Why Do Enclosed Carriers Cost 40% More Than Open?

Alright, let's talk brass tacks about car shipping. You’re looking to ship a car. You get a quote. Then you see it: an enclosed carrier option. It's often 40% higher, sometimes more. What gives? Is it just a luxury tax? Not exactly. I'm Mike, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co. I've seen enough trucks and enough paperwork to tell you the real reasons behind that jump.

What's the Big Deal with Enclosed Auto Transport?

First, let's nail down what an enclosed carrier is. Think of it like a mobile garage. Your vehicle is completely shielded from the elements. Wind, rain, road grime, hail, dust, curious onlookers. None of that touches your car.

An open car carrier transport, on the other hand, is just what it sounds like. Your vehicle is out in the open. It's exposed to whatever the road and weather throw at it. For most daily drivers, this isn't an issue. But for certain vehicles, it's a non-starter.

Protecting Your Investment: Luxury and Classic Cars

This is where enclosed auto transport for luxury cars shines. If you're shipping a classic car, an exotic, or a brand-new luxury vehicle, you're not just moving a car. You're moving an investment. You want classic car transport enclosed carrier. That extra protection keeps dust out of the paint. It prevents rock chips. It maintains that pristine condition.

Imagine shipping a high-end vehicle from Houston to Los Angeles. That's a long haul. A lot can happen on the road. Enclosed carriers mitigate those risks. This also applies to relocating to Florida from Texas with a prized possession. The peace of mind is worth something.

The Real Costs Behind Enclosed Shipping

It's not just about a roof. There are several practical reasons why enclosed carriers cost more.

1. Limited Capacity

Open carriers can typically haul 7 to 10 vehicles. Enclosed carriers? Most commonly transport 2 to 6 cars. Fewer cars per trip means each car bears a larger share of the operating costs. This is a big factor in how much does it cost to ship a car cross country.

2. Specialized Equipment & Maintenance

These aren't your average flatbeds. Enclosed trailers typically use hydraulic lift gates. These are essential for loading low-clearance vehicles quickly and safely. Think about a Ferrari or a custom hotrod. You can't just drive those up a steep ramp. This specialized equipment is expensive to buy. It's expensive to maintain. And when things break, parts aren't cheap.

3. Fewer Carriers, Less Competition

There are simply fewer enclosed carrier operators out there. It's a niche market. Less supply means higher demand for available spots. This affects what affects car shipping cost per mile. For specialized needs like luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open, your options are more limited.

4. Insurance & Liability

Shippers using enclosed trailers often carry higher insurance policies. Why? Because they're hauling higher-value cargo. They need to protect against any potential damage to those expensive vehicles. This overhead contributes to the overall price.

5. Demand for White-Glove Service

Enclosed transport often comes with a higher level of service. This could include things like soft straps, custom padding, or extra care during loading and unloading. Carriers know who uses these services. They expect meticulous handling. And that attention to detail costs money.

Open Carrier vs. Enclosed: Making the Call

So, open carrier car shipping pros & cons? Open is affordable, widely available, and suitable for most cars. Enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars and luxury vehicles are clear: ultimate protection, peace of mind, and specialized handling. If you're shipping a daily driver, standard sedan, or even an SUV, open transport is likely sufficient and more budget-friendly. For collectible cars, brand-new vehicles, or luxury models, enclosed transport is the smart choice. It protects your investment.

Why Use a Broker Like AMG Transport Co.?

Look, people couldn't work with most carriers if they wanted to. Most carriers don't want to deal directly with consumers. They're focused on the road, not sales calls or customer service issues. That's where AMG Transport Co. comes in. We’re an auto transport broker in Texas. We handle the front-end sales. We manage the coordinating. We run the backend systems. All the stuff carriers don't want to do.

Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we understand both sides of this business. We know the roads are a dangerous place. We know carriers have enough problems. They rely on us to solve the customer side of things.

Navigating the Industry's Challenges

This industry can be a minefield. Fraud is out there. Unreliable outfits exist. We act as a guiding light. We vet our carriers. We ensure they're insured. When you request a quote, we give honest quotes. No hidden fees. We understand how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. We are one.

We provide a stronger customer experience. We offer transparent practices: VIN scans at pickup, Stripe for secure deposits. We organize 72-hour pickup windows. We work to keep rates reasonable by maintaining strong relationships with our carrier network. We are the experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Whether it's nationwide vehicle shipping door to door or a single-car transport from Texas to California, we've got you covered.

We bridge the gap. We connect you with the right carrier, whether you need open or enclosed, for the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We save you time. We reduce your stress. And we make sure your car gets where it's going safely and efficiently. That's our job.

Need to ship your vehicle? Get a transparent quote from AMG Transport Co. today. We make it easy. Visit our quote page to start.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.