The auto transport industry depends on its freight to ship cars from one area to a new location. These can be new inventory autos for a dealership or manufacturer, private owners relocating or making a vehicle purchase or sale, or active military transferring across the country. 

In any scenario, the vehicles can be transported in an open-air carrier or via enclosed container with pros and cons associated with each method. The most commonly used hauler is open-air since these are more readily available and affordable. 

More people favor the enclosed container despite the higher price due to the added layer of protection it offers, the potential for extra insurance coverage, and the overall premium service for the cost.   

The container is entirely closed in with no exposure to the outside, meaning no one will have access to the cars except the driver. The vehicles will be secure from pests, weather and road hazards and will be secured in place if there’s an incident or accident minimizing the potential for damage.   

Why An Enclosed Carrier Makes Sense for Car Shipping Services 

With an enclosed auto transport company cars are transported via closed carriers instead of open-air haulers. This premium service adds safety and security, protection from outside elements, vandalism, thieves, and loss, and the possibility of extra insurance coverage. 

Nowadays, people expect companies to deliver a certain standard by accommodating needs swiftly in every industry, including car transport. The car owner wants the vehicle to arrive quickly, albeit safely, efficiently, and within a specific budget. 

Enclosed transport is a premium service, meaning it comes at a higher price point compared to the standard open-air carrier, but the benefits outweigh the extra investment; it checks all the other boxes.  

The car’s safety is prioritized, with drivers trained explicitly in defensive driving to be able to handle hazards presented on the roadways.  

When comparing car shipping services for enclosed auto transport, the process involves requesting a quote from the carrier to ensure the premium service falls within the constraints of your budget and that the delivery time frame will work with your schedule. Visit here for guidance on comparing haulers to find the right fit. 

The enclosed carriers are less accessible than the open-air haulers since they hold fewer vehicles. If this is your preferred transport method, booking well before your departure is important. Most car shipping services will only allow a four-week advanced booking. 

Anything longer than that runs the risk of too many potential fluctuations in pricing with the weather, season changes, traffic patterns, and on. The shortest notice companies request is no less than 24 hours, usually used with expedited or express services. 

This is a common combination with enclosed carriers. When a car owner has a sudden transfer, makes a car purchase and doesn’t want a delay, or is active military with immediate orders, the process needs to move quickly.  

With expedited transport pick-up and delivery dates are guaranteed where standard rules allow a “window” of a few days for pick-up and delivery. When the driver arrives to pick up the car, an inspection will be done, and the contract will be signed after review. 

Typically, enclosed auto transport means added insurance coverage. That will be something to question before signing the agreement. A suggestion is to always request the contract ahead of the pick-up date so it can be reviewed, questioned and explained before pick-up. This way there’s no delay for anyone. 

Once the contract is signed, the driver will load the vehicle using specialized equipment, secure it in place using straps, and head out on the path. The driver will supply contact details and also offer tracking information so the car can be followed through its journey. 

The driver will deliver the auto to your door or as close to it as possible depending on the location.  

If local ordinances or obstacles prevent direct delivery, the carrier will take the vehicle off the closest exit and find a nearby parking area in a strip mall or shopping mart where unloading and an inspection will be easiest.  

You and the driver will inspect the vehicle to compare it with the initial report to ensure no new damage occurred while in transit.  

If new damage exists it needs to be documented on the paperwork and reported to the carrier immediately so a claim can be filed with the insurance provider. These instances are relatively rare, particularly with enclosed haulers.  

Final Thought 

Enclosed haulers aren’t suited for everyone, but many find the option favorable despite the higher price point. The benefits for many car owners outweigh the cost. Learn the importance of insurance in car transport services at https://techbullion.com/the-importance-of-insurance-in-car-transport-services/. 

The shipping method checks the boxes that most people today expect of companies, including swift service with the greatest efficiency and safe delivery with the potential for extra insurance coverage. For a vehicle, you should expect nothing less.