What is the cheapest way to ship a car? Using open car transport is the cheapest way to ship a car. This is because open carriers can hold up to 10 vehicles on one truck with a single driver, making it a highly cost-effective solution. Since there are more open carriers available than any other type, they can handle almost any vehicle. If you're transporting a car that you drive daily, open car transport is the cheapest way to ship a car. The cheapest way to ship a car can vary based on the specific vehicle transport needs. For instance, if you need to transport an exotic or collectible car, the cheapest way to ship a car of that nature may be using enclosed auto transport. While it costs more than open transport, it offers better protection from external elements, which is ideal for rare or valuable cars. We give you the best price comparing 107+ leading companies in the industry.

No matter how you view it, terminal-to-terminal auto transport remains the cheapest way to ship a car. It's even more affordable than door-to-door shipping! However, we only recommend this option when absolutely necessary. Shippers who offer this service are often slower and less convenient compared to door-to-door car transport. Still, it's a viable option, especially because most large cities have at least one secure transportation terminal where you can drop off your vehicle. 

This means you'll need to leave your car for a few days or even weeks until the carrier arrives, which can be risky. We strongly suggest using door-to-door shipping via an open auto transport truck, as it is the cheapest way to ship a car securely. Also, note that all carriers are insured for at least $750,000, the minimum required by federal law.

To learn more about the best and cheapest ways to ship a car based on your budget, use our online car shipping calculator for an instant quote. You'll likely be surprised by how competitive our pricing is for top-rated services. You can also call us at (800)-930-7417 for a cheap auto transport quote, and our helpful operators will gladly assist you with any questions.

Door-to-door shipping using an open transport truck is the industry standard and the cheapest way to ship a car today. We recommend this option to anyone transporting a daily driver. All carriers are insured with a minimum coverage of $750,000, with some going up to $1 million. Open transport car shipping is not only the cheapest way to ship a car but also a secure and efficient option.

If you're planning to transport your car, whether you prefer terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door services, use our free shipping calculator for an instant, no-obligation quote. We are a licensed and bonded company working with the highest-rated carriers, offering some of the cheapest car shipping rates available. You can count on us for reliable service. If you have any questions, feel free to call us anytime at (984) 343-8444

When it comes to transporting a luxury or vintage car, the most cost-effective solution is open car transport. However, this is not always the safest method. Enclosed car movers offer far better protection for valuable cars. Though enclosed transport costs around 60% more than open car transport, it is recommended for luxury or vintage vehicles. While it may not be the cheapest method to ship a car, it is certainly the safer choice.

Enclosed auto transport comes with additional features that offer extra protection. These include lift gates and soft sides, making loading and unloading safer, particularly for low-clearance vehicles. Modern enclosed trailers also have smooth suspension, reducing the risk of damage during transit. For full protection from pickup to delivery, door-to-door enclosed car shipping is an excellent option, though it is more expensive than open transport.

Non-operational cars require different methods to load onto the transport truck. In open car transport, a winch is often used to pull the car onto the truck. Some carriers may require a forklift at both pickup and delivery points. Since open car transport remains the cheapest way to ship a car, most non-operational vehicles are transported this way.

For enclosed auto transport, a lift gate is usually employed to load non-operational cars, though winches can be used in some cases. While enclosed transport offers more protection, open car transport is still the cheapest way to ship a car, even if it doesn't run.

Timing is crucial for saving money on car shipping. If you're flexible with your schedule, you can wait for the off-season to secure cheaper rates. Car transporters are busiest from May to September, so fall and winter are the best times to find affordable rates.

Timing is crucial for saving money on car shipping. If you're flexible with your schedule, you can wait for the off-season to secure cheaper rates. Car transporters are busiest from May to September, so fall and winter are the best times to find affordable rates.

- Choosing terminal-to-terminal car shipping, which can be cheaper than door-to-door service, though it requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle from a terminal.
- Being flexible with pickup and drop-off dates can result in discounts from transporters.
- Opting for open car transport, which is about 50-60% cheaper than enclosed shipping.
- Balancing cost with reputation: while a low price is tempting, it's essential to read reviews and choose a reputable company to ensure reliable service.

- Location: Shipping to or from major cities like New York or Los Angeles is more affordable than rural areas.
- Season: Shipping during summer is more expensive due to high demand, while fall and winter generally offer better rates.
- Type of transport: Enclosed car transport costs more than open transport, but open carriers are the cheapest way to ship a car.
- Delivery time: Expedited services cost more, but if time is not a concern, standard shipping is cheaper.
- Vehicle modifications: Larger or modified vehicles may require special handling, which increases shipping costs.
- Personal items in the car: Loading personal items may lead to higher costs due to weight restrictions.

For the cheapest way to ship a car, our services offer a balance of affordability and reliability. Get in touch for more information or use our calculator for a quick quote.

When determining how much does it cost to ship a car, average rates come into play. Each auto transport company sets prices differently, leading to variations based on the company you contact. Generally, the average vehicle shipping costs range from $500 to $1,100 for a 4-door sedan and between $750 and $1,400 for small SUVs, pickups, and vans (based on a California to New York route). Shipping larger vehicles will be more expensive, and these rates will differ depending on the specific route. Note that opting for car shipping services during off-peak seasons often results in lower prices, leading to more affordable car transport services.

Keep in mind, these prices are for car shipping services within the contiguous United States. Shipping a vehicle overseas to Hawaii typically costs between $800 and $1,350, while transporting a car between Alaska (Juneau), Washington, and Seattle costs around $1,300. Additional costs may apply if you live far from a vehicle transport terminal or if the car is not operational.

For those needing car transport services for exotic or vintage cars, the cost can start at $800 but may exceed $3,000, depending on the type of car transportation trailer chosen and the loading/unloading needs of your vehicle.

On average, shipping a car long distance costs about $0.60 per mile. This rate applies to trips over 1,000 miles. For shorter routes, the cost per mile is higher. For example, it costs approximately $1 per mile for trips 500 miles or less, but can drop to as low as $0.30 per mile for coast-to-coast shipments.

How to Ensure You Get the Cheapest Price and Best Value for Your Auto Transport and Car Shipping Dollars

Ensure You Receive a Binding Price Quote

Only about 20% of car shipping companies offer a binding car shipping price quote that won't increase. The remaining 80% provide non-binding quotes or estimates that can rise later. At American Auto Shipping, we offer a binding price estimate for every car shipping quote we provide!


The issue with companies giving low, non-binding quotes is that they often don't disclose this upfront. The only way to discover this is by researching the company and reading customer reviews. Look for reviews that mention receiving one price initially and then being charged more. For example, a company might quote $800, only to later request an additional $300 for the same service. 

Customers often write negative reviews to warn others after being forced to pay the extra amount due to time constraints.
You might wonder why some car transport prices differ from ours. As explained, many quotes are lower than ours. However, there are also quotes higher than ours. Those companies may offer binding quotes but lack the expertise or infrastructure to maintain the absolute lowest binding prices.

 At American Auto Shipping, our auto transport rates calculator monitors over 500 data points in real time, ensuring our prices are competitive while still being affordable. Our calculator keeps up with current shipments and route supply and demand, enabling us to provide a cheap auto transport price quote that is binding!

Verify That You Are on a Federally Licensed Car Shipping Company's Website

The United States Department of Transportation regulates the industry, requiring a valid Federal license and a $75,000 bond. They also mandate that all car transport companies display their Motor Carrier (MC) number on their website. You can find ours at the bottom of every page on our site. If you don't see an MC number, the company may be a lead-generation site. 

These sites often sell your information to car shipping companies that typically offer non-binding quotes, and some might not even be based in the U.S.!
Researching to find a U.S.-based company providing binding quotes is crucial. U.S. companies are generally more reliable than overseas ones that might promise one thing but deliver another.

Ensure the Auto Transport Company Offers a Free Car Rental for Excessive Delays

If a vehicle transport carrier isn't accountable for timely delivery, they lack financial incentives to ensure prompt service. American Auto Shipping provides a free car rental for any substantial delays and has protocols to discourage delays by our carriers. This contributes to why our quotes are binding.

Confirm That the Car Transport Company Provides a Damage-Free Guarantee or Assistance with Insurance Claims

American Auto Shipping offers a damage-free guarantee or helps with costs if you need to use your insurance for a claim. Although damage during transit is rare, if it occurs, we can assist in the following situations:

If your vehicle is damaged in transit, and;
You need to file a claim with the carrier's insurance, and;
The claim is denied for any reason, and;
You must file a claim with your own auto insurance, and;
That claim is approved;

If you have to pay a deductible, we'll cover up to $500 of it! This is our "damage-free or we help pay" guarantee.

Ensure the Vehicle Shipping Company Is Open Seven Days a Week

The auto transportation industry operates every day of the week, including weekends. If there are issues with your car shipping services, it's essential to reach someone quickly. If a company doesn't advertise being open seven days a week, we strongly advise against hiring them.