One of the most important things to consider is how your car will be transported when you are shipping your vehicle. The transport type plays a big role in the safety of your car. Enclosed carriers, for example, are a perfect option for expensive or luxurious cars as they provide the most protection against the weather, dirt, and damages. But still, a great number of people are asking the question whether enclosed carriers require more clearance than open carriers or not.
This guide will explain how enclosed carriers work, the reasons for more clearance, and Carson Shipping ways to vehicle safety and security no matter the mode of transport.
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What Are Enclosed Carriers?
We didn’t want to get into the nitty-gritty just yet, so before discussing the clearance demands, lets take a look at the carriers.
Enclosed carriers are a vehicle that is specifically designed to transport cars. These vehicles provide complete protection for cars from external elements. In other words, they are carriers that fully wrap the vehicle within a protective casing so that the car is not exposed to the weather. Such is the case when shipping high-end cars, classic cars, or any other vehicle that requires extra caution in transit.
Benefits of using enclosed carriers:
Weather Protection: The car that you have in the enclosed carrier is fully protected from the elements including rain, snow, and hail.
Safety from the Road Debris: The car has no chance to get scratched by a piece of metal or other fragments that may be flying by or gravel/rocks that may be on the road.
Privacy and Security: The vehicle receives less exposure which means that there is a lower chance for theft or vandalism.
Perfect for High-Value Vehicles: In case you have a luxurious car, a vintage model, or a rare vehicle, a closed carrier is the one that provides the maximum layer of protection.
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Do Enclosed Carriers Need More Clearance?
Let’s move on to the main question: Are the enclosed carriers requiring more clearance than those that are open?
- Size and Height of Enclosed Carriers
In fact, the answer to the question is that enclosed carriers are required more clearance than those that are open in most times. One of the main reasons for this is that the open cars are smaller than the enclosed ones which are not only bigger in size but also take up a higher profile usually. Besides, because of the extra protection for the inside of the car, the added height and width of these carriers might lead to additional clearance in these situations, i.e., when passing under a low bridge, going through a tunnel, or driving on a narrow road.
- Clearance Considerations
Height: Typically, enclosed carriers have not only a covered top but also a larger body structure that is designed to completely cover the vehicles, and for this reason, their height is greater than that of open-air transporters.
Width: There are some enclosed carriers that are wider than open ones so that they can accommodate more vehicles without the vehicles being too close to each other or being tightly fastened.
Loading and Unloading: In fact, the way in which vehicles are loaded and unloaded may also be changed by the carriers height. The drivers need to ensure that the carrier is able to enter the loading docks or storage places where there is enough space.
Moreover, these enclosed carriers might be filled more carefully with the intention of not coming in contact with any obstacles like overhead power lines, low bridges, or other structures that may hinder their safe passage.
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Why Does Clearance Matter for Enclosed Carriers?
First of all, the proper clearance for an enclosed carrier is a must – the reasons are many, but they all revolve around the safety and security of the people concerned. Here is why the clearance is so essential:
- Safe Transport for Your Vehicle
A carrier without adequate clearance can not only stop the carrier but also the vehicle. In the situation of a tight clearance, the risk of scratching the car’s body or denting the car’s roof or floor at the carrier increases significantly.
- Preventing Delays
It is a log of problems that would cause delays in the process of transportation if the carrier met low overpasses, obstacles, and narrow spaces. To avoid these situations, Carson Shipping does the job of planning ahead and selecting routes that are not only clear but also safe for the delivery of your car.
- Smooth Loading and Unloading
The space between the carrier and the vehicle is also important for the comfortable loading and unloading of the car. When a car has sufficient clearance it means that the car can be transported on and off the carrier in a safe way without the risk of any injuries in the process.
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How Does Carson Shipping Ensure Clearance is Managed?
At Carson Shipping, we are committed to the safety and work that is made possible by efficiency every time we trasladate a vehicle. These are the ways we accomplish the task of clearance and thus your vehicle is transported without any difficulty in a tight place:
- Detailed Route Planning
We utilize high-end software to plan the best routes for every transport. This also involves inspecting for areas with low clearance such as bridges or tunnels and also making sure that the route is sufficiently wide to fit the measurements of our enclosed carriers.
- Skilled Drivers
Our drivers are skilled, experienced, and have undergone a variety of vehicle and transport situation training. They are clever in the maneuvering of situations when there are clearance issues and they do so in a manner that no harm is done to the vehicle during the process.
- Customized Transport Solutions
By considering your unique requirements and the dimensions of the vehicle to be transported, we could select a customized transport solution that guarantees the most suitable option. In the case of oversized vehicles, for instance, we might go with an extra-wide or extra-tall enclosed carrier giving not only the car but also the carrier the space that meets the required clearance limits.
- Real-Time Monitoring
It is through the real-time monitoring that we do at Carson Shipping that we keep abreast of your shipment's progress. Consequently, we are able to foresee such things as traffic, route changes and clearance obstacles along the journey and so, if necessary, we could adjust our plans accordingly.
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When to Choose an Enclosed Carrier
Enclosed carriers are typically selected for those vehicles that need extra care and protection. But the question is: when is it right to pick an enclosed carrier over an open?
- Luxury or Classic Cars
The transportation of luxury or classic cars is generally the best combination with an enclosed carrier to assure the conservation of these during the shipping process. Such vehicles can be harmed by the elements, small fractions of the road, or even by theft.
- Expensive Modifications
In case your car has been modified with aftermarket parts or made unique with some custom additions, a closed carrier will be the most suitable to keep your modifications safe from any damage in the process of delivery.
- Long-Distance or Expedited Shipping
Generally, in the case of long-distance or expedited shipping, the use of an enclosed carrier is highly recommended as it is the safest method which minimizes the possibility of any damage or airing out in a severe weather condition.
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Conclusion: Carriers Enclosed Smoother Transport Experience
Despite the fact that enclosed carriers generally require more space for their transport than open carriers due to their dimensions and construction, Carson Shipping makes a special effort to get your vehicle transported not only safely but also effectively. Through meticulous planning, the employment of seasoned drivers, and constant tracking, we guarantee that your vehicle arrives at its destination with safety and on time, even if there is a lack of clearance.
If you want to know more about an enclosed car shipping or get an estimate for your next vehicle transport, welcome Carson Shipping! No matter the size or the type of the vehicle, we are always ready to assist you with the car shipping.

