What enclosed transport is
An enclosed carrier is a fully walled trailer, usually carrying between one and six vehicles, that shields the cargo from weather, road debris, dust and view. Most enclosed trailers load with a hydraulic liftgate instead of ramps, which matters for low cars, and most use soft straps over the tires rather than chains on the frame. The driver typically handles fewer vehicles and spends more time on each one.
Vehicles that should ship enclosed
- Exotic and luxury cars. Anything where a rock chip is a four-figure repair.
- Classic and collector vehicles. Original paint, fresh restorations, show cars and anything irreplaceable.
- Low-clearance vehicles. Cars under about five inches of ground clearance can scrape on standard ramps; a liftgate solves it.
- Freshly protected finishes. New paint protection film, ceramic coatings and vinyl wraps are best kept out of the elements for the first weeks.
- Race cars and prototypes. Non-street-legal vehicles and anything that needs to stay out of sight.
- High-value EVs and performance trims. Carbon aero, large wheels and expensive paint make enclosed worth it for many owners.
Soft-sided versus hard-sided
Some carriers run soft-sided enclosed trailers with heavy canvas walls. They protect against debris and most weather at a lower price than a hard-sided trailer, and they are a reasonable middle option for a valuable daily driver. Hard-sided trailers offer full protection and are the standard for exotics and collector cars. Tell your coordinator which you prefer; the quote reflects the difference.
How enclosed shipping works
The process mirrors open transport: instant quote, carrier assignment, pickup inspection, transit, delivery inspection. The differences are in the details. Enclosed drivers often schedule tighter pickup windows because they carry fewer cars and plan routes around each one. They will ask about ground clearance, modifications and whether the vehicle runs. Many offer a more detailed condition report, including photos of wheels and underbody, and a cover for the car inside the trailer. Transit times are similar to open; pickup windows can be a day or two longer on less common lanes because there are fewer enclosed carriers on the road.
What enclosed transport costs
Expect roughly 40 to 60 percent more than open transport on the same route. A cross-country enclosed shipment for a standard-size vehicle commonly runs $1,800 to $2,800; regional runs of a few hundred miles start around $700. Single-car enclosed service, where your vehicle is the only one on the trailer, is available on request at a premium. The instant quote above compares open and enclosed for your exact route with one click.
Insurance and documentation
Enclosed carriers in Big Bear's network carry cargo insurance appropriate to the vehicles they haul, and your coordinator can provide the certificate on request before pickup. If your vehicle's value exceeds the carrier's per-vehicle coverage, we will tell you so you can arrange supplemental coverage through your own insurer. The bill of lading at pickup is the record any claim relies on, so take your own photos as well.