Based in Arkansas — Serving All 50 States 4.9/5 — 2,800+ Reviews
Razorback Auto Transport
WHITE-GLOVE SERVICE

Enclosed Auto Transport

Premium enclosed car shipping for luxury, exotic, classic, and high-value vehicles. Full protection from weather and road debris, with insurance coverage up to $1 million.

3–7Business Days
$1M+Cargo Insurance
99.2%On-Time Rate
5-StarWhite Glove

What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto transport is the premium method of shipping a vehicle, where your car travels inside a fully covered trailer — completely protected from rain, snow, road salt, dust, debris, and prying eyes. Unlike open car transport, where vehicles are visible during transit, enclosed car shipping wraps your vehicle in a hard-sided trailer for maximum safety and discretion.

This is the same method used by collectors, manufacturers, dealerships, and auction houses to ship priceless classics, high-end luxury vehicles, exotic supercars, and irreplaceable customs. If your vehicle's value, condition, or sentimental importance demands the absolute best in protection, enclosed auto transport is the only way to go.

Who Should Choose Enclosed Car Shipping?

Enclosed auto transport is the right choice for any vehicle that meets one or more of these criteria:

  • Luxury vehicles — Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Lexus, Cadillac, and other high-end models
  • Exotic supercars — Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Bugatti, Pagani, Koenigsegg, and Aston Martin
  • Classic and vintage cars — Pre-1980s vehicles, muscle cars, antique restorations, and concours-quality builds
  • Custom and modified vehicles — Hot rods, lowriders, restomods, and one-off customs with unique paint or bodywork
  • Show cars and trailer queens — Vehicles maintained to concours condition that should never see weather
  • Low-clearance vehicles — Cars with aerodynamic body kits, lowered suspensions, or aftermarket ground effects
  • Electric vehicles — Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other high-value EVs requiring careful handling
  • Vehicles valued over $50,000 — When the additional cost of enclosed shipping is a fraction of the vehicle's value

How Enclosed Auto Transport Works

Enclosed car shipping with Razorback follows a careful, step-by-step process designed around the highest standards of vehicle protection:

  1. Get a custom quote. Submit your vehicle details and route. Because enclosed carriers are specialized and far less common than open trailers, we provide individually-priced quotes that reflect carrier availability and route specifics.
  2. Carrier matching. Razorback dispatches your shipment to one of our top-tier enclosed carriers — operators with verified clean safety records, advanced equipment, and a track record of handling six- and seven-figure vehicles.
  3. Pre-loading inspection. The driver performs a detailed visual inspection, photographs every panel of the vehicle, and documents existing conditions on the Bill of Lading. This protects both you and the carrier.
  4. Soft-tie loading. Your vehicle is secured with soft nylon straps — never chains — to prevent any contact with paint or wheels. Most enclosed carriers feature hydraulic lift-gates for low-clearance vehicles that cannot be driven up a ramp.
  5. Climate-controlled transit. Premium enclosed trailers offer climate control, air-ride suspension to absorb road vibration, and individual vehicle compartments. Many include video monitoring of the cargo area.
  6. White-glove delivery. At delivery, the carrier performs a thorough post-transit inspection with you, hands over the keys, and ensures complete satisfaction before completing the shipment.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Key Differences

The choice between open and enclosed car shipping comes down to the vehicle's value and your protection priorities:

Protection from the Elements

Open transport exposes vehicles to rain, sun, road grime, and minor debris. Enclosed auto transport seals your vehicle inside a hard-sided trailer with zero environmental exposure throughout the entire journey.

Insurance Coverage Limits

Standard open car shipping includes $100,000 in cargo insurance. Enclosed auto transport carriers in Razorback's premium network carry $250,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo insurance — and additional coverage can be arranged for vehicles exceeding that threshold.

Carrier Equipment Quality

Enclosed carriers represent the top tier of the auto transport industry. Equipment is newer, drivers are more experienced, and vehicles per trailer are limited to 2–6 vehicles (versus 9–10 on open trailers), meaning more individual attention to your car.

Privacy and Discretion

For celebrities, collectors, and high-net-worth individuals, enclosed shipping offers complete privacy. Your vehicle is invisible from the moment it loads to the moment it's delivered.

The 1% rule: A useful guideline — if the cost of enclosed auto transport is less than 1% of your vehicle's value, it's almost always worth the upgrade. For a $100,000 vehicle, enclosed shipping at $1,500–$2,500 is exceptional insurance for true peace of mind.

Enclosed Auto Transport Cost

Enclosed car shipping typically costs 40–80% more than open auto transport, reflecting the smaller carrier capacity, premium equipment, and specialized handling. For a cross-country enclosed move (2,000–2,500 miles), expect to pay $1,800–$3,200 depending on vehicle size, value, and route. Razorback provides exact pricing instantly online, with no upfront deposit required.

Ship Your Prized Vehicle with Confidence

Razorback Auto Transport has moved Ferraris, Bugattis, restored Shelby Cobras, concours-quality classics, and one-of-a-kind customs to collectors and dealerships across the country. When the vehicle matters, the carrier matters. Get your free enclosed auto transport quote today, or call (866) 605-0281 to speak with a specialist who understands the value of what you're shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about enclosed auto transport

How much more does enclosed auto transport cost than open?

Enclosed car shipping typically costs 40–80% more than open auto transport. The premium reflects smaller carrier capacity (2–6 vehicles vs. 9–10), newer equipment, more experienced drivers, and higher insurance coverage. For most luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles, the additional cost is a small fraction of the vehicle's value.

What is soft-tie versus hard-tie loading?

Soft-tie loading uses padded nylon straps that contact only the wheels — never the body, frame, or chassis. Hard-tie loading uses chains attached to suspension or frame points and can mark sensitive vehicles. Premium enclosed carriers use soft-ties exclusively. All Razorback enclosed carriers offer soft-tie service.

Are enclosed carriers climate-controlled?

Many premium enclosed carriers offer climate control, but it is not universal. If climate control is essential for your shipment — for example, for a sensitive paint finish, restored interior, or extreme-weather routes — request it specifically when booking. Razorback can dispatch climate-controlled carriers on most major routes.

Can a low-clearance car be loaded on an enclosed carrier?

Yes. Most enclosed trailers feature hydraulic lift-gates that load vehicles horizontally, eliminating the need to drive up a ramp. This is essential for cars with aerodynamic body kits, lowered suspensions, or extreme camber. Specify your vehicle's ground clearance when booking and Razorback will dispatch a lift-gate equipped carrier.

How much insurance comes with enclosed auto transport?

Razorback's enclosed carriers carry between $250,000 and $1,000,000 in cargo insurance per vehicle. For vehicles valued above $1M, supplemental coverage can be arranged in advance. All insurance details are documented on the Bill of Lading at pickup.

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?

Get an instant, no-obligation quote in 30 seconds. Or speak with a logistics specialist now.