My Viking Ruby has a hard cover. Since I just have to carry it a short distance (house to car in garage and then from car into LQS (parking available right in front of the shop), I have not invested in a wheeled carrier. The emb unit is in its big styrofoam lined box. It is a bit awkward but doable. If I had to carry either a great distance, I would def get something. My biggest concern is carrying my machine down our steep stairway as my sewing room is upstairs in our very old farmhouse. I generally try to think ahead and have DH carry it down and up for me.