclosed car hauler can typically fit between 4 to 6 cars, depending on the size of the hauler and the cars involved.

However, our professional team at Easy Auto Ship will ensure that each car has adequate space to prevent any potential damage during transit.

How many cars can you fit in a 40ft trailer?

A standard 40ft trailer typically holds about 4 average-sized sedan cars or 3 SUVs. However, this number might vary based on the size and type of vehicles being transported.

Can you fit 2 cars in a 40ft container?

Absolutely! A 40ft container can most comfortably accommodate two average-sized cars or SUVs.

But remember, the key to successful shipping is proper packing and securing the vehicles to avoid any in-transit damages.

What size enclosed trailer do you need for a car?

The size of the enclosed trailer you need majorly depends on the size and type of your car. Generally, a 20ft trailer is suitable for most cars. However, you might need a bigger trailer for larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks.

What size trailer do I need for 3 cars?

If you are looking to transport 3 cars, you would typically require a trailer that’s about 40 feet in length. However, the final choice should always be based on the size and type of cars being transported.

How wide is an enclosed car trailer inside?

The width of an enclosed car trailer can vary, but most are about 6 feet to 8.5 feet wide inside. This width is usually ample to accommodate most types of cars comfortably.

What’s the enclosed car transport cost per mile?

The cost of shipping a car enclosed can vary greatly based on several factors like distance, the size of the car, and the type of trailer used.

However, the average cost per mile can range from $1.25 to $2.00. It’s always best to get a personalized quote from our team at Easy Auto Ship to understand the exact cost of your car shipping needs.

Parting Words:

Remember, the figures are not set in stone; each car shipping company has its unique pricing strategy. It’s pivotal to remember that while budgeting is essential, it’s also crucial to ensure your car’s safety. After all, we understand the trepidation of entrusting your beloved vehicle to a shipping company while you’re miles away.

With a company like Easy Auto Ship, you can rest easily knowing your car is safe. We are committed to offering the best possible service, ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination in the same condition it was handed over. We balance affordability with premium service - the perfect blend for a stress-free car shipping experience.

Let’s remember, that car shipping is not just about cost; it’s about quality, safety, reliability, and peace of mind. We hope this guide has illuminated the various aspects influencing the cost of shipping a car enclosed. Let’s make your car’s journey as smooth as possible, treating it with the care it deserves. After all, your car isn’t just a vehicle; it’s an investment, a memory holder, a trusty companion. Let’s treat it as such. Happy car shipping!