Enclosed Auto Transport

What Is Enclosed Auto Transport?

Enclosed auto transport is the premium tier of vehicle shipping. Instead of an open-air carrier, your vehicle travels inside a fully enclosed trailer that shields it from weather, road debris, dust, and prying eyes. It's the gold standard for transporting high-value, classic, exotic, and irreplaceable vehicles.

Enclosed carriers typically haul 2 to 6 vehicles at a time (compared to 7–10 on open carriers), which means fewer vehicles sharing space, more individual attention from the driver, and a more careful loading and unloading process. Many enclosed carriers also use hydraulic lift gates instead of ramps, which is gentler on low-clearance vehicles.

At Lepke Auto Transport, we pair enclosed shipments with our most experienced carriers — drivers who specialize in handling vehicles worth six and seven figures. Every enclosed shipment gets the white-glove treatment it deserves.

Why Choose Enclosed Transport?

• Complete Weather Protection: Rain, snow, hail, UV rays — none of it touches your vehicle. Your car arrives in exactly the condition it was loaded.
• Zero Road Debris: No rocks, gravel, dust, or road grime. The enclosed trailer acts as a mobile garage for your vehicle.
• Privacy and Discretion: High-profile vehicles travel out of sight. No one on the highway knows what's inside that trailer.
• Higher Insurance Coverage: Enclosed carriers provide up to $150,000 in cargo insurance per vehicle — three times the coverage of open transport.
• Specialized Equipment: Many enclosed carriers use hydraulic lift gates, soft tie-downs, and wheel nets designed specifically for low-clearance and high-value vehicles.
• Fewer Vehicles Per Load: With only 2–6 vehicles per trailer, there's less handling and more attention to each car.

Who Should Choose Enclosed Transport?

Enclosed transport is recommended for any vehicle where the cost of potential damage — financial or emotional — justifies the premium. This typically includes:

• Classic and Vintage Cars: A restored '67 Mustang or '63 Corvette Stingray deserves to arrive in showroom condition. These aren't just cars — they're investments and family heirlooms.
• Luxury Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Range Rover — any vehicle where a paint scratch means a four-figure repair bill.
• Exotic and Supercars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche 911 GT3, Bugatti — vehicles that command attention and demand protection.
• Concours and Show Cars: If it's heading to or from a car show, concours d'elegance, or auction, enclosed is the only option.
• Low-Clearance Vehicles: Cars with aftermarket lowering kits, wide body kits, or minimal ground clearance that need hydraulic lift gates for safe loading.
• Sentimental Vehicles: Sometimes it's not about dollar value — it's about what the car means to you. If it's irreplaceable, protect it.

Enclosed vs. Open Transport: What's the Difference?

The core difference is protection level and price. Open transport is the industry standard — affordable, safe, and used by 90% of customers. Enclosed transport costs approximately 40–60% more but provides maximum protection.

• Cost: Enclosed transport typically runs 40–60% higher than open for the same route. For a $900 open transport quote, expect roughly $1,300–$1,500 enclosed.
• Availability: There are fewer enclosed carriers on the road, so pickup windows may be slightly longer. We recommend booking 2+ weeks in advance when possible.
• Carrier Size: Open carriers hold 7–10 vehicles. Enclosed carriers hold 2–6. Fewer cars means more attention to each one.
• Insurance: Open transport covers up to $50k per vehicle. Enclosed covers up to $150k.

For a daily driver or standard vehicle, open transport is the smart, cost-effective choice. For anything high-value, rare, or irreplaceable, enclosed is the way to go.

How Enclosed Shipping Works with Lepke

Our enclosed transport process is designed for a premium experience from start to finish:

• Dedicated Coordination: Your personal Lepke representative manages every detail — from carrier matching to delivery scheduling.
• Vetted Enclosed Carriers: We only work with enclosed carriers who have verified insurance, clean safety records, and proven experience with high-value vehicles.
• Detailed Inspection: A comprehensive 360-degree vehicle inspection is completed at both pickup and delivery, with photo documentation.
• Real-Time Updates: Know where your vehicle is throughout transit. Your representative is a phone call away, always.
• $0 Upfront: Even for enclosed transport, you pay nothing until your vehicle is assigned and dispatched with a carrier.

We've been doing this since 1991. Whether it's a $50,000 classic Corvette or a $500,000 Ferrari, we treat every enclosed shipment with the attention it deserves. Our reputation depends on it — and after 30+ years, we're still here because we get it right.