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The best enclosed car shipping companies in 2024 are Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and Mercury Auto Transport.
Crash Course:
- Enclosed auto transport is recommended if you’re moving a luxury vehicle or classic car.
- Enclosed auto transport keeps vehicles safe from road hazards and severe weather but can be expensive.
- Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and Mercury Auto Transport are top choices for enclosed car shipping.
In this article, we’ll examine enclosed car shipping and estimate how much you can expect to pay for the added protection it brings. We’ve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies to help you make the right decision for your budget.
What Is Enclosed Car Transport?
Enclosed car transport involves shipping a car in an enclosed container rather than the more common open shipping method. Instead of having your vehicle shipped on an open carrier exposed to the elements, enclosed vehicle transport provides extra security against road hazards and bad weather conditions.
Top-Rated Enclosed Auto Transport Companies
The top-rated companies that offer enclosed car transport are Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and Mercury Auto Transport. Our review team determined ratings for each of our top-ranked providers:
| Shipping Company | Overall Rating | Affordability Rating | Customer Service Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Mercury Auto Transport | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Read more below about each of our top picks for enclosed auto transport companies.
1. Montway Auto Transport: Best Enclosed Auto Transport Service
Guaranteed pickup dates and a wide network of vetted shippers help Montway Auto Transport take top honors in the auto shipping industry. The company transports vehicles to all 50 states and to international locations, all while offering competitive rates.
Montway Auto Transport receives solid reviews on various online platforms. The company has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and holds a 4.6 rating out of 5.0 on Google reviews from over 15,000 customers.
Further reading: Montway Auto Transport review
The listings on this site may be from companies that compensate us, which could influence their placement and order. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
Best Service Options
2. SGT Auto Transport: Best Enclosed Shipping Options
SGT Auto Transport claims a high spot in our rankings due to its many vehicle shipping services. The company moves all kinds of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles to the 48 contiguous states plus Hawaii, and ships to international destinations as well.
SGT Auto Transport’s reputation for excellent customer service is reflected by its online reviews. The company has a B rating and a 4.6-star rating out of 5.0 from over 1,400 customers on the BBB site. SGT Auto Transport also carries a 4.5 rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot, with reviews mentioning easy and fast scheduling.
3. Mercury Auto Transport: Best Overall Auto Shipping
Mercury Auto Transport holds one of our highest overall ratings for auto shipping with 4.8 out 5 stars based on its affordability, customer service, and shipping options. Unlike Montway, Mercury offers terminal-to-terminal shipping, a cheaper alternative to door-to-door that involves picking your car up — usually from a warehouse — away from your home.
Mercury also adds the benefit of a few discounts for military members, students, and seniors. The company has accreditation and an A rating from the BBB with 4.7 out of 5.0 stars from 600+ customer reviews on that site. The company also has an impressive 4.9 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed car shipping carriers transport vehicles inside a trailer with walls and a roof. This protects the vehicle from road hazards and the elements. This type of transport is generally best for shipping valuable vehicles such as luxury and classic cars. Below we’ll go over the car shipping services and costs in more detail.
Enclosed Car Shipping Services
Enclosed car carriers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are designed for shipping two or three cars at a time, while others have two tiers and can accommodate five or more. You’ll also find oversize enclosed car trailers made for larger specialty vehicles.
Additionally, enclosed auto transport services often feature added protections such as hydraulic lift gates and ramps. Enclosed car shipping services are intended to ensure your vehicle will be safe and level for its entire journey, from pickup to delivery.
Enclosed Car Shipping Cost
Enclosed car shipping costs between $0.88 and $1.70 per mile. The average cost of enclosed car transport services is significantly higher than what you’ll pay for open carrier shipping.
Enclosed Car Shipping Rates
Below are some rate estimates our team received for enclosed auto shipping services:
| Car Shipping Company | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1.33 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1.10 |
| AmeriFreight | $1.15 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1.04 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1.28 |
Enclosed Car Shipping Quotes
We contacted a few enclosed auto transport companies for free quotes to better understand the potential total price for this shipping method. The following quotes are for an enclosed shipment of about 1,500 miles:
| Auto Transport Company | Quote |
|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $2,000 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,649 |
| AmeriFreight | $1,732 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,559 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,924 |
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth It?
If you want maximum protection and peace of mind when shipping a car, enclosed auto transport is the way to go. Although it’s more expensive than open auto transport, shipping in an enclosed hauler is ideal for owners of luxury vehicles, classic cars, sports cars, and other high-end automobiles.
While it offers enhanced protection for high-value cars, enclosed auto transport has some drawbacks.
Enclosed Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Here are a few pros and cons of shipping your vehicle in an enclosed trailer:
| Enclosed Auto Transport Pros | Enclosed Auto Transport Cons |
|---|---|
| Protection from road debris and bad weather | Pricier than open transport |
| Added security for high-end vehicles | Less fuel-efficient |
| Generous insurance policy limits | Harder to schedule |
If you’re shipping a high-end, luxury vehicle or classic car and want to be guaranteed maximum protection on the road, then enclosed shipping is your best option.
Additionally, companies typically provide more insurance coverage for enclosed auto transport than open car shipping services, which affords even more peace of mind.
On the other hand, enclosed car shipping costs more and takes longer than open transport. So if you simply need to get your vehicle from Point A to Point B as quickly and affordably as possible, then open shipping is likely the best option for you.
How To Get Cheap Enclosed Car Shipping
There are a few simple ways to find cheap car shipping services:
- Compare car shipping quotes online from multiple providers to start. Prices vary wildly from one auto transport company to the next, so we recommend getting at least three enclosed car shipping quotes before making any final decisions.
- Book your shipping quote far in advance of your desired pick-up date. This allows more carriers to submit bids for your job. We recommend booking your quote at least one month in advance for the most affordable prices.
- Choose terminal-to-terminal instead of door-to-door. Typically the farther your driver needs to travel to get to you, the more the shipment will cost. So, if possible, opt to drop off and pick up your car at the nearest terminal to save money.
Factors That Affect Enclosed Car Shipping Prices
Along with the type of transport you choose, there are other variables that determine how much you’ll pay for car shipping services. The following factors will all impact the cost of shipping a vehicle.
- Delivery time frame: If you have a flexible schedule and can avoid expedited shipping, you’ll pay far less overall.
- Vehicle size: Heavier vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs almost always cost more to ship than smaller cars.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are charged more because they require extra time and effort to load onto auto transport carriers.
- Time of year: Demand for car shipping services is typically highest in January and during the summer months, which means steeper rates.
- Shipping distance: Long-distance car shipments have lower per-mile rates but higher overall car shipping costs.
- Shipping method: Door-to-door transport, which involves delivery from one home address to another, is more expensive than using shipping terminals.
- Fuel costs: When the price of gas rises for carriers, transport costs also increase.
Best Enclosed Auto Transport Companies: Conclusion
Enclosed auto shipping is more expensive than open transport but could be worth the extra cost if you’re shipping a very expensive luxury or classic car. Enclosed shipping is also recommended when shipping vehicles that are larger or have a low ground clearance. Montway Auto Transport, SGT and Mercury Auto Transport all offer excellent service and affordable rates on enclosed auto shipping.
Enclosed Auto Transport Companies: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about enclosed auto transport.
Is enclosed car transport worth it?
Enclosed auto transport is worth it for drivers who want peace of mind when their car is being shipped. It’s also a good choice for those who are shipping specialty cars, luxury models, or race cars.
Is it better to ship a car open or enclosed?
The answer to this question depends on your budget and how much protection you think your vehicle needs. If you’re shipping an antique car, sports car, or any kind of exotic vehicle, enclosed auto transport offers extra protection against road hazards and bad weather.
How many cars can fit in an enclosed car hauler?
Enclosed car haulers can’t accommodate as many vehicles as open transport trailers, but they can still fit multiple cars at a time. Depending on how much you’re willing to pay, you can have your car shipped in an enclosed hauler that carries only two or three vehicles.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Shipping Options: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Operations: We take a close look at how each auto transport company operates, including how quickly vehicles get picked up, average transit times, insurance coverage options, and more.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
