If you are shipping a vehicle by way of an enclosed carrier, you might be interested to know: do enclosed carriers take longer to ship? At times, the answer is yes. Once you learn a little more about how enclosed shipping works, the reason should seem clear.
In this guide, we’ll cover why enclosed carriers take longer, how to best accommodate them in your own schedule, and when the longer time is worth it. Plus, how working with a trusted service like Car Shipping Center will ensure your enclosed shipment is carefully timed to meet your needs.
Why Enclosed Transport Can Take Longer
Enclosed carrier service uses covered trailers for vehicle transport. This provides special service and protection. This can affect the overall delivery time.
Fewer Enclosed Carriers Are Available
There are fewer enclosed transport trucks upon the road than open carriers, so during busy times of the year it may take longer to schedule a vehicle for pickup.
Smaller Capacity Per Load
Open trailers typically hold 7 to 10 cars, while enclosed carriers typically carry 1 to 6 depending on configuration, meaning lower-volume carriers may take longer to fill their schedule or route before picking up.
More Complex Loading Procedures
Luxury, exotic, or classic cars are high-value vehicles. They need loading by hydraulic lifts or specialized equipment. This need can slow the time spent at each port and at sea.
Custom Routes
Enclosed carriers sometimes offer alternative routes that may take longer, if requested by the owner of a valuable car they are transporting.
Understanding the Typical Timeline for Enclosed Shipping
While enclosed transport can take longer, the specifics depend in part on your particular situation however, the following is a general guideline for you:
Pickup time: 1–7 days on average
- Transit time: Similar to open carriers, though trucks may be slightly slower (1-6 days, depending on distance)
- Peak season: Delays are common in heavy traffic of collectors and snowbirds
Example:
Therefore, if an open carrier can pick up your sedan in one to three days, an enclosed carrier may take three to five days because they are less common and have more specialized services.
By effective scheduling, communication and forecasting, many delays can be avoided, something that Car Shipping Center does through their pre-emptive updates.
How to Reduce Delays with Enclosed Carriers
With a little foresight, delays can often be avoided, for example, by scheduling and arranging your transit.
Book Early
The enclosed carriers fill up quickly during the summer months, early fall and during major car events, so it is usually best to book 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
Stay Flexible with Pickup Windows
Because enclosed carriers have limited routes, your best bet for an early pickup is to be flexible on dates.
Choose a Reputable Transport Company
Good companies have excellent networks and can get these enclosed carriers moving much faster. Call the Car Shipping Center today and take advantage of our many connections.
Ask for Realistic Timelines
Avoid companies that offer same day enclosed pickups. Good brokers will give you an honest estimate and work with you based on carrier availability.
When the Extra Time Is Worth It
While it takes longer to ship a vehicle in an enclosed carrier, the protection it offers is well worth it.
You should strongly consider enclosed transport if your vehicle is:
- A luxury, classic, collector, or exotic car
- Freshly restored or custom-painted
- Low-clearance or fragile
- Sensitive to weather or road debris
- Worth more than $80,000
Enclosed shipping protects your vehicle from:
- Rain, hail, snow, and wind
- Road dirt, rocks, and debris
- UV damage
- Curious passersby
- Potential vandalism
That is a small price for owners who cherish their car and want nothing but perfection.
How to Choose the Right Enclosed Carrier
For a smooth experience, here are a few potential issues to watch out for.
Experienced Drivers
Enclosed rigs require special handling. Ask about driver credentials.
Liftgate Equipment
This is particularly important for low-clearance sports cars.
Full Insurance Coverage
Make sure you are covered for the whole journey.
Clear Communication
Companies that keep the customer informed, such as Car Shipping Center, do not encounter scheduling surprises.
Reliable Track Record
- Check reviews, ratings, and past customer experiences.
- A trustworthy provider ensures your vehicle arrives safely and on time, even with the constraints of enclosed transport.
Final Thoughts
Because there are fewer of them, they require more specialized handling and they ship fewer cars at once, enclosed carriers take longer to ship than open car carriers. The trade-off, of course, is the extra time. But, with the additional protection and care for your high-end car or delicate car components that these products can provide, it pays off. Use a trusted provider like Car Shipping Center that offers reasonable time frames, experienced drivers and a large carrier network to help you get the best enclosed shipping service possible. If you’re ready to ship with a trusted partner, get started now.
