Moving a Classic Car in Dallas: Why Enclosed Transport Matters

Whether it's a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, a restored 1955 Chevy Bel Air, or a rare European sports car you picked up at auction, moving a classic vehicle is nothing like moving an ordinary car. One wrong decision — the wrong transport company, the wrong trailer type — can result in paint chips, mechanical damage, or worse. For Dallas collectors and classic car enthusiasts, the question isn't whether to use professional transport. It's which type of transport to use.

At Texas Tows Inc., we've handled vehicle transport requests across the DFW metroplex since 2015 — from auction pickups in North Dallas to estate sales in Highland Park and cross-city moves between Frisco and Fort Worth. Our TDLR-licensed operators (license #0654316VSF) understand the stakes when you're hauling something irreplaceable, and this guide walks you through exactly what to expect and why enclosed transport is almost always the right answer for classic cars.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport — What's the Difference?

Most drivers have seen both types on DFW highways without giving it much thought. Open carriers are those multi-level rigs with 6 to 10 vehicles stacked on exposed decks — the kind that deliver new cars from manufacturers to dealerships along I-35 and I-635. They're cost-effective and perfectly fine for everyday vehicles. Enclosed carriers, by contrast, are fully covered trailers that protect vehicles from the elements, road debris, and public visibility. Think of the difference between shipping a laptop in a padded case versus a paper bag.

Here's the core comparison:

Why Classic Cars Need Enclosed Transport

A freshly restored classic car represents tens of thousands — sometimes hundreds of thousands — of dollars in investment. Open transport introduces a set of risks that simply don't apply to a three-year-old commuter car:

• Paint damage from road debris. On Dallas highways like the Dallas North Tollway or Loop 12, vehicles on open carriers are constantly exposed to gravel, sand, and road grit thrown up by surrounding traffic. Even microscopic rock chips can ruin a custom paint job that took months to complete.
• Weather exposure. North Texas weather is notoriously unpredictable. A mid-April hailstorm near Addison or a spring dust storm sweeping in from the west can cause thousands of dollars in damage to an exposed classic. Enclosed transport eliminates this risk entirely.
• Theft and opportunistic risk. Rare or high-value vehicles on open carriers attract attention on busy Dallas interstates. An enclosed trailer means no one on the road knows what's inside — significantly reducing the chance of targeted theft during transport stops.
• Low-clearance vehicles. Many classic cars, lowered street rods, and purpose-built show cars have minimal ground clearance. Standard loading ramps can scrape the front air dam or undercarriage. Enclosed carriers with hydraulic lift gates load these vehicles without any risky contact with inclines.
• UV and oxidation exposure. Extended sun exposure during multi-hour transport can cause subtle but real damage to paint oxidation — especially on older single-stage finishes common on pre-1980s classics. An enclosed trailer provides complete UV protection.

According to NHTSA data, road debris is a contributing factor in approximately 50,000 crashes per year in the U.S. Even minor debris contact during transport — not crashes — can inflict cosmetic damage to a car that's never supposed to be driven in open traffic. For collectors, that's not an acceptable risk.

What to Expect During the Transport Process

The first time a classic car owner books enclosed transport, the process can feel unfamiliar. Here's what a professional vehicle transport engagement looks like from start to finish:

1. Initial consultation and inspection. Before any vehicle moves, our team conducts a thorough walk-around inspection — documenting the vehicle's pre-existing condition with photos. You receive a copy of this inspection record before the car is loaded. This creates a clear paper trail that protects both you and our company.
2. Loading with the right equipment. Depending on your vehicle's ground clearance and configuration, we use either low-angle ramps or hydraulic lift gates to load your car into the trailer. Soft tie-down straps secure the vehicle at approved frame contact points — never in ways that stress suspension components or vulnerable trim.
3. Secure transit. Your vehicle rides locked inside the enclosed trailer for the full duration of transport. Our drivers are experienced navigating the specific road geometries of Dallas — including the elevated sections of US-75 through the Design District and the tight ramp interchanges near the High Five at I-635 and I-35E.
4. Delivery inspection. At the destination, we conduct a second walk-around in your presence and compare the vehicle's condition against the pickup photos. Any discrepancies are documented immediately before the car leaves our care.

Common Dallas-Area Transport Routes

Our vehicle transport team handles classic car moves across the entire DFW area. Some of the most common routes we service:

• Intra-city moves — Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, and other collector-dense neighborhoods to restoration shops, private garages, or storage facilities across Dallas
• Auction transport — Pickups at North Dallas auction venues and delivery to private residences, classic car storage facilities, or restoration specialists in Garland, Plano, and Richardson
• Estate and private sale transport — Moving vehicles acquired through estate sales in the Medical District or Lake Highlands to buyers elsewhere in DFW
• Garage-to-shop moves — Transporting a vehicle from a private collector's garage in Old East Dallas or Deep Ellum to a restoration shop without putting restoration miles on an unfinished vehicle
• Show prep transport — Moving vehicles to and from events at Fair Park, the Hilton Anatole, or the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center without exposing a show car to open road conditions

For longer-distance moves outside of DFW — to Houston, San Antonio, or out of state — we work with vetted enclosed carrier partners and coordinate the full transport on your behalf. Learn more on our vehicle transport service page.

How to Prepare Your Classic Car for Transport

There are several steps you should take before handing your classic car over for transport, regardless of how reputable the carrier:

• Photograph everything. Take your own high-resolution photos of every panel, the undercarriage, interior, and engine bay before transport. This supplements the carrier's inspection photos and gives you independent documentation.
• Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Your car should be in sound mechanical condition before transport. Low tire pressure in particular can lead to sidewall stress during loading and unloading.
• Disable aftermarket alarms. Vibrations during transit can trigger motion-sensitive alarms repeatedly. Disable any aftermarket security systems before transport to prevent battery drain or electrical stress.
• Remove personal items and loose parts. Clear the interior of floor mats, personal belongings, and anything that could shift. If you have removable trim pieces, mirrors, or aerodynamic components, remove and pack them separately.
• Keep the fuel level at 25% or less. A full tank adds unnecessary weight and creates issues if any fuel system work is ongoing on the vehicle.
• Confirm your insurance coverage. Contact your classic car insurer before transport and verify whether your policy covers transit. Most specialty insurers (Hagerty, Grundy, etc.) include transit coverage — but confirm your specific terms before the move.

Insurance and Liability — What You Need to Know

In Texas, any company that transports a vehicle for compensation must be licensed and insured under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Texas Tows Inc. holds TDLR license #0654316VSF and maintains commercial carrier liability coverage on all transport operations.

However, TDLR-mandated carrier insurance is a baseline — designed to cover damage caused by carrier negligence, not acts of nature, pre-existing damage, or mechanical failure. For a vehicle worth $50,000 or more, you should have supplemental coverage through your specialty auto insurer. Most reputable classic car insurers make this process straightforward.

Before signing any transport agreement, ask these questions:

• What is the carrier's insurance coverage limit per vehicle?
• Is the coverage per vehicle or per load (shared across all vehicles on the trailer)?
• What documentation process is used to establish pre-transport vehicle condition?
• Is the company TDLR licensed and in good standing?

You can verify any Texas towing or vehicle transport company's TDLR license status directly at the TDLR license search portal. If a company can't provide a license number on request, that's a hard stop — walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does enclosed car transport cost in Dallas?

Enclosed transport typically costs more than open transport due to the specialized equipment and reduced vehicle capacity per trailer. Pricing varies based on distance, vehicle size, and scheduling. Texas Tows does not publish rates online — contact us directly for a written quote. We do not charge hidden fees, and all quotes are provided before any transport agreement is signed.

Can you transport a classic car that doesn't run?

Yes. Enclosed trailers with hydraulic lift gates can load non-running vehicles without requiring the car to drive up a ramp under its own power. This is one of the primary reasons enclosed transport is preferred for in-progress restoration projects and vehicles acquired from estate sales.

How far in advance should I book classic car transport in Dallas?

For scheduled moves — auction pickups, show transport, or planned garage-to-storage moves — we recommend booking at least 48 to 72 hours in advance. Enclosed transport units have more limited availability than standard tow trucks, so last-minute booking isn't always possible for specialty moves. For time-sensitive situations, call us directly at (817) 512-1024 and we'll assess availability in real time.

Will my classic car be the only vehicle in the enclosed trailer?

That depends on the trailer configuration and the specific move. Single-vehicle enclosed trailers are available for maximum exclusivity — your car is the only one loaded. Multi-vehicle enclosed trailers can carry 2 to 6 vehicles but still provide full environmental protection. If exclusive transport is a priority, request it specifically when you book and we'll accommodate it when available.

What areas of Dallas does Texas Tows cover for classic car transport?

We cover the entire DFW metroplex for vehicle transport — including North Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, the Medical District, Deep Ellum, and surrounding cities like Plano, Garland, Irving, and Fort Worth. Visit our vehicle transport service page for full coverage details.

Is Texas Tows licensed to transport classic cars in Texas?

Yes. Texas Tows Inc. holds TDLR license #0654316VSF and is fully insured for vehicle transport operations across Texas. Our team has been operating in the Dallas area since 2015, and our operators have specific experience with high-value, classic, and specialty vehicle transport. You can verify our license status at any time via the TDLR license portal.