What to Expect During Enclosed Auto Transport
When it comes to transporting high-value or classic vehicles, enclosed car transport is often the preferred choice. This shipping method offers the highest level of protection against the elements, road debris, and potential damage during transit. Whether you’re shipping a luxury car, a restored classic, or a high-performance vehicle, enclosed auto transport ensures that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.
In this article, we’ll explain what you can expect during enclosed car transport, the process involved, and how this secure shipping option provides peace of mind for vehicle owners.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Enclosed auto transport involves shipping a vehicle inside a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, dirt, debris, and potential damage that can occur during an open-air transport. This service is commonly used for luxury cars, exotic vehicles, classic cars, or any other high-value vehicles that require extra care and protection during the shipping process.
Unlike open car transport, where the vehicle is transported on an open carrier, enclosed car shipping offers a more secure, climate-controlled environment for vehicles during transit.
The Enclosed Auto Transport Process
Understanding the process of enclosed car transport can help set your expectations and ensure you’re fully prepared for the shipping experience. Here’s what typically happens during enclosed shipping:
1. Booking the Enclosed Auto Transport Service
The first step in the process is selecting a reputable transport company that specializes in enclosed car transport. When you reach out for a quote, be sure to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including its make, model, and any special handling requirements. The transport company will ask for the pick-up and delivery locations, desired timeline, and whether you need any additional services like expedited shipping or insurance coverage.
Once you’ve selected a company and agreed on the shipping details, they will confirm the date for pick-up and provide an estimate for the transport service.
2. Vehicle Pick-Up
On the scheduled day of transport, the enclosed auto transport company will send a specialized truck to pick up your vehicle. The driver will typically arrive in an enclosed carrier, which is designed to protect the vehicle during the journey.
What to Expect:
- The transport truck will be equipped with ramps and specialized equipment to load your vehicle carefully into the enclosed trailer.
- Before loading, the driver will inspect the vehicle, note its current condition, and take photos for documentation purposes. This is important for ensuring that any pre-existing damage is recorded before transport.
- If the vehicle has a low ground clearance, the transport driver will use special loading techniques to prevent damage.
3. Loading the Vehicle into the Enclosed Trailer
Once the driver has conducted a thorough inspection, the vehicle will be carefully loaded into the enclosed trailer. There are two main types of enclosed trailers used for car transport:
- Hard-sided trailers: These provide complete protection from the elements and are typically used for high-value or luxury vehicles.
- Soft-sided trailers: While not as common, these trailers provide some protection from weather and debris but are more flexible in design.
The vehicle will be securely fastened inside the trailer using soft straps or tie-downs, which prevent any movement during transit. This ensures that the vehicle remains in place throughout the journey and that there is no risk of scratching or damage.
4. During Transit
Once your vehicle is loaded and securely strapped down, it will begin its journey to the destination. Enclosed auto transport provides several advantages during transit:
- Protection from weather: Whether it’s rain, snow, or harsh sunlight, your vehicle will be shielded from the elements.
- Security: The vehicle is hidden from view inside the enclosed trailer, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism.
- Climate control: Some enclosed car shipping services offer climate-controlled trailers, which is especially important for vehicles with sensitive finishes, interiors, or electronics. This helps prevent issues like rust, warping, or cracking due to temperature fluctuations.
What to Expect:
- The transport company will provide updates during the journey. Some companies offer tracking services so you can monitor the progress of your vehicle’s shipment.
- The driver will typically take a direct route to ensure the fastest and safest delivery. However, long-distance shipments may involve multiple stops, especially if other vehicles are being transported.
5. Delivery at the Destination
When the transport company reaches the destination, they will notify you to schedule the delivery of your vehicle. Upon arrival, the driver will unload the vehicle from the enclosed trailer and conduct a final inspection to ensure the vehicle has arrived in the same condition it was in before shipping.
What to Expect:
- You or an authorized recipient should be present at the delivery location to inspect the vehicle upon arrival.
- The transport driver will go over the vehicle’s condition and compare it to the condition report taken at pick-up.
- If everything is in order, the vehicle will be handed over, and the shipping process will be complete.
Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed car shipping is an ideal choice for vehicles that require extra care, but it also offers a range of benefits for those shipping any type of car:
1. Protection from External Elements
With enclosed auto transport, your vehicle is shielded from weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail. It’s also protected from road debris, dust, and dirt that could cause scratches, chips, or other damage to the vehicle.
2. Security
The vehicle is completely hidden from view, significantly reducing the risk of theft or vandalism. This is especially important for high-value vehicles, which may be more desirable to thieves.
3. Safe Handling
The vehicles are carefully loaded and unloaded using specialized equipment, reducing the risk of scratches, dents, or mechanical damage during the shipping process.
4. Ideal for High-Value Cars
For owners of luxury vehicles, exotic cars, or restored classic cars, enclosed car transport offers the highest level of protection. Whether you’re shipping a sports car or a rare collectible, this method ensures that the vehicle arrives in the same pristine condition it was in before transport.
5. Climate Control (if applicable)
Some enclosed auto transport companies offer climate-controlled trailers, which can be essential for vehicles that are sensitive to temperature or humidity changes, such as vintage cars with leather interiors or vehicles with wooden trim.
Enclosed auto transport is the best option for anyone shipping a high-value vehicle, including luxury cars, exotic vehicles, and restored classic cars. The added protection, security, and care provided by enclosed car shipping ensures that your vehicle is safely transported, whether you’re shipping it across the country or to a nearby destination.
By understanding what to expect during the enclosed shipping process, you can make informed decisions about the level of protection your vehicle needs and ensure it reaches its destination safely and in excellent condition. If you’re shipping a valuable car, investing in enclosed auto transport is the most reliable way to safeguard your vehicle during its journey. If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars. See some different payment options like pay per card, Cardano and others.