When comparing different ways to move a car, people frequently ask a question that goes like this: “Is it that the price for an enclosed trailer is higher?” Usually one can answer this question in a single word – yes. Basically, a shipment in an enclosed trailer will cost you more than in an open one. But the more important question is why the price difference exists and whether the extra cost is worth it for your vehicle. Enclosed trailer shipping provides the highest level of protection and is intended for a very small group of people – owners of luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles. Although it is a high-priced transport, the benefits are major. This guide helps you to understand the reasons why quotes are higher for enclosed trailers, what factors influence the price difference, and how to decide the best shipping method for your needs.
Why Enclosed Trailer Quotes Cost More
Enclosed auto transport is the most luxurious way of vehicle shipping. Open carriers that expose vehicles to the elements, while enclosed trailers protect cars from outside conditions. Due to this improved level of service, enclosed transport has higher operational costs and those costs increase the quotes.
These are the main reasons why enclosed trailer pricing is higher than open car shipping:
- Specialized Equipment and Limited Carrier Availability
- Enclosed trailers require advanced equipment, including:
- Hard-sided or soft-sided protective walls
- Hydraulic lift gates
- Climate-controlled interiors (in some cases)
- Heavy-duty suspension systems
These features are designed to transport valuable vehicles safely and smoothly.
Why This Raises Prices:
- Fewer enclosed carriers exist compared to open carriers
- Demand often exceeds supply
- Operators must invest significantly more into maintenance and equipment
Compared to open transport, enclosed auto shipping is a premium and specialized service with limited availability. This naturally raises the overall quote.
Enhanced Protection and Safety Features
Enclosed trailers provide significantly more protection than open carriers, offering:
- Full coverage from weather
- Shielding from road debris
- Reduced risk of damage
- Extra vehicle security
- Private and discreet transport
This extra protection is particularly important for:
- Luxury vehicles
- Classic cars
- Exotic cars
- Antique or collectible vehicles
- Custom vehicles
- Show cars
Enclosed transport provides better protection, so the prices are raised to correspond to the extra safety and security measures given.
Comparing open and enclosed shipping prices is made easy by a platform such as ShippingCarQuotes.com, where you can clearly see the price difference before making a reservation.
Lower Capacity Means Higher Cost Per Vehicle
Generally, an open carrier can transport 7–10 vehicles at one time, while an enclosed trailer is usually able to carry:
- 1–2 vehicles for single-car enclosed transport
- 3–6 vehicles for multi-car enclosed carriers
- Fewer vehicles per trip mean:
- Higher cost per vehicle
- More space required per car
- Increased operating cost for the carrier
The limited space is what directly affects the price of an enclosed trailer.
Higher Insurance Coverage Requirements
Compared to open carriers, enclosed transport carriers have increased insurance coverage since they transport more valuable vehicles.
Example:
- Open carrier insurance: $100,000–$250,000
- Enclosed carrier insurance: $500,000–$1,000,000+
Higher insurance premiums lead to higher shipping quotes. This extra coverage is aimed at owners of rare or costly vehicles and thus guarantees them total tranquility during the vehicle transport.
Greater Skill and Experience Required
Meanwhile, only a few drivers have the qualification to be able to operate enclosed carrier. These trailers are often equipped with:
- Specialized loading expertise
- Precision handling
- Skills for navigating tight spaces
- Experience with high-end vehicles
- Knowledge of climate control and hydraulic systems
Since a driver needs to be more skilled for an enclosed transport, carriers usually give a higher salary to these drivers—and such labor costs are one of the reasons for the final price to be higher.
Seasonal Demand Also Raises Enclosed Trailer Quotes
The need for enclosed shipping is very low during most of the year. However, it increases considerably during the following periods:
- Classic car shows
- Auto auctions
- Seasonal relocations
- Snowbird travel periods
- Holiday vehicle gifting
At such times of demand, the number of enveloped trailers for hire is very low, so the prices go up even more.
ShippingCarQuotes.com gives a possibility to customers to see the different prices of various carriers at any time of the year and thus to be sure that the pricing is done in a fair and transparent way.
When Is Enclosed Transport Worth the Higher Cost?
It is generally more expensive to ship via an enclosed method; however, it provides certain benefits that, in some cases, make it a wise decision.
Enclosed transport is recommended for:
- High-value vehicles ($50,000+)
- Newly restored classics
- Luxury cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus)
- Exotic brands (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati)
- Collectors’ vehicles
- Vehicles with low ground clearance
- Show cars requiring pristine arrival
Those car owners aiming at the highest level of safety and secrecy must go for the enclosed shipping only, even if the offers are more than double.
Cost Comparison: Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
While exact pricing varies, here is the typical difference:
Open Transport:
- $0.60–$1.00 per mile
- Most common
- More availability
- Budget-friendly
- Enclosed Transport:
- $1.00–$2.00+ per mile
- Premium safety and privacy
- Limited availability
- Higher insurance levels
This is the main reason why quotes for an enclosed trailer are almost always higher—clients are charged more for a top and most protected service.
How to Get the Best Enclosed Trailer Quotes
Enclosed moving costs can be kept at a reasonable level, and you will still be able to receive good offers if you employ the proper tactic.
✔ Compare multiple quotes
Use platforms like ShippingCarQuotes.com for accurate, side-by-side comparisons.
✔ Book in advance
Enclosed trailers fill fast, especially during peak seasons.
✔ Be flexible with dates
Adjusting the window in which your pickup can be made is one of the ways carriers can optimize their routes and thus offer better pricing.
✔ Choose major city pickup and delivery
Cutting out rural areas from the route reduces the distance of the trip and thus the money that is charged by the mile.
✔ Verify insurance and credentials
- Ensure the enclosed carrier is licensed, insured, and experienced.
- These steps help reduce costs without compromising quality.
Final Thoughts: Why Quotes Are Higher for Enclosed Trailers
So, are quotes higher for enclosed trailers? Yes—but with good reason. Enclosed transport offers the most benefits to the customer, such as the latest technology, skilled handling, more insurance coverage, limited carrier availability, and, as a result, a higher price.
However, if a customer is transporting a rare, valuable, luxury, or collector vehicle, then the additional cost gives him/her the absolute safety and peace of mind.
The use of a reliable comparison tool such as ShippingCarQuotes.com guarantees that you will get fair, honest, and competitive quotes for an enclosed trailer from reputable and carriers without spam, hidden fees, or misleading pricing.
If you are looking for the safest and most secure way to ship your vehicle, then enclosed transport is definitely worth the money.
