How to Find the Cheapest Car Shipping Services: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Finding the Cheapest Car Shipping Matters

Shipping a car can be a significant expense, especially when relocating across states or purchasing a vehicle from a distant location. The average cost of car shipping ranges from $600 to $1,500, depending on various factors like distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. Finding the cheapest car shipping option can save you hundreds of dollars while still ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.

Whether you're a military family facing a PCS move, a college student heading to a new state, or someone who bought a car online, understanding how to secure affordable car shipping is crucial. The auto transport industry is competitive, with over 7,000 registered car shipping companies in the United States, which means there are opportunities to find budget-friendly options if you know where to look and what to ask for.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Finding the Cheapest Car Shipping

1. Research Your Route and Timing

Start by identifying your pickup and delivery locations. Popular routes like California to Texas or New York to Florida typically have more competition among carriers, resulting in lower prices. Less common routes may cost more due to limited carrier availability.

Consider your timeline flexibility. Shipping during peak seasons (summer months and winter holidays) costs 10-15% more than off-peak periods. If possible, plan your shipment for late fall or early spring.

2. Gather Multiple Quotes

Contact at least 5-7 car shipping companies for quotes. Use online quote calculators as a starting point, but follow up with phone calls for more accurate pricing. When requesting quotes, provide:

• Exact pickup and delivery zip codes
• Vehicle year, make, model, and condition
• Preferred shipping dates
• Any special requirements

3. Compare Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open transport is typically 20-40% cheaper than enclosed transport. For standard vehicles in good condition, open transport is perfectly safe and represents the most cost-effective option. Reserve enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles where the extra protection justifies the additional cost.

4. Choose Terminal-to-Terminal Over Door-to-Door

Terminal-to-terminal shipping can save you $100-300 compared to door-to-door service. You'll need to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated terminals, but this option significantly reduces costs, especially in urban areas where terminals are easily accessible.

5. Be Flexible with Pickup Dates

Offering a wider pickup window (5-7 days instead of 1-2 days) allows carriers more flexibility in routing and can reduce costs by 10-20%. Carriers prefer customers who can accommodate their existing routes rather than requiring special detours.

6. Consider Seasonal Timing

Plan shipments during off-peak seasons when possible:

• Cheapest months: October, November, January, February
• Most expensive months: June, July, August, December
• Moderate pricing: March, April, May, September

7. Verify Company Credentials

Before choosing the cheapest option, verify the company is legitimate:

• Check USDOT and MC numbers with FMCSA
• Verify insurance coverage (minimum $750,000 cargo insurance)
• Read reviews on Better Business Bureau and Google
• Confirm physical address and phone number

8. Negotiate and Ask About Discounts

Many companies offer discounts for:

• Military personnel (5-10% discount)
• Students (5% discount)
• Multiple vehicles
• Return customers
• Early booking (booking 2+ weeks in advance)

Don't hesitate to mention competing quotes and ask if they can match or beat the price.

9. Read the Contract Carefully

Before signing, understand:

• Total cost including all fees
• Pickup and delivery timeframes
• Insurance coverage details
• Cancellation policies
• Additional charges for delays or route changes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Extremely low prices often indicate:

• Unlicensed or uninsured carriers
• Hidden fees added later
• Poor service quality
• Potential scams

Aim for quotes within 10-15% of the average rather than the absolute lowest.

Not Verifying Insurance Coverage

Some budget carriers carry minimal insurance. Ensure your chosen company has adequate cargo insurance and understand what's covered. Your personal auto insurance typically doesn't cover damage during transport.

Ignoring Broker vs. Carrier Distinction

Brokers arrange transport but don't own trucks, while carriers actually transport your vehicle. Brokers often provide competitive quotes but add markup. Direct carrier relationships can be cheaper but may offer less flexibility.

Failing to Document Vehicle Condition

Take detailed photos of your vehicle before shipping, documenting any existing damage. This protects you from fraudulent damage claims and ensures proper insurance coverage if issues arise.

Not Reading Reviews

Skipping review research can lead to choosing unreliable companies. Look for patterns in reviews, particularly regarding hidden fees, delays, and damage handling.

Pro Tips and Best Practices

Book During Optimal Windows

• Best booking time: 2-4 weeks in advance for best rates
• Avoid last-minute bookings: Can increase costs by 25-50%
• Monitor price trends: Prices can fluctuate weekly

Prepare Your Vehicle

• Remove all personal items (carriers aren't insured for personal belongings)
• Ensure fuel level is between 1/8 and 1/4 tank
• Disable car alarms
• Note any mechanical issues

Leverage Load Board Transparency

Some companies allow you to see available truck space on specific routes, helping you understand supply and demand dynamics that affect pricing.

Consider Seasonal Vehicle Movements

Understand migration patterns:

• Winter: High demand for southbound shipping (snowbirds)
• Summer: Increased northbound demand
• Plan against these trends for better rates

Bundle Services

If shipping multiple vehicles or combining with household goods transport, ask about package deals that can reduce per-vehicle costs.

Tools and Resources Needed

Online Quote Platforms

• uShip: Marketplace connecting shippers with carriers
• Transport Reviews: Company ratings and reviews
• FMCSA Database: Verify carrier credentials
• Better Business Bureau: Check company ratings

Documentation

• Vehicle registration and insurance documents
• Driver's license
• Phone with camera for condition documentation
• Contact information for pickup/delivery locations

Measurement Tools

• If shipping an oversized vehicle, have exact dimensions ready
• Weight specifications for heavy vehicles

Communication Apps

• Keep tracking apps or carrier contact information handy
• GPS apps for locating terminals if using terminal-to-terminal service

Cost Considerations

Factors Affecting Cheapest Car Shipping Rates

Distance: Base rates typically range from $0.60-$1.20 per mile, with longer distances having lower per-mile costs.

Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles cost more:

• Compact cars: Base rate
• SUVs/Trucks: 10-20% premium
• Oversized vehicles: 25-50% premium

Route Popularity:

• Major highways (I-95, I-10, I-40): Standard rates
• Secondary routes: 15-25% premium
• Rural areas: 20-40% premium

Seasonal Multipliers:

• Peak season: +15-25%
• Off-season: -10-15%
• Emergency/rush shipping: +50-100%

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Fuel surcharges: $50-150 depending on current fuel prices
• Residential pickup/delivery fees: $75-150 if not accessible to large trucks
• Storage fees: $25-50 per day if delivery is delayed
• Expedited service: $200-500 premium
• Oversized vehicle fees: $100-300 for large trucks/SUVs

Budget Planning

Expect to pay:

• Short distance (under 500 miles): $400-800
• Medium distance (500-1,500 miles): $600-1,200
• Long distance (over 1,500 miles): $900-1,500
• Cross-country: $1,000-1,800

Budget an additional 10-15% buffer for potential extra fees or premium services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book cheapest car shipping?

Book 2-4 weeks in advance for the best rates. Last-minute bookings (less than one week) can increase costs by 25-50% due to limited carrier availability.

Is open transport safe for my vehicle?

Yes, open transport is safe for most vehicles. Over 90% of cars are shipped via open transport with minimal damage rates. The main risks are road debris and weather exposure, which are generally minor.

What's the cheapest time of year to ship a car?

Late fall (October-November) and late winter (January-February) typically offer the lowest rates, with potential savings of 15-25% compared to peak summer months.

Can I pack items in my car during shipping?

Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk, but these aren't covered by insurance. Some budget carriers may prohibit personal items entirely.

How do I avoid car shipping scams?

Verify USDOT numbers, avoid companies requiring large upfront deposits, be wary of quotes significantly below market rates, and ensure the company has a physical address and phone number.

What insurance coverage should I expect?

Reputable carriers carry $750,000-$1,000,000 in cargo insurance. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and understand your coverage limits and deductible requirements.

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

Many companies offer tracking services, though the level of detail varies. GPS tracking is becoming more common, while others provide periodic updates via phone or email.

What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?

Document damage immediately upon delivery, take photos, note it on the delivery receipt, and contact the carrier within 24 hours. File an insurance claim with all documentation.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Finding the cheapest car shipping requires balancing cost savings with service reliability. By following this step-by-step approach, you can save hundreds of dollars while ensuring your vehicle is transported safely.

Your immediate next steps should be:

1. Start gathering quotes from 5-7 companies at least 2-3 weeks before your desired shipping date
2. Verify credentials of your top 3 choices using FMCSA database and review sites
3. Compare total costs including all potential fees, not just base quotes
4. Negotiate with your preferred carriers and ask about available discounts
5. Book your shipment with adequate time buffer for pickup flexibility

Remember that the cheapest car shipping option should still meet basic safety and reliability standards. A slightly higher cost with a reputable carrier often provides better value than the absolute lowest price with questionable service quality.

By implementing these strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you'll secure affordable, reliable car shipping that fits your budget while protecting your valuable vehicle investment.