We know how dearly you cherish your four-wheeled companions, and when moving them to another state, we understand your concerns about affordability, safety, and convenience. You’re probably scratching your head, wondering, “What’s the Cheapest Way To Move A Car To Another State?” No worries, we’ve got you covered!
Imagine this: You’ve received an exciting job opportunity in California but currently reside in New York. You have your family, belongings, and your beloved car to move. Driving cross country might seem adventurous, but let’s face it, it’s tiresome, time-consuming, and can add unnecessary wear and tear to your vehicle. So, what’s the best way to ship your car across country?
While many might think hiring a professional crosscountry car shipping company could be costly, it’s one of the most cost-effective and safest options. Easy Auto Ship offers some of the most competitive crosscountry car transport rates. Our experienced team ensures safe and timely vehicle transport, saving you from the stress and fatigue of a long drive.
We will guide you through the most economical options to get your car from Point A to Point B without breaking the bank. So whether you’re planning a big move or need to get your vehicle across the country, keep reading. We promise to offer solutions that are friendly to your wallet and ensure your car’s safe arrival at its destination.
Choosing the Right Transport Option For Your Budget
When considering the *Cheapest Way To Move A Car To Another State*, you must carefully analyze the options available and choose the one that best aligns with your budget, Effort, and risk tolerance.
Hiring a Driver
Hiring a professional driver can be a cost-effective solution, with an average cost ranging from $600 to $1,000 for a 2,000-mile trip. This method saves you the hassle and exhaustion of driving the car yourself. However, the downside is that your vehicle will accumulate mileage, and there’s a risk of wear and tear or potential accidents on the road. When hiring a driver, it’s essential to consider the driver’s experience, insurance coverage, and reference checks.
When hiring a driver, consider their experience, reputation, and the insurance coverage they provide. Also, calculate the added costs of fuel, meals, and hotel stays for the driver.
Shipping by Rail
Transport by rail, only done through Amtrak, is an eco-friendly option for long distances. It can cost between $600 to $1,200 for a 2,000-mile trip. Nevertheless, this option is limited to specific routes, and you might have to arrange additional transport to and from the train station.
Rail transport is best for those near major rail lines and crosscountry car shipping. However, it may not be the Best Way To Ship Car Cross Country if the departure or arrival points are far from a rail station.
Also, transport times can be longer, and fewer departure dates may be available. Some routes may also need to be serviced by rail freight companies.
Auto Transport with a Car Hauler
Car haulers offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and protection for your car. Utilizing a car hauler can cost between $800 and $1,300 on averag e, which may be slightly more expensive than rail transport, but it provides door-to-door service. On the flip side, the transit time is often longer, and there may be potential delays due to multiple deliveries.
They might be an excellent option to Car Ship Across Country without the risk of long-distance driving.
Driving It Yourself
While driving the car yourself is undoubtedly the most affordable option, it comes with challenges. The only significant expense is fuel, which could cost around $250 to $300 for a 2,000-mile trip. However, you’ll have to consider the wear and tear on your vehicle, potential road mishaps, and the physical toll of a long drive.
The main cost elements are fuel, food, and accommodation, which can add up to around $600 to $1,200. Plus, you’ll have to factor in the depreciation from the additional mileage on your car.
Transporting Your Vehicle Using a Dolly or Trailer
Using a dolly or trailer can be cost-effective, only costing rental fees ranging from $200 to $400 for a one-way trip. However, this method can demand physical effort and requires a suitable towing vehicle.
Towing your vehicle comes with added responsibilities and potential risks. Ensure you have the proper coverage and are comfortable maneuvering a trailer.
Having a Friend or Family Member Drive It for You
Having a friend or family member drive your car can be the most affordable option. But it’s essential to trust the driver’s abilities and to ensure your insurance covers them.
Besides the cost of fuel, food, and possibly a return ticket for the driver, minimal expenses are involved. However, this method relies heavily on the availability and willingness of the person, and there could be potential liability issues if an accident happens.
| Option for 2,000 Miles | Expected Budget | Effort Required | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiring a Driver | $600 - $1,000 | Moderate (Coordinating and planning) | Moderate (Vehicle wear and tear, Trust Issues, accidents) |
| Shipping by Rail (Amtrak) | $600 - $1,200 | Moderate (Arranging logistics) | Low to Moderate (Limited routes, longer transport times) |
| Auto Transport with a Car Hauler | $800 - $1,300 | Moderate (Booking and scheduling) | Moderate (Potential delays, longer transit times) |
| Driving It Yourself | $850 - $1,500 | High (Long-distance driving) | Medium to High (Wear and tear, road mishaps) |
| Towing Your Vehicle | $200 - $400 | High (Towing and maneuvering) | Medium to High (Physical demands, towing risks) |
Cost Variables and Their Impact on Car Transport To Another State
Moving your car to another state can be a significant expense, and finding the most affordable way to do it is often a top priority. However, several factors can greatly influence the cost of transporting your vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the cost variables and the estimated reduction or increase in percentage for each factor.
Impact of Choosing Open vs. Enclosed Trailer
- Open Trailer: An open trailer is the most economical option for moving your car. This form of transportation exposes your vehicle to roadside debris and weather-related elements, yet severe damages during transit are minimal. These trailers are cheaper due to high availability and larger load capacity. They can carry up to 12 cars, depending on the type and size of the vehicles.
- Enclosed Trailer: With added protection against weather and roadside elements, enclosed trailer costs can go up to 25-40% higher than open trailers. This option is recommended for higher-end, classic, or vintage vehicles. The price is worth considering when you want to minimize the risk of potential minor damages that diminish the value of a classic or luxury car.
Influence of Transport Scheduling
Standard delivery is the norm in the car shipping industry, but the price can surge based on the urgency of the service. Expedited pickup or hot-shot deliveries can bump the price by 5-10%.
For example, if you need your car to arrive at your destination faster than the standard 7-10 day window, a rush charge might lead to this price increase.
Effect of Seasonal Timing
Prices can also fluctuate based on the demands of a particular season. Moving companies only have a few cars to transport in non-peak months like February and March, and the price is standard.
However, during the summer season, the demand surges, and the prices can rise by up to 10-20%. You should avoid this peak season if cost savings are a priority.
Comparison of Additional Services
- Terminal-To-Terminal: This service is usually the standard offering where you must drop off and pick up your car from a specified location.
- Door-To-Door: This more personalized service can add 5-10% to the base cost. This could depend more on how remote the pickup or delivery location is. In such cases, the driver might need to deviate from his normal route, resulting in additional gasoline and time consumption.
Vehicle Specifications and Conditions
The cost to ship your car can also be influenced by its specifications and condition:
- Weight and Dimensions: Cars that exceed standard weight and dimensions might necessitate special arrangements or larger vehicles, resulting in additional costs. For instance, an SUV will cost more to ship than a small sedan due to its size and space on the trailer.
- Operational Condition: Non-running cars that can’t be driven on or off the transporter will require special equipment for loading and unloading.
- Modifications: Any non-standard modifications that change the dimensions or weight of the car (like spoilers, lift kits, or oversized tires) may also result in an additional charge.
These additional measures for a larger/non-operational/modified vehicle can add to the overall cost. Depending on the vehicle’s specifications and condition, you can expect a price increase ranging from 15% to 25%.
| Cost Variable | Effect on Transport Price (%) |
|---|---|
| 1. Choice of Trailer Type | |
| - Open Trailer | Minimal impact |
| - Enclosed Trailer | 25-40% higher cost |
| 2. Transport Scheduling | |
| - Standard Delivery | Standard cost |
| - Expedited Pickup/Delivery | 5-10% higher cost |
| 3. Seasonal Timing | |
| - Non-Peak Months (e.g., Feb and Mar) | Standard cost |
| - Peak Season (e.g., Summer) | 10-20% higher cost |
| 4. Additional Services | |
| - Terminal-To-Terminal Service | Standard cost |
| - Door-To-Door Service | 5-10% higher cost |
| 5. Vehicle Specifications and Condition | |
| - Weight and Dimensions | More = 5-8% Increase in Cost |
| - Operational Condition | Non-Operational = 5-8% Increase in Cost |
| - Modifications | Any Additions = 5-8% Increase in Cost |
Case Example Estimates for Cheapest Way to Move Cross Country
A. Regular Cost For Car Transport to Another State
Under standard conditions, the estimated regular quote for moving a car from California to Missouri (1,900 miles) would be about $1,140, which breaks down to roughly $0.6 per mile. This estimation is based on the following criteria:
- Open trailer transport
- Standard delivery timeframe
- Regular season
- Door-to-door delivery
- Typical sedan in running condition with no modifications
Estimated Regular Quote: $1,140 (Approximately $0.6 per mile)
B. Highest Cost For Car Transport to Another State
The scenario changes slightly when transporting a luxury vehicle over the same distance. The total cost increases to an estimated $1,650 ($0.87 per mile) due to additional requirements and handling:
- Enclosed trailer transport: Additional 25% ($228)
- Expedited delivery: Additional 5% ($55)
- Peak season: Additional 15% ($170)
- Door-to-door delivery service: No Change
- Luxury car with special handling: Additional 5% ($55)
Estimated Highest Quote: $1,650 (Approximately $0.87 per mile)
C. Cheapest way to move a car to another state
I. How to Reduce Regular Quote?
You can decrease the regular cost by opting for terminal-to-terminal delivery, which will save around 5-10%.
Also, scheduling your car transport for the fall season, when the transport industry experiences a low price drop, will save you another 5-10%. Transporting multiple cars at once will provide a discount of around 5% on the overall quote.
You can save between 10-25% on your regular shipping price. In the California to Missouri example, your cost could go down from $1,140 to approximately $1,024 - $855.
II. How to Reduce the Highest Quote?
When transporting a luxury car, avoiding corners in its safety and handling would be wise.
However, you can still opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping, off-peak season transport, and a multi-car transport discount, saving 10-25%.
Doing so could bring the price down from $1,650 to approximately $1,485 - $1,240.
Learning what factors affect the cost of transferring a car across the country can provide you with better options and improve the likelihood of finding the best way to ship your car across country. Knowing these details can also help you prepare for the best way to transport your vehicle across country, taking both cost and safety into account.
9 Further Tips for Saving Some Money on Car Transport to Another State!
Searching and Comparing Multiple Shipping Companies
It’s an open secret; the best way to ship your car across country is by doing homework. When transporting your precious vehicle cross country, it’s crucial to compare and contrast the services and prices of different crosscountry transport companies. Remember, our goal is the cheapest way to move a car to another state. For instance, Company A might charge $500 for crosscountry transport while Company B might do it for $400. That’s $100 saved already!
Flexible Scheduling and Planning Ahead
Moving on, if you’re not in a rush, you can save significantly by being flexible with your schedule. Transport companies often have cheaper rates for ‘flexible dates,’ where they pick a date within a range of days. Imagine it as hopping on a bus with a free seat rather than booking a specific time. This is the best way to ship car cross country if you’re not in a hurry.
Considering Alternative Pickup or Drop-off Locations
Let’s get creative here. Have you ever thought about changing your pickup or drop-off locations? Imagine if your cousin lives two towns over, and shipping your car there is cheaper. You could then drive the rest of the way. This is a fantastic option as the car ship across country cost varies depending on the location.
Discounts for Specific Persons and Price Negotiation
Now, who doesn’t love a good bargain? If you’re a student, a senior, or a person with disabilities, discounts might be waiting for you! Feel free to ask the transport company for any special deals. Plus, there’s no harm in negotiating the price down a tad. After all, every penny you save is a penny you earn!
Employer or Affiliation Discounts
Our next pitstop in our money-saving journey is seeing if your employer or affiliated organizations offer discounts on car transport services. For example, AAA and Military members often have special rates with transport companies. This might be the best way to transport your car across the country if you’re associated with such organizations.
Early Bird Catches the Worm
Like booking a flight ticket, booking your car transport service well in advance can save you some bucks. Last-minute bookings can be costly due to demand spikes. So, if you’ve already planned your shipping, why wait? Secure your spot early and save those extra dollars.
Flexibility in Delivery Dates and Weekly Discounts
Another trick up our sleeve is to ask your car shipping company if they offer any flexibility in delivery dates or if they have any discounted rates for specific days of the week. For example, some companies provide discounts for particular weekdays as weekends are usually busier. Now, that’s an intelligent way of saving money!
Decrease Vehicle Weight
It might come as a surprise, but the weight of your car can impact the shipping cost. To reduce the weight, consider emptying the fuel tank to just one-third. Not only will this save you money, but it’s also safer for transport.
Remove Any Modifications
Last but not least if your car has any modifications, such as spoilers, consider removing them and bringing them separately. These modifications can increase the car’s dimensions or weight, resulting in a higher shipping cost. So, if you’re looking for budget-friendly crosscountry car shipping, keep your vehicle in its basic form.
Easy Auto Ship Offers A Bang For Your Buck When Shipping Cars To Another State
Easy Auto Ship is the clear choice when shipping your car to another state. Not only do we offer competitive pricing and discounts, but we also prioritize your car’s safety with our insurance coverage. Our tech-guided route planning ensures that your vehicle takes the most cost-optimized route, saving you even more money on shipping.
And if your car arrives dirty after shipping, don’t worry - we’ll give it a free wash! Plus, if there are any delivery delays, we’ve covered you with a free car rental fund. So why wait? Give us a call or chat with us live to experience the Easy Auto Ship difference today!