Best Enclosed Car Shipping Companies (Updated Review)
Key highlights:
- We determined that Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and SGT Auto Transport are the top three best enclosed car shipping companies in 2024.
- Enclosed car shipping offers extra protection against road debris, severe weather, and vandalism.
- Enclosed car shipping costs around 50% more than open transport, on average.
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Enclosed auto transport is popular for providing more protection for your vehicle and additional insurance, giving you much-needed peace of mind during the shipping process.
Choosing the best-enclosed car shipping company for your move can be challenging. The moveBuddha team has thoroughly analyzed 4,4000 moving companies and determined which enclosed car shippers are the best in the industry.
Read on to see which of the providers below is best equipped to help with your vehicle transport needs.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best enclosed car shipping companies
Here’s our list of the best enclosed car shipping companies:
Best overall value: Montway Auto Transport
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Founded in 2006, Montway Auto Transport offers the best overall value. In addition to cars, Montway can also ship motorcycles, classic vehicles, and RVs. Montway operates as an auto transport broker, with more than 15,000 vetted nationwide carriers in its network.
It offers various value-added services, including GPS tracking, expedited pickup dates, additional insurance, and guaranteed delivery. You can get an instant quote online to compare options quickly.
Montway has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2007, with an A+ rating. Just keep in mind that Montway solely transports vehicles. If car shipping is just part of your overall moving process, you’ll need to make arrangements with a professional mover for your household items.
Pros and cons
- No upfront deposit is required
- Guaranteed pickup dates
- Low prices compared to other auto shippers
- Positive customer reviews
- Quotes expire in just one week
- $249 cancellation fee
Read our full Montway Auto Transport review
Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
rating
4.3 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
A veteran in the car-shipping industry, AmeriFreight Car Transport can ship cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and a wide range of vehicles to all 50 states, even to Hawaii. AmeriFreight is a more affordable choice than other car shipping companies due to its suite of discounts, with more discounts on offer than any of the other car shippers we scored.
AmeriFreight offers deals for military personnel, students, first responders, healthcare workers, and senior citizens, among other promotions. It also provides car shipping discounts for returning customers, shipments of multiple vehicles, and an early-bird discount.
With these markdowns and other flexible payment options, it makes sense that AmeriFreight Car Transport is one of the most cost-effective enclosed car shippers. It also has a sterling reputation, with an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB.
Pros and cons
- You can ship a variety of vehicles, including boats and RVs
- Nationwide availability
- A variety of discounts for military, seniors, returning customers, and more
- No online booking, requires you to call to schedule
- GPS tracking not available
- No international car-shipping options
Read our full Amerifreight review
Best for customizable service: SGT Auto Transport
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
SGT Auto Transport is a solid choice if you want to customize your enclosed car shipping experience. It offers a wide range of options for a streamlined auto shipping experience, including guaranteed pickup dates and express shipping.
Its personalized shipping advisors offer customizable quotes and services so you get exactly what you need. Additionally, SGT Auto Transport stands out for its 24/7 customer service availability, full coverage insurance included in all shipments, free cancellation for missed pickups, and lack of an upfront deposit.
The company has a B rating with the BBB, which is the lowest of all the companies we reviewed; however, it has a wealth of positive reviews online. Like Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport operates exclusively as a vehicle shipping company and provides no other moving services.
Pros and cons
- Full insurance coverage on every shipment
- Customizable quotes and service
- No upfront deposit and free cancellation
- 24/7 customer service
- No shipment tracking is available
- Lower BBB rating than competitors
Read our full SGT Auto Transport review
Best for international shipping: International Van Lines
rating
4.45 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
International Van Lines (IVL) is the way to go if you need enclosed auto transport services to transport your car to another country. It has a bigger international presence than any other car shipper we evaluated.
It offers door-to-door vehicle shipping, primarily using roll-on roll-off shipments for ocean transport. Depending on the ship, you may be able to park your vehicle under the deck for added protection against the elements.
As a full-service mover, International Van Lines can also help move the rest of your household goods alongside your vehicle. It also has an A+ from the BBB, lending to its reputation. IVL’s expansive coverage area, breadth of services, and excellent reputation earned it a spot on our list of the best moving companies.
Pros and cons
- Offers local, long-distance, and international moves in 200+ countries
- Roll-on roll-off service for international car shipments
- Bundled service discounts are available
- Not Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited
- Prices can be higher than other shippers
- Clunky and glitchy website with poor user experience, according to some customer reviews
Read our full International Van Lines review
Best for long-distance moves: North American Van Lines
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
If you’re planning a long-distance or cross-country move, North American Van Lines is worth considering. It’s also among our top picks for the best interstate moving companies, with a track record dating back to 1933 and a network of over 500 agents that can facilitate auto transportation and full-service moves, even to Hawaii and Alaska.
One thing that sets North American apart is its relatively speedy delivery times for long-distance moves. The typical time frame for a vehicle delivery is just three to seven days, compared to up to 12 days with other providers, and cross-country moves can often be completed in less than five days.
However, availability and quality of services can vary from agent to agent. Regardless, North American Van Lines has a positive reputation overall, with an A+ rating from the BBB and longstanding accreditation.
Pros and cons
- Satellite tracking of all shipments
- Background-checked workers
- Full-service moving company that also offers auto transportation
- Can help with local, long-distance, and international moves
- Storage availability can be limited, depending on the location
- Quality of movers can vary between agents
- Some customer complaints regarding a tedious claims process
Read our full North American Van Lines review
Best marketplace: uShip
rating
4.3 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose it
Looking for a different way to get enclosed auto shipping? With uShip, you can access a marketplace-style system where you describe your shipping needs and then receive bids from car transport service providers in your area.
When describing your needs, you can set the parameters for what you’re looking for (from enclosed shipping to a free car wash). The car haulers who submit bids have a verified review history on the platform, allowing you to compare your options and assess their reputations easily.
Of course, this means that quality varies by carrier. With no standard contract, you’ll need to do your research to find the right fit for your needs. uShip’s A+ BBB rating suggests that you can rely on the company to act ethically in its business practices and provide a legitimate car shipping experience.
Pros and cons
- Get instant quotes from several enclosed car carriers
- Ship any type of car
- You can manage your shipment from your mobile device
- Verified reviews make it easy to vet your options
- No standardized contracts between carriers
- No guarantee you’ll get competitive bids
Read our full uShip review
Compare the best enclosed car shipping companies
Still not sure who to use? Here’s a quick breakdown of the auto transport companies that came out on top in our vehicle shipping rankings.
| Company | Best For | Services | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | Overall value | Vehicle shipping | 4.5/5 | A+ | All 50 states |
| AmeriFreight | Discounts | Auto, RV, boat, and motorcycle transport | 4.3/5 | A- | All 50 states |
| SGT Auto Transport | Customizable service | Auto and motorcycle transport | 4.9/5 | B | 49 states (no Alaska service) |
| International Van Lines | International shipping | Full-service local, long-distance, and international moves (including auto transport) | 4.45/5 | A+ | All 50 states + 200 countries |
| North American Van Lines | Long-distance moves | Full-service local, long-distance, and international moves (including auto transport) | 4.5/5 | A+ | All 50 states + 130 countries |
| uShip | Marketplace | Online car shipping and moving marketplace | 4.3/5 | A+ | All 50 states (availability may vary) |
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Enclosed vs open auto shipping companies
The auto transport industry has two main options for transporting cars—open transport and enclosed trailers. Enclosed car shipping is different from open car shipping in terms of the level of protection it provides.
With enclosed car shipping, your car is transported with fewer vehicles in a completely enclosed trailer that protects it from the elements and other hazards.
An open carrier is generally more cost-effective, but there’s a greater risk of damage because your car is completely exposed to the elements.
Most auto shipping companies offer both open trailers and enclosed car trailers. It doesn’t hurt to compare quotes for both options.
How to select the best enclosed car shipping company
Even when companies seem similar, there are a few factors you can look at to compare your options and verify that you’re working with one of the best car shipping companies:
- Customer reviews: Customer satisfaction scores are always important to consider. Look for verified reviews on sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, Google, or Yelp to get a better idea of the pros and cons of each company.
- Car shipping quote: Most companies offer free car shipping quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable shippers to compare your options. Try to get a binding quote or guaranteed shipping price so you’re not surprised with extra fees later, and make sure your quote covers all of your shipping needs.
- Availability: It’s good to have some flexibility with your vehicle pick-up and drop-off dates. However, if a shipper’s availability is too far out from what you need, then you should probably look into an alternative.
- Experience: When possible, look for companies with more years of experience. Make sure your shipper is properly licensed with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carries sufficient insurance.
- Services: When you need an enclosed carrier, getting a quote from a company that only offers open transport won’t do much good. Always double-check that a car shipper offers the services you need.
- Process: A legitimate enclosed car shipping company should always provide a bill of lading, a legally binding document that gives evidence of your contract, details about your vehicle, and any special instructions related to its shipping (including pick-up and drop-off dates and instructions).
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How much does enclosed car shipping cost?
Enclosed, auto transport companies usually charge twice as much for their services as open transport shippers do.
While the average transport cost for open carriers is $500–$1,000, you can expect an average price of $1,000-$2,000 for enclosed transport.
Remember, though, that you’re paying more for added peace of mind since enclosed car shipping will better protect your car from the elements during transit.
Factors that affect enclosed car shipping costs
There are several factors that could influence the quote you get for enclosed car shipping services:
- Type of vehicle: Vehicle size and weight directly affect your quote—the bigger your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to ship. Vehicles with special handling needs, such as high-value classic cars or inoperable vehicles, will also be more costly to ship.
- Insurance coverage: While some level of the carrier’s insurance is often included in your base quote, you might want to purchase add-on coverage for greater peace of mind. The insurance policy you choose will also affect your shipping costs.
- Door-to-door service: Depending on the carrier, you may need to pay an extra fee for door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, as opposed to delivering your vehicle to the carrier’s main hub or warehouse.
- Distance: The mileage for your move will also directly affect your transport cost. The farther you ship your car, the more fuel and labor costs the shipper will incur. It’ll cost a lot more to ship from Florida to Oregon than from Pennsylvania to New York.
- Seasonal demand: Like other moving companies, auto shippers tend to see more demand during the peak spring and summer moving seasons. Generally speaking, the best time to move is during fall and winter, when there is less demand for movers.
FAQs
How much does it cost for classic car transport?
The average cost to ship for classic car transport is $1.14 per mile for shipments over 1,000 miles and $3.38 per mile when shipping a car less than 100 miles. Of course, there are several other factors that could influence shippers’ rates, so be sure to get quotes from multiple providers.
Who is the best luxury car shipping company?
When it comes to exotic cars and luxury vehicles, Montway Auto Transport stands out above the rest. As one of the country’s leading car transport services, they offer services specifically tailored to high-end vehicles. Not only are their exotic car carriers carefully vetted and fully insured, but you can even get your truck driver’s contact information so you can call them at any time.
Is enclosed car shipping worth it?
Enclosed car shipping costs more, but it offers superior protection from the elements and road debris. If you own a luxury, vintage, or high-value car, it’s worth considering.
While open carriers are safe for many, enclosed shipping is like giving your car the VIP treatment. It gives you peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is secure. So, if keeping your car in top shape matters, enclosed shipping might be worth the added cost.
Our methodology
We chose the best enclosed shipping companies by examining key factors that matter most to customers.
- Reputation: First, we looked at each company’s reputation, digging into customer feedback and paying close attention to commentary on reliability and service quality.
- Insurance: Next, we checked their insurance policies to determine if they’re robust enough to cover potential damages during transit. We also examined their pricing structure. No one likes hidden fees, so we ensured transparency in costs.
- Flexibility: Flexibility in shipping options was another key point. We favored companies that offer varied transport schedules and routes to meet different needs.
- Customer service: Customer service was another major focus. We’ve interacted with moving companies’ support teams and interviewed real customers to gauge response times and helpfulness.
By balancing these factors, we zeroed in on the top companies that offer dependable, secure, and value-for-money enclosed car shipping services.
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