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Open transport works fine for most daily-driver shipments. A luxury, classic, exotic, or otherwise high-value vehicle usually calls for enclosed transport. Fully covered trailers offer better protection from road debris and weather. Here are 7 companies that offer enclosed options worth comparing.
Open Transport
This is the standard option. Vehicles are loaded onto an open-air trailer, similar to what dealerships use for new car deliveries. Open transport is more widely available and generally lower in cost. Most cars shipped across the country travel this way.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed trailers are fully covered. Vehicles sit inside a protected space, shielded from rain, sun, dust, and flying debris. This option is typically used for classic, luxury, exotic, or inoperable vehicles. The specialized equipment and reduced capacity mean enclosed transport is priced higher than open transport.
Which One to Choose
For a daily driver or standard sedan, open transport works well. For a vintage muscle car, a new Porsche, or a restored Ferrari, enclosed transport is the better choice. The extra cost provides peace of mind for valuable assets.
1. SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport is a US DOT and FMCSA licensed broker. The company works with a network of more than 25,000 vetted, insured carriers. This network provides flexible scheduling across the continental United States plus ocean transport to Hawaii.
SGT offers enclosed transport alongside its standard open service. As one of the best auto transport companies, it also supports classic, luxury, exotic, and inoperable vehicles that need extra care in handling.
Key Features
- Enclosed transport with door-to-door delivery included
- Zero upfront payment—nothing is due until a carrier is assigned or at pickup
- Price-match guarantee on comparable quotes
- Guaranteed pickup date option available
- Express transport (1-2 business days) available on eligible routes
- Trusted by 150,000+ customers to date
- Free instant quote with no personal information required, valid for 7 days
Available Services
- Open and enclosed auto transport
- Motorcycle, RV, and heavy-duty vehicle shipping
- Hawaii transport via ocean freight
- International door-to-port shipping
- Military and PCS shipping
What Customers Should Know
SGT works through a network of vetted carriers rather than operating its own fleet. For enclosed shipments, customers should ask specifically about enclosed transport experience and equipment when requesting quotes. Not every carrier in a broker’s network runs enclosed trailers.
2. Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is one of the more widely recognized names in the industry. The company works with a large network of carriers and offers both open and enclosed options.
What Stands Out
- Large carrier network for flexible scheduling
- Ships more than 100,000 vehicles annually
- Open and enclosed transport available
- Discounted standby rates offered
Considerations
Montway has been BBB-accredited since 2007. Some reviews mention occasional communication gaps with carriers. The company does not ship internationally but will broker the job through partner companies.
3. RoadRunner Auto Transport
RoadRunner offers nationwide open and enclosed shipping with an online quote tool and door-to-door service on most routes.
What Stands Out
- Door-to-door service on most routes
- No-deposit policy
- Free cancellation before pickup
- Nationwide coverage
Considerations
RoadRunner operates as a broker, so final pricing can vary depending on carrier availability. The company has been moving vehicles for 30 years. Some reviews note the possibility of rate adjustments after carrier assignment.
4. Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto positions itself around transparent pricing and a straightforward online booking process. The company was established in 2015.
What Stands Out
- Transparent quote presentation
- Services available in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii
- Refundable deposit secures bookings
Considerations
Nexus has built a network of more than 30,000 carriers. Some Better Business Bureau complaints mention price increases after booking. Customers should confirm final pricing before committing.
5. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight is a longstanding broker that markets a range of discount programs alongside standard open and enclosed transport.
What Stands Out
- Established industry presence
- Discount programs for military, students, first responders, and seniors
- Gap protection plans available
- Competitive rates for both short and long-distance shipments
Considerations
AmeriFreight has more than 13 years of experience in the industry. The company holds strong ratings across multiple platforms. AmeriFreight does not ship vehicles internationally.
6. Navi Auto Transport
This is a newer-generation broker built around online quoting and shipment-tracking tools. The company emphasizes personalized service and clear communication.
What Stands Out
- Newer-generation broker platform
- Named agents assigned to each booking
- Competitive quotes that often match final billing
Considerations
Navi holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Google from 265 reviews and a 4.0 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Some customers report price hikes after booking. Pricing discrepancies can occur due to poor communication after the initial deposit.
7. Sherpa Auto Transport
This company runs a tech-forward booking platform with account-based shipment updates. The company was founded after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car.
What Stands Out
- Real-time platform updates
- Access to thousands of vetted carriers
- Rate guarantee—the quoted price is what customers pay
Considerations
Sherpa maintains one of the highest satisfaction rates in the brokerage industry. The company has over 8,000 reviews across major platforms, with average ratings consistently hitting 4.8 or 4.9 out of 5 stars. Sherpa holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Final Thoughts
If a vehicle is a classic, exotic, luxury model, or currently inoperable, it pays to ask specifically about enclosed experience and equipment when requesting quotes. Not every carrier in a broker’s network runs enclosed trailers.
Prioritize organizations that respect your financial security by avoiding massive upfront deposit requirements. Selecting a provider with a vast, heavily vetted network ensures your prized possession receives the highest level of care possible. Trusting an unverified fleet places your vehicle at unnecessary risk.
When you are ready to compare real numbers for your own route, SGT offers a free instant quote calculator on its website. No personal information is required to see an estimate, and quotes stay valid for 7 days.
