A 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG recently traveled about 1,200 miles from Akron, Ohio to Austin, Texas inside a two-car, hard-sided enclosed trailer. From pickup to delivery, the entire move took four days. That timeline, and the equipment used, makes perfect sense once you understand what it takes to move an exotic like the SLS AMG safely.
This isn’t a car you throw on a standard open carrier and hope for the best. The SLS AMG has unique engineering, delicate materials, and design features that demand specialized transport.
Why Open Carriers Aren’t a Good Fit
The biggest issue is the gullwing doors. They need extra side clearance, which most multi-car open haulers simply don’t have. Add to that the SLS AMG’s aluminum space frame and aluminum body panels, both extremely expensive to repair if damaged by road debris.
When you’re dealing with a six-figure car, even a minor chip or dent can turn into a massive repair bill. Soft-sided enclosed trailers help, but they still don’t offer the same level of protection as a rigid, hard-sided setup.
How the Timeline Actually Unfolded
The booking was placed on January 15, with the earliest pickup window opening on January 17. However, the carrier wasn’t officially assigned until January 21. That four-day gap is completely normal when you’re waiting on a two-car, hard-sided enclosed trailer rather than a standard open hauler. There are simply fewer carriers running that type of equipment.
Pickup took place on January 23, and delivery was completed on January 27. Covering roughly 1,200 miles in four days lines up with real-world driving limits. Federal Hours of Service rules restrict drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work window, followed by a mandatory 10-hour rest period. In practice, that means 450 to 550 miles per day depending on traffic and weather.
The route itself followed major interstate corridors: south from Akron via I-71, west on I-70 toward Indianapolis, down I-65 through Louisville and Nashville, across I-40 toward Memphis, then southwest on I-30 into Texas before finishing on I-35 down to Austin.
Loading and Securing the Vehicle
With 4.3 inches of ground clearance, the SLS AMG doesn’t require wheel dollies like ultra-low supercars, but careful loading is still essential. Most carriers would use race ramps or extended approach ramps to ease the transition onto the trailer deck. Recessed floors on enclosed trailers further reduce the approach angle.
Soft straps must be attached only to approved anchor points, never suspension components. The aluminum frame requires precise strap placement to avoid stress points or long-term structural issues. Four-point tie-downs are standard for exotic transport, and some carriers use six-point systems for vehicles valued over $100,000.
Why Hard-Side Enclosed Trailers Cost More But Matter for Cars Like This
The SLS AMG is a low-slung vehicle with an aggressively styled front splitter and air dam. Standard ramps can cause scraping problems when loading. High-quality hard-sided enclosed trailers feature hydraulic lift gates or recessed decks that decrease the loading angle from the standard 14-18 degrees to as low as 8-12 degrees. This is important because one scrape on a carbon-fiber or aluminum piece can cost thousands.
Aluminum is significantly more expensive than steel. Changing one door panel can cost over $8,000 before paint and labor. The gull-wing door hinges are sophisticated and require precise alignment. Any structural change due to improper securing or road damage can cause major problems. Changing the door can cost over a thousand dollars. The use of a two-car trailer also allows the owner to position the SLS AMG without the concern of height stacking or tight clearances. More space means no accidental damage during the loading, transportation, or unloading process.
Capacity is also a challenge that impacts the economics of the business. A carrier with an open trailer carrying anywhere from seven to nine vehicles makes money off each of those spaces, but the two-car enclosed trailer only has the ability to charge two customers per trip. Each trip has to make up for that just to stay afloat. There are also higher insurance costs for the enclosed carriers, as well as higher maintenance costs and customer service demands. The drivers of six-figure vehicles require specialized training in loading the vehicles, as well as communication skills.
Route and Seasonal Factors
Because this shipment took place in January, winter weather was a real concern. Portions of I-71 in Ohio and I-65 through Kentucky and Tennessee are prone to ice and snow. Weather delays and rerouting are common during this time of year.
Insurance Considerations
Federal regulations require carriers to carry at least $1 million in public liability insurance. For exotic vehicles, cargo insurance is what really matters.
Carriers specializing in high-value cars typically carry cargo policies well above minimum requirements. Most reputable exotic transporters carry between $2 million and $5 million in cargo coverage. That level of insurance is critical when a single vehicle on a two-car trailer represents $150,000-$200,000 in value.
Before transport, the declared value of the SLS AMG would need to be confirmed against the carrier’s cargo policy to ensure full protection in case of major damage or total loss.
What Vehicle Owners Should Take Away
From booking to delivery, the entire process took 12 days. That’s a realistic timeline for enclosed exotic transport. The four-day wait for carrier assignment reflects the smaller pool of qualified operators with the right equipment.
Owners should plan for pickup windows rather than exact dates, verify trailer type and loading equipment, request proof of cargo insurance, and confirm coverage matches the vehicle’s declared value.
Clear communication is essential. Professional exotic transporters provide direct driver contact and regular updates, often confirming delivery details 24 hours in advance. This SLS AMG shipment is a perfect example of why specialized equipment, experienced drivers, and proper insurance justify the higher cost of enclosed exotic transport. The price of doing it right is far less than the cost of fixing what goes wrong when it’s done wrong.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Akron, OH 44310
- Destination: Austin, TX 78744
- Vehicle type and condition: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (Operable, exotic sports car)
- Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles
- Primary routes: I-71 S through Ohio; I-70 W through Columbus to Indianapolis; I-65 S through Louisville, Nashville; I-40 W through Memphis; I-30 SW through Little Rock; I-35 S into Austin
- Trailer type: Enclosed two-car hard-sided hauler
- Season: Late January (winter)
- Total transit time: 4 days
- Price: $1,300 ($1.08 per mile)
