Cheapest Way to Ship a Car

The cheapest and widely chosen way for shipping a car is utilizing an open car carrier that operates door-to-door. The vast majority of vehicle shipping services employ open carriers, which are trucks designed to transport cars without covering them, leaving them exposed to weather conditions. This These large trucks have the ability to transport up to ten vehicles on a single truck significantly reduces costs and saves time. Auto shipping is dependent on time and money.

When exploring auto transport options, you'll encounter a range of services that vary from very cheap to premium. A search for "how much does it cost to ship a car" typically reveals a variety of services with standard pricing. With just a little research, you'll quickly find that the most economical choice for shipping a car remains the standard open transport truck, offering terminal-to-terminal service.

Getting multiple quotes can help you find the cheapest car shipping company if your budget is limited, as long as they offer a fair market price. A fair market price combines safely, reliability, prompt delivery and a low price.

cheapest way to ship a car

What is the Cheapest way to ship a car?

Terminal to terminal open car carrier shipping is the cheapest way to ship a car. Open transport emerges as the cheapest choice in the car shipping industry, thanks to the efficiency of auto transport carriers that can accommodate 10 cars in a single trip with just one driver at the helm.

Ideal for your everyday car, open car transportation not only offers unbeatable value but also widespread availability, making it the go-to for cost-minded customers. Its popularity means there’s a wealth of open car movers out there, ready to take on almost any vehicle.

However, the best deal for shipping your car can vary based on the specific needs of your vehicle. Got an exotic or collectible car? Enclosed auto transport might be your best bet. While it's a step up in price from its open transport counterpart, it shields your prized possession from the elements, providing peace of mind for those with rare or high-value vehicles. See more on this below.

cars parked at terminal shipping

#1 Cheapest Way to Ship Your Car - Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping

No matter how you slice it, terminal-to-terminal auto shipping stands out as the absolute cheapest method to ship a car, offering even greater savings to you than door-to-door shipping! This option might take a bit longer and isn't as convenient as door-to-door services, but it's incredibly useful, especially since most major cities boast at least one (reasonably secure) transportation terminal for easy vehicle drop-off.

While we tend to reserve recommending this budget-friendly option for when it's absolutely necessary, it's undeniable that it presents a viable choice for vehicle transportation. Yes, this might mean leaving your car at the terminal for a stretch, with the associated risks, but it's a solid option under certain circumstances.

For those prioritizing convenience and speed, we highly recommend door-to-door car shipping on an open auto transport truck as the go-to method of transport.

Curious about the best car shipping options tailored to your budget? Dive into our online car shipping calculator for an immediate quote. We're proud to offer some of the most competitive rates in the industry for our top-notch vehicle shipping services.

car shipping door to door carrier

Cheapest Way to Ship My Car - Door to Door

Loading your vehicle on an open carrier that travels door to door is the standard. Hands down, it's the best way to make sure you get cheap car shipping with the almost the lowest possible price to ship a car as terminal to terminal is slightly cheaper.

Not only is it your ticket to some of the most affordable car shipping rates out there, but it also promises unbeatable value for anyone looking to ship their daily drive. Choose open transport for a wallet-friendly, safe, and secure car shipping experience whether its state to state or sending a car cross country.

To get pricing, dive into our user-friendly, free car shipping cost calculator for both terminal shipping and door-to-door services! It’s a breeze to use—taking just a minute or two to complete—and it unlocks access to a complimentary, no-strings-attached auto transport quote . Rest assured, every carrier comes with federal insurance coverage starting at a robust $750,000, with many boosting that peace of mind up to a cool $1 million on their trucks.

As a fully licensed and bonded car shipping service, we pride ourselves on partnering exclusively with top-tier carrier companies in the auto transport industry to make absolutely sure you receive the best value and quality with every car we ship.

enclosed shipper loads classic

Cheapest Way to Ship a Classic, Exotic, or Luxury Car

When it comes to shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, exotic car, or vintage car, finding a balance between cost and safety is key. The most budget-friendly option might be open car transportation services, but for those precious luxury or vintage vehicles, enclosed car transport services are the gold standard. They offer unparalleled protection against the elements and ensure the highest security during transit. For shipments from the port, opting for roll-on/roll-off auto transport with an enclosed trailer is highly advisable.

Many customers lean towards a vehicle shipping company that providfes enclosed auto shipping over open transport for a simple reason: it wraps your vehicle in the utmost security and safeguards it from weather and road debris. Yes, enclosed transport comes with a premium — about 60% more than open transport — but it's a worthy investment for the added safety of luxury or vintage cars. It might not be the cheapest route, but it's significantly safer.

Enclosed car shipping also boasts advantages like various loading methods that are not typically available with open transport. Think extra-long ramps or lift gates, sparing you the worry of your vehicle being driven onto the truck. Depending on the shipping company, you might even choose from specific configurations like soft side, lift gate, or hard side enclosed transport, enhancing the safety and ease of shipping.

Modern enclosed trailers often feature air-cushioned and smooth ride suspensions, minimizing any disturbance to the precious cargo they carry. This attention to detail drastically reduces the risk of dents or scratches, particularly beneficial when utilizing liftgate elevators over ramps.

For those seeking the pinnacle of protection for their luxury or vintage vehicle from start to finish, door-to-door shipping in an enclosed truck is the way to go. While this option does cost more than open transport services, the peace of mind and avoidance of potential issues make it a worthwhile choice over a cheap auto transport option.

inoperable auto transport vehicle example project car

Cheapest Way to Ship a Car That Doesn't Run

Shipping a car that doesn't run presents some small challenges, but it's far from impossible for you to ship a car cheaply—and it can be cheaper than you might think! Since these vehicles can't be driven onto the carrier, car shippers use specialized equipment vehicle is safely loaded onto the transport truck.

For open auto transport, a winch is typically used to pull the car onto the open carrier. Some open carriers can also accommodate non-running vehicles if there is the help of a forklift or tow truck at both the pickup and delivery points. This is especially handy with cars that have wheels that don't roll or even have wheels art all. Given that open car transportation tends to be the cheapest option, it's the preferred format for shipping the majority of non-operational vehicles unless they have exposed parts or interiors.

Just because a car doesn't run, does not mean it cannot go on an enclosed auto transport carrier. While winches are available on some enclosed carriers, they're much more commonly found on open transport trucks. The great feature these trucks have is a liftgate to load cars that aren't running. Liftgates are particularly beneficial for vehicles with low clearance, offering an added layer of protection against damage during the loading and unloading process.

Between these two, open auto transport services are substantially more wallet-friendly than their enclosed counterparts. If cost-effectiveness is a key consideration for you, opting for non running open car transport will be your best bet for shipping an inop vehicle efficiently and affordably. Chose open car transport as the cheapest way to ship a car that doesn't run.

How to Save Money When You Ship Your Car

Unlocking savings on your car shipping is all about smart timing and flexibility! If your schedule allows you to bypass the peak shipping seasons (May to September for coast-to-coast routes and fall and spring for north-south routes), you're already on the path to cheap-topia!. This strategic timing can make a significant difference in your auto transport costs.

Here are more savvy tips to ensure your car transport is as budget-friendly as possible:

  • Be flexible with your dates: Carriers often appreciate the leeway to schedule pickups and deliveries that align with their logistics, potentially rewarding your flexibility with discounts. Don't shy away from discussing cheaper scheduling options.
  • Opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping: While door-to-door service is incredibly convenient and very affordable, choosing terminal-to-terminal can shave off some extra dollars so you can get your car shipped cheaply. Just keep in mind that parking your car at a terminal for an extended period might incur daily fees. Terminal services have become rarer, so a quick chat with our car shipping experts can give you the latest insights.
  • Pick open car transport: Open transport can be up to 40%-60% less expensive than enclosed options, making it a great choice for those looking to stretch their dollars further.
  • Balance cost with reputation: It's tempting to jump at the lowest price, but the adage "you get what you pay for" rings especially true in an auto transport company. Investing time in researching your chosen company's reputation, customer feedback, and service quality can prevent a mountain of headaches. Look beyond low prices but more for a fair market shipping price. Look for a company that combines peace of mind with reasonable rates, and don't hesitate to inquire about any available discounts. Like first responder or military.

By following these simple steps, not only will you potentially save some good money, but you'll also enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands by choosing out of a list of only reputable auto transport companies. Besides avoiding the cheapest auto transport prices, you should also read online reviews Remember, a reputable car shipping company will always be open to discussing your needs, while making sure you get the best value without compromising on service quality.

factors car shipping

Factors that Influence Car Shipping Costs

With car transport services, understanding the factors that influence your costs can lead to smarter, more budget-friendly decisions. Here's what plays a pivotal role in shaping the price of shipping your prized vehicle:

  • Location, Location Location: The oldest saying in real estate ringhs true in auto shipping. The pickup and delivery locations affects the cost. Longer treks typically cost more, but sending your vehicle between bustling cities like Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, or New York often leads to savings, thanks these routes being very popular. Rural and hard to reach areas will require a detour for our drivers, adding miles and costs. A savvy tip? Arrange to meet your transporter in a more accessible location to keep costs down.
  • Choosing Your Transport Type: Enclosed car movers offer your car a VIP treatment at a higher price, while open transport provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Terminal-to-terminal shipping can also save pennies, though it's more common in major urban centers.
  • Timing is Everything: Need your car shipped yesterday? Expedited services can make it happen but expect to pay a premium for the speed. Planning ahead can help you save, offering a balance between efficiency and cost.
  • Seasonal Shifts (Seasonality): Time of year plays a big part in pricing for auto shippers. Summer months see a big spike in prices due to high demand, especially on east to west routes. Conversely, winter might be quieter, offering better deals, except for the sought-after snowbird routes along the east coast. And yes, some winter routes in snowy areas might cost more, but overall, finding affordable options in the off-season is a breeze.
  • Special Vehicles Need Special Care: Got a modified ride? Like a Jeep or 4x4? Special accommodations for these unique vehicles might nudge your price up, especially if they're larger or heavier, and affecting the transporter's load capacity.
  • The Bigger, the Pricier: It's straightforward –Bigger cars means less cars can fit.Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship due to the extra logistics involved in their transport.
  • Packing Light: While tempting to use your vehicle as a storage bin for personal belongings, remember that added weight can increase costs, not make things cheaper. Carriers have strict weight limits for a reason, and while some personal items might be okay, (up to 100 lbs.) sticking to the lighter is better rule is best

Armed with this auto shipping knowledge, you're set to navigate the car shipping process like a pro, finding the perfect balance between service and savings. And if you're curious about anything else – from packing tips to detailed costs – our knowledge section is your go-to resource for all things auto transport.

Our goal at NX is to provide prompt delivery, great customer service, and the cheapest price while providing safe, secure, and reliable service you expect from a 5 star car shipping company.

Carl has a decade of experience in the car shipping industry. He has worked in nearly every aspect of the transport business since 2014, taking charge of various roles in the company such as dispatching, sales, and customer service.

During those years, Carl amassed an invaluable amount of experience which has contributed to his writing of every article and and guide on NX since taking over content in 2015.