A Complete Guide to Affordable Auto Transport
Shipping a car doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re moving across the country, purchasing a vehicle from out of state, or sending a car to a family member, finding affordable auto transport options is possible with the right approach. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to ship a car economically while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
At GlobalCarMove, we understand that cost is a major concern when shipping vehicles. That’s why we’ve compiled this resource to help you navigate the car shipping process, understand pricing factors, and discover strategies to reduce your expenses without compromising on service quality.
Understanding the Car Shipping Process
Before diving into cost-saving strategies, it’s important to understand the basic process of shipping a car. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
The Steps of How to Ship a Car
Select a reputable car shipping company
Make sure you get the final and transparent quote from the shipping company
Book your shipment and confirm pickup/delivery dates
Prepare your vehicle for transport
Complete a thorough inspection with the carrier
Receive and inspect your vehicle at delivery
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car varies based on several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you identify opportunities to save money.
Primary Cost Factors
- Distance: Longer distances cost more overall but typically have lower per-mile rates
- Vehicle size and weight: Larger, heavier vehicles occupy more space and cost more to ship
- Transport type: Open transport is more affordable than enclosed transport
- Route popularity: Common routes between major cities are generally cheaper
- Seasonality: Prices fluctuate based on demand during different times of year
- Fuel prices: Higher fuel costs are passed on to customers
Average Cost to Ship a Car
While prices vary significantly based on the factors above, here are some general price ranges to help you budget:
| Distance | Average Cost Range | Cost Per Mile |
| 0-500 miles (short distance) | $500-$700 | $1.00-$1.40 |
| 500-1,000 miles (medium distance) | $700-$1,000 | $0.70-$1.00 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles (long distance) | $1,000-$1,500 | $0.50-$0.75 |
| 2,000+ miles (cross-country) | $1,500-$2,000 | $0.40-$0.60 |
For more detailed pricing information specific to your vehicle and route, check our competitive car shipping rates here.
Tips for How to Ship a Car Cheaply
Planning and Timing
- Book in advance: Last-minute bookings often come with premium prices. Try to schedule your shipment at least 2-4 weeks ahead.
- Be flexible with dates: If you can provide a wider pickup window, carriers can fit your vehicle into their existing routes more efficiently.
- Ship during off-peak seasons: Avoid summer months and January when demand is highest. Fall and spring typically offer better rates.
Service Selection
- Choose open transport: Unless you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, open carriers are perfectly adequate and significantly cheaper.
- Opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping: While less convenient than door-to-door service, this option can reduce costs considerably.
- Consider shipping multiple vehicles: Many companies offer discounts for shipping more than one car at a time.
How to Ship a Car: Transport Methods Compared
Understanding the different shipping methods available can help you choose the most cost-effective option for your needs.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open Transport
- Most affordable option (20-40% cheaper than enclosed)
- Widely available with faster pickup times
- Suitable for most standard vehicles
- More environmentally friendly (carriers transport multiple vehicles)
Enclosed Transport
- Complete protection from weather and road debris
- Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
- Additional insurance coverage typically included
- More expensive (typically 30-50% more than open transport)
Terminal-to-Terminal vs. Door-to-Door Shipping
Terminal-to-Terminal
With terminal-to-terminal shipping, you drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated locations, typically in major cities.
Pros: Lower cost, good for flexible schedules
Cons: Less convenient, potential storage fees if not picked up promptly
Door-to-Door
Door-to-door service involves pickup and delivery at your specified locations, such as your home or workplace.
Pros: Maximum convenience, no need to travel to terminals
Cons: Higher cost, may have accessibility limitations in some areas
Money-Saving Tip
For the most economical shipping experience, choose open transport with terminal-to-terminal service during off-peak seasons. This combination typically offers the lowest possible rates.
How to Ship a Car to Another State: State-to-State Transport Guide
State-to-state car shipping is one of the most common transport scenarios. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth process.
When shipping a car to another state, be aware of these important factors:
- Registration requirements: Some states require vehicles to be registered within a specific timeframe after arrival.
- Emissions standards: States like California have strict emissions requirements that your vehicle must meet.
- Inspection requirements: Many states require safety or emissions inspections for newly registered vehicles.
- Sales tax implications: You may be responsible for paying sales tax in your new state.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Proper preparation of your vehicle not only ensures a smooth shipping process but can also help prevent additional charges.
Documentation
- Gather necessary documents (registration, insurance proof)
- Make copies of all important paperwork
- Prepare a written authorization if someone else will receive the vehicle
Vehicle Condition
- Wash your car thoroughly for accurate inspection
- Document existing damage with photos from all angles
- Check for and fix any fluid leaks
- Ensure battery is charged and secured
Vehicle Preparation
- Remove personal items (most carriers limit or prohibit personal items)
- Disable alarm systems or provide instructions to the carrier
- Reduce fuel to approximately 1/4 tank
- Remove or secure loose parts and accessories
- Fold in mirrors and retract antennas if possible
- Remove toll tags and parking passes
Warning:
Failing to properly prepare your vehicle may result in delays, additional fees, or even refusal of transport by the carrier. Follow this checklist carefully to avoid complications.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?
Understanding realistic timeframes for car shipping helps you plan effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
| Distance | Pickup Window | Transit Time | Total Time (Average) |
| 0-500 miles | 1-3 business days | 1-2 days | 2-5 days |
| 500-1,000 miles | 2-4 business days | 2-4 days | 4-8 days |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | 2-5 business days | 5-7 days | 7-12 days |
| 2,000+ miles | 3-7 business days | 7-10 days | 10-17 days |
Factors That Affect Shipping Time
- Distance: Longer distances naturally require more transit time.
- Route: Popular routes with high carrier availability may have faster pickup times.
- Season: Summer and January are peak seasons with potential delays due to high demand.
- Weather conditions: Severe weather can cause unexpected delays, especially in winter months.
- Location accessibility: Remote or difficult-to-access locations may extend pickup and delivery times.
Planning Tip:
For time-sensitive shipments, consider expedited shipping options. While more expensive, these services guarantee faster pickup and delivery timeframes.
How to Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Selecting the right auto transport company is crucial for a positive shipping experience and can help you avoid scams or poor service.
Essential Verification Steps
- Check FMCSA registration: Verify the company’s MC number on the FMCSA website.
- Review insurance coverage: Ensure the company carries adequate insurance for your vehicle’s value.
- Read customer reviews: Check multiple sources including Google, BBB, and Transport Reviews.
- Verify physical address: Legitimate companies have real business addresses, not just P.O. boxes.
- Understand the quote process: Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Provide quotes significantly lower than industry averages
- Have no online presence or very few reviews
- Use high-pressure sales tactics or rush you to decide
- Cannot provide proof of insurance or FMCSA registration
- Have multiple company name changes in their history
Why Choose GlobalCarMove
Fully licensed and insured: MC# registered with FMCSA and comprehensive insurance coverage
Transparent pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges
Nationwide network: Extensive carrier network for faster pickup and competitive rates
Dedicated customer service: Personal shipping coordinator assigned to every order
Satisfaction guarantee: We’re not satisfied until your vehicle arrives safely
