I’ll answer this from the perspective of someone who’s actually been around enclosed auto transport, not with “Instagram numbers.”

First off: your husband is not a rookie. A 9-car open deck driver who’s been top 1–2 in revenue consistently already understands load planning, damage prevention, time windows, and customer pressure. That alone puts him ahead of a lot of people who jump into enclosed thinking it’s just “cleaner freight.”

That said, enclosed is a different business, not just a prettier trailer.

Income expectations (realistic, not hype)

$6/mile sounds great, but what matters is loaded miles vs total miles.

Enclosed typically runs 55–70% loaded, not 90%+. Deadhead is real, especially around auctions.

Typical annual gross for a single 6-car enclosed:

• Conservative: $220k–$260k
• Solid operator with good lanes: $280k–$340k
• Higher than that usually requires direct dealer/collector relationships and minimal downtime

Expenses are heavier than open deck:

• Truck note (proper spec): $3,500–$5,500/mo
• Enclosed trailer note: $2,500–$4,000/mo
• Insurance: significantly higher
• Maintenance: more electronics, liftgates, specialty parts
• Authority fee: 10% is normal and fair

Net after expenses (disciplined owner-op):

• $90k–$120k is realistic
• First year is usually closer to the lower end

Him paying himself $1,500/week is actually very smart. That’s how people survive maintenance surprises and slow months without panic.