You’ve finally decided to ship your car, but the question “Is it safe to ship a car?” still lingers in your mind. The good news is that car shipping can be safe, though risks are everywhere. Across the USA’s diverse landscapes, vehicles may face anything from desert sandstorms to coastal humidity. That’s where enclosed car shipping comes in, offering full protection from weather, road debris, and other hazards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about enclosed transport, helping you understand how to ship a car safely every mile of the journey.
Get Familiar With Vehicle Shipping Risks
Before you hand over your keys, it’s important to know what could go wrong. Vehicle shipping comes with its complexities, but once you understand the risks, you can take proactive steps to protect your investment. Here are the most common threats your car might face on a cross-country journey:
Weather Exposure
Rain, snow, hail, and intense sun can damage your car’s exterior and interior during transit, especially if shipped via open transport. Seasonal extremes increase this risk, so choosing safe car shipping is essential to protect your car against the elements.
Road Debris and Accidents
Open car transport exposes your vehicle to flying rocks, dirt, road salt, and debris, which can harm paint, windshields, and other surfaces. Construction zones, poorly maintained roads, and high-traffic areas further increase the likelihood of accidents and damage.
Theft or Vandalism
Vehicles on open trailers are more visible and accessible, making them easy targets for theft or vandalism at rest stops, truck stops, or overnight parking areas. Selecting safe auto transport options and keeping your car out of sight is the best decision to reduce these risks.
Inadequate Transport Equipment
Not all carriers meet the same standards. Outdated trailers, faulty ramps, worn tie-downs, and rusty hydraulic systems increase the risk of damage during transit. Proper, well-maintained equipment is the foundation for a safe journey.
Loading and Unloading Mishandling
The most critical moments happen during loading and unloading. Improper techniques, such as dragging instead of rolling, incorrect ramp angles, or rushed procedures, can result in scratches, dents, undercarriage damage, or even mechanical issues. One careless moment can undo all other precautions.
EV-Specific Concerns (Battery Safety and Charging)
Electric vehicles require specialized handling due to lithium-ion batteries. We recommend maintaining a 30-50% battery charge to minimize fire risk and ensure safe EV car transport. Too low and the car cannot roll. Too high and it becomes a safety hazard.
Safe Shipping Options Compared
Different shipping methods offer varying levels of protection, convenience, and cost. Below, we break down the most common options from open carriers to enclosed trailers, plus delivery styles, so you can make the smartest choice for your vehicle.
| Method | Safety Level |
|---|---|
| Open Carrier Transport | Baseline safety, adequate for most cars |
| Enclosed Carrier Transport | Maximum safety, best for luxury and collectibles |
| Door-to-Door Delivery | Higher safety, minimal transfers |
| Terminal-to-Terminal | Lower safety, more handling and storage risks |
| Single-Car Enclosed Trailer | Ultimate safety, premium protection |
| Multi-Car Enclosed Trailer | High safety, slight exposure during transfers |
Open Carrier Transport (Baseline Safety)
Open transport is a good choice for everyday vehicles when you want reliable, budget-friendly service. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside several other vehicles, which means exposure to weather, road debris, and full visibility during transit. Even so, open transport remains a safe auto transport option for millions of car owners annually.
Enclosed Carrier Transport (Safest Option)
Enclosed shipping is a first-class experience for your vehicle. This premium service provides unmatched security and protection by loading your car into hard- or soft-sided trailers that typically carry just 2 to 6 vehicles. Your vehicle stays completely shielded from rain, hail, snow, UV damage, and flying road debris while remaining hidden from view. Enclosed transport is the safest way to ship luxury cars, classic collectibles, or any car where you simply will not compromise on protection.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal
Door-to-door shipping offers ultimate convenience. The carrier comes directly to your location for pickup and delivers straight to your destination. This streamlined approach cuts down on handling and transfers, significantly reducing the risk of any damage. It is ideal for anyone who values safety, convenience, and a truly hassle-free shipping experience.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping takes a more budget-conscious approach. You will drop your vehicle at a carrier’s terminal and pick it up from another terminal near your destination. While this method helps cut costs, it involves extra handling and storage time, which brings a slightly elevated risk of damage or theft. Terminal-to-terminal works best for cost-conscious buyers who don’t mind managing the logistics themselves and can tolerate a bit more risk.
Single-Car vs Multi-Car Enclosed Trailers
Single-car enclosed trailers provide maximum protection and exclusive handling for your vehicle. Your vehicle travels solo with zero handling complications. This white-glove service eliminates the risk of scratches, dents, or any damage, making it perfect for high-value or delicate vehicles.
Multi-car enclosed trailers present an excellent balance between safety and value, carrying 2 to 6 vehicles within the same protected trailer. You still get outstanding protection from the elements and road hazards, though there is more handling during loading and unloading. This option offers strong protection without the high cost of single-car transport, perfect for vehicles that deserve extra care but do not require the ultimate premium service.
Why Enclosed Transport is the Safest Way to Ship a Car
Enclosed transport provides the ultimate shield of protection for your vehicle for many reasons. Your car travels completely sheltered from harsh weather, flying road debris, and prying eyes. These covered carriers create a barrier that keeps your vehicle secure and hidden throughout the entire journey. Many carriers also offer additional insurance coverage for enclosed transport, sometimes reaching up to $1 million, providing an extra layer of peace of mind.
These premium trailers come equipped with cutting-edge features such as lift gates designed for low-clearance vehicles, soft tie-down systems that protect your paint and finish, and, in some cases, climate control to maintain optimal conditions. This level of sophisticated protection makes enclosed transport the safest way to ship luxury cars, exotic sports cars, meticulously restored classics, and high-end motorcycles.
Is Enclosed Transport Safer Than Open?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how enclosed and open transport perform across the features that matter most.
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Protection from the weather | Low | High |
| Protection from road debris | Medium | High |
| Security/theft protection | Low | High |
| Insurance coverage | Standard | Enhanced (up to $1M) |
| Specialized handling (lift-gates, air-ride) | No | Yes |
Special Safety Considerations for EVs, Motorcycles, and ATVs
Besides luxury cars, other high-value and specialty vehicles such as EVs, motorcycles, and ATVs also require enclosed carrier transport for maximum protection. Here’s why:
EVs need extra care due to their heavy batteries. Safe shipping involves monitoring battery state-of-charge, following manufacturer guidelines, and maintaining precise transport temperatures to protect both the vehicle and its sensitive electrical components.
Motorcycles and ATVs often require secure crating inside enclosed carriers to ensure stability and protection throughout the journey. This additional layer of security keeps two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles safe from damage during loading, transit, and unloading.
Sum Up
If you are looking for the safest way to ship a car, enclosed transport is the gold standard for a reason: complete protection, enhanced insurance, and specialized handling that gives you true peace of mind. Don’t leave your vehicle’s journey to chance. Choose BAH Logistics, an experienced team in enclosed vehicle transport that knows exactly how to safely and efficiently ship vehicles across the country. Whether you’re transporting a luxury vehicle or an EV requiring specialized care, all of our carriers are fully vetted and prepared to handle your specific needs.
