What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Choosing to enclose your car during transport helps you establish peace of mind. Instead of exposing your vehicle to dirt, bad weather, or other debris forms, your vehicle will be loaded onto a fully covered transport carrier for the trip's entire duration.
Even small maintenance jobs on a car can run a pretty penny, and sometimes, bad things just happen. While enclosed auto transport costs more money than open auto transport, you can view the extra money spent as an investment to protect your car from damages mentioned above.
The longer the trip's duration, the more likely your car will be altered from the condition you dropped it off in. People looking to transport their car long distances are prime examples of parties that can benefit from enclosed auto transport.
Since you're going to spend extra money on enclosed auto transport compared to open carrier transport, let's discuss some of the perks you'll receive.
What Are the Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport?
It's clear that fully enclosing your vehicle during transport will help the car avoid damage from external elements, but the enclosure isn't the only way you'll avoid repair costs. Enclosed auto transport is ideal for vehicles with low ground clearances.
Why?
Hydraulic lift gate technology helps enclosed auto transport carriers load and unload vehicles with low ground clearances safely. There's no doubt that the preferred way to load vehicles is through hydraulic lift gates as an elevator-like device is used for loading and unloading the car.
When a hydraulic lift gate is lowered, the ramp lies flat on the ground, so your vehicle can seamlessly drive onto the lift gate's surface and then be moved inside the carrier.
Open-air carriers use two thin ramps that are set at an incline. The downside of open carrier ramps is the driver has less control as they're forced to accelerate hard up the ramps to get the vehicle into the carrier. Always let the car transport service you're working with know ahead of time if you're transporting a car with low ground clearance as they'll be able to provide carriers with hydraulic lift gates.
Classic cars, sports cars, and exotic vehicles are specific classes of high-value vehicles that benefit from the enhanced protection of enclosed auto transport.
Now that we've broken down how an enclosed auto transport trailer will load and unload your vehicle, let's talk about how your car will be secured.
How Will My Vehicle Be Secured During Enclosed Auto Transport?
Loading your vehicle onto the carrier is only half the battle. A professional auto transport company will ensure that your car is adequately secured before the trip. Properly securing your vehicle will help reduce motion and vibration that can occur during the duration of the car's shipment. Enclosed auto transport companies tend to use nylon straps to secure vehicles.
Some companies use chains to secure vehicles—but nylon straps are the way to go. Not only can chains strain a car, if they become loose, but they'll bang against the vehicle during the rest of the trip, causing minor or even major damage.
While nylon straps are the superior option for securing a vehicle compared to chains, how straps are applied to your car makes all the difference.
The two ways of using nylon straps to secure a vehicle include:
- Going over the tires
- Being placed through the rims
Placing nylon straps over the tires is much safer than going through the rims as the rubber of the tire can handle more pressure.
Be sure to request a full run-down of what you'll receive through enclosed auto transport as many companies provide perks that can include
- Plastic seat covers
- Floor mats
- Plastic car covers
Before we get into the costs of enclosed auto transport services, we're going to look at the other ways people typically transport vehicles.
What Are the Other Types of Auto Transport?
Earlier, we mentioned that enclosed auto transport is one of the safest and most efficient ways to ship a vehicle. So, is there a better way to transport a car than enclosed auto transport? Airfreight shipping is the best, but most expensive method of shipping vehicles. The main perks you'll receive with air freight shipping are speed and security.
Planes travel faster than hauling vehicles, and there are more flights available. Airports contain tightly monitored safety controls and carry less cargo due to limited space and weight regulations. Due to the high cost, people tend to utilize air freight shipping for vehicles containing a top-tier value.
Most people are going to select either enclosed auto transport or an open carrier.
Let's take a closer look at what open carrier transport provides.
What Is Open Carrier Transport?
The name says it all as open carrier transport involves placing your vehicle on a carrier that's not enclosed. Open carriers are the most popular form of auto transportation due to the service offering the lowest cost. While open carrier transport is less expensive than enclosed auto transport, you're increasing the likelihood that your car will be affected by outdoor elements.
You shouldn't feel like open carrier transport is a death wish for your car. The drivers who manage open carrier transports are trained to look after the cargo carefully they're holding.
If you own a car with low clearance, try and avoid using an open carrier. The steep incline that open carrier ramps contain presents you with the risk of damaging your car's undercarriage.
Individuals looking to transport their cars aren't the only ones using open carriers as vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, and collectors benefit from it.
What Is Single Car Enclosed Transport?
Single car transport means that your car won't be loaded onto a carrier with other vehicles. Open carriers, traditional enclosed carriers, and even air freight shipping involve loading your vehicle with other cars.
If you want a VIP treatment for your car, single car enclosed transport is a reliable option. The speed of your delivery will increase slightly, considering the driver won't have to deal with dropping off other vehicles.
While the idea of isolating and transporting your car is appealing, these services are more challenging to reserve due to the lower demand. If you're interested in single-car enclosed transport, try inquiring months ahead of your ideal transport date for a higher chance of being able to book your route.
How Much Does Enclosed Auto Transport Cost?
Your price for enclosed auto transport will depend on your vehicle's route, the vehicle's model, the car's condition, and your booking flexibility.
Keep in mind that costs for long-distance trips will be lower per mile, but higher overall. The vehicle's make and model will help the transport company know how much the car weighs, as the more your vehicle weighs, the more it'll cost to transport.
Condition matters since it's easier to transport a vehicle that's working. An example highlighting the importance of condition is a non-functioning car not being able to accelerate up the inclined ramps of an open carrier.
Where Do I Go for an Enclosed Auto Transport Quote?
Requesting an instant quote from A-1 Auto Transport is a reliable way to receive a cost estimate for shipping your vehicle. A-1 Auto Transport can provide enclosed transport services with valuable perks that include real-time satellite tracking.
When looking to transport your vehicle, enclosed auto shipping is a safe bet.