We completed a coast to coast trip of a 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class from Union, New Jersey to Denver, Colorado, proving the value of premium enclosed auto shipping services. The vehicle was delivered by a hard side 2 car enclosed trailer completed in July within five days which underscores the reliability of car shipping with our company.
The shipping estimate was just $1,600 for the service, a competitive rate for enclosed transport covering around 1,800 miles ($0.89 per mile).
What Makes Enclosed Transport Essential for Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Vehicles
This car represents an investment, with the 2022 model price ranging from $138,450 and goes up to $179,150. As a convertible featuring advanced technology, and retractable soft-top systems, this Benz demands protection that only enclosed transport service can handle.For a vehicle like SL with its 4 inch ground clearance and convertible mechanisms, enclosed transport isn’t just recommended but a requirement.
A hardside enclosed trailer is used for this transport because it offers complete protection from weather elements such as heat, UV exposure, rain, and hail, while also shielding the vehicle from road debris, rocks, and other highway hazards. Additionally, it provides a controlled climate, ensuring that sensitive electronics, interior materials, and delicate finishes remain safe and undamaged throughout the journey.
For the owners of cars like Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, the additional cost of enclosed transportation service is typically 40 to 60% more than the open transport which represents insurance against thousands of dollars in potential damage.
Cross-Country Distance and Transit Time for Northeast to Mountain West Routes
The Union, NJ to Denver, CO route is nearly 1,800 miles, crossing 6 states () and a couple of climate areas.
This five day time window corresponds to the industry-standard range of 5-7 days for this much distance, indicating the carrier operated in an efficient direction without any delays.
How Low-Profile Sports Cars Are Loaded on Enclosed Trailers
This is the main reason why the SL poses such an unusually difficult challenge for shipping experts, because of its sports car size.
The car is rear-wheel drive and the clearance 4.1inches, extended bumper, with a low center of gravity that has to be positioned carefully when it comes to loading, the weight distribution is also important for loading (52% front / rear – 48%).
Professional transporters have a way to safety load low cars such as the SL with zero contact due to very specialized techniques which us expert professionals train for many weeks in order to perfect.- Hydraulic lift gate with 7–10 degree approach angles that prevent the air dam from making any contact whatsoever including your very minor tire damage causing overt post bridge clearance accidents on/off ramps. Strap down methods that avoid wheel & frame damage by using first a four point strap down system so we do not over stress single attachment points as well adjustable wheel chock must be used on low rides so it doesn’t roll yet there is no undercarriage paint scratching.
During the successful five day delivery customer reported zero damage which indicates a proper loading and unloading, and securing techniques that were held during the journey.
Colorado Deliveries in Winter
The $1,600 rate for this shipping was a good summer rate for the Union, NJ to Denver route. The shipping in winter on the same route would likely cost more because snow, ice, and other seasonal challenges make deliveries harder in Colorado.
For winter shipments, November through March, rates typically may increase 25-40% above summer prices, bringing the price to around $2,000-$2,240. Travel through the Colorado mountains can add extra time, as I-70 closures may delay delivery by one or two days. Commercial vehicles often need chains in the mountains, and using heated or climate-controlled enclosed trailers can add another $200-$400.
Taking all these factors into account, a winter transport from Union, NJ to Denver could range from roughly $2,200 to $2,800, depending on the conditions and services required.
Key Takeaways for Enclosed Luxury Car Transport
This successful July transport highlights some positivity in the enclosed auto transport industry as the $1,600 rate for 1,800 miles ($0.89 per mile) offers strong value for enclosed service. This was possible thanks to using 2 car enclosed trailers efficiently, easy summer routes, and many carriers available from the Northeast to the Mountain West.
The fast delivery of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class proves that accurate coordination at Tempus Logix has been improved, giving customers predictable and reliable transport solutions. The use of hardside enclosed trailers with low-profile loading ramps also shows that drivers and carrier companies are investing in specialized equipment designed for expensive sports cars like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Transport Summary:
Vehicle: 2022 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Route: Union, NJ – Denver, CO (~1,800 miles)
I-78 W (NJ), I-76 W (PA), I-70 W (OH, IN, IL, MO, KS, CO)
Service: Hard side 2 cars enclosed trailer
Cost: $1,600 ($0.89/mile)
Season: Summer (optimal pricing period)
Credits at Delivery
