You may consider an enclosed option if you want a trailer to transport cars. Enclosed trailers have several advantages over open trailers, such as protection from weather and theft. However, they have a few flaws, so they might not be the best option for everyone. Learn more about enclosed trailers and see if they suit your car shipping business.
The success of your car transport operations depends on the equipment you choose as a business owner in the vehicle transport industry. An enclosed trailer is one item of equipment that is sometimes disregarded yet has tremendous utility. Enclosed trailers can offer many advantages, but they also come with some drawbacks. The advantages and disadvantages of employing an enclosed trailer for your vehicle transport business will be covered in this article.
Enclosed auto trailers – an overview
Enclosed car trailers are essentially trailers that offer protection and security to whatever is being transported inside. They are available in various shapes and sizes, from little single-axle variants to larger tandem-axle models. An enclosed vehicle trailer’s primary advantage over an open car trailer is that it protects your vehicle from the elements and potential theft, making them ideal for transporting valuable or collectible automobiles.
However, they are also more expensive than open trailers, require more maintenance due to their complex design, and can be heavy and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. When choosing if an enclosed trailers would meet your company’s needs, weighing the advantages and disadvantages is critical.
Pros:
The safety and security it offers to any automobile you’re moving inside are one of the enclosed trailer’s most important benefits for your auto transport company. Enclosed car trailers are an excellent option for transporting pricey automobiles or rare vehicles since they feature sturdy construction and secure locking systems that prevent theft or tampering. These trailers provide total protection from the weather, ensuring that your client’s automobiles are transported dry and securely.
Additional security for your cargo.
The enclosed trailer’s increased protection is the most important benefit for companies who move autos between states. Moving valuable items like antique cars, luxury cars, or exotic cars is extremely helpful. Enclosed trailers feature solid walls and unique locking mechanisms that offer additional protection against theft or tampering.
Additionally, because the contents of your trailer are not visible to outsiders, it reduces the risk of theft resulting from opportunistic individuals who happen to see something valuable on an open trailer. Using an enclosed trailer has the additional benefit of being lockable, which makes it more difficult for burglars to access your cargo. If you need a secure solution for transporting precious cargo, an enclosed auto trailer can provide additional peace of mind during transportation.
Protection against elements like weather, dust, and debris.
Using an enclosed trailer has several benefits, including the protection it offers your goods. Enclosed auto trailers provide a sealed and secure environment that protects your equipment and your client’s cargo from being damaged or contaminated during transportation. Another advantage of using an enclosed vehicle trailer for your business is its protection against external elements, such as weather, dust, and debris.
This is particularly useful if you’re transporting delicate classics or fully restored collectible cars that could be negatively affected by extreme temperatures, precipitation, or dust. An enclosed trailers ensures your cargo remains clean, dry, and protected throughout the journey. However, it’s worth noting that this added level of protection comes with a cost, as enclosed car trailers tend to be more expensive than open car trailers due to their specialized features and additional construction materials.
More professional appearance and branding opportunities.
Using an enclosed trailers for your car transport business can also add to your professional image and give you a branding opportunity. With an enclosed trailer, you can customize the exterior design with your auto transport company logo or graphics, making it a moving billboard for your business. This creates brand awareness and sets you apart from competitors while adding credibility to your services.
Additionally, having a professional-looking trailer can impress potential clients and make them more likely to choose your car hauling business over others. However, remember that this customization may also come at an additional cost. Overall, using an enclosed trailer can provide both protection and branding opportunities, but it’s essential to consider the added expenses before deciding.
An enclosed trailer’s versatility.
Enclosed trailers are incredibly versatile and can be used for various purposes. They can transport automobiles, goods as mobile offices, workshops, and even as living spaces. This versatility makes enclosed vehicle trailers a valuable investment for many car hauling businesses.
Cons:
Enclosed car trailers can provide many benefits for businesses, such as increased storage and transportation capabilities. Before you decide to invest in an enclosed trailers, it’s essential to consider the potential negative drawbacks. Below are several cons to keep in mind before you purchase an enclosed auto trailer.
The higher upfront cost.
One downside to using an enclosed trailers for your car shipping business is the higher upfront cost that you will initially have to shell out. Which can be a substantial investment for small businesses. Compared to open trailers or other storage options, enclosed auto transport trailers can be more expensive. Additionally, if you need customization or additional features for your trailer, such as heating and cooling systems, it can add further to the initial investment.
Also, enclosed trailers may require additional maintenance and repairs, adding to the cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of having an enclosed automobile trailer versus the immediate cost before deciding.
Having limited access and space.
Another major inconvenience of using an enclosed trailers for your car transport business is the limited access and space. Enclosed trailers are difficult to access, particularly if you need to load or unload vehicles quickly. This can be a significant hinderance if your transportation is time-sensitive or you need to access your trailer frequently.
Since the entire contents of the trailer are inaccessible until it’s opened up, it may be challenging to find and retrieve specific items quickly, mainly if they are located in the back of the trailer. In addition, the space inside the trailer is limited compared to open trailers. This can restrict what you can carry, making it challenging for more larger or bulkier vehicles that must be transported.
Difficulty in loading and unloading.
Another disadvantage of using an enclosed trailers for your vehicle transporting business is the difficulty in loading and unloading. Since everything must go through a single access point, usually at the back of the trailer, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to load/unload bulky vehicles or inoperable vehicles. This can be particularly problematic if you’re under a tight deadline or must make multiple daily stops.
Additionally, if you have employees helping with loading and unloading, they may be exposed to risk factors such as musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive lifting and pushing of non-running vehicles.
It may require a special license to operate.
One of the disadvantages of using an enclosed trailers for your business is that it may require a special license to operate. The weight and size of the auto transport trailer, as well as its intended use, can impact whether you need a special permit or not. For example, if you plan on towing heavy equipment or vehicles, you may need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with additional endorsements.
This can add time and expenses to your car shipping business operations, as you must take classes and pass tests to obtain the required licenses. It’s essential to research the regulations in your state and auto transport industry before investing in an enclosed car trailer for your business.
Increased maintenance costs compared to open trailers.
Another con of using an enclosed trailers is the increased maintenance costs compared to open trailers. Enclosed trailers usually have more features that require upkeep, such as doors, windows, and ventilation systems. These features may also be more prone to harm or malfunction with time.
These components’ repair or replacement costs might quickly mount up and reduce your earnings. Also, enclosed trailers tend to weigh more than open trailers. They could need more regular brake and tire maintenance. When determining if an enclosed trailer meets the demands of your vehicle shipping business, you should take the additional maintenance expenses into account.
Consider the total size and weight of the trailer.
If you plan on using an enclosed trailers for your auto transportation business, you must ensure you have the appropriate vehicle to tow it. Compared to open trailers, enclosed trailers are often bigger and heavier. This can make them more difficult to maneuver and necessitate using a bigger vehicle to tow them.
Your limited visibility to maneuver.
Finally, enclosed trailers can limit your visibility when driving. This can make it more difficult to maneuver through traffic and, in some instances, even unsafe. You must ensure you have the appropriate mirrors and equipment to tow an enclosed trailer safely.
In conclusion, car shipping business owners should weigh the pros and cons of using an enclosed trailer for their auto transport business. While there are several potential benefits to using an enclosed trailer, such as providing additional security and protection for your cargo and offering professional branding opportunities. There are also drawbacks, such as higher upfront costs, limited access and space, increased maintenance costs compared to open trailers, special licensing requirements in some states, and decreased visibility for maneuvering.
Ultimately, your decision about which type of trailer to use will come down to your budget and what kind of cargo protection you feel comfortable investing in. But if you’re willing to make the investment up-front in an enclosed trailer, it can certainly be worth it in terms of the convenience it provides to safely and securely deliver cars from one destination to another.
