{"id":48828,"date":"2020-01-29T05:22:33","date_gmt":"2020-01-29T05:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/?p=48828"},"modified":"2024-04-09T11:02:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T11:02:55","slug":"cheapest-way-ship-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/cheapest-way-ship-car\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p>Sometimes, the simplest of questions have the most convoluted answer. That\u2019s also the case with \u201cWhat\u2019s the cheapest way to ship a car?\u201d or \u201cHow much does it cost to ship a car?\u201d. There are so many variables to take into consideration, and most of them are not within the control of the <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/car-shipping-companies-facts\/\">auto transportation company<\/a> you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-car-shipping-costs-at-a-glance-what-s-the-cheapest-way-to-ship-a-car\">Car shipping costs at a glance &#8211; What&#8217;s the cheapest way to ship a car?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>When comparing rates from some top-ranked car shipping companies, rates range from $4 per mile to move a car up to 500 miles, and about $0.90 per mile when <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/city-info\/minneapolis-car-shipping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shipping your car<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/ship-car-across-country\/\">more than a thousand miles<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/car-shipping-cost-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Car shipping prices<\/a> are made up of the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your vehicle\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/gvwr-gvw\/\">weight<\/a> and type<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the vehicle is functional<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/snowbird-car-shipping-what-why-how\/\">Season<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shipping distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type of shipping (door or terminal shipping)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When you ship your car door-to-door, the transporter may have to drive out of the major centers to collect or deliver it. This is usually off the main route, and will therefore cost more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-while-there-are-many-considerations-which-we-ll-explain-in-more-detail-some-of-the-tried-and-true-ways-to-save-money-include\">While there are many considerations (which we\u2019ll explain in more detail) some of the tried-and-true ways to save money include<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Get at least 3-5 quotes from different shipping companies and read their <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/fake-auto-transportation-reviews\/\">online reviews<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ship your car in the off-season when it is cheaper than during peak seasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure that your car is operational.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/open-car-transport\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">open car shipping<\/a> rather than enclosed shipping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your reason for shipping a car will also determine the cheapest way to move a car. If you\u2019re buying a car from out of state and you have to fly to collect it, you\u2019re liable for the costs of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Your plane ticket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toll roads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of earnings &#8211; you\u2019re not earning money while you\u2019re not at work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heading south for the summer?<\/strong> Ensure a smooth transition with our essential checklist for snowbirds. From packing tips to home security, find everything you need to prepare for your seasonal move. Dive into our guide here: <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/snowbirds-leaving-for-the-summer-your-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Snowbirds Leaving for the Summer: Your Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/shutterstock_642089998.jpg\" alt=\"cheapest way to ship a car\" class=\"wp-image-48844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/shutterstock_642089998.jpg 500w, https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/shutterstock_642089998-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-cheap-okay-and-nasty-of-auto-transport\">The Cheap, Okay and Nasty of Auto Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re looking for the cheapest way to ship your car, be sure to factor in the risks. Cheap auto shipping companies may be cheap because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>They don\u2019t care about keeping up industry requirements (registration with DoT, licensing, FMCSA, and Better Business Bureau.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not sufficient insurance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They don\u2019t have all the equipment to safely transport your car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shortcuts that may jeopardize your car\u2019s safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of opting for the cheapest quote, learn what you need to know to find the most cost effective quote. That\u2019s the one that combines excellent service with industry accreditation, long standing relationships with transporters, many happy past and returning customers, and insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-transport\">Types of Transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In almost all cases, open shipping is the cheapest way to ship a car from one place to another. Together with distance, the type of carrier (open or enclosed) has the biggest influence on the price. The following options are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Open air car shipping &#8211; Multiple vehicles are transported on a trailer with two racks and no sides or roof. Because carriers can ship up to ten vehicles at a time in the same direction, this option makes the price of individual car shipping cheaper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enclosed car transportation &#8211; Vehicles are shipped in a truck with hard or soft sides, which offers more protection than an open trailer. However, since fewer vehicles can be transported at a time, the price is typically marginally more than that of open air car shipping.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Container shipping &#8211; Some individuals opt to ship their vehicles in a container along with their household goods when they are moving house. This might be the cheapest option, unless you consider the fact that there are several risks, such as boxes or other household items falling onto your car, causing dents and scratches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-most-affordable-ways-to-ship-a-car\">The Most Affordable Ways to Ship a Car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing the cheapest way to ship a car, be sure to remember that some methods may be slower than others. And time is money. Finding enclosed transportation carriers can take longer, as most transporters have open air trailers. Also, enclosed trucks can carry fewer cars at a time, so the demand outweighs the supply. This means that you will have to wait longer for the truck to show up. These are just some of the reasons why most people prefer to ship their cars using open carrier vehicle shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the options above, you can choose terminal-to-terminal services or door-to-door car shipping:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cheapest-car-shipping.jpg\" alt=\"cheapest way to ship a car\" class=\"wp-image-48845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cheapest-car-shipping.jpg 500w, https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/cheapest-car-shipping-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/pickup-locations\/dc\">Terminal-to-terminal<\/a> &#8211; You leave your vehicle at a terminal, from where it is added onto the trailer along with other vehicles, and shipped to a different terminal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/door-door-auto-transport\">Door-to-door <\/a>&#8211; When you opt for door-to-door auto shipping, the truck will collect your car from your desired pick up location (your home address, work address or similar) and shipped to another location of your choosing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>While terminal-to-terminal shipping can be cheaper, your car may have to sit at the originating terminal while the transporters wait for the load to your destination to fill up. In many cases, terminals are large parking lots where your car will likely be exposed to the elements. Sheltering costs may also be a factor if you have to drive a reasonable distance to reach the terminals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing an <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/enclosed-auto-transport\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">auto transportation<\/a> service, be sure to consider online ratings and get in touch with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/\" class=\"broken_link\">Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration<\/a> hotline at 888-368-7238 to ensure that your shipper meets the insurance and licensing requirements. Always resist the urge to opt for the cheapest company. It\u2019s better to find a company that ensures on-time and damage free delivery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nationwide-auto-transportation-car-shipping-cost-calculator-cheapest-way-to-ship-a-car\">Nationwide Auto Transportation <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/car-shipping-calculator-how-it-works\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Car Shipping Cost Calculator<\/a>: cheapest way to ship a car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nationwide Auto Transportation has been in the car shipping market for long enough to understand prices and market fluctuations inside out. We have used our <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/car-shipping-companies-facts\/\">experience <\/a>to create our proprietary car shipping quote calculator. The software pulls relevant information from a number of databases simultaneously to provide you with the most accurate quote possible, based on the information you provided.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more than 16 years, we\u2019ve been proud to transport cars across all the states on behalf of more than a million clients, who included car dealers, antique car collectors, motor clubs and more. We have a 99.7% damage-free record and the required insurance. Get in touch with us today to request your <a href=\"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/\">car shipping quote<\/a> or learn why NAT offers the cheapest way to ship a car.<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span> The Cheap, Okay and Nasty of Auto Transport<br \/>\nWhen you\u2019re looking for the cheapest way to ship your car, be sure to factor in the risks. Cheap auto shipping companies may be cheap because:<\/p>\n<p>They don\u2019t care about keeping up industry requirements (registration with DoT, licensing, FMCSA, and Better Business Bureau.<br \/>\nThey don\u2019t have sufficient insurance.<br \/>\nThey don\u2019t have all the equipment to safely transport your car.<br \/>\nThey take shortcuts that may jeopardise your car\u2019s safety.<br \/>\nInstead of opting for the cheapest quote, learn what you need to know to find the most cost effective quote. That\u2019s the one that combines excellent service with industry accreditation, long standing relationships with transporters, many happy past and returning customers, and insurance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":48845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,1199,63,699,1090,111,23,1],"tags":[4685,4658,5541,4828,4687,4676,4915],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48828"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48828"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":117260,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48828\/revisions\/117260"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nationwideautotransportation.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}