Most of the people looking for auto transport services today find it confusing to choose between open and enclosed car shipping. Deciding between the two is one of the harder decisions during the entire car shipping process. Both are great choices and have their own pros and cons but regardless of what type of vehicle you are transporting, enclosed car transport may still be a better choice.
In enclosed auto shipping, vehicles to be transported are picked up and lifted into the enclosed trailer using hydraulic or power lift gates. These lift gates act as an elevator, keeping the vehicle horizontal during loading and unloading. Even in rough loading surfaces, tilting of the lift gates ensures secure and leveled loading.
An enclosed auto shipper is the ideal option for anyone who needs to ship a car of any value. A vehicle does not have to be luxurious, rare, classic or high-end to make the most of enclosed transport. However, oftentimes, majority of cars shipped through this type of shipping form are these types of cars.
If the cars are on open auto transport trailer, they are subjected to damaging elements such as extreme heat and cold, direct sun exposure, hail, rocks, etc. Everyone is aware that even a slight damage to a classic, rare or very expensive car can easily reduce its value greatly. As such, most people who have these cars choose to ship them in an enclosed trailer.
Unlike open transport where vehicles are at risk for damage from all sorts of elements, enclosed trucks keep the cars fully protected. Moreover, if a car is shipped via an enclosed trailer, it will be loaded and unloaded with utmost care by the driver in-charge. Another added advantage is that there are rarely more than 2 or 3 cars shipped at once inside the enclosed trailer, making crowding and its complications unlikely.
People who are in a hurry and want their car be delivered as soon as possible can use enclosed car transport. Unlike other types of car transport, your car may be delivered in a week or less. Other car transport providers even offer express delivery services combined with enclosed auto transport.
In addition, several auto shippers have their own securing mechanisms. Unlike open transport, the enclosed hauler is a lot smaller and cannot contain other vehicles. The enclosed trailer is typically built with a state-of-the-art safety harness to keep the vehicle from sliding or moving and becoming damaged.
Also, there are durable ropes to secure the car, preventing it from moving inside the truck while it is in motion. However, in open transport, the car is tied by two chains on the tires, designed to keep the cars stay still. Other carriers offer cloth overcoat to protect it from dust, dirt and other undesirable elements while inside the truck.
While all these advantages may be pleasing to hear, enclosed auto transport does not come cheap. In fact, transporting a car via enclosed trailer may cost at least more than 50% compared to the shipping fee of the same vehicle in an open transport. Still, for those who can’t allow a minor paint chip on their car due to its value, enclosed car transport may be the only practical option.
Due to the extra payment for the service, it is recommended to get 2-3 auto shipping quotes to make sure you’ll get the best deal. Before you decide, check what exactly is provided by having your car travel in an enclosed transport. As stated earlier, any car can be transported via enclosed auto transport provided you are willing to pay additional for the service.