When it comes to shipping your vehicle across long distances, whether due to a move, purchase, or selling, the method you choose for transportation can significantly impact the safety and condition of your car upon arrival. One of the safest options available in the auto transport industry is safe enclosed auto transport. This method provides extra protection against weather, road debris, and potential damage compared to open transport. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of safe enclosed auto transport, its benefits, the types of vehicles that benefit most from it, and what to expect during the process.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport refers to a transportation service where vehicles are shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer. These trailers are equipped with walls, a roof, and sometimes even a floor covering, providing protection from the elements and road hazards. Unlike open auto transport, which exposes vehicles to environmental factors and the risk of damage from road debris, enclosed transport ensures that your vehicle remains shielded throughout the journey.
Benefits of Safe Enclosed Auto Transport
1. Maximum Protection
The primary benefit of choosing enclosed auto transport is the safety and protection it offers for your vehicle. When vehicles are transported in open trailers, they are vulnerable to a range of threats, such as rocks, dirt, insects, and unpredictable weather conditions, including rain, snow, and hail. In contrast, an enclosed transport system protects against all these risks, keeping your car secure in a fully covered and sheltered environment.
For luxury, classic, exotic, or high-end sports cars, which may have delicate finishes or valuable components, the extra protection provided by an enclosed transport trailer is invaluable. These vehicles are not only expensive but often irreplaceable, making it essential to ensure they are handled with the utmost care.
2. Better for High-Value and Antique Vehicles
Enclosed auto transport is the ideal option for high-value, luxury, vintage, or antique cars. Many of these vehicles have a significant monetary or sentimental value, so it’s crucial to ensure they arrive at their destination in the same condition they were in when they were loaded onto the truck. The added protection against weather and debris reduces the risk of scratches, dents, and exposure to harmful UV rays that could cause fading over time.
3. Discretion and Privacy
Another key advantage of enclosed auto transport is privacy. Vehicles being shipped in enclosed trailers are not exposed to the public eye, which reduces the likelihood of theft or vandalism during the transportation process. If you're transporting a luxury car or a valuable collectible, the discretion offered by an enclosed service ensures that unwanted attention is minimized.
4. Better for Long-Distance Travel
When shipping a vehicle over a long distance, particularly across various climates or terrain types, it’s wise to choose a safe method of transport like enclosed auto transport. With enclosed shipping, your car is shielded from harsh weather, such as extreme heat, rain, snow, or hail. Additionally, your vehicle will be protected from dust, dirt, and road debris that may be encountered on the journey, preserving the car’s aesthetic and mechanical integrity.
Types of Enclosed Auto Transport Trailers
Enclosed auto transport comes in different configurations, and it’s important to know which type is best suited for your needs. Below are the two main types of enclosed transport trailers:
1. Hard-Sided Trailers
Hard-sided trailers are the most common form of enclosed transport. They feature solid metal or aluminum walls and a roof, providing a secure and durable environment for the vehicle. These trailers are ideal for long-distance transport and offer complete protection from the elements. In addition to offering protection from rain and wind, the solid walls also help prevent damage from road debris.
2. Soft-Sided Trailers
Soft-sided trailers, also known as "curtain side" trailers, have fabric walls that can be drawn back for easy access. While they offer a degree of protection, they are less secure than hard-sided trailers. They’re often used for larger shipments of multiple vehicles, and they may be better suited for less valuable cars or when flexibility in the loading process is required. However, for vehicles requiring maximum protection, hard-sided trailers are generally the preferred option.
Who Should Choose Enclosed Auto Transport?
1. Luxury Car Owners
Owners of luxury vehicles, such as high-end sedans, sports cars, and exotic models, often opt for enclosed auto transport due to the inherent value of their cars. These cars are made with precision engineering, expensive materials, and unique finishes that require extra care during transport. With enclosed transport, the risk of damage during transit is minimized, ensuring that your luxury car is delivered in pristine condition.
2. Classic Car Enthusiasts
Classic cars have both monetary and historical value, making them irreplaceable. For enthusiasts, these vehicles are more than just transportation—they are investments and works of art. Enclosed auto transport ensures these cars are delivered with the utmost care, reducing the risk of scratches, dents, and fading from exposure to the elements.
3. Customers Shipping Rare or Custom Vehicles
Custom-built vehicles, rare collectibles, or modified cars with special paint jobs or aftermarket parts are at risk of damage during transport, especially if shipped on an open trailer. Enclosed transport provides an extra layer of protection to ensure that these special cars arrive safely.
4. Individuals Moving Across States or Countries
When moving across long distances, especially in extreme weather conditions or rough terrain, enclosed auto transport offers peace of mind. Whether you're relocating your vehicle across the country or shipping it overseas, the additional protection of enclosed transport makes the journey smoother and less stressful.
How Safe is Enclosed Auto Transport?
While no transportation method can guarantee 100% safety, enclosed auto transport is widely regarded as one of the safest options available. Professional auto transport companies use well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers to ensure the security of your car during the transport process. They also use specialized equipment to load and unload vehicles without causing damage.
Moreover, many transport companies offer additional insurance coverage for enclosed auto transport, which can further enhance the safety of your vehicle during the journey. However, it’s important to review the insurance policies and choose a provider that offers adequate coverage for your specific vehicle.
What to Expect During the Process
-
Booking the Service: The first step is to contact an auto transport company and request a quote for enclosed auto transport. Be ready to provide details about the vehicle's make, model, and condition, as well as the pickup and delivery locations.
-
Vehicle Inspection: Before loading your car onto the trailer, the driver will inspect it for any pre-existing damage and document the condition. This is important for both you and the transport company to ensure that no new damage occurs during transport.
-
Transportation and Delivery: During the journey, your vehicle will be safely transported in an enclosed trailer. Upon arrival, a final inspection will be conducted to ensure the vehicle has arrived in the same condition as it was before shipment.
Conclusion
Safe enclosed auto transport is an excellent choice for anyone looking to ship a vehicle with extra care. Whether you own a luxury, classic, or custom-built car, the added protection, privacy, and peace of mind provided by enclosed trailers make it the ideal transport option. Though it may cost more than open transport, the benefits far outweigh the risks, especially when your vehicle’s safety and condition are of paramount importance. If you’re looking to ensure that your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in, consider opting for safe enclosed auto transport.
