Enclosed Car Transport

National Door to Door Enclosed Car Shipping Service

Enclosed car transport is a premium service that will provide the highest level of protection safety when shipping a vehicle.  Your vehicle is shielded from the elements and road debris. It is a more secure method for shipping a car and normally use for high-value or preserved classic vehicles.

Maximum Protection and Safety with Full Enclosed Carriers

If your vehicle requires the highest possible level of protection and safety. 

What is Full Enclosed Car Shipping?

Fully enclosed transport is a shipping method where the vehicle is placed inside a trailer that is completely sealed off, with no open spaces. Unlike open-air carriers, these trailers are built to fully surround the vehicle, shielding it from weather, road debris, and outside exposure.

This option is most often chosen for vehicles that are high-value, fragile, rare, or otherwise need extra protection during transit. Collectible cars, luxury models, freshly painted vehicles, or those with unique modifications are commonly transported this way.

Because the trailer is fully enclosed, this for of transport  offers a much higher level of safety and security compared to open carriers. Vehicles are far less vulnerable to scratches, weather-related damages, and even theft. The enclosed design provides peace of mind for owners who want their car to arrive in showroom condition, regardless of how far it travels or weather conditions. 

When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto transport is the go-to when a vehicle needs the highest level of care and protection available. This method shields your car from weather, road debris, and unwanted attention, making it ideal for:

  • Luxury and Exotic Cars – Whether it’s a Ferrari, Rolls, or any other high-end vehicle, enclosed carriers provide maximum security and superior white-glove handling.
  • Classic and Vintage Vehicles – Timeless cars always deserve timeless protection. Enclosed trailers safeguard the most irreplaceable classics from the elements and accidental damage.
  • Custom, Specialty or Race Cars – A custom unique build deserves extra care. Especially your one-of-a-kind vehicle. Enclosed prevent protection from the outside world anpd prying eyes.
  • Lowered or Modified Vehicles – Not all cars fit standard open carriers. With hydraulic lift gates and extended ramps, enclosed transport will make for safe loading and unloading when cars with low ground clearance or custom modifications need space between the undercarriage and the ground.

 

What are the Types of Enclosed Carriers?

These covered car transporters come in various sizes, from single car enclosed transport. to multi-car trailers, offering flexibility in accommodating different types of vehicles. They feature heavy-duty doors and a fully enclosed, rigid exterior that protects the cars inside from weather, road debris, and other potential hazards. Many enclosed car carriers are also equipped with hydraulic lift gates. Typically regardless of configuration, they are 2 categories:

Hard Sided 

These trailers are completely enclosed with solid walls, offering the highest level of protection against weather and outside elements.

Soft Sided

These are typicaslly metal framed carriers with tarps or canvas material which cover the trailer and the vehicles inside. Although a deterrent from road debris and the elements, it is leass secure than hard sided. 

What is the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Car Shipping?

When comparing enclosed vs. open car transport, you will notice that with the open carrier, your car is moved on a trailer that will be exposed to the elements such as rain, dust, along with privy to other hazards such as road debris. But when you decide on enclosed carrier auto transport, the vehicle is kept away from the all those elements in a sealed container with other high end vehicles. 

This is a premium car shipping service for high value or sentimentally valuable vehicles designed to offer you complete peace of mind. With this type of auto transport you will have the highest level of protection.

As a result one of the obvious differences is the price over the standard open car shipping. Enclosed car shipping is 30-60% more than open trailers.

Although mostly designed for expensive automobiles, any vehicle of any value can be sent with an enclosed auto transport driver.  Having your car picked up with an enclosed car carrier can be for any reason. After all, it's your baby. You decide.

Benefits of Fully Enclosed Auto Shipping

When it comes to transporting a vehicle, not all shipping methods offer the same level of protection. Fully enclosed auto transport stands out as the premium option for owners who want their cars to arrive in the same flawless condition they left in. Below are the key advantages that make enclosed shipping the top choice:

Maximum Security

  • Enclosed carriers create a sealed environment that keeps your vehicle out of sight and out of reach, reducing the chance of theft or tampering.
  • Ideal for exotic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, as well as collectible classics that deserve white-glove handling.
  • Classic and vintage models benefit from the added assurance that no sudden weather event will compromise their value.

Complete Weather Protection

  • Rain, snow, hail, or dust storms can wreak havoc on cars shipped in the open.
  • Enclosed trailers are fully weatherproof, ensuring your vehicle stays shielded from the elements during the entire journey.
  • This means no water spots, faded paint, or grit damage upon delivery.

Reduced Risk of Road Damage

  • Open carriers leave vehicles vulnerable to flying rocks, road debris, and even careless drivers passing by.
  • With fully enclosed transport, your car is tucked away behind solid walls, drastically lowering the chances of dents, scratches, or paint chips.
  • Designed to minimize vibration and movement, enclosed trailers add another layer of safety for delicate or freshly detailed cars.

Insurance & Value Protection

  • Many insurance providers view enclosed transport as a lower-risk option, often resulting in better coverage or reduced premiums.
  • Preventing damage upfront also avoids costly repairs or diminished resale value, making enclosed transport an investment in long-term savings.

Suitable for Specialty Vehicles

  • Modern enclosed carriers are built with features like hydraulic lift gates and extended ramps, perfect for low-clearance or modified cars.
  • They come in a variety of sizes, capable of transporting everything from a single luxury coupe to multiple collectibles.
  • This adaptability makes enclosed shipping the go-to choice for custom, rare, or unusually shaped vehicles.

Bottom Line

Fully enclosed auto shipping isn’t just about moving a vehicle from point A to point B — it’s about preserving value, ensuring safety, and delivering peace of mind. For anyone transporting a luxury, exotic, vintage, or custom vehicle, enclosed transport is the gold standard.

How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?

To assist with helping you determine the car shipping cost, we have provided the following examples below. Whether it's classic car shipping or exotic car transport, most routes are based on the cost per mile, vehicle size,  and take in to account the extra protection.  To find out your cost for enclosed shipping instantly, try our calculator.

Sample Rates

Locations To/FromSample Price Per MileCostTravel Time
Decatur, IN to Gulf Breeze, FL$1.50 / mile$12852 Days
Cincinnati, OH to Dallas, TX$1.16 / mile$11002 Days
Miami Beach, FL to Beverly Hills, CA$0.73 /mile$19905-7 Days
Belton, MO to Tampa, FL$1.23 /mile$15603-4 Days
Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX$1.14 /mile$16503-4 Days
Beachwood, OH to Naples, FL$1.10 /mile$14003-4 Days
Coral Gables, FL to Newport Beach, CA$0.64 /mile$17505-7 Days

 

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, transporting a vehicle 1,000 miles ENCLOSED costs between $850 and $2,500. The exact price depends on several factors:

  • Transport method – multi carriers are more affordable, while single car enclosed trailers provide exlusivity at a higher price.
  • Route and season – popular routes and off-peak times are usually cheaper.
  • Carrier choice – rates vary by company and insurance requirements for enclosed shipping.

For example, shipping a common production luxury will often fall at the lower end of the range, while a high-end supercar vehicle in an enclosed trailer will cost more to cover care, security, and insurance costs.

The best enclosed auto transport companies combine experience, insurance, specialized equipment, and transparent pricing. Look for carriers using hard-sided trailers, liftgates for low-clearance cars, and soft-strap tie-downs instead of chains. At NX Automotive Transport, we specialize in enclosed shipping with:

  •  Price-Lock Guarantee (no hidden fees)
  •  No upfront payment until dispatch
  •  Vetted, insured drivers with proven track records
  •  White-glove communication and support

Always verify MC/DOT credentials and check customer reviews before booking.

Air freight is the fastest and most secure way to move a vehicle—but also the most expensive. Costs depend on distance, vehicle size, air cargo availability, and urgency. On average, shipping a car by plane within the U.S. ranges from $2,500 to $15,000, with larger vehicles or urgent deliveries sometimes exceeding $20,000+. Air shipping is typically reserved for supercars, rare collectibles, or high-value shipments on tight timelines. For most owners, enclosed ground transport offers nearly identical protection at a fraction of the price.

Yes, NX Automotive Transport, (NX, LLC) is a legitimate vehicle shipping provider with more than 30 years of industry experience. They are fully registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which means they meet the regulatory requirements for nationwide auto transport services.

Transporting an expensive vehicle takes extra planning and precautions. To make sure your investment is protected:

  • Work with a trusted, highly reviewed transport company that has proven experience with luxury and exotic cars.
  • Request enclosed transport so your vehicle is shielded from road debris, harsh weather, and prying eyes.
  • Confirm the company’s insurance coverage matches the true value of your vehicle.
  • Consider adding supplemental security such as GPS tracking or disabling alarms before pickup.
  • Take clear photos of your vehicle before it’s loaded, and remove personal belongings from inside.
  • Communicate any special instructions (for low clearance, custom mods, or starting procedures) with the carrier.
  • When your car arrives, do a thorough inspection and note any issues on the Bill of Lading before signing.

Enclosed transport is the gold standard for luxury, exotic, and collectible vehicles, giving you the peace of mind that your car will arrive safely and in pristine condition.

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