Car Shipping Quote Calculator
Soft-Side Enclosed
Soft-side enclosed trucks is the form in which most new luxury cars such as Lexus, Mercedes, and others head to sales lot. Although the tarps are tightly secured keeping just about everything out, air and dust can get in at highway speeds therefore slightly less appealing to the most meticulous shipper. The tarps themselves are extremely heavy and weatherproof.
Soft-Side Enclosed
Soft-side enclosed trucks is the form in which most new luxury cars such as Lexus, Mercedes, and others head to sales lot. Although the tarps are tightly secured keeping just about everything out, air and dust can get in at highway speeds therefore slightly less appealing to the most meticulous shipper. The tarps themselves are extremely heavy and weatherproof.
Hard Side Enclosed
The most common you may think of is the large and full-size tractor trailer with vehicles hidden inside. They look like a regular 18 wheeler but actually move very valuable cargo like exotic cars and expensive motorcycles.
These are also called “hard side” enclosed trucks. This is actually referring to the type of trailer. This means the vehicles are sealed off from the world inside the trailer.
These trucks usually have two levels. Each level holds 3 vehicles. Most will have a lift-gate to safely elevate the vehicles onto a trailer that keeps them safe inside. The purpose of the lift-gate will be to prevent low clearance cars such as a race car or ultra exotic car like Lamborghini and Ferrari that can scrape as they are very low to the ground. You’ll see a lot of high-end in these big trucks. This is known as “white glove service” as it’s expected that you can touch and drag a white cotton gloved finger across the vehicle and not pick up any dust at all from the trip. For the most expensive and rare cars this is the type of carrier that you must use to ensure the best outcome.
Single Level 2-3 Car Enclosed (Covered)
Another hard side carrier available is the 2-3 car single level carriers. These are usually pulled by a dually truck like the one pictured here. These are great for classic vehicles, luxury sedans, and other vehicles that don’t have an ultra low clearance, although some have ramp wedges. These are also very handy for a non-running vehicle. For example, a project in the middle of restoration without glass or a top.
Single Level 2-3 Car Enclosed (Covered)
Another hard side carrier available is the 2-3 car single level carriers. These are usually pulled by a dually truck like the one pictured here. These are great for classic vehicles, luxury sedans, and other vehicles that don’t have an ultra low clearance, although some have ramp wedges. These are also very handy for a non-running vehicle. For example, a project in the middle of restoration without glass or a top.
The larger carrier may not have a way to maneuver a vehicle that has been rendered inoperable. Since they only hold two-three vehicles, they can easily get them in and out. They are popular for shorter distanced enclosed transport. Many prefer the very large carriers because their size alone makes it easy to load or offload anywhere. They do lack air ride suspension so it a a slightly rougher ride for your high end vehicle.
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