Classic and Exotic Car Shipping in Enclosed Carriers

What makes enclosed transport different

An enclosed carrier is a hard-sided or soft-sided trailer that fully surrounds the vehicle. Compared with the open two-level haulers that move most cars in the United States, enclosed trailers typically:

• carry fewer vehicles, often one to six, so loading is less rushed;
• use hydraulic liftgates or long, low-angle ramps for cars with little ground clearance;
• secure the car by the wheels with soft straps rather than by the frame or suspension;
• keep the car out of weather, road spray, gravel and sight.

The trade-off is price and availability. Enclosed capacity is a small fraction of the national fleet, so pickup windows can be a little longer, and the quote is higher than open transport for the same route. Our open vs enclosed comparison covers when the extra cost is justified.

Vehicles this service is designed for

• Classic and antique cars, restored or original, including ones that do not run.
• Exotic and supercars with low front splitters and wide tires.
• Luxury sedans and grand tourers where paint condition matters.
• Show cars and concours entries traveling to events.
• Auction purchases from collector-car sales.
• Race cars and track cars, running or on rollers.

Questions to answer before you book

The more precisely the carrier knows what they are loading, the better the equipment match. Have these details ready:

1. Ground clearance. Approximate inches from the ground to the lowest point.
2. Running condition. Starts and drives, rolls and steers only, or neither.
3. Dimensions and weight if the car is unusually long, wide or heavy.
4. Modifications. Lowered suspension, wide body kits, splitters, roof racks.
5. Battery and fuel. Whether the battery holds a charge and roughly how much fuel is in the tank.
6. Value. Not for pricing, but so we can confirm the carrier’s cargo coverage limit is appropriate.

Documenting condition at pickup

The Bill of Lading inspection is the single most important part of shipping a valuable car. Before the driver arrives:

• Wash and dry the car so every chip, swirl and ding is visible.
• Photograph every panel, the wheels, the interior and the odometer, with timestamps.
• Walk the car with the driver and make sure every pre-existing mark is noted on the form.
• Keep a copy of the signed Bill of Lading.

At delivery, repeat the walk-around before signing, in daylight if at all possible. Anything new must be written on the Bill of Lading at that moment to support a claim. Our guide to insurance, the Bill of Lading and claims explains the process and the 24-hour reporting rule in our terms.

Insurance for high-value vehicles

Every carrier in our network must carry active cargo insurance, and we verify it before assignment. Policy limits differ from carrier to carrier, and a single very valuable car can approach the limit on some policies. If your car’s value is significant, tell us. We will confirm the coverage on the assigned carrier’s policy before pickup, and we recommend asking your own insurer whether your agreed-value policy applies while the car is in transit. Personal items left inside the car are never covered, so remove them.

Timing and flexibility

Enclosed carriers often run dedicated routes between collector-car hubs: Southern California, Arizona, Florida, the Northeast, Texas and the Midwest auction circuit. If your dates are flexible by a week or so, dispatch can usually place the car with a specialist already running that lane. For an event with a fixed date, ask about guaranteed pickup and build in buffer days.

How to get a quote

Start with the instant quote calculator and select enclosed transport, or call (208) 500-0400 if the car has unusual dimensions, does not run, or needs a liftgate. We will match the right equipment rather than the first available truck.