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Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed carrier transport is the ultimate protection for your vehicle. Your car is safely transported inside a fully enclosed trailer, helping shield it from weather, dust, and road debris. Premium, reliable, and stress-free “white glove” service.

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What is enclosed car shipping?

Enclosed car shipping is a method of vehicle transportation where the car is transported in an enclosed trailer during transit. This provides additional protection from weather elements and road debris during transportation. Enclosed car shipping is typically used for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require extra protection during transportation. While it is a more expensive option than open carrier car shipping, it provides additional security and peace of mind for owners who want to ensure their vehicle arrives at its destination in pristine condition.

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Enclosed Car Shipping

How Enclosed Car Shipping Works

Get a Quote & Book

Enter your pickup and delivery zip codes into our instant quote tool. Select your vehicle type and desired timeframe.

Carrier Assignment

We match your order with a vetted, fully insured enclosed carrier from our nationwide network who specializes in high-value vehicle transport.

Pickup & Delivery

The driver contacts you to schedule the pickup. They conduct a thorough inspection, load your vehicle securely into the enclosed trailer, and drive it to your destination. You get automated status updates along the way and sign off on delivery once it arrives.

Enclosed Car Shipping vs. Open Carrier

Enclosed Carrier

This is the “white glove” option. Your car is more protected from weather and road debris. Because enclosed trailers hold fewer cars and use specialized lift equipment, this premium service typically costs 30% to 50% more than open transport.

  • Weather Protection: Your vehicle is more protected from rain, snow, dust, and road debris.
  • Higher Cost: Because enclosed trailers hold fewer vehicles and offer specialized equipment, this service typically costs 30% to 50% more than open transport.
  • Best For: Classic cars, exotics, high-value luxury vehicles, or cars with low ground clearance.

Open Carrier

This is the budget-friendly, industry-standard option. Your vehicle is transported safely but remains exposed to the weather and road conditions—similar to driving it yourself. Because there are thousands of open carriers on the road, it is usually faster to book.

How Much Does Enclosed Shipping Cost?

Average Cost Per Mile (Standard Vehicle)
Distance Open Transport Enclosed Transport
1–500 miles $3.44/mile $3.57/mile
501–1,500 miles $1.16/mile $1.87/mile
1,500+ miles $0.69/mile $0.85/mile

Several factors determine the final cost of your car shipping service, including the type of vehicle you are shipping, your selected transport method, and your timeline.

Because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles and offer specialized protection, the cost per mile is higher than standard transport. To help you budget your upcoming move, we have compiled the average cost per mile to ship a standard-sized, operable vehicle.

(Note: These are baseline averages. For an exact, locked-in price tailored to your specific vehicle, use our Instant Quote Tool or call us at (800) 951-3352)

Customize Your Car Shipping Service

We know every car and every timeline is different. RunBuggyOne offers multiple services that seamlessly combine with enclosed carrier transport:

Door-to-Door Auto Transport

Best for: Everyone who values convenience.

The Details: We skip the terminals. Our carriers come directly to your specified address (or as close as legally and safely possible) to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

Open Carrier Car Shipping

Best for: Daily drivers, sedans, SUVs, and standard trucks.

The Details: If you decide you don’t need enclosed protection, open transport is the industry standard and the most cost-effective option.

Expedited Car Shipping

Best for: Last-minute moves, auto shows, or urgent deadlines.

The Details: In a rush? Expedited shipping prioritizes your vehicle for the fastest available pickup. While standard shipping might have a 1-5 day pickup window, expedited services aim for pickup within 24-48 hours.

Truck & Oversized Transport

Best for: Lifted trucks, duallys, Sprinter vans, and modified vehicles.

The Details: Not every vehicle fits in a standard enclosed hauler. If you have a larger vehicle or an oversized truck, we have specialized carriers with the equipment needed to handle the extra height, weight, and width safely.

The Advantages of Shipping with RunBuggyOne

We aren’t just a broker; we are a technology company that has revolutionized car shipping.

Verified Carriers

Every driver in our network undergoes rigorous background checks and insurance verification.

Automated Status Updates

 No more wondering where your car is. Our technology allows for transparency with our Tracking Portal throughout the shipment.

No Hidden Fees

The price you see is the price you pay. We don’t believe in bait-and-switch tactics.

Nationwide Coverage

From Miami to Seattle or Los Angeles to New York City, we cover every route in the 48 contiguous states.

Timing and Delivery: What to Expect

“How long will it take?” is the most common question we get. While exact transit times vary based on traffic and weather, here are general estimates for enclosed transport:

  • 0-500 Miles: 1 to 2 Days
  • 500-1,500 Miles: 3 to 5 Days
  • 1,500-2,500 Miles: 5 to 7 Days
  • 2,500+ Miles (Coast to Coast): 7 to 10 Days

(Note: These are transit times (time on the road) and do not include the time it takes for your order to be claimed by a transporter)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is enclosed car shipping more expensive?

Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles (usually 2 to 6, compared to 9 or 10 on an open carrier), meaning the cost of the trip is split among fewer customers. They also utilize highly specialized equipment, like hydraulic lift gates, to safely load low-clearance luxury and classic cars without damage.

Is my car insured during enclosed transport?

Yes. All RunBuggyOne carriers are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, which is crucial when transporting high-value vehicles. Additionally, RunBuggyOne provides a secondary layer of “contingent cargo insurance” for extra peace of mind.

Does the driver come to my exact address?

In most cases, yes. However, large enclosed transport trucks cannot always navigate narrow residential streets, cul-de-sacs, or areas with low-hanging trees. If your street is inaccessible, the driver will ask to meet you at a nearby large parking lot (like a supermarket or school) to safely load or unload your vehicle.

How do I pay for enclosed shipping?

With RunBuggyOne, you don’t pay a dime until we have successfully assigned a carrier to your order. We accept all major credit cards for a seamless, secure transaction.

Still Got Questions?

If you don’t see the answer to your car shipping question here, then please feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help make your car shipping experience stress-free.

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