We know how stressful it can be to deal with all the logistics of moving, including the cost of shipping your beloved ride.
There are too many ways to ship your car safely to the destination. Here we describe the cheapest way to ship your car, so you can relax and enjoy your journey.
We’ll give you the proper guideline on the best ways to ship your car and how to save money in the entire process.
Cheapest Way To Ship Car
While moving or shipping your car, it’s important to find out the most cost-effective and secure way.
There are several options available to reduce costs while shipping a car.
Open transport:
This is the most inexpensive way to ship a car. All shipping items including your car will be loaded onto the back of a large truck along with other cars on their way to their destinations.
If you want to save some serious dough on shipping costs, you gotta go with open transport. It’s the smart choice that won’t break the bank.
With open transport, your stuff is gonna get hauled on an open trailer, which is way cheaper than a fancy-schmancy closed carrier.
Train:
Shipping your car by train is usually the cheapest option, especially for distances over 750 miles. Moving a vehicle by train may only cost a few hundred dollars.
Door-to-door shipping:
You can choose an option between open and enclosed transport depending on the type of vehicle you are transporting and your budget for shipping a car.
The cheapest and budgets friendly option is open transport, The enclosed option is more secure and expensive.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping:
Choose an open carrier and delivery to a shipping terminal to find cheap auto transport for $500 or less.
Cheapest Way To Ship Car To Another State
There are several ways to ship a car to another state, and the cheapest procedure will depend on various factors such as the distance, type of transport, and size of the vehicle. Here we describe the cheapest options:
Open transport:
This is the most inexpensive way to ship a car.
All shipping items including your car will be loaded onto the back of a large truck along with other cars on their way to their destinations.
Auto transport companies:
Shipping your car through an auto transport company is the most cost-effective method.
They offer different services, such as door-to-door delivery, terminal-to-terminal shipping, and open or enclosed transport.
Shipping brokers:
Using a shipping broker is the cheapest option to ship a car to another state.
Brokers work with several auto transport companies and can find the most affordable rates for you.
Drive the car:
Driving the car yourself is an option if you have the time and are willing to put the miles on your vehicle.
This method may not be the cheapest, but it could be cost-effective if you have a short distance to travel.
Note
Keep in mind that the average cost to ship a car in the United States is about $1,108. Generally, shipping a car can cost anywhere from about $500 to over $2,000.
5 Tips for reducing the cost of car shipping
Here are our top 5 tips for reducting the cost of car shipping:
Plan Ahead and Book Early
One of the best ways to reduce the cost of car shipping is to plan ahead and book early.
Car shipping companies often have different rates depending on the time of the year and the demand for their services.
By booking your car shipping service in advance, you can secure a lower rate and avoid any last-minute price surges.
Choose Open Transport
When it comes to car shipping, you have two options: open transport or enclosed transport.
Open transport is the more cost-effective option, as it involves shipping your car on an open carrier along with other vehicles.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, is a more secure option that involves shipping your car in an enclosed carrier.
If your car is not a luxury or exotic vehicle, open transport is a viable and affordable option.
Shop Around for the Best Rates
Shopping around can help you find out best rates with in the area.So research and compare different car shipping companies to find the best rates and deals.
Make sure to read reviews and check the company’s reputation before making a decision.
While it may be tempting to choose the lowest rate, make sure to consider the quality of service offered as well.
Be Flexible with Your Pickup and Delivery Dates
If you are flexible with your pickup and delivery dates, you can save money on car shipping.
Most car shipping companies offer flexible pickup and delivery options, and choosing off-peak dates can help you secure lower rates.
Avoid peak seasons and holidays as rates tend to be higher during these times.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Properly preparing your car for shipping can also help reduce the cost of car shipping.
Consider removing all valuables from your vehicle and make sure it is in good working order.
This will help reduce the weight of your car, which can help lower the shipping cost.
Check with your car shipping company to see if they provide discounts for military personnel, students, or senior citizens.
FAQ
What Is The Cheapest Way To Ship A Car Across The Country?
Shipping a car across the country can be expensive, but the cheapest option is usually open transport on a multi-car carrier.
This option allows several cars to be transported at once, reducing the overall cost of the shipment.
Can I Save Money On Car Shipping By Choosing A Terminal-To-Terminal Option?
Yes, choosing a terminal-to-terminal option can be more cost-effective than door-to-door shipping because it eliminates the need for the carrier to navigate narrow residential streets or congested areas.
However, you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the terminal, which may add additional costs.
Is It Cheaper To Ship My Car In An Open Or Enclosed Carrier?
An open carrier is usually cheaper than an enclosed carrier because it can transport more cars at once.
However, if you have a high-end or classic car that requires extra protection from the elements or potential damage, an enclosed carrier may be worth the additional cost.
Can I Negotiate The Price Of Car Shipping With The Carrier?
Yes, you can negotiate the price of car shipping with the carrier, especially if you are shipping multiple vehicles or have a flexible timeline.
It’s always worth asking if there are any discounts or promotions available.
What Are Some Additional Ways To Save Money On Car Shipping?
There are several ways to save money on car shipping, including choosing a flexible pick-up and delivery date, consolidating shipments with others, and selecting a company that offers seasonal discounts or promotions.
Additionally, make sure to compare quotes from several different carriers to ensure you are getting the best possible price.
Conclusion
After exploring different options and comparing prices, it’s clear that the cheapest way to ship a car depends on several factors.
Shipping a car by train or open-air trailer tends to be less expensive than shipping it by enclosed trailer or air freight.
Our advice for you is to do your research and compare quotes from different carriers.
It will make the process easy for you to find the most affordable option that meets your specific needs.