Moving a car across the country can be expensive and daunting, whether for a long-distance move, a seasonal relocation, or any other reason. Fortunately, some research and planning can help you ship your car cross-country without breaking the bank. This article explores five cost-effective methods to transport a vehicle long-distance, helping you save money and stress less during your move.
Car Shipping Companies
Car shipping companies offer a convenient way to transport vehicles across the country. However, the cost can vary significantly based on several factors.
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
Several things can influence the price of car shipping:
- Vehicle transport type (open or enclosed)
- Distance shipped
- Time of year and delivery window
- Type and size of vehicle
- Shipping option (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal)
- Pickup and drop-off dates
- Location (major cities often have more options)
Cost-Saving Tips for Car Shipping
You may not be able to change the shipping distance or time of year, but you can make other choices that reduce costs. For example, open transport—where the vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier—is usually cheaper than enclosed transport, which provides additional protection for the vehicle.
Here are some of our other tips:
- Opt for terminal-to-terminal service instead of door-to-door
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates
- Compare quotes from multiple companies
- Book well in advance to avoid higher last-minute rates
Shipping a car cross-country can cost between $500 and $1,500 on average. We recommend asking if your quoted rate is flat or an estimate and getting all the details in writing. Also, ask about hidden fees or insurance coverage to avoid surprises.
Towing
Towing can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional car shipping for shorter distances. We recommend looking into towing for moves of a few hundred miles or if you’re facing tight deadlines.
When to Consider Towing
Towing might be the right choice if:
- The distance is relatively short (under 500 miles)
- You have a tight deadline
- Local towing companies offer competitive rates
- The vehicle is inoperable or non-functional
Contact local towing companies for quotes and compare them to car shipping services. This option can sometimes provide significant savings, especially for last-minute moves.
Types of Towing Services
There are different types of towing services available. Flatbed towing involves loading the car onto a flatbed trailer, while two-wheel towing involves lifting the car’s front or rear wheels off the ground. Each method has its own cost, advantages, and disadvantages.
Driving
Driving your car to its destination is the most straightforward method. Although this may seem like the cheapest option at first glance, there are several factors to consider. Take the time to plan and assess possible risks.
Pros and Cons of Driving
There are pros and cons to driving your vehicle to your destination yourself. Some advantages include:
- Direct control over the vehicle
- Potential for a memorable road trip experience
- No need to coordinate with shipping companies
- Opportunity to visit new places along the route
Some disadvantages include:
- Time-consuming
- Potential loss of income if taking time off work
- Expenses for fuel, food, and lodging
- Increased wear and tear on the vehicle
Cost Considerations for Driving
When calculating the cost of driving, factor in:
- Fuel expenses
- Food and drink costs
- Lodging
- Potential lost wages
- Wear and tear on the vehicle
- Potential unforeseen expenses, such as vehicle maintenance or emergency repairs
Stay safe while driving—take regular breaks, stay alert, and consider sharing driving duties if possible. We also recommend planning your route in advance and keeping emergency contacts handy.
Driveaway Services
Driveaway services involve hiring a professional driver to transport your vehicle. This option allows you to avoid the hassle of driving yourself while potentially saving money compared to conventional shipping.
How Driveaway Services Work
A driveaway company matches you with a screened driver who will drive your vehicle to the destination. The process typically involves:
- Company screening and selecting a qualified driver
- Driver paying a deposit and providing references
- Homeowner maintaining insurance coverage
- Company charging a fee (average around $1,100)
Driveaway services may also offer tracking options, allowing you to monitor the vehicle’s real-time progress.
Advantages of Driveaway Services
Driveway services have several advantages:
- Often cheaper than traditional car shipping
- Professional drivers handle the journey
- Flexible pickup and drop-off options
- No need for specialized equipment
However, this option does put miles on the vehicle and requires trust in the assigned driver. Thoroughly vet the driveaway company and ensure they have reliable insurance coverage. We also recommend documenting the car’s condition before handing it over to the driver.
Train Transport
Shipping a car by train is an often-overlooked but potentially cost-effective option for cross-country moves. It combines affordability with a hands-off approach and is appealing to homeowners looking for a more environmentally friendly option.
Benefits of Train Transport
Some benefits of transporting your car by train include:
- Generally cheaper than truck transport for distances over 750 miles
- Environmentally friendly
- Some services offer door-to-door pickup and delivery
- Reduced risk of road accidents or traffic delays
Cost of Train Transport
Train transport costs can vary widely based on distance, but many customers report paying around $1,500 for door-to-door service. Companies such as Amtrak even offer passenger transport alongside vehicle shipping.
Factors to Consider with Train Transport
When choosing train transport, consider:
- Availability of train routes
- Schedule flexibility
- Potential delays due to rail traffic
- Insurance coverage provided by the transport company
Compare quotes from different train transport providers and ask about additional services, such as door-to-door delivery, which may add to the overall cost but improve convenience.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to drain your bank account. You can find a solution that balances cost, convenience, and peace of mind by exploring options such as car shipping companies, towing, driving, driveaway services, and train transport.
Research and flexibility are key to finding the best option. Gather multiple quotes, consider alternative shipping times, and weigh the pros and cons of each method. With careful planning, moving a vehicle long-distance can be both cost-effective and stress-free.
Read advice on how to plan and prepare to move everything else in your life.
