Budget Car Shipping 101: What’s Really the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car?

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a car without getting burned by hidden fees or terrible service?

In this blog, we break down what actually affects car shipping costs, the pros and cons of each transport method, and how to save real money without cutting corners. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find the best deal without sacrificing peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Open transport is what most people use, and for good reason: it is affordable, reliable, and widely available.
• Flexible pickup windows and off-season dates help you grab better rates with less hassle.
• Door-to-door service adds convenience, not just cost.
• The lowest quote often comes with strings attached, a lack of insurance, late deliveries, or surprise fees.
• A legit auto transport company will have licensing, insurance, and customer reviews, and a clear, accurate car shipping cost calculator.

What Affects Car Shipping Costs?

We talk to thousands of people every year trying to figure out how to move their vehicles without draining their wallets.

As a team that’s been in the auto transport industry for over 17 years, we’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the sketchy Craigslist guy with a flatbed and zero insurance.

“Cheap car shipping isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about knowing which corners actually matter,” says Marco Maggiore, Chief Strategy Officer at ShipYourCarNow.

So before we break down the cheapest way to ship a car, let’s talk about what actually drives car shipping prices.

Spoiler: it’s not just distance. It’s a combination of car transport factors that can stack up fast if you’re not paying attention. These include:

Distance

The farther your car travels, the more you’ll pay, but it’s not linear. Cross-country trips often cost less per mile than short ones. Think of it like buying in bulk, you get more miles for your money.

Vehicle Type

Not all vehicles are created equal in the eyes of a transport truck. A compact sedan is cheap to move. A lifted truck, SUV, or van? Heavier, longer, and pricier.

Open Car Transport vs Enclosed Transport

Want to keep your ride shielded from weather, dust, and prying eyes? Enclosed car shipping services cost more but is well worth the cost for exotic cars and luxury vehicles. Open carriers are your standard option and much easier on the wallet.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Shipping between two major cities is cheaper because trucks are already running that route. With rural towns or hard-to-access locations they will probably be a surcharge.

Delivery Dates

Need it delivered ASAP? You’re paying for that urgency. The more flexible you are with your pickup and delivery dates, the better your chances of getting a low rate.

Season

Like airlines and hotels, car shipping has peak seasons. Summer and snowbird migration months are the generally more expensive. If you can ship in off-season months, you’ll avoid the surge pricing and get more affordable car shipping quotes.

Vehicle Condition

Does it start and drive? Great. If it doesn’t, you’ll be charged extra for special loading equipment. Non-operational vehicles are harder to move and require more time.

Gas Prices

When fuel prices go up, so do shipping rates. Auto transport trucks aren’t exactly fuel-efficient, and rising diesel prices hit carriers hard. You’ll see that reflected in the auto transport prices.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Car: Method Breakdown

Now that we understand what impacts the car shipping costs, let’s break down your car shipping options. We have ranked them by price, but we’re keeping it honest and giving you the real-world pros and cons.

1. Open Auto Transport Services (Cheapest Way to Ship A Car)

This is the most budget-friendly and widely used option for a reason.

➡️ Same trucks car dealers use – These are the long rigs you see hauling 7-10 vehicles at a time across the interstate.

➡️ More carrier availability – With so many trucks running open trailers, you’ll usually find faster pickups and more competitive rates.

➡️ Best bang for your buck – You get a reliable way to move your car without paying a premium.

➡️ No frills, just wheels – Your car’s exposed to the elements, but if you’re not shipping a showpiece, this gets the job done.

Perfect for everyday vehicles like sedans, SUVs, and even light trucks. This is how most people ship a car without draining their savings.

2. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Think of this as the DIY version of auto transport.

➡️ You drop it off, they haul it – You bring the vehicle to a local terminal where the carrier picks it up.

➡️ You pick it up at the terminal – On the other end, you’ll head to a facility to collect your car.

➡️ It’s cheaper… sometimes –  If both terminals are nearby, it can shave off some dollars. But factor in the cost of your own time and fuel.

This method works best if you’re in or near major metro areas.

3. Door-to-Door Shipping

The gold standard for convenience.

➡️ No terminals, no hassle – Your car gets picked up from your driveway and dropped off wherever you need it.

➡️ Great for busy folks or tricky locations – Whether you’re slammed at work or live far from any terminals, this keeps it stress-free.

➡️Not the cheapest, but super convenient – You’re paying for the simplicity and time saved.

Pro tip: Want to balance cost and convenience? Book open door-to-door transport to minimize costs. It’s the sweet spot for most car owners.

5. Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed carrier services are the white-glove service of auto shipping.

➡️ Weatherproof – Rain, hail, snow, dust? Your car’s shielded from all weather and road debris inside the enclosed trailer.

➡️ Great for luxury car or classic cars – If you’re moving a six-figure vehicle, a collector’s piece, or a show car, this is non-negotiable.

➡️ Pricey, but it’s peace of mind – You’re paying more, but for some cars, protection is priority number 1.

If your car’s getting photographed more than you are, go enclosed. It’s worth every penny.

How to Save Money Shipping a Car

Let’s talk hacks. Not generic “coupon code” kind of hacks, but real, on-the-ground strategies we’ve seen save drivers hundreds of dollars, and hours of frustration.

1. Be Flexible with Dates

Carriers are like Uber drivers on a schedule. If your shipment can fit into an existing route, you’ll get a better rate.

Want to avoid premium pricing? Don’t demand exact pickup times. Instead, give a 2–3 day window and watch the quote drop.

2. Ship Off-Peak

High demand = high prices. Snowbird season (fall and spring) and summer months are prime time for price hikes.

If you can schedule your move in the winter (non-holiday), or between peak windows, you could shave a few hundred bucks off your quote.

3. Choose Open Transport

Unless your car has a name and sleeps in a garage warmer than your bedroom, skip enclosed shipping.

Open auto transport is the most common and cost-effective method. It’s fast, flexible, and reliable for most standard vehicles.

4. Compare Car Shipping Prices

Shop around and compare car shipping prices. Don’t just chase the lowest number. Cheap quotes often hide things like last-minute fees, poor insurance coverage, or zero accountability if something goes sideways.

5. Avoid Hidden Fees

Hidden fees are the silent killers of “cheap” shipping.

Before signing anything, ask:

➡️ Is full insurance included?

➡️ Are there extra charges for rural drop-off locations?

➡️ Will I get hit with a fee if I change the pickup time?

Surprises are for birthdays, not car shipments.

6. Ship Multiple Vehicles

Shipping two or more vehicles at once? Many auto transport companies offer multi-car discounts.

Whether you’re moving the family fleet or relocating a business, bundling saves money, and makes logistics a whole lot easier.

7. Drop Off at a Terminal

Terminal-to-terminal can cut costs, if it’s convenient.

By delivering and picking up your vehicle at a transport hub, you eliminate the extra drive-time for the truck driver. Just make sure the terminals aren’t in the middle of nowhere or you’ll eat up those savings in gas and time.

Comparing Auto Transport Companies

Some auto transport companies shine. Others barely return your call. And unfortunately, a few just straight-up ghost you after taking your money.

So how do you tell the pros from the clowns?

Look for companies that check these boxes:

Experience

Years in the game matter, ShipYouCarNow has been in the business for 17 years. Fly-by-night brokers won’t have the infrastructure or the network to keep things running smoothly.

Insurance

A good company will include insurance coverage and be upfront about what’s protected. If they dance around that topic? Run.

Licensing

Legit transport companies are registered with the FMCSA and will proudly give you their MC and DOT numbers.

Real Reviews

Check Google, Trustpilot, or even Better Business Bureau. Are customers raving or raging?

Communication Tools

A solid customer portal means you can track, message, and manage everything in one place. No chasing down the driver by phone.

Here’s the deal: it’s not just about the quote. It’s about knowing your car is in good hands, with real professionals who ship vehicles every day, not someone juggling part-time side hustles.

At ShipYourCarNow, we’ve been doing this for over 17 years. There is no funny business, no hidden fees, no ghosting. Just straight-up service backed by real people who know how to get your vehicle from point A to point B, without drama.

Why Cheap Isn’t Always Smart

We get it. You want the best deal.

But there’s a fine line between “affordable” and “you get what you pay for.”

Some car shipping companies will lure you in with a rock-bottom quote, then disappear faster than your patience when things go wrong.

Here’s what cheap gone wrong looks like:

➡️ Damaged car – No insurance, no support, just dents and crickets.

➡️ Missed delivery windows – You’re left hanging because you weren’t a priority.

➡️ Zero accountability – No driver updates, no way to reach dispatch, and no one answering your emails.

➡️ Hidden fees – The price looked sweet upfront, but now you’re shelling out extra for “fuel surcharges” and “rescheduling fees.”

Wrap-Up: The Smart Way to Ship on a Budget

At ShipYourCarNow, we don’t play games. We quote fair, we communicate clearly, and we deliver what we promise.

You don’t need the cheapest. You need the right balance of price, protection, and professionalism.

Because shipping your car shouldn’t feel like a gamble, it should feel like a plan.

Want the cheapest way to ship a car? Be flexible, book early, and go open transport.

Want to do it the smart way? Call us or get and instant quote!

ShipYourCarNow has helped thousands of car owners get it done without stress, scams, or surprise charges.

Frequently Asked Car Shipping Questions

What’s the absolute cheapest way to ship a car across the country?

Open transport, flexible dates, and not living in the middle of nowhere. The more flexible you are, the better rate you’ll land.

Can I ship personal items in my car?

Technically, yes. But insurance doesn’t love it. Keep it light or skip it. Most carriers don’t want the extra weight, or the liability of carrying personal belongings.

Does insurance come included?

With us? Yep. Always ask upfront. Some shady transporters won’t mention it unless you bring it up.

How long does it take to ship a car across the country?

Typically 1–10 days depending on distance, route, weather, and demand. Expedited vehicle transport options are available, but they’ll cost you more.

Can I ship a non-operational vehicle?

Yes, but it’ll cost more for this shipping method. Non-running vehicles need winches and special loading equipment. Be upfront about the condition or you’ll get hit with surprise fees.