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The cost to ship a car across the country is an important consideration when you’re moving to a new city. One of the first questions when most of the excitement of your new life has sunk in, is “How will we get there?”

You might consider whether it is better to fly or to drive to your new city. But if you fly, how will your car get there? In this post, we look at the cheapest ways to ship a car and show you how to find the best car shipping company.

[Download our relocation checklist if you’re moving home. Click here.]

Drive or ship a car?

To arrive at the right decision, you will have to investigate the various shipping options, as well as the pros and cons of different car shipping companies.

Remember that driving to your new home across several states may take a few days. That will give you less time to unpack, settle in your new home and explore the surroundings before you have to start your new job.

You could tow a car behind your main vehicle, or hire someone to drive your car to your new location.

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What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?

Sometimes, the cost to ship a car is actually less than driving it across many states. This is particularly common if you have a gas-guzzler, or an older car that runs the risk of breaking down along the way. That will probably add towing costs and repairs which add further expenses.

While it may seem that the cost to ship a car is more than driving, you should also consider the hidden costs involved in driving. There’s more to it than just the fuel.

Most of our clients feel that open car carrier shipping is the best option for them.

What do I pay for when shipping my car?

Depending on the distance you’re driving across the country, you will have to pay for three meals a day, probably in restaurants for each family member, as well as for lodging during overnight stays.

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Cost to ship a car vs. Cost to drive a car across country

Drive or ship a car? To arrive at the right decision, you will have to investigate the various options, as well as the pros and cons of each. Remember that driving to your new home across several states may take a few days. That will give you less time to unpack, settle in your new home and explore the surroundings before you have to start your new job. In this case, it might be best to face the cost to ship a car rather than driving there.

Sometimes, the cost to ship a car is actually less than driving it across many states. This is particularly common if you have a gas-guzzler or an older car that runs the risk of breaking down along the way. That will probably add towing costs and repairs which add further expenses.

While it may seem that the cost to ship a car is more than driving, you should also consider the hidden costs involved in driving. There’s more to it than just the fuel. Depending on the distance you’re driving, you will have to pay for three meals a day, probably in restaurants for each family member, as well as for lodging during overnight stays.

AAA offers excellent advice for long road trips.

Nationwide Auto Transportation offers long-distance routes across the continental USA.

When it comes to car shipping costs, there’s a fine balance between a cheap rate and good value. After all, you want your vehicle, boat, or vintage motorcycle to be collected on time, shipped safely, and delivered in the same undamaged condition in which it was handed to the carrier.


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car shipping costs

How much should it cost to ship a car?

When you find a website that promises multiple car shipping quotes, you’re likely dealing with an auto shipping lead generator. These companies don’t actually deal with car shipping at all. They are simply online marketers that sell names, phone numbers, and email addresses to carriers. Obtaining car shipping costs will be a confusing, overwhelming process.

You will have to sift through quotes to estimate car shipping costs. At this stage, it is key to review auto shipping brokers and decides which one you wish to deal with. You’re also bound to land on mailing or cold calling lists of many different companies.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car?

To find out the cost to ship a car, you will have to speak to a reputable auto shipping company. The shipping cost is calculated based on:

  • the weight of the vehicle
  • the size of the vehicle
  • your insurance requirements
  • the distance the vehicle is being shipped

Auto shipping companies use sophisticated tools to calculate fair rates when you want to know the cost to ship a car.

Independent Carriers vs. Car Shipping Brokers

It’s not always easy to deal directly with independent carriers. They work for auto shipping brokers and don’t really handle the marketing and direct customer care sides of their businesses. Because they are so busy with logistics, they tend to prefer working with auto transportation brokers. Companies like Nationwide Auto Transport provide their potential clients with car shipping costs.

Car shipping brokers, on the other hand, handle the process from start to finish. They work with large networks of car carriers to deliver the best possible service to 50 states. It’s not unusual for a company to serve as many as 1,800 clients a month.

When you’re looking for a car shipping estimate, you’d be best served dealing with an experienced auto transportation company. NAT has 16+ years of experience, having serviced in excess of 50 000 customers.

car shipping statistics

NAT takes the guesswork out of car shipping costs estimates with our state-of-the-art online car shipping costs calculator. Simply input the details of your car and the shipment into the calculator, and it will provide you with an accurate estimate.

A consultant from Nationwide Auto Transportation will then call you to confirm the details of your order and make the arrangements for the car carrier to pick your car up.

Can you put stuff in your car when you ship it? Yes, by arrangement. Speak to your car shipping company to ask them important questions. Find out whether they will allow you to have items in the trunk while shipping your car.

Car Shipping Calculator – No Personal Information Needed!

Save yourself the trouble. Let the professionals provide you with car shipping costs and the service to back it up.

Use our car shipping calculator to get an auto transportation estimate in just a few clicks.

car shipping cost calculator

There are some factors that will affect your car shipping estimate, but it’s important to be honest. A car carrier has the right to refuse to pick up your car if the waybill was inaccurate. These are the questions that will be asked:

  • Type of vehicle (sedan, hatch, sports, SUV, motorbike, RV, boat)
  • Size of vehicle
  • Vehicle condition
  • Pickup and delivery locations
  • Shipping type (enclosed or open carrier, road / air / cargo freight)
  • Expedited or standard auto transport
  • Special requests
  • Insurance requirements
  • Time of year
  • Economic conditions

It’s not easy to estimate car shipping costs. What’s even harder is to ship a vehicle if you don’t have the experience.