Car shipping is rarely the cheapest way to get your vehicle to a new location, but it is still a vital facet of the moving industry that many customers rely on for convenience and time saved. In this article, we’ll evaluate our top six cheapest car shipping companies and their estimated costs to ship a vehicle across short distances and long distances in enclosed and open trailer options.
We’ll mention all-in shipping costs throughout, but it’s important to note that your transport costs will vary greatly based on your unique situation. For this reason, we recommend paying attention to each provider’s per-mile fee.
Key Takeaways:
- Ship A Car Direct is the most affordable car shipping company of the dozens we reviewed.
- Open car shipping costs less than enclosed car shipping.
- We encourage customers to think beyond bottom-dollar pricing and consider big-picture factors, such as the shipping timeline and overall value of your desired services.
6 Cheap Car Shipping Companies
Here are our picks for the best car shipping companies with competitive prices:
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
Comparing the Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
Check out our quick comparison of the thop cheap car shipping companies’ reputations, costs, state availability, and services.
| Company | Best For | Services | Average Cost | State Availability | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Pricing Guarantees | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | 48 states (not in AK or HI) | A+ |
| Montway Auto Transport | Overall | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | 50 states | A+ |
| SGT Auto Transport | Price Matching | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $ | 49 states (not in AK) | B |
| Easy Auto Ship | Discounts | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | 50 states | A+ |
| Ship A Car Direct | Lowest Prices | Short, long-distance vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $ | 47 states (not in AK, ND, or SD) | A+ |
| American Auto Shipping | Motorcycles | Short, long-distance, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | 49 (excluding AK) | A+ |
Best for Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out for its impressive guarantees. While any car shipping company can offer an attractive estimate, if the quote isn’t binding, you’re at risk for a bait-and-switch later. Sherpa provides peace of mind by including its Price-Lock Guarantee with all its quotes.
Additionally, it offers a Clean Car Guarantee, which will reimburse you for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty. Many customers are wary of open transport due to the risk of dirt and damage, but the Clean Car Guarantee compensates for many of these concerns without charging you extra.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.69 |
| Long-distance | $1.03 |
| Open trailer | $0.48 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.73 |
Pros:
- Price-Lock Guarantee ensures all quotes are binding
- Clean Car Guarantee will reimburse you for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty
- Ships vehicles regardless of operability
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal services
- Requires final payment by cash or check
Best Overall: Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport secured our best overall spot for its well-rounded services –– complete with tracking technology for peace of mind –– nationwide availability, and strong customer reviews, including its A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
If you’re in a rush to receive your vehicle by a certain date, Montway will work with you to secure a guaranteed delivery date that works for you. The company works with more than 15,000 independent car carriers and they’re fully insured, with multiple additional coverage options if you need it.
You can conveniently request a free quote online, but it’s important to book quickly to secure your quote, as they expire after a week. We recommend Montway Auto Transport for various vehicle types, including classic cars, ATVs, and inoperable vehicles, but they don’t ship motorcycles.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the quotes we pulled from Montway so you can compare its average rate per mile.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.52 |
| Long-distance | $0.95 |
| Open trailer | $0.47 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.65 |
Pros:
- Thousands of customer reviews praising the company’s prices and services
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Offers GPS tracking during the shipping process
Cons:
- $249 cancellation fee
- Doesn’t ship RVs
Best Price Matching: SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport earned its spot on this list for its price-matching guarantee. While its quotes weren’t the cheapest at face value, its willingness to compete with other companies gives it an edge. For this reason, we recommend you request a quote from SGT Auto Transport and report if you receive a lower shipping price elsewhere.
We like that SGT’s quotes are all-inclusive, meaning you won’t be hit with hidden fees. You also don’t have to worry about terminal-to-terminal shipping because the company solely focuses on door-to-door services to offer optimal convenience for its customers.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.76 |
| Long-distance | $1.03 |
| Open trailer | $0.51 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.76 |
Pros:
- Offers guaranteed delivery dates
- All services are door-to-door, except in Hawaii
- Pricing is all-inclusive (no hidden fees)
Cons:
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t offer shipment tracking
Best for Discounts: Easy Auto Ship
While Easy Auto Ship didn’t always return the lowest prices, we didn’t factor in discounts when pulling quotes.
Easy Auto Ship mostly notably offers a competitive cash discount, plus the typical cost breaks for shipping multiple cars and booking at least two months in advance. However, it goes further than other car shipping companies by offering nearly all demographic discounts, including those for snowbirds, veterans, and seniors.
We also like that the company has more than two decades of industry experience, an A+ BBB rating, and service availability in all 50 states. Take a look at some of the average per-mile rates we pulled to see if Easy Auto Ship could be a good fit for your budget.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $3.29 |
| Long-distance | $0.92 |
| Open trailer | $0.55 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.84 |
Pros:
- Offers discounts when you pay in cash
- Provides free car rental if your delivery is delayed
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- On the higher end price-wise for enclosed transport
- Deliveries arrive during a two-day window, which can be inconvenient
Lowest Prices: Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct returned the lowest prices in every single category we analyzed. While short-distance car shipping prices are often among the highest, Ship A Car Direct was the only provider on this list to hit around $2 per mile. Similarly, its long-distance estimates came in below $1.
The company’s low prices don’t force it to cut corners, though. Ship A Car Direct provides a virtually unheard of Damage-Free Guarantee, which will pay up to $500 toward your deductible if your vehicle is damaged in transit. On top of that, it offers many specialized services, including transport for classic cars, students moving to school, and expedited shipping.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.07 |
| Long-distance | $0.62 |
| Open trailer | $0.37 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.58 |
Pros:
- Consistently the cheapest of all the companies on this list
- Damage-Free Guarantee reimburses you up to $500
- Has specialized services for classic cars
Cons:
- Website user experience is lacking
- Quotes aren’t binding
Best for Motorcycles: American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping isn’t the most competitive rates on the market, but its reimbursement toward your insurance deductible if your vehicle is damaged and expedited shipping options in all places it services — including Hawaii — make it a worthwhile consideration for customers on a tight timeline and worried about unexpected costs due to damage in transit.
We especially like that it offers specialty services for motorcycles and heavy equipment, often pricier or even excluded by many other car shipping companies.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.48 |
| Long-distance | $0.87 |
| Open trailer | $0.49 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.86 |
Pros:
- Will reimburse up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if your vehicle arrives damaged
- Specialized shipping services for motorcycles
- Offers expedited shipping options, including to Hawaii
Cons:
- Short-distance car shipping prices tend to be higher than competitors
- Outdated website
How We Chose the Best Car Shipping Companies
We requested quotes from dozens of car shipping companies, read thousands of customer reviews, evaluated service offerings, and more before we landed on the best car shipping companies to get your vehicle from Hawaii.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we did:
- Vetted licenses: We evaluated each company to ensure they had valid USDOT numbers and all FMCSA licenses.
- Investigated customer satisfaction: We read customer reviews across several review sites and assessed Better Business Bureau ratings to more fully understand each company’s reputation in the auto transport industry.
- Compared shipping options: We looked at how many shipping services each company offered and how easy it was to customize your package.
- Analyzed pricing: We requested quotes, assessed each company’s price transparency, and compared it to other Hawaii car shipping companies.
Cheapest Car Shipping Rates by Distance
Distance is one of the main factors affecting car shipping rates. Let’s compare short and long-distance shipping costs so you know what to expect.
Short-Distance Car Shipping Rates
Driving is generally the cheaper method of transporting your car across a short distance, but we understand not everyone has the luxury of time, and car shipping may be the more convenient option.
Our quotes estimate car shipping prices are between $450 and $800 — or $2.07 and $2.76 per mile for an average of $2.64 per mile — for shorter distances (Ship A Car Direct gave us the cheapest estimate at $450.)
Here’s a quick comparison of open trailer car shipping costs from Boston to New York City, or roughly 217 miles.
| Provider | Transport Rate* | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $800 | $2.69 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $549 | $2.52 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $600 | $2.76 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $714 | $3.29 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $450 | $2.07 |
| American Auto Shipping | $539 | $2.48 |
*Transport rate is based on quotes for a 2016 Scion IM. Larger vehicles may cost more.
Long-Distance Car Shipping Rates
We used a 2016 SCION IM to request quotes for a long-distance move from Miami to New York City. As you can expect, these shipping rates are higher than those for short-distance shipments, but we’ve done the leg work of identifying average costs and the cheapest provider to eliminate some of the hassle of researching yourself.
At only $800, or $0.62 per mile, Ship A Car Direct offered us the cheapest way to transport a vehicle up the East Coast. The distance between Miami and New York City is 1,289 miles, which would take you more than a day of driving to transport yourself.
Compare the following shipping rates for our top six providers.
| Provider | Transport Rate | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,325 | $1.03 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,229 | $0.95 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,322 | $1.03 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,186 | $0.92 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $800 | $0.62 |
| American Auto Shipping | $1,119 | $0.87 |
Cheapest Car Shipping Rates by Transport Method
Open carriers are always going to be the cheaper transport method, but they’re not the right option for every situation. In the following two sections, we’ll compare average transport costs for open and enclosed trailers.
Open Transport Car Shipping Rates
We requested quotes for all six providers on this list and found that the average cost to ship a vehicle in an open carrier is roughly $0.48 per mile. Sherpa Auto Transport estimated exactly this rate, but Ship A Car Direct and Montway Auto Transport were able to offer a cheaper shipping rate.
Ship A Car Direct offered the best rate at $1,050, or $0.37 per mile for open car shipping from New York City to Los Angeles.
Keep in mind that car shipping prices can vary greatly season to season, depending on the type of vehicle and the demand in the area you’re shipping to or from. We recommend you request several quotes for open auto transport to find the best deal for your desired services.
We’ve taken the hassle out of comparing companies by requesting quotes for all of the companies mentioned on this list.
| Provider | Transport Rate | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,350 | $0.48 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,319 | $0.47 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,443 | $0.51 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,566 | $0.55 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $1,050 | $0.37 |
| American Auto Shipping | $1,379 | $0.49 |
Enclosed Transport Car Shipping Rates
Enclosed transport is the more expensive of the two shipping methods, but it’s worth considering if you have a priceless vehicle that wouldn’t fare well on open car transport.
We recommend you budget at least $1 per mile for an enclosed carrier, but your transport costs can vary depending on the time of year, distance, and type of vehicle. The cheapest car shipping companies are more affordable.
Our estimates suggest you will pay $0.58 to $0.86 to ship a sedan, SUV, or truck within the contiguous United States. Ship A Car Direct is the cheapest auto shipper for enclosed vehicle transport based on our quotes. They quoted us a competitive $0.58 per mile, or $1,625, to ship a car 2,800 miles.
Here’s a quick list of estimated transport costs to ship an operable vehicle from New York City to Los Angeles.
| Provider | Transport Rate | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $2,050 | $0.73 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,829 | $0.65 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $2,126 | $0.76 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $2,371 | $0.84 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $1,625 | $0.58 |
| American Auto Shipping | $2,409 | $0.86 |
Car Shipping Discounts
You can find the best prices for car shipping by taking advantage of all your available discounts. Here are the most common types of discounts:
- Paying in cash: You may receive a discount for paying in cash because car shipping companies won’t have to account for card transaction fees.
- Student: Car shipping companies know that students are often strapped for cash, so they may offer lower rates to currently enrolled college students.
- Snowbird: If you tend to ship your car every season to escape the snow, your selected car shipping company may offer exclusive pricing packages, as these months tend to be the slowest in the auto transport industry.
- Returning customer: If you’ve previously used an auto transport company, you may receive loyalty benefits for being a returning customer.
- First responders and medical personnel: First responders and medical workers may receive discounts based on their professional designation.
- Early bird: Booking at least three months in advance can qualify car shippers for early bird discounts.
- Senior citizen: Similar to students, senior citizens are more likely to have limited funds, which can help them access demographic discounts.
- Multiple vehicles: You may receive a discount if you’re shipping more than one vehicle.
This list is far from exhaustive, so we always recommend talking to a customer service representative and asking about the promotions and discounts you are eligible for.
Here’s a quick comparison table of our favorite companies and their advertised discounts.
| Discount | Montway Auto Transport | SGT Auto Transport | Easy Auto Ship | Ship A Car Direct | Sherpa Auto Transport | American Auto Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Student | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Snowbird | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Military | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Returning customer | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| First responders | ✓ | |||||
| Early bird | ✓ | |||||
| Senior citizen | ✓ | |||||
| Multiple vehicles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Car Shipping
Cheap car shipping isn’t hard to find if you know where to look. We’ve prepared a few tips for you to save money compromising the value of your desired car shipping services:
- Ask for referrals. Whether you’re relocating for a job opportunity or simply to explore new horizons, lean on your local networks to find out which auto transport companies have offered the best price for the car transport services they’ve used.
- Give yourself a long lead time. Car carriers tend to offer better prices if you’re willing to book far in advance.
- Request multiple quotes. Shop around! Some car transport companies will lower their prices if they find out one of their competitors is undercutting them. You can use a broker or a marketplace so car carriers have to bid against each other.
- Opt for flexible drop-off and pickup dates. Flexibility will result in lower prices because it’s more likely that auto transport companies can ship your vehicle on a pre-planned shipment
- Pick open carriers over enclosed car transport. Unless you have an antique or classic car, open carriers offer adequate protection from all vehicle types and sizes at a much lower price than enclosed trailers.
- Review your existing insurance policies. Evaluate your existing insurance coverage before upgrading to a policy sold by your selected car shipping company.
- Compare terminal-to-terminal shipping costs to door-to-door You can often save money on car transport by selecting a more convenient delivery location for your car carrier. Keep in mind that some companies only offer door-to-door services, so this won’t always be an option.
- Ship a sedan instead of an SUV. Car shipping companies consider weight and vehicle size when setting their rates. Shipping a smaller vehicle will generally result in lower shipping costs.
- Remove personal items. Declutter your vehicle and remove all your belongings to reduce its weight and any excess costs.
Our Take
In short, we’d recommend you request quotes from all the providers on this list and compare prices. While Ship A Car Direct regularly comes in with the lowest prices, its availability is restricted to 47 states, which means it won’t fit every customer’s needs. Montway Auto Transport is a strong pick for customers who want to work with a company that demonstrates glowing customer reviews and nationwide availability.
SGT Auto Transport’s prices aren’t always the most competitive at an initial look, but its willingness to price match gives it an edge. Along the same lines, we like that Easy Auto Ship offers virtually endless opportunities for discounts, including less common cost breaks for snowbirds and students.
Sherpa Auto Transport’s Price-Lock Guarantee means all its quotes are binding from the start, which eliminates the anxiety of fees changing after you’ve handed your vehicle over. Finally, American Auto Shipping is a great choice if you’re looking for cost-effective shipping options for alternate vehicle types, such as heavy equipment and motorcycles.
FAQ
What is the most affordable car shipping company?
Ship A Car Direct is the most affordable car shipping company across the board, according to the estimates we received. However, SGT Auto Transport matches competitor prices, so we recommend requesting a quote from both companies and haggling if you want to try to get a lower price.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive?
It’s generally cheaper to drive than ship a car, but you’ll want to consider the cost of maintenance, fuel, and wear and tear on your vehicle. Shipping a car is more convenient, and you won’t have to factor in lodging or meal costs if you’re moving long-distance. Request an instant quote from various car shippers and compare it to your estimated costs of driving to find the best price for your needs.
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to California?
It costs between $800 and $1,500 to ship a car from New York to California, but your car shipping costs can vary based on the time of year, delivery location, vehicle size, desired time frame, and selected transport type. Open carrier transport is more cost-effective than an enclosed trailer, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
We also recommend requesting multiple car shipping quotes so you can take advantage of price match guarantees and shop around for the cheapest way to ship your vehicle.
Is it worth it to ship my car?
It’s usually worth shipping your car if you’re moving more than 500 miles from your current location. Vehicle shipping prevents additional wear and tear and allows you to focus on other parts of the moving process. Driving is usually the cheapest way to relocate your vehicle for shorter distances.
How can I save money on auto transport?
Here are a few tips you can use to save money on auto transport services:
- Plan ahead
- Avoid shipping during peak moving season if you can
- Pick open transport over enclosed shipping
- Request free quotes from as many providers as you can
- Confirm you’re choosing ground shipping
- Consider setting flexible pick-up and delivery dates
- Inquire about discounts, such as those for shipping multiple cars
- Ship the smaller of your two cars
- Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door services
- Compare online payment methods to cash prices for auto shipping companies that offer both options
