Shipping a car across the country can be expensive, but there are smart ways to reduce costs without compromising safety or service quality. Whether you’re moving, buying a car from another state, or sending a vehicle to family, understanding how to save money on car shipping can make the process more affordable.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to cut down on car shipping expenses while ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
💰 1. Compare Multiple Quotes
One of the easiest ways to save money is by comparing quotes from different car shipping companies.
Why It Matters:
- Prices vary based on carrier availability, route, and season.
- Some brokers offer better deals than direct carriers.
How to Do It:
✅ Request quotes from at least 3 to 5 reputable companies.
✅ Use platforms like uShip, Montway Auto Transport, or AmeriFreight.
✅ Look for price-lock guarantees to avoid unexpected rate increases.
💡 Tip: Avoid quotes that seem too low—they often lead to poor service or hidden fees.
🚗 2. Choose Open Transport Instead of Enclosed
The type of transport you choose significantly affects the price.
- Open Transport: The most common and affordable option. Cars are shipped on an open trailer.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers premium protection but costs 30% to 50% more.
Cost Comparison (Cross-Country Shipping):
| Vehicle Type | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $1,000 to $1,400 | $1,500 to $2,000 |
| SUV/Crossover | $1,200 to $1,600 | $1,700 to $2,200 |
| Luxury/Classic Car | $1,400 to $1,900 | $2,000 to $2,600 |
💡 Tip: Open transport is safe for most vehicles unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic car.
📅 3. Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates
Carriers offer lower rates if you allow flexibility in your shipping schedule.
Why It Saves Money:
- Flexible dates allow carriers to fit your car into their existing route.
- Last-minute bookings often incur premium fees.
💡 Tip: Book your shipment at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance to secure the best rates.
🛣️ 4. Ship During Off-Peak Seasons
Car shipping rates fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing:
- Peak Season (Summer & Holidays): Higher demand leads to increased prices.
- Off-Peak Season (Winter & Spring): Lower demand reduces costs by 10% to 20%.
💡 Tip: Avoid shipping during snowbird season (October to April), when retirees move between northern and southern states.
⛽ 5. Keep the Car Light
Shipping costs increase with vehicle weight. While the car itself determines most of the weight, personal items inside can add unnecessary costs.
How to Reduce Weight:
✅ Remove all personal belongings.
✅ Keep the gas tank around 1/4 full.
✅ Remove roof racks, bike racks, and custom accessories.
💡 Tip: Carriers don’t insure personal items inside the vehicle, so it’s safer to remove them.
🏢 6. Use Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
While door-to-door shipping is convenient, terminal-to-terminal transport is cheaper.
Cost Difference:
- Door-to-Door: $900 to $1,500 (cross-country).
- Terminal-to-Terminal: $700 to $1,200 (cross-country).
💡 Tip: Be aware of storage fees if you can’t pick up the car immediately after delivery.
📝 7. Avoid Extra Fees and Hidden Costs
Unexpected fees can quickly increase your shipping costs.
How to Avoid Them:
✅ Confirm the final price before booking.
✅ Read the terms and conditions carefully.
✅ Ensure the carrier doesn’t charge extra for standard services like inspection or documentation.
💡 Tip: Choose companies with price-lock guarantees, like Sherpa Auto Transport.
🚀 8. Consider Shipping Multiple Cars
If you’re shipping more than one car, many companies offer multi-car discounts.
💡 Tip: Carriers can transport 7 to 10 cars on an open trailer, making multi-car shipping more efficient and affordable.
🛡️ 9. Check for Discounts
Many car shipping companies offer discounts for specific groups:
✅ Military Discounts: Active-duty and retired military personnel.
✅ Student Discounts: College students moving to or from campus.
✅ Senior Discounts: For retirees and older adults.
✅ First-Time Shipper Discounts: New customers may get promotional rates.
💡 Tip: Ask about discounts before booking—they’re not always advertised.
📄 10. Verify Insurance to Avoid Out-of-Pocket Costs
While basic insurance is included, it might not cover the full value of your car.
What to Verify:
✅ Coverage Amount: $50,000 to $100,000 for open transport; up to $500,000 for enclosed.
✅ Deductibles: Some companies charge deductibles for claims.
✅ Gap Coverage: Optional but recommended for high-value vehicles.
💡 Tip: Take photos of your car before shipping to support any claims.
📊 How Much Can You Save?
By following these tips, you can save between 10% and 30% on car shipping costs.
Example Savings for Cross-Country Shipping (2,800 miles):
| Transport Option | Standard Cost | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $1,200 to $1,500 | Save $300 by booking early and shipping off-peak. |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,800 to $2,400 | Save $500 by choosing open transport. |
| Door-to-Door vs. Terminal | $1,400 vs. $1,100 | Save $300 with terminal shipping. |
🌟 Conclusion: Ship Your Car for Less
Shipping a car doesn’t have to break the bank. By comparing quotes, choosing open transport, and being flexible with dates, you can save hundreds of dollars while ensuring safe delivery.
To recap the best ways to save money on car shipping:
✅ Compare 3 to 5 quotes from reputable companies.
✅ Choose open transport unless shipping a luxury vehicle.
✅ Be flexible with dates and book early.
✅ Ship during off-peak seasons for lower rates.
✅ Avoid extra fees by confirming the final price upfront.
With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy affordable, stress-free car shipping.
