Car Shipping Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank
Transporting a vehicle across the country (or even across a few states) might seem like a big expense—but it doesn’t have to be. There are several smart ways to save money on car shipping without sacrificing quality or safety. With a little planning and a few insider tips, you can keep more cash in your pocket while still ensuring your vehicle arrives securely and on time.
Whether you’re moving, selling a car, or sending a vehicle to a family member, these strategies will help you stretch your budget.
1. Be Flexible with Pickup and Delivery Dates
One of the easiest ways to reduce your shipping cost is to give the carrier a wider time window for pickup and delivery. Flexibility allows the transport company to group your shipment with others along similar routes, which reduces their cost—and yours.
If you need your car picked up or dropped off on an exact date, you’ll likely pay a premium for expedited or guaranteed service. But if you’re okay with a pickup window of 2–5 days, you could save a significant amount.
2. Choose Open Transport Over Enclosed
Unless your car is a luxury, exotic, or classic model, open car transport is the best value option. It’s safe, efficient, and more widely available than enclosed trailers. Open carriers can move more vehicles at once, spreading out the cost per car and making the service more affordable.
Enclosed transport adds extra protection, but also 30–60% more to the price tag. For most standard vehicles, open transport gets the job done without the added expense.
3. Avoid Peak Seasons if You Can
Just like airline tickets and hotel rooms, car shipping prices fluctuate with demand. Summer months, holidays, and snowbird seasons (fall and spring) tend to be the busiest, which means higher rates and fewer carrier options.
If your schedule allows, try shipping during the off-season—like late winter or early fall—when demand is lower. You’ll have better availability and could secure a lower quote.
4. Ship to and from Major Cities
Carriers prefer routes between major metro areas with good highway access and higher customer density. Picking up or delivering in rural or remote areas often requires extra mileage and time, which can increase the cost.
If you’re willing to meet the carrier in a nearby city, you might reduce your overall rate. Even a pickup at a large shopping center or public parking lot nearby can help streamline the process and cut down on fees.
5. Get Multiple Quotes and Compare
Always request quotes from more than one car shipping company. Pricing can vary depending on availability, carrier networks, and service features. Look for companies that offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Just be cautious of quotes that seem too good to be true—the cheapest isn’t always the best. You want a fair price backed by strong customer service and proper insurance coverage.
6. Book in Advance
The sooner you book, the more options you’ll have—and the less you’ll pay. Last-minute bookings often cost more, especially if carriers have to adjust their routes or send a truck just for you.
Booking 1–2 weeks in advance gives the company time to arrange logistics, and you may benefit from better pricing.
7. Consider Terminal-to-Terminal (With Caution)
While door-to-door auto transport is the most convenient, terminal-to-terminal shipping can be cheaper in some cases. You drop off and pick up your vehicle at a shipping terminal, saving the carrier the trouble of navigating tight streets or extra miles.
Just be aware that terminal locations aren’t available everywhere, and your vehicle might sit longer waiting to be picked up. If you’re okay with the delay and can get to and from the terminal easily, it might be a way to shave off some costs.
8. Remove Extra Items from the Car
Some carriers charge more if your vehicle contains personal belongings. Extra weight can affect fuel costs and DOT compliance. Keep your car light—remove all personal items, aftermarket add-ons, and anything not permanently attached.
Not only does this save money, but it also reduces the risk of theft or damage during transport. This includes protecting vulnerable areas like windshields and windshields, which can be more exposed during loading or in open transport scenarios. Shipping a car doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right combination of flexibility, timing, route planning, and a bit of preparation, you can cut down on costs and still get excellent service. Plan ahead, compare options, and choose a reliable provider that balances affordability with professionalism.