Why do enclosed carriers cost more than open ones?
People call me every day asking the same thing. They want to know why a spot on an enclosed trailer costs significantly more than an open one. Look. You get what you pay for in this business. My job at AMG Transport Co. is to make sure you don't get ripped off. But I also won't lie to you. Quality costs money.
If you are looking at enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, you are paying for more than just a roof. You are paying for specialized equipment and higher cargo insurance. Most people see a truck and think it is simple. It is not. The roads are a dangerous place. Carriers deal with debris, weather, and bad drivers. They rely on us to filter out the noise so they can focus on the drive.
The Equipment Realities
Open car carrier transport cost is lower because those trailers are lighter and hold more cars. A standard open trailer carries seven to ten vehicles. They are exposed to the elements. Rain. Hail. Rocks. It is fine for your daily driver. It is how most cars move across the country.
Enclosed trailers are heavy. They usually only carry two to six cars. Because they carry fewer vehicles, each spot has to cover more of the fuel and maintenance costs. These trailers often have lift-gates. A lift-gate keeps the car level during loading. This is vital for low-clearance vehicles. If you try to put a low-profile exotic on a standard ramp, you will rip the front end off. That is a bad day for everyone.
Insurance and Liability
A major factor in what affects car shipping cost per mile is the insurance. Most open carriers carry about $100,000 to $250,000 in cargo insurance. That sounds like a lot until you put six high-end SUVs on the back. Enclosed carriers often carry $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more. They have to. One rock chip on a custom paint job can cost thousands to fix.
At AMG Transport Co., we only work with vetted insured carriers. We check their credentials. We verify their safety records. If a carrier does not meet our standards, they do not touch your car. We act as a buffer to keep rates reasonable while ensuring the people behind the wheel are professionals.
Quick Comparison: Open vs. Enclosed
| Factor | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Capacity | 7-10 Vehicles | 2-6 Vehicles |
| Exposure | Weather & Road Debris | Fully Protected |
| Equipment | Standard Ramps | Lift-gates / Low-decks |
| Cost | Lower | 40% to 60% Higher |
| Best For | Daily Drivers / SUVs | Luxury, Classic, Exotic |
Why You Need a Broker
You might think you can just call a carrier directly. Good luck. Most carriers do not want to talk to you. They do not have sales teams. They do not have fancy websites. They have trucks to maintain and miles to cover. Carriers hate the paperwork. They hate the scheduling headaches. They especially hate when customers do not pay on time.
We do the technical work. We handle the frontend sales. We manage the coordination. We run the backend systems. More importantly, we provide the customer experience carriers simply cannot provide. We are the guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. There are plenty of scammers out there who will take your money and never show up.
When we book your luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open, we use VIN scans to ensure the right car is being moved. We use Stripe for secure deposits. We give you honest quotes. Not the lowest price that will get your car stuck in a garage for weeks. We give you the price that actually gets the job done within our 72-hour pickup windows.
Shipping Specific Routes
If you are relocating to Florida and need to ship a car from Texas, the weather is a factor. Sun and salt air matter. If you are doing a cross-country car transport from coast to coast, your car will be on the road for a week or more. That is a lot of time for something to go wrong on an open trailer.
When you ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, you are crossing deserts and mountains. Debris is inevitable. For a standard sedan, an open trailer is fine. But for classic car transport enclosed carrier is the only logical choice. You are paying for peace of mind. You are paying to ensure the car arrives in the exact same condition it left in.
The Cost of Doing Business Right
It will never be cheap to get the job done right. If a quote looks too good to be true, it is. Some brokers will lowball you just to get your signature. Then they realize no carrier will take the job for that price. Your car sits. You get frustrated. Eventually, they ask for more money.
We do not play those games. We know the market rates. We have relationships with the carriers. They know if they work with AMG, they are getting a vetted client and a fair deal. In return, they take better care of our people.
Conclusion
Enclosed transport costs more because it is a premium service. It involves more risk for the driver and higher overhead for the equipment. If you value your vehicle, do not cut corners. Work with an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We manage the logistics so you do not have to. We are the buffer between you and the harsh realities of the trucking industry.
Ready to get your car moved without the headache? Get a quote from the pros who know both sides of the business.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.