Question 1

How much does enclosed auto transport cost?

Accepted Answer

Enclosed auto transport typically costs $1.30 to $3.80 per mile in 2026, depending on vehicle class and distance. A typical 1,500-mile shipment of a luxury or exotic vehicle runs $2,700–$5,700. Use our cost calculator for a route-specific estimate.

Question 2

Why should I use enclosed instead of open transport?

Accepted Answer

For vehicles worth more than $75,000, vehicles with low ground clearance, classic or pre-1990 collectibles, or anything with hand-painted finishes — enclosed transport pays for itself by avoiding even a single rock chip or weather incident. Standard daily-driver sedans and SUVs are fine on open transport.

Question 3

How long does shipping take from pickup to delivery?

Accepted Answer

Pickup typically happens within 1–7 days of booking. Once on a trailer, transit averages 500 miles per day. A coast-to-coast shipment runs 6–9 days door-to-door from pickup. Total clock from booking to delivery is usually 7–14 days.

Question 4

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every broker in the network carries minimum $1M primary cargo coverage during transit. For high-value vehicles ($300K+), the assigned broker can add supplemental gap coverage to declared value. Ask for the certificate of insurance before pickup, the broker issues it.

Question 5

Do you offer door-to-door service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, door-to-door is the default. Pickup and delivery happen at the closest accessible address to your residence. If your street can't accept a 75-foot trailer (narrow streets, low bridges, HOA restrictions), the carrier arranges a meet-point in a nearby parking lot, typically 5 to 10 minutes from your home.

Question 6

Can I track my shipment in real time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Brokers in the Citadel network provide real-time GPS tracking and direct contact with your driver, with one dedicated specialist on the booking from quote through delivery. The broker emails you a tracking link once the carrier dispatches.

Question 7

What if my vehicle isn't running?

Accepted Answer

Non-running vehicle transport is available with winch-loaded enclosed trailers. Cost adds $200–$500 to standard pricing. Common scenarios: post-restoration, auction wins, mechanical projects, garage finds. Disclose the non-running status upfront so the carrier dispatches the right equipment.

Question 8

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

Book 7–14 days ahead for the best pricing. ASAP pickup (under 48 hours) carries a 20–25% premium. Auction transport (post-Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, Pebble Beach) should be reserved 30+ days in advance because capacity on those lanes books out fast.

Question 9

Are you a transport company or a broker?

Accepted Answer

Neither. Citadel is a marketing service that connects vehicle owners with FMCSA-licensed transportation brokers in a pre-vetted network. Citadel does not dispatch carriers, hold cargo insurance, or carry motor carrier authority. The broker who takes your shipment handles dispatch, equipment, and insurance, and is your point of contact from booking through delivery.

Question 10

What does a shipment booked through Citadel look like?

Accepted Answer

You submit a request, the broker desk covering your lane responds within one business hour with a firm price, you book with them on a refundable deposit, the assigned carrier collects your vehicle in an enclosed trailer with soft tie-downs and climate control, you track the trip in real time, and the vehicle is delivered door-to-door. Most shipments take 7 to 14 days end-to-end.

Vehicle class	Short haul	Mid haul	Long haul
Exotic (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren)	$3.40–$5.50	$2.10–$3.80	$1.85–$3.20
Luxury (Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin)	$2.90–$4.60	$1.80–$3.20	$1.55–$2.70
Classic / antique	$3.05–$4.90	$1.90–$3.40	$1.65–$2.85
Electric (Tesla, Rivian, Lucid)	$2.40–$3.50	$1.50–$2.40	$1.30–$2.05
Standard sedan / coupe	$2.10–$3.20	$1.30–$2.20	$1.10–$1.85

Enclosed transport for high-value vehicles.

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2026 enclosed transport — $/mile by vehicle class

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