By Prime Star 
Transportation of vehicles is a broad field, each characterised by a specific means of conveyance. However, they do not all provide the same level of protection during transit. Open transport is the most economical and is the method of choice when customers see trucks and trailers carrying multiple vehicles on the road. This method of transporting vehicles is most suitable for standard production models. However, there are a few situations when open transport is not enough. For the transportation of a rare, high-value, or fragile automobile, enclosed transport is a must. This method of transport guarantees peace of mind because a vehicle is protected from the elements, road debris, and rough drives.
In this article, we will examine instances when open transport is insufficient, the reasons and circumstances surrounding the need for enclosed transport, and why this service is particularly valuable when transporting luxury automobiles. This knowledge equips a collector, a buyer, or a person needing to ship a vehicle across state borders to effectively choose the service best suited to their needs.
What Does Enclosed Car Transport Mean?
Enclosed transport is a premium vehicle transport option where customers have their vehicle placed inside a fully enclosed trailer. Vehicles placed inside these fully enclosed trailers are shielded from rain, snow, sunlight, heat, dust, road debris, and other external environmental factors. Enclosed trailers also typically have climate control, lift gates for safe, low-impact loading, and other things like straps or covers to make sure the car is not moved or scratched during the transport.
In enclosed trailers, there are usually a lower number of cars than there are on open transport trailers, meaning each is given a little more attention and a little more care. For these customers, this is the more expensive option because of the higher attention and care, but it’s also worth it.
Why Open Transport Doesn’t Provide Enough Protection
Open transport is the most popular option because of the lower cost and affordability. It is also the most widely available transport option on the market. While open transport also has its benefits, it also lacks many protective factors. Vehicles placed in open transport have no cover on any side of the trailer, meaning dust, bugs, and other environmental factors can easily make contact and cling to the exterior. Vehicles are also subject to the direct impact of road debris, and in winter months, the vehicle being transported can easily become covered in snow or road salt. Additionally, for long transport distances, the vehicle can be exposed to high wind, direct sunlight, and other unpredictable weather. For vehicles that are not highly valued or special, this is usually an acceptable risk. However, for more expensive vehicles, any exposure during transport can be damaging and may even decrease the vehicle’s overall market value.
- This is the part where enclosed transport comes into play.
- Circumstances that call for enclosed shipping
- Situations where open transport is not appropriate are easily identified. Below are the most common examples where closed shipping is highly recommended.
- The transportation of luxuriant, exotic, or top-tier cars
More attention and care are necessary for these vehicles owing to their exquisite finishes and higher value. Paint and carbon fiber protective films, as well as custom bodywork, are easily compromised when left exposed.
Examples include:
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, and new high-end luxury SUVs and sedans
Certain new models of these vehicles contain specialty paint, and the electronics, as well as the interiors, are highly sensitive and require optimal protection at all times. With Luxury Car Transport, enclosed shipping is guaranteed to protect the car and protect it from road salt and corrosion, and road paint chips.
The shipping of vintage, classic, or collectible vehicles.
There is often historical or sentimental value that accompanies classic vehicles. Many of these older models come with intricate pieces that cannot withstand extreme road conditions or humidity.
A classic car’s value is often compromised by corrosion, oxidation of paint, or small external surface damage that is external. For seamless transport, collectors and museums almost always settle for enclosed transport.
● Recently Purchased or Sold Motor Vehicles that Need to be in Showroom Condition.
When a vehicle is destined for a dealership or customer, it needs to be inspection-ready. When a vehicle is being transported in open trailers, dust and elements can become a negative first impression.
Dealerships and auction vehicles, including collector platforms, usually require enclosed transportation. A good enclosed transport company always gets the vehicle as close to showroom-ready as possible.
● Transporting Vehicles to Shows, Exhibitions, or Sponsored Events.
Vehicles for auto exhibitions and car shows need to be in perfect condition. A tiny scratch can be a large detriment to the presentation quality. Impacts in marketing photo quality can hurt prestige and overall presentation.
Enclosed transportation for vehicles completely removes the risk of any blemishes. Drivers who take part in rally events or race days also decide to use enclosed trailers for transport to avoid any dirt, extreme temperatures, or mechanical contamination.
● Long-Distance Transport Over Numerous States
If you are thinking about how to ship a car to another state, distance considerations are critical. Open transport methods might leave a vehicle vulnerable to a range of varying temperatures and weather patterns while traveling across the entire country. The following effects can be experienced when making a trip across regions with a vehicle sheltered in:
- Range of temperatures
- paint fading
- cracking of leather
- electronic malfunctioning
- moisture damage
Climate-controlled and specifically designed for long-distance travel, enclosed trailers stave off the additional damage that can result from long-distance travel, addressing a form of vehicle depreciation.
● Transporting Vehicles with Sensitive Battery Technology
High-end electric and hybrid vehicles, such as those produced by Tesla and Lucid, are equipped with powered batteries that can lose performance potential in extremely high or low temperatures. Open transport conditions can therefore be damaging to batteries during transport.
Trailers specifically designed to enclose are perfect for shielding electric vehicles from extremes of temperature, additionally resulting in diminished damage from vibration caused by the road.
● Sensitive Situations Requiring Discretion
Anonymity is the preference of some owners, whether they own a celebrity vehicle, a prototype vehicle, or an unreleased show vehicle. Open transport, where vehicles are at the mercy of the public. Stray from public interest, eyes, and potential theft by choosing enclosed transport.
Some Key Advantages Of Enclosed Transport
There are several key benefits to selecting enclosed transport services, such as:
- Protection against rain, snow, hail, wind, and UV rays
- Protection from flying rocks, bugs, and road dirt
- Enclosed, climate-controlled space
- Privacy and reduced risk of theft
- Safe padding and lift gate access for easy loading
- Less volume, as this service puts fewer cars on each trailer
Car transport services in Delta, CO, are particularly beneficial when any and all potential damage to the vehicle(s) being transported is unacceptable.
How To Select An Enclosed Transport Vehicle Shipment Provider
The right transport service provider is of utmost importance. It is advisable to review the following criteria when selecting a transport service provider:
- Does the transport service provider have a focus on Luxury Car Transport?
- What level of insurance coverage is provided during the shipping process?
- What is their level of experience shipping high-value vehicles?
- Does the provider use climate-controlled trailers?
- What are their customer reviews and testimonials?
- Do they offer reasonable rates and guaranteed timelines?
These guidelines will help ensure the process is seamless and the vehicle is handled with care.
Cost Considerations Of Enclosed Transport
There are a number of reasons why enclosed transport will typically be 30%-60% more expensive. Some of these reasons include:
- Less volume, as they have fewer vehicles per trailer (4-6 instead of 8-10).
- More expensive equipment and premium safety features
- More expensive, as well-trained, drivers who specialize in luxury and rare cars.
- More costly to implement climate control and advanced protective systems.
Especially in the transport of rare and high-value assets valued in the 6 to 7-figure range, the potential costs will quickly be justified for the value in risk mitigation.
Conclusions
Open transport is fine for most types of vehicles, but it won’t do for high-value or fragile ones. Enclosed shipping is, without doubt, the wisest and most secure option for the size and condition of vehicles. It fully protects the vehicle and keeps it in good condition, in addition to providing peace of mind during transportation.
If you are wondering how to ship a car to another continent, keep in mind that the scope and exposure to climate will be the main threats. Choosing enclosed shipping gives your vehicle extra protection that will preserve its value and eliminate unnecessary wear.
For the best remaining care of the vehicle, the option of enclosed transport offered by a professional car shipper is a must. Your vehicle is not just a means of transport; it is a value. Enclosed transport guarantees that your vehicle will be discharged in the same condition as it was received.