October 10, 2024 Posted in Auto Transport
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

How Enclosed Auto Transport Protects Your Car During a Cross-Country Move

Moving your car across the country is no small task. Luckily, you can do more than just hope your car doesn’t show up covered in bug splatter, rock chips, or, worse, weather damage. Enclosed auto transport offers a shielded, secure journey for your vehicle, ensuring it’s treated like royalty from pickup to delivery. If you’re wondering whether closed carriers are worth it, let’s dive into how this service keeps your car safe, sound, and showroom-ready during a cross-country move.

Truck with an enclosed trailer overlay
Closed carriers are the best way to safeguard your vehicle during a move

Enclosed auto transport provides top-tier protection for your car during a cross-country relocation by shielding it from road debris, weather, and potential damage. This service is ideal for classic, high-value, or luxury cars, as well as for those who want peace of mind knowing their vehicle will arrive in pristine condition.

What Is an Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto shipping represents a specialized car shipping service where your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from external elements. Unlike open transport, where cars are exposed during transit, closed carriers have maximum protection. It guarantees your vehicle reaches its destination spotless and flawless, without a single scratch or mark from the long cross-country trek.

Why Choose Enclosed Car Transport for Your Cross-Country Move?

When you’re relocating to a new home and opting to ship a car cross-country, you’ll want only the best for your vehicle. Closed trailers offer that VIP treatment by providing a private ride for your vehicle, away from prying eyes and harsh weather. Imagine your car cruising in style, completely shielded from rainstorms, snow, and the beating sun. It’s like rolling out the red carpet for your prized possession – no leaves, dust, or water will touch it.

Closed trailers don’t just keep your car hidden. They are built to go the extra mile in physical protection. Unlike open carriers, where cars are exposed to the elements and potential hazards, closed trailers act as a fortress. They guard against accidental scratches, dents, and other mishaps that could happen when driving through crowded highways or narrow streets. Your vehicle is securely strapped in place, preventing any shifting or bumping, so it stays exactly where it should, safe and sound. It’s like having your car wrapped in bubble wrap but much classier!

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Enclosed Transport vs. Open Transport – Is the Price Worth It?

When moving cross-country, paying a bit more for closed carriers isn’t just about luxury – it’s about peace of mind. It can also help you reduce relocation costs by saving you from potential repairs for scratches or dings. By investing in enclosed auto transport, you’re not just buying protection – you’re buying sanity. And that’s priceless, right?

Breaking Down the Costs of Enclosed Car Shipping

So, what exactly are you paying for? While closed carriers are a more expensive way of transporting a car cross-country, there’s a good reason for it – it provides ultimate protection. However, the exact price for transporting cars from state to state will depend on:

  • Distance – cross-country trips naturally rack up the miles, and with each one, the price ticks upward,
  • Time of the year – if you plan to relocate in the summer, be prepared for higher prices, as this is the peak relocation season,
  • The vehicle model – more specifically, its size and weight,
  • Pickup and deliveryreliable auto transport companies often offer door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping.

By choosing the closed trailer, know that you’ll be investing in top-tier security that allows you to experience all the benefits of car shipping at its finest. When you think about it, you’re not just paying for transportation – you’re paying for a stress-free relocation experience.

Tesla car on the road overlay
Closed carriers keep your car safe from whatever the road tries to throw at it

What Happens Inside an Enclosed Trailer? The Science of Safety

Closed trailers are designed with precision, ensuring that your vehicle is securely strapped down, preventing any jostling during transit. Inside, it’s all about balance and stability. The expert engineering (and meticulous care cross-country movers provide) will keep your ride safe and sound throughout the journey. However, immobilization is not the only benefit this trailer type offers. If you decide to hire reliable movers, such as Cross Country Moving Company, and go with closed trailers, your precious vehicle will be protected from:

  • Exposure to weather – without a closed trailer, your car is at the mercy of the elements. Rain, snow, and even intense sun can cause damage to your vehicle’s exterior, leaving you with a faded or chipped paint job.
  • Road debris – flying rocks, dirt, and other road debris are no joke. They can leave behind scratches and dents, or even crack your windshield, leading to costly repairs and unnecessary headaches when you move to a new state.
  • Bug splatter and road grime – driving across the country means one thing – bugs. Lots of them. An open trailer leaves your car exposed to the bug splatter and grime that can bake into the paint during long trips. That, of course, leads to a serious cleanup job once it arrives.
  • Temperature changes – with a closed trailer, your car is protected from rapid temperature changes. This added layer of climate control ensures that everything from your paint job to your battery remains unaffected.

Who Benefits Most From Enclosed Auto Transport?

If you own a classic car, luxury ride, or exotic showpiece, then closed carriers are practically made for you. These vehicles aren’t just modes of transportation – they’re investments, symbols of prestige, and, in some cases, pieces of art on wheels.

Luxury car transport in closed trailers offers the kind of pampering that keeps your prized possession in showroom condition from start to finish. It’s a tailor-made solution for owners who value their vehicle’s flawless appearance and want to ensure it’s delivered in exactly the same condition it was picked up in. Whether it’s a vintage Ferrari or a custom-made Rolls-Royce, this is the service that says, “My car deserves nothing but the best.”

The costliest car in the world was sold for $142 million - a 1955 Mercedes-Benz

If You Simply Love Your Car, This One’s for You, Too

You don’t need to own a Lamborghini to want the best for your car. For everyday drivers who simply care about their vehicle’s well-being, closed carriers are an excellent choice. If you’ve spent time and money keeping your car in great shape, why risk it on a cross-country relocation?

Whether it’s a sentimental favorite or your trusty commuter car, this type of transport is for anyone who wants their vehicle to arrive at its destination without so much as a scratch or smudge. It’s about protecting what you care about, and if your car is something you cherish, then this option is worth every penny.

woman in car getting ready for long distance moving overlay
Love your car? Show it some extra care

How to Prepare Your Car for a Closed Carrier

Transporting your vehicle in a closed carrier is a great way to ensure it arrives at its destination safe and sound. However, preparation is key to making sure the process goes smoothly. When making a to-do list for vehicle shipping, make sure to:

Clean Your Car Inside and Out

Before your car is loaded onto the closed carrier, make sure to clean it thoroughly. This isn’t just to make it look nice! Cleaning helps you spot any existing scratches, dents, or other damage that might otherwise go unnoticed. Plus, a clean car means less dust or grime buildup during transportation, keeping it as fresh as possible when it arrives.

Take Photos for Documentation

Once your car is spotless, snap some photos from different angles. Make sure to capture the front, back, sides, and any close-ups of pre-existing damage. These photos will come in handy if you need to file a claim for any damages that might occur during transit, although the closed carrier minimizes that risk.

Remove All Personal Belongings

It might be tempting to treat your car like extra luggage and pack some of the household inventory into it. However, you should remove all personal items before shipping. Loose items can shift around during the trip, causing damage to the interior.

Empty the Gas Tank

You don’t need a full tank of gas for a cross-country move, so it’s best to leave it only about a quarter full. This reduces the weight of the car and minimizes any risk of leakage. The car only needs enough gas for loading and unloading, so keep it light.

Check Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels

Make sure your tires are properly inflated before shipping. Over/under-inflated tires represent some of the common car shipping mistakes. However, it can be problematic during the loading and unloading process. Also, double-check fluid levels like oil and coolant to ensure everything is in working order.

Disable Alarms and Anti-Theft Devices

There’s nothing worse than having your car’s alarm go off while it’s in transit. Disconnect a car alarm and anti-theft devices before shipping your vehicle to avoid unnecessary hassles.

Lock Your Car and Hand Over the Keys

Finally, once everything’s been checked and cleaned, make sure the car is locked for extra security. You’ll need to hand over a set of keys to the carrier you’ve chosen, so have those ready.

Is Enclosed Transport Right for You? Making the Final Call

When deciding whether shipping a car in an enclosed trailer is worth the extra investment, it all comes down to the value you place on your vehicle and peace of mind. If you’re shipping a high-value car, whether it’s a classic, luxury model, or a cherished family vehicle, the added protection is more than worth it. If you care about your car’s condition and long-term value, it is a no-brainer.

There’s something comforting about knowing your car is riding in first class while you handle the chaos that comes with organizing a relocation. Enclosed auto transport gives you that sweet combination of convenience and protection, so you can focus on everything else without worrying about what shape your car will be in when it arrives. Go ahead, treat your car the best – it deserves it, and you’ll thank yourself later.

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Closed carriers will ensure your car arrives as flawless as it left

Should You Consider Other Moving Services as Well?

When planning a move, it’s worth thinking about additional long-distance moving services that can make the entire process smoother. After all, if you’re going the extra mile to protect your car, why not extend that same level of care to the rest of your belongings? Many reliable cross-country moving companies offer comprehensive services, including professional packing, or, for example, climate-controlled storage options. They are perfect for ensuring your valuables are as well protected as your car.

Cross-country moving services can take a lot of relocation stress off your shoulders. Imagine not having to worry about packing fragile items or dealing with the heavy lifting! The more help you get from a long-distance moving company, the easier the move will get. This way, you can rest easy knowing everything, from your car to your couch, is receiving the best possible care during your cross-country relocation.

Finish Your Move the Right Way With Cross Country Moving Company

Opting for closed trailers is a smart way to ensure your car stays protected throughout your cross-country journey. Still, pairing this with other professional moving services will make your relocation even smoother, letting you settle in with less hassle. If you’re in need of reliable and reputable long-distance movers, Cross Country Moving Company is here to save the day. Contact us, book our cross-country moving service, and start (and end) your move with confidence!

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