Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission if you employ the services of the car shipping providers outlined here. These commissions come to us at no additional cost to you. Our research team has carefully vetted dozens of car shipping providers. See our Privacy Policy to learn more.
The best enclosed car shipping companies in 2023 are Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and American Auto Transport.
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Our #1 Rated Provider
Montway
Best for Locked-In Pricing
Sherpa
Best for Affordable Services
Nexus
Crash Course:
- Those who are moving luxury vehicles and classic cars often pick enclosed transport.
- Enclosed auto transport keeps vehicles safe from road hazards and severe weather but can be expensive.
- Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and American Auto Shipping 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 American Auto Shipping. Our review team determined ratings for each of our top-ranked providers:
| Shipping Company | Overall Rating | Price Rating | Services Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.4 | 5.0 |
| American Auto Shipping | 4.6 | 4.4 | 5.0 |
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology below.
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- out of 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot from more than 1,100 customer reviews.
Further reading: Montway Auto Transport review
Our #1 Rated Provider
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, to Hawaii, and to international destinations.
SGT Auto Transport’s reputation for excellent customer service is reflected by its online reviews. The company has an A+ grade and a 4.7- out of 5.0-star rating from over 200 customers on the BBB site. SGT Auto Transport also carries a 4.8- out of 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot, with reviews mentioning easy and fast scheduling.
Highly Rated Provider
3. American Auto Shipping: Best Customer Service
American Auto Shipping offers locked-in pricing, which means that your instant quote won’t be increased due to additional fees or surcharges. The company ships to all 50 states as well as to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. Founded in 1999, American Auto Shipping boasts over 20 years of experience with the shipping process.
On the BBB website, American Auto Shipping has an A+ rating and receives 4.7 out of 5.0 stars from customers. The company also sees relatively strong reviews on Google, with a 4.6- out of 5.0-star rating.
Best Service Availability
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. These two measures ensure your vehicle will be safe and level for its entire journey, from pickup to delivery.
Enclosed Car Shipping Cost
Enclosed cost shipping costs between $0.85 and $1.45 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 | $0.85 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1.22 |
| uShip | $1.33 |
| AmeriFreight | $1.36 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1.39 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1.45 |
*The rates above are based on quotes our team received to ship a 2018 Nissan Rogue using an enclosed trailer.
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:
| Auto Transport Company | Quote |
|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,275 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,829 |
| uShip | $1,995 |
| AmeriFreight | $2,038 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $2,079 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $2,169 |
*The enclosed shipping quotes above are for a 2018 Nissan Rogue from San Francisco to Austin, Texas, around 1,500 miles.
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 |
Paying more for the additional protection offered by enclosed auto shipping may be worthwhile for owners of exotic cars, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and cars with low ground clearance.
Companies typically provide more insurance coverage for enclosed auto transport than open car shipping services. This affords even more peace of mind for owners of luxury cars and specialty vehicles.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
In addition to the potential drawbacks we mentioned above, enclosed shipping usually takes longer than open shipping. Open shipping is the least expensive method to ship a vehicle, but it leaves the car vulnerable to the weather, and it is common for a vehicle to arrive dirty.
How To Get Cheap Enclosed Car Shipping
There are a few simple ways to find cheap car shipping services:
- Comparing car shipping quotes online from multiple providers is the best place 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.
- You can save substantially when you book your shipping quote longer from your pick-up date. This is because it 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.
- Going with terminal-to-terminal shipping is another cost-effective strategy, as the convenience of door-to-door shipping comes with a higher cost. Door-to-door shipping requires you to be at the drop-off location when your vehicle arrives. However, with terminal-to-terminal shipping, you can pick up your car when it is most convenient.
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. As you learn the process of how to ship a car, you will notice a few factors that affect auto transport costs:
- 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 such as from Los Angeles to Florida 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.
Best Enclosed Auto Transport Companies: Conclusion
Many drivers find enclosed car shipping is the right choice for their needs. This is especially true of owners who need to ship a luxury car or a specialized type of vehicle. Motorists who compare auto transport quotes from various providers are likelier to find reasonable rates, even if they opt for enclosed auto transport.
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. 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.
- Prices: 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.
- Services: 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.
- Reputation: 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.
