You can save money on car shipping by choosing open transport, staying flexible on dates, shipping in the off-season, using major routes, and comparing at least three quotes. Shipping can also cost less than driving once you count gas, hotels, food, wear and tear, and your time.
This breakdown shows where the savings come from and what each one is worth.
Where the Savings Come From
| Open instead of enclosed transport | Enclosed typically costs 30% to 50% more |
| Flexible pickup and delivery dates | A carrier with an empty trailer spot may accept a lower rate, and rush service costs more |
| Shipping off-season | February is typically the cheapest month, and summer costs the most |
| Pickup and delivery near major routes | Busy city-to-city routes cost less, and rural addresses can add a premium |
| Door-to-door instead of terminal shipping | Terminal shipping can add storage fees and travel to the terminal |
| Comparing three or more quotes | Exposes teaser rates and quotes no carrier will accept |
The True Cost of Driving Your Car
Before looking at ways to save, price out the drive. Gas, wear and tear, hotel stays, and food add up, as do the hours or days you spend on the road.
Driving also adds extra miles to your odometer, while a carrier adds little or none for many moves, which makes shipping closer in cost to driving than people expect.
Choose Open Transport When It Fits
Enclosed trailers protect classic and high-value cars, but they typically cost 30% to 50% more because they carry fewer vehicles. Open carriers hold 8 to 10 vehicles and are often enough for a standard car. Our guide on choosing between open and enclosed transport walks through the trade-offs.
Stay Flexible on Dates
Carrier dates are estimates, and firm dates usually come at a premium. A carrier with one open spot on its trailer may accept a lower rate to fill it.
Give a pickup window of a few days instead of one fixed day. You improve your odds of a quick pickup without paying a rush fee.
Time Your Shipment
Summer is the busiest and most expensive season. Snowbird traffic also pushes prices up on routes heading south in the fall and north in the spring. If you move against that flow, you can find some of the year's lowest prices.
For more on timing, see our tips on shipping a car during peak season.
Pick Up and Deliver Near Major Routes
Carriers charge less on busy routes between big cities because they can fill the trailer along the way. Rural delivery can add a premium. If your address is remote, meeting the driver in a nearby metro area can lower the price.
Choose Door-to-Door Over Terminal Shipping
Terminal-to-terminal shipping sounds cheaper, but it can add storage fees and the cost of getting to and from the terminal. Door-to-door auto transport is often the better value, and it is the only option we use.
Ask Us About Our Competitive Pricing
Ask us about our competitive pricing. We work to get every customer the lowest competitive rate.
Lighten the Load and Prepare Your Car
A heavier car costs more to move. Remove personal items, roof racks, and other loose gear before pickup, and check the car for existing damage to avoid surprises later. For a fuller list, see the extra charges to expect in car shipping.
Compare Quotes, but Not Just on Price
Get at least three quotes. A price far below the rest can be a teaser rate, or a quote no carrier will accept, and the price rises after you book. Our guide on comparing car shipping quotes shows what to check.
Ask about deposits too. At Ship a Car Direct, we don't charge a deposit until we assign and confirm a carrier, so you don't pay for a service that hasn't started.
Pick a Company That Fixes Problems Fast
The cheapest quote can cost you more if something goes wrong. A company that answers quickly and resolves issues promptly saves you money and stress. Read reviews on independent sites before you decide.
Save Money on Car Shipping: The Short Version
To save money on car shipping, ship open when it fits, stay flexible on dates, avoid peak season, use major routes, stay with door-to-door service, and compare three or more quotes. For exact numbers on your route, try our car shipping cost calculator, which needs no personal info, or read what state-to-state shipping typically costs.
Looking to ship your car? Get a quote at our Ship a Car Direct website today!
