Many people looking to move a vehicle across state lines are focused on cost more than anything else. The good news is that there are practical ways to keep expenses down without risking the safety of your car. From the type of service you choose to how flexible you are with pickup dates, each decision affects the final price. Let’s go through the main options for affordable shipping and the tips I’ve seen work best for customers on a budget.
Affordable car shipping options
Auto transport offers several choices, and some are clearly more affordable than others. The two big decisions are whether to use open or enclosed carriers, and whether to select door-to-door or terminal service. Open trailers cost less because they carry more cars at once, and terminal service is usually cheaper because you drop the car at a yard instead of having it picked up directly. If your goal is savings, open carrier combined with terminal-to-terminal service is typically the lowest-cost method. For more on how different factors shape pricing, see Car shipping costs.
Beyond these choices, the company you hire matters. Some carriers specialize in premium service, while others focus on volume and competitive pricing. If you’re comparing providers, it helps to research companies known for budget-friendly rates. A good place to start is here: Best car shipping companies.
Budget car transport
Open carrier transport is the backbone of affordable shipping. These multi-level trailers move several vehicles at once, which spreads costs across multiple customers. Dealers and rental fleets use them daily, and private owners benefit from the same economies of scale. Unless you’re shipping a rare or high-value vehicle, open transport is the go-to choice when watching your budget.
Terminal service trims expenses further. Instead of arranging a direct pickup at your home, you bring the car to a terminal yard. The car may sit a few days until the carrier fills a full load, but the rate is usually lower than door-to-door. If you have flexibility and don’t mind a bit of extra effort, this option cuts the price significantly.
Low-cost car shipping tips
Book early. Waiting until the last moment often leads to higher prices because dispatchers need to entice drivers quickly. Booking a week or two ahead gives you steadier quotes and better placement in schedules.
Be flexible with timing and location. If you’re open to a pickup window instead of demanding an exact hour, and willing to meet the truck at a truck-friendly spot, carriers are more likely to accept your load at a lower rate. Being rigid with dates and addresses almost always adds cost.
Travel light. Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle. Extra weight adds risk for carriers, and many will tack on fees if they notice the car is loaded with items. Shipping only the car keeps the quote low and avoids disputes later.
Compare more than one company. Collecting multiple quotes helps you see the fair range for your route. Don’t fall for the very lowest offer, because those often sit unassigned. A mid-range but competitive rate is usually the best path to an affordable and timely move.
Cheapest ways to ship a car – FAQ
What’s the least expensive method overall?
Open carrier combined with terminal-to-terminal service is typically the lowest-cost approach. It requires more flexibility but saves the most money.
Does distance change the per-mile cost?
Yes. Short trips often look expensive per mile, while long cross-country moves have lower per-mile rates. The total is higher, but the mileage math favors longer runs.
Can I load personal belongings to save money on moving?
Not recommended. Carriers aren’t insured for personal items, and added weight can increase your rate. It’s better to keep the car empty and ship items separately.
Is enclosed transport ever affordable?
Enclosed service is always more expensive than open, but occasionally you can find a discounted rate if a carrier needs to fill space. Still, it rarely matches the affordability of open trailers.
Does terminal service always save money?
Most of the time, yes. But weigh the cost savings against the extra time and effort of driving to and from terminals. For some, the tradeoff is worth it. For others, door-to-door may be a better balance.
Should I accept the lowest quote I get?
Not always. Extremely low quotes often don’t get picked up quickly because drivers skip loads that don’t pay enough. A reasonably priced quote moves faster and still keeps costs down.
Keeping auto transport affordable is about understanding the tradeoffs. Open carriers and terminal service keep prices low, while flexibility and early booking make the process smoother. With the right choices, you can move your car across state lines without draining your budget.
