So you finally restored your beloved 1960s Mustang convertible. Looks gorgeous, right? But now you must ship your vintage ride to a big car show out of state. Driving it there risks road damage from debris, bad weather, and accidents. Open car haulers won’t cut it either – they fully expose vehicles during transport. Not ideal for a rare classic!
That’s why seasoned collectors use enclosed auto shipping. These trailers surround cars in padded, climate-controlled compartments. It’s like a protective bubble! Snug walls and roofs block dust, rain, hail, and sunlight that could hurt exterior paint or fade lovely original interiors. Gentle handling also keeps your classic’s alignment tight for confident cornering later.
Road elements could chip heritage body panels without exterior barriers or damage irreplaceable cracking seats over time. Enclosed shipping provides monitoring and cushy suspension instead, letting classics arrive showroom-ready. For vehicles with sentimental value or six-figure price tags, enclosed traversal treats them like museum pieces.
If you want your grandpa’s beloved vehicle returned pristinely, enclosed shipping has distinct benefits over open hauling. Read on to learn why seasoned collectors of valuables automobiles often select enclosures to prioritize their delicate investments, keep them road-ready, and breathe easier during transit.
The Need for Specialized Transport for Classic Cars
Specialized enclosed auto transporters understand classic car vulnerabilities well – making them the go-to service for savvy collectors transporting treasures cross-country. By cocooning classics in protective compartments, they shield what open carriers expose to perils. Let’s explore the critical benefits enclosed trailers offer over regular truck beds for safeguarding special vehicles!
#1. Climate Control
Trailer interiors bake under the summer sun without insulation or ventilation and freeze inside on frigid winter nights. Such extreme temperature swings can damage rubber seals, crack upholstery, warp metal, and, moreover, just a few days in transit. Climate-controlled enclosed trailers maintain mild 60-75 degree environments instead – ideal for classics!
#2. Vibration Reduction
Truck beds transmit and amplify every bump and rumble from the crumbling highway underneath. Prolonged shaking can misalign wheels or loosen fasteners on older classics unprepared for such jostling without extensive precautionary securing. Enclosed transporters use air suspension and padding to provide gentler ride quality over rough roads.
#3. UV Ray Protection
Harsh ultraviolet light gradually destabilizes paint, vinyl, and interior materials, left unshielded decade after decade. Enclosed trailers block sunlight completely, preventing premature fading, often apparent on classics shipped across southern states on open platforms. Keep that flawless patina!
#4. Debris Defense
From swirling tornado winds to crumbling Northern industrial zones, road trips subject vehicles to airborne rocks, sand, salts, and other debris that harm exteriors. Tightly sealed enclosed containers prevent contact, keeping bodywork immaculate.
#5. Door-to-Door Service
Loading off flatbeds risks paint scuffs and scratches even under ideal conditions. By contrast, some enclosed vehicle transport offer white glove delivery – using wheel lift equipment to delicately relocate vehicles door-to-door without drivers touching cars! Perfect for ultra-low production vehicles.
Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto shipping provides fully sealed barriers protecting what open carriers leave exposed on trailer beds. Let’s explore the critical benefits enclosed transport delivers!
#1. Escape the Elements
Open carriers provide zero shelter from rain, snow, or hail. Enclosed trailers fully seal vehicles away from exterior conditions with insulated walls and ceilings to avoid weather damage en route. Arizona collector Clint remarks, “My 1969 Charger’s flawless black lacquer finish glittered under show lights thanks to enclosed shipping warding off debris and precipitation alike – can’t risk oxidation!”
#2. Cushioned Ride Quality
Unlike flatbeds transmitting every highway bump directly into the chassis, enclosed transport utilizes thick padding and air suspension for gentle, cushioned handling. Vintage racer Valerie explains, “Trailers with foam barriers cosseted my temperamental Alfa Romeo limiting vibration which could have rattled loose carefully restored components otherwise.”
#3. Stabilized Environments
Without climate control, trailer interiors bake in the hot sun and freeze on frigid nights. Enclosed shipping maintains ideal 60-75F temperature and humidity regulation, preventing damage to finishes from extremes over multi-day journeys. Georgina said, “I nervously watched the weather reports fearing for my Austin-Healey’s cracked leather interior – but the enclosed trailer perfectly preserved it road-ready and period correct down to the knobs!”
#4. Total Sunlight Blockage
Harsh ultraviolet light gradually fades paint and upholstery left unshielded. Enclosed shipping provides total sunlight and UV ray protection, keeping vintage surfaces flawlessly vibrant. Car show promoter Troy explains, “Mercedes SLs shipped enclosed to our Concours arrived glowing; their perfect checkerboard leather shined flawlessly without sun damage thanks to UV barriers.”
#5. White Glove Services
Leading off flatbeds risks paint scuffs without supreme care. According to classic Porsche restorer Steve, some enclosed carriers use vehicle lifts and wheel pads tailored for delicate vehicle relocation. “Watching warehouse staff surgically extract my valuable 550 Spyder without touching body panels inspired confidence its flawless restoration paint stayed pristine between destinations.”
How Enclosed Auto Transport Works
Transporting your beloved ride across the country? Enclosed auto shipping seals your car, truck, or SUV safely inside a protected capsule as it journeys to its destination! It’s like a private taxi sheltering your vehicle inside a high-tech mobile vault. Let’s walk through how these magical transport trailers work so you can ride confidently inside.
First, you’ll schedule shipping with an enclosed carrier online or by phone. Enclosed trailers get preassigned custom routes transporting cars door-to-door, so you’ll book travel dates in advance. The magic happens once you select a pickup day that aligns with an efficient transit route!
An insured driver arrives with an advanced enclosed trailer – like a miniature aircraft hangar on wheels! State-of-the-art designs offer amenities like:
- Padded floors and walls prevent vehicle rubbing and buffer road vibrations
- Multi-camera systems let you monitor car position in real-time via apps
- Adjustable tie-down straps brace your vehicle securely in place
- High-power air conditioning regulates optimal road trip climate!
After photographs record the origin condition, the trailer swallows your vehicle completely through its rear robotic door! Screens track location and compartments report interior humidity and temp during travel so you ride confidently, knowing your automobile gets first-class care.
Several states later, the trailer backs up to your destination address as cameras guide precision parking. Hydraulic lift gates gently lower cars down using wheel lifts – no scrapes! After final photos, you’re reunited with your unique ride – snug as a bug through its safe, enclosed sojourn!
Choosing the Right Enclosed Auto Transport Service
Enclosed auto transport minimizes hazards by sealing vehicles securely inside protective trailers. But with countless carriers advertising perfect pictures, how do select services truly safeguard your baby best?
Follow these tips for choosing enclosed transporters to filter marketing hype:
- Confirm Fully Insured: Don’t assume – verify transporters carry adequate cargo insurance and higher liability limits covering vehicle value in case of accidents, damage, or theft. Enough coverage brings peace of mind should the unthinkable occur.
- Check Safety Certifications: Look for DOT and FMCSA-compliant carriers that are properly licensed and inspected annually per federal safety standards. These necessary verifications prove companies prioritize secure, accountable practices.
- Inquire about equipment details: Ask what trailers contain, from climate control, GPS tracking, and padding to security cameras. Top providers equip the latest tech monitoring freight and conditions for confident shipping.
- Request References: Quality enclosed transporters frequently partner with prestige dealers and auction houses. Seek third-party endorsements beyond website testimonials to help assess offerings.
- Validate Experience: Research business history length transporting similar high-end vehicles rather than merely years behind the wheel. Specialist experience matters in securing precious cargo safely.
- Confirm White Glove Services: For ultra-rare rides, request details on specialized concierge handling procedures and access to lift equipment, minimizing driver contact and ensuring flawless finishes.
Cost Considerations: Open Vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
The cost difference between enclosed and open auto transport can be significant. Open transport typically costs an average of $1.00 – $1.50 per mile, while enclosed trailers or containers range from $2.50 – $4.00 per mile.
For example, for a 500-mile transport trip, open auto transport may cost $500 – $750, while enclosed could run $1,250 – $2,000.
The higher cost of enclosed transport makes the most financial sense when shipping rare, high-value classic and antique vehicles. For instance, paying an extra $1,000 for enclosed transport to move a classic 1969 Ford Mustang worth $65,000 securely is reasonable protection for such an appreciated asset. Damaging such a collectible vehicle in transit could easily result in a value loss exceeding that transport premium. Additionally, specialty classic car insurance often necessitates enclosed transportation methods to maintain coverage.
So, the extra expenditure on enclosed auto shipping can be justified to protect a significant investment like a vintage muscle car, exotic European grand tourer, or antique roadster with irreplaceable pedigree. The specialized handling, climate control, security, and contingency protections endemic to enclosed trailers defend what makes these particular passion assets unique in the first place – original components, flawless finishes, and scarcity.
Conclusion
Shipping specialized vehicles like rare classics and vintage exotics needs special care. Open car haulers allow too many risks over thousands of miles – from weather-harming paint to road debris chipping glass. Valuable investments deserve better safeguards.
That’s why seasoned collectors use enclosed transport for cherished rides. Fully sealed metal trailers act like protective bubbles – blocking damage threats that open carriers permit. Enclosed shipping carefully cocoons classics away from dangers jeopardizing their specialness.
The enclosed barrier provides essential climate control, security cameras, padded braces, and other VIP protections missing on open truck beds. While more expensive upfront, it preserves what makes your passion unique – flawless finishes, sentimental memories, and significant auction values.
When seeking white glove handling for prized, rare rides, enclosed shipping finally offers the specialized transit classic investments deserve. Treat your automotive gem to the VIP experience!
Most Common Questions (PAA)
What makes enclosed auto transport the safest option for classic cars?
Enclosed shipping fully seals classic cars away from the weather, road debris, sunlight, and climate extremes that threaten conditions – cocooning them safely in protective compartments during transit for minimized risk.
How does the cost of enclosed auto transport compare to open transport?
Enclosed shipping averages 15-30% higher cost than open carriers per mile due to supplemental security features and specialty vehicle handling – but provides vital protections that justify the premium investment when transporting rare classic cars.
What should I look for in a quality enclosed auto transport service?
Look for adequate insurance coverage, safety compliance certifications, modern trailers with amenities like climate control and cameras, specialist experience transporting classics professionally, and client references from vintage collectors and specialty dealers transporting similar vehicles.
Can enclosed auto transport protect my classic car from weather damage?
Yes, fully enclosed metal and composite trailers seal out rain, snow, wind, sunlight, and temperature extremes that erode classic car conditions using insulated walls and climate control regulations.
How do I prepare my classic car for enclosed transportation?
Steps include:
- Documenting condition with dated photographs.
- Checking fluid levels and tire PSI.
- Gathering ownership paperwork for verification.
- Cleaning interior/exterior completely.
- Disconnecting loose accessories like toll transponders.
- Discussing battery cut-off switches with the transporter.
Are there any insurance benefits to using enclosed transport for classics?
Many classic car insurance policies mandate or provide premium discounts for using enclosed methods to continue physical damage coverage during transport when open shipping leaves assets exposed.
How long does enclosed shipping take for classic car transit?
Enclosed shipping transit times take 7-10 days for typical routes of 500-1,500 miles – similar to open schedules but at slower speeds and with added equipment precautions for vehicle integrity. Coast-to-coast may range 10-14 days.
What are the risks of not using enclosed transport for classic cars?
Without insulation and padding separating exteriors from trailer walls and other vehicles, classics risk abrasions, door dings, paint chips, and added vibration transmitted through frames from highway imperfections over thousands of unprotected miles.
Can enclosed transport accommodate all types of classic cars?
Enclosed trailers offer customizable padded braces, straps, wheel tracks, and compartment sizing, making it possible to transport everything from vintage roadsters to classic luxury sedans safely. Certain low-ground clearance exotics may require special equipment.
How can I track my classic car during enclosed transit?
Enclosed shipping trailers feature GPS locator tracking with companion smartphone apps for monitoring location and condition – some offer additional exterior and interior-mounted cameras, allowing total visibility, ensuring car integrity, and easing owner concerns during transit.
