How To Ship A Car
Drivers work with shipping brokers to ship cars up to 3,000 miles at an average rate of $1,262 total or $1 per mile for enclosed or open shipping.
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Key Points:
- Begin researching car shipping providers as early as possible to receive the best offers.
- Car shipping brokers work with a network of shipping providers to find drivers the best services and rates.
- Prices for car shipping varies based on many factors, but drivers pay an average of 88 cents per mile for open car shipping and $1.12 per mile for enclosed car shipping.
If you’re looking into ways to move your vehicle, you may be wondering how to ship a car, how much it would cost you, and what you need to do to get started. In this article, we guide you through everything you need to know to ship your car affordably and safely.
Below, you’ll learn about the car shipping process, how much you can expect to pay for the service, and steps you can take to get the best rates. We’ve also researched and reviewed the industry’s best car shipping companies, and we’ll share our recommendations to kickstart your quote search.
How Does The Car Shipping Process Work?
When shipping your vehicle, you’ll likely arrange your vehicle shipment through a broker. Auto shipping brokers work with a large network of drivers to help customers find their cheapest options. Because of the logistics involved, working through a dedicated broker is the most efficient way to find the best service options and rates.
While not all vehicle shipping brokers are the same, most use a similar shipping process. In general, here’s the process of how to ship a car using a broker:
1. Submit car shipment information
The first step is to get quotes from multiple brokers. When requesting a quote, you’ll usually be asked to submit the following information:
- Pickup and delivery dates
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Vehicle operability status (driveable or not driveable)
- Type of transport service requested (open carrier or enclosed carrier)
Some brokers may offer an instant quote, while others will request your contact information and call or email you with more information. This is because some brokers have their network of carriers make offers on your shipment. Once the broker determines your best offer, they’ll contact you with your options.
With most brokers, your car shipping quote will likely be an estimate, or the broker’s best guess, of what your final cost will be. Your final rate will not be locked in until you are matched with a carrier or, in some cases, until your vehicle is delivered.
2. Compare your quotes and decide on a company
Once you have multiple quotes, compare them and select the transport company you trust most with your shipment. You’ll then verify the cost and pickup and drop-off times with your carrier. At this point, you may be required to make a partial payment as a deposit.
3. Prepare your vehicle
To prepare your vehicle, you’ll need to empty it of all items. This will lower the weight of your vehicle and may bring down your shipping costs. It is also recommended that you leave no more than a quarter tank of gas in your car.
4. Drop off your vehicle
Bring your vehicle to the pickup location. In the case of door-to-door shipping, the driver will come to you. Before the car is loaded onto the transporter, you and the driver will inspect the vehicle for damages. You’ll then sign a form, the bill of lading, noting any pre-existing damage.
5. Wait for delivery
Many top vehicle transport brokers maintain regular communication during the auto shipping process. Some provide GPS tracking and others may provide text updates on your vehicle’s progress.
6. Pick up your vehicle and pay any remaining balance
After the vehicle is delivered, you must inspect it again for damages. You’ll sign the bill of lading and, if applicable, make any final payments to your driver.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
So, now you know how to ship a car. But how much is it going to cost you? The cost of shipping varies, but you can expect to pay around $1 per mile on average for shipping your vehicle. This average includes both open and enclosed shipping methods and accounts for a variety of distances.
For the most common and cost-effective method, open car shipping, drivers pay an average of 88 cents per mile. Compare this to an average of $1.12 per mile for enclosed car shipping.
To give you a better idea of the cost of car shipping, consider some of the open transport shipping quotes our research team received from several top auto shipping companies for a 2019 Mazda CX-5. Below, you can see how factors like your choice of shipping broker, type of car shipping, and shipping distance can impact how much you’ll pay:
| Auto Shipping Broker | Distance | Transport
Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 470 miles | Open | $649 |
| 1,640 miles | Open | $1,129 | |
| 1,640 miles | Enclosed | $1,549 | |
| AmeriFreight | 470 miles | Open | $764 |
| 1,640 miles | Open | $1,073 | |
| 1,640 miles | Enclosed | $1,824 | |
| Easy Auto Ship | 470 miles | Open | $609 |
| 1,640 miles | Open | $1,213 | |
| 1,640 miles | Enclosed | $1,713 |
*The rates above provide some context for the cost of car shipping, but your own rates may vary.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
The cost of car shipping is affected by a number of factors. These include the following:
| Factor | How It Affects Car Shipping Costs |
|---|---|
| Distance | The further you ship your vehicle, the more it will cost. |
| Open or Enclosed Transport | Open transport means your car will not be protected from the elements or road debris while on the truck. Enclosed transport means your vehicle will be transported inside a container. Enclosed transport costs more. |
| Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal Transport | If your car is picked up and delivered to a specific address, it will cost more. You can sometimes choose to have your vehicle shipped to and from a central shipping terminal, which is less expensive. However, the nearest shipping terminal may be far from your final destination. Also, not every car shipping company offers terminal-to-terminal shipping. |
| Pickup and Delivery Locations | It’s more expensive to ship to rural, less-traveled areas. Shipping between major cities on well-traveled highways is cheaper. |
| Time of Year | Demand plays a big role in your final car shipping cost. The most expensive times to ship a car are generally in January and the summer. |
| Vehicle Size | The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to ship. |
| Vehicle Operability | If your car is inoperable, it will not be able to be driven onto the transporter. This requires extra effort and will cost more to ship than an operable vehicle. |
| Extra Options | Choosing extra options such as single-car shipping or expedited shipping will cost more. |
Tips For How To Ship A Car
When it comes time to ship your vehicle, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help you find cheap car shipping:
- Book in advance: The further in advance you request an auto transport quote, the better chance you will receive a low rate. Brokers send your job to carriers who may bid on your contract. The longer you are able to wait, the better your chance of getting a good deal.
- Be flexible: If you are flexible with your drop-off and delivery dates, you will have more options. Carriers try to choose jobs that are best optimized for their schedules. If you are able to work around the carrier’s schedule, you’ll secure a better deal.
- Consider terminal-to-terminal: If possible, ship to and from a central terminal instead of having your car picked up and delivered to your door. This can be much less expensive. Remember that not every auto transporter offers terminal-to-terminal service.
- Consider open shipping: Shipping with an open car carrier is cheaper than on an enclosed trailer. Unless you have a car with low clearance, a classic car, or a luxury vehicle, consider open shipping to reduce costs.
- Prepare your vehicle: You should reduce your vehicle weight as much as possible before shipping. This means you should clean it out and leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel. Be sure to leave some gas in the car so it can be driven on and off the trailer.
- Check legitimacy: Every auto shipper is issued a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Be sure to get this number from your carrier and check its validity on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you will be satisfied with the car shipping process, regardless of which company you choose. Based on a survey our team conducted in 2023, about 59 percent of 1,000 respondents mentioned they were “very satisfied” with their car shipping experience.
How To Ship A Car: Conclusion
With some research and preparation, shipping a car is a straightforward process that can save time and protect your vehicle during a long move. While car shipping costs vary based on several factors, drivers pay an average of $1 per mile to ship their vehicles.
When comparing quotes from car shipping brokers, we recommend starting your comparison with quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport.
Our Recommendations For Auto Shipping
Once you’re confident you know how to ship a car, it’s time to compare broker options. You can learn about two highly rated auto transport companies below.
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport works with over 30,000 carriers to provide auto shipping services everywhere in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. We rate the broker 4.7 out of 5.0-stars and name it the Best Overall provider because of its competitive pricing, strong customer reputation, and smooth booking process.
All Montway shipping partners are registered with the FMCSA and are fully insured. In addition to carrier insurance, Montway includes a contingent cargo insurance policy of up to $250,000 that kicks in if your trucker’s policy fails to fully cover a valid claim.
Montway is a reputable company that has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a score of 4.1 out of 5.0-stars on Trustpilot based on almost 1,400 customer reviews.
Learn more about the provider in our Montway Auto Transport review.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is another of our highest-rated auto shipping brokers. Through our research, we give the company a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0-stars. We like Sherpa for its easy booking process, Price Lock Promise, and excellent customer reputation.
Most auto shipping brokers only offer quote estimates, which are finalized after your carrier has been booked or your vehicle is delivered. Sherpa is unique in that it promises to honor initial quotes. If your carrier charges you more than you initially agreed to, Sherpa will make up the difference (up to $300).
Sherpa boasts an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.9 out of 5.0-star BBB customer review score based on more than 400 reviews. Most reviewers describe a fast and efficient pickup and delivery service, as well as courteous and professional drivers.
Read more about Sherpa shipping services in our Sherpa Auto Transport review.
How To Ship A Car: FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to ship a car:
How much is it to ship a car?
The cost to ship a car varies depending on a number of factors. These include vehicle weight, shipping distance, and type of shipping (open or enclosed transport). Based on the quotes our review team has received, the average cost of auto shipping is between $1,000 and $1,500. Even long-distance shipping (over 3,000 miles) can cost under $2,000 with some major transport companies.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Transport via freight train is usually the most affordable in terms of shipping prices. It is also the least flexible shipping option in terms of route availability and drop-off and pickup dates. If you opt for a trucking service, you can lower prices by choosing an open trailer.
Can you ship a car if you still owe money on it?
You can ship a car if you still owe money on it, but you may be required to receive written permission from your lender before doing so. Reach out to your auto loan administrator to be certain.
Does AAA offer car shipping?
The American Automobile Association (AAA), which is known for having some of the best roadside assistance plans, does not offer car shipping services. However, there is a car transport service that uses a similar name.
Is it worth it to ship a car?
It can be worth it to ship a car, but it depends on the age and value of your vehicle. If your car shipping costs exceed the value of your vehicle or you plan to sell your vehicle soon, you may be better off purchasing a new car at your destination.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car than to ship it. However, cross-country driving can take a toll on your vehicle, take a lot of time, and puts the risk and frustration of transport directly on you. Car shipping services can offer a convenient alternative.
Can I ship a car with stuff in it?
It is typically not recommended that you ship your car with personal items in it. Most auto shipping companies require that you empty your vehicle before shipment. Montway Auto Transport does allow you to ship up to 100 pounds of cargo in your trunk, but this broker is an exception.
How We Rate Auto Shipping Companies
Our review team extensively researches car shipping providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a long history in the auto transport industry score well in this category.
- Services: We take a look at what types of transport services are available through each company, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and more. Those with wider service selections are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis to get quotes for a variety of shipping routes and services. We compare each company’s costs to industry average prices to see how it stands up to the competition.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to better understand the consumer experience. Car shipping companies with convenient quote processes also perform well in this category.
