Cheapest Way to Transport a Car Interstate: Top Budget‑Friendly Options & Tips
When you need to move a vehicle across state lines, budget is often a primary concern. While hiring a professional auto transporter is usually less stressful than driving the car yourself, some methods are more affordable than others. Below are the most cost‑effective ways to ship a car interstate along with tips to lower your quote.
1. Open Car Transport
Open car transport is almost always the cheapest way to ship a car. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer with up to ten other cars, allowing carriers to maximize space and minimize costs. Because multiple vehicles share the same transport, prices for open carriers typically range between $800 and $1,500 for cross‑country moves and about $0.90–$1.25 per mile on trips under 500 miles. Open transport is ideal for standard sedans and SUVs that don’t require special protection. The trade‑off is that your car is exposed to the weather, but reputable carriers insure your vehicle against damage.
2. Train or Freight Shipping
For long‑distance moves, shipping by train can be surprisingly affordable—some services charge between $500 and $1,000. Trains run on fixed routes, so availability is limited, but the price per mile is competitive. Roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) freight shipping is another option for coast‑to‑coast moves; your car is driven onto a cargo ship or ferry and secured inside. RoRo is cheaper than container shipping but still more expensive than open trailers.
3. Driveaway Services or Driving Yourself
If you are comfortable handing over your keys, a driveaway service hires someone to drive your vehicle to its destination. This method eliminates carrier fees, but you’ll pay for fuel, lodging and wear‑and‑tear. Driving the car yourself may be cheaper for short distances, although gas, hotel stays and lost time add up quickly. For journeys over 500 miles, professional transport is usually more cost‑effective.
4. Tips to Reduce Your Car Shipping Cost
- Choose open transport. Open carriers are 30–50 % cheaper than enclosed transport.
- Ship during the off‑season. Avoid peak times (summer, holidays or snowbird season) when prices surge.
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery. Rural or remote locations can add fees; meeting the driver in a major city can lower your rate.
- Get multiple quotes. Compare quotes from at least three licensed carriers, and ask if insurance and all fees are included.
- Remove personal items. Extra weight can increase the price, and most transporters prohibit luggage in the vehicle.
- Check discounts. Some shippers offer military, student or repeat customer discounts.
FAQs
- What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
- Open car transport is generally the cheapest method because multiple vehicles share the trailer, reducing per‑car costs.
- How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?
- Expect to pay roughly $0.60–$0.80 per mile for distances between 500 and 1,500 miles, so a 1,000‑mile move might cost $600–$800.
- Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost?
- Enclosed carriers provide added protection from weather and road debris but can cost 30–50 % more than open transport. They’re best for luxury, classic or collectible vehicles.
- Can I save money by dropping my car off at a terminal?
- Yes. Terminal‑to‑terminal shipping is usually cheaper than door‑to‑door service, though you’ll need to drop off and collect your car at the carrier’s depot.
By understanding your options and planning ahead, you can transport your car interstate without overspending. For more information on costs and how to get a reliable quote, read our guide on car shipping pricing.
When shipping a car across states, there are numerous factors to consider beyond simply booking a carrier. In addition to the route and service type, you should research the reputation of various auto transport companies, compare quotes carefully and read customer reviews. Seasonality can influence prices, with higher demand during summer and snowbird migrations. Always confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and ask about communication during transit. A reputable broker or carrier will answer your questions, provide clear documentation and help you prepare your vehicle properly.
Preparing your vehicle involves cleaning it inside and out, removing personal belongings, disabling toll transponders and checking for leaks. Document the car’s condition with photos and ensure the gas tank is around a quarter full to keep weight low. On the day of pick‑up, inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection report. Upon delivery, re‑inspect your car, note any changes on the bill of lading and make final payment. To learn more about the car shipping process, visit How to Ship a Car to Another State.