Around 10.9 million or 8.3 percent of US households moved state to state in 2024 alone. That’s a lot of vehicles changing states and so you’re not alone in thinking what’s the cheapest way to move a car to another state. We understand how expensive moving itself can be, you want to save as much as you can without compromising quality. So should you drive across the country and ditch the idea of shipping car? Or is it more convenient and time-saving to ship your car across country? Let’s find out the cheapest way to move car to another state:
Choosing the Right Car Transport Option For Your Budget
There are different ways you can move your car across the state, some are cheaper but time consuming while others are slightly expensive but save time and offer greater convenience. Let’s see them below:
Hiring a Driver
You can expect to pay anywhere between $600 and $1000 for a 2000 mile trip and some more for a return ticket as well. Hiring someone to drive it for you saves you from the hassle of having to drive it yourself. The only downside, however, is that your car racks up the miles. There’s also the possibility of wear and tear or even an accident. In fact, a study found that tire particles are shed with every kilometer covered.
If you’re willing to go down this route, vet your driver and check for valid experience, insurance and reference. Don’t forget to factor in things such as fuel, food and a hotel stay for the driver.
Shipping by Rail
Shipping your car by train is a solid option especially for long-distance routes. It’s also environmentally friendly, since rail freight reduces greenhouse gas emissions considerably. In the States, your only option is Amtrak for this sort of service and it costs around $650 or more for a 847 mile trip.
There are a few catches. First, it’s only a good idea if you’re stationed close to one of the railway stations. If not, this option only just adds to your time and cost. Secondly, scheduling can be difficult. This is because trains don’t leave as frequently. According to Amtrak performance data reported by BTS, delays can occur due to host railroad operations
Auto Transport with a Car Hauler
Car haulers are one of the most popular ways to move your car across the state and for good reason. This method is relatively affordable, flexible and keeps your vehicle protected during the journey. You can expect to pay between $800 and $1300. While this may be more expensive compared to shipping by rail, you get the additional option of door-to-door service.
The only catch is that since haulers are making multiple deliveries, you might be on a waitlist, especially if you’re last on the route. That said, if you want to skip the headache of a long road trip, this option is worth considering.
Easy Auto Ship offers free car shipping quotes with no obligation if you decide not to follow through. Call (888) 687-3243 or use our free auto transport quote calculator to get your estimates in minutes.
Driving It Yourself
Driving the car yourself is the cheapest option since your biggest expense is fuel which could run between $250 and $300 for a 2000 mile trip.
However make sure to consider factors such as the wear and tear on your car, potential mishaps that could happen and the exhaustion.
Once you add food, hotels and other miscellaneous expenses to the total cost, you’re looking at a figure between $600 and $1200.
Transporting Your Vehicle Using a Dolly or Trailer
A dolly or trailer is also a good option, with the rental fee ranging from $200 to $400 for a one-way trip. However, transporting via a dolly requires a suitable vehicle and physical strength. While this is the cheapest option out of them all, it does come with a fair share of potential risks. Make sure you’ve got insurance coverage, know how to install a tow hitch, and are confident in handling a dolly.
Having a Friend or Family Member Drive It for You
Having a trusted friend or family member is one of the most cost-effective options. Besides the fuel cost, snacks and a return ticket if applicable, the expenses are minimal. You’ll want to make sure they’re up for the task and come under your insurance coverage in case things go south.
| Option for 2000 Miles | Expected Budget | Effort Needed | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiring a Driver | $600 to $1000 | Moderate (Coordinating and planning) | Moderate (Vehicle wear and tear, trust Issues, accidents) |
| Shipping by Rail (Amtrak) | $600 to $1200 | Moderate (Arranging logistics) | Low to Moderate (Limited routes, longer transport times) |
| Auto Transport with a Car Hauler | $800 to $1300 | Moderate (Booking and arranging) | Moderate (Possible delays, longer transit times) |
| Driving it Yourself | $850 to $1500 | High (Long-distance driving) | Medium to High (Wear and tear, road accidents) |
| Towing Your Vehicle | $200 to $400 | High (Towing and handling) | Medium to High (Physical demands, towing risks) |
Remember: You can transport a vehicle for as low as 60 cents per mile for 1,000+ miles distances. This sometimes can be cheaper than driving yourself if you factor in the fuel, food, accommodation, car wash, added mileage on odometer, tire and engine wear from a long journey, and toll taxes.
Cost Variables and Their Impact on Car Transport To Another State
Moving your car to another state is generally not cheap no matter how you do it, which makes it all the more important to find a budget-friendly option. If you ship the car using top-rated brokers like Easy Auto Ship, expect the cost to range from $0.5 to $1 per mile. There are a couple of factors that affect the final price you pay. Here’s a quick look at some of the variables and how they can increase or decrease your out-of-pocket expenses.
Impact of Choosing Open vs. Enclosed Trailer
Open Trailer
An open trailer is your best bet if you’re looking to cut down moving costs as its per mile quotes reduce to $0.5 for distances over 2,500 miles, and $0.6 for distances over 1,000 miles. While this type of trailer doesn’t offer overhead protection, the likelihood of serious damage is very low. Since open trailers are widely used in the shipping industry, they’re cheaper and can carry up to a dozen cars at once, depending on their make and model.
Enclosed Trailer
Luxury and vintage cars need extra protection during interstate moving which is why enclosed trailers are a good option. Expect to pay $0.7 per mile for distances over 2,500 miles and $0.9 per mile for distances over 1,000 miles. They provide extra protection from harsh weather conditions and roadside debris. The cost of these is around 25 to 40 % higher than compared to open trailers, but the extra security makes it worth it.
Influence of Transport Scheduling
Most car shipment companies offer standard shipping which is between 7 and 10 days. Expedited delivery services, while convenient, add around 5 to 10 % to the base cost, depending on how quickly you need the shipment to be made.
Effect of Seasonal Timing
Car shipping prices tend to fluctuate based on seasonal trends. For example, during non-peak months such as February and March, rates are pretty standard since not many vehicles are being transported. In fact, seasonal adjustments help account for predictable changes in transportation activity, so it’s an industry-wide practice for the logistical operations to go up and down with seasonal variations.
Comparison of Additional Services
- Terminal-To-Terminal: This is a standard service which allows you to drop off your vehicle at a terminal and pick it up from another. It’s a cost-effective option but may require a little more effort on your part.
- Door-To-Door: Door-to-door is convenient but obviously pricier than terminal-to-terminal. You can expect to pay 5 to 10 % extra on the base cost since the driver has to adjust their route if your drop-off location is out of the way.
Vehicle Specifications and Conditions
The cost to ship your car can also be influenced by its specifications and condition:
- Weight and Dimensions: Larger vehicles such as an SUV or a truck will cost significantly more to ship as compared to a sedan simply because of their size and weight.
- Operational Condition: Vehicles that are non-operational will need special loading and unloading equipment such as lift gates, winch systems, and sometimes even forklifts that can add to the cost.
- Modifications: If you have made modifications or added any addons to your vehicle such as extended bumpers, antennas, loft kits, spoilers, and oversized tires etc., expect an increased car shipping cost as these changes might alter the vehicle’s dimensions.
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
During regular conditions (when there are no seasonal peaks or weather issues), the estimated quote for shipping a car from California to Missouri, which is 1,900 miles, would be $1,140 or $0.6 per mile. Here’s what this quote breakdown includes:
- 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 compared to regular shipping increases to an estimated $1,650 ($0.87 per mile) due to additional requirements and handling:
- Enclosed trailer transport: Additional 25% ($228)
- Expedited pickup under 24 hours: Additional 5% ($55)
- Peak season of Summer: Additional 15% ($170)
- Door-to-door delivery service: No Change
- Luxury/Exotic vehicle needing 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 cutting 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 10-15%.
You can significantly bring down the hauling cost this way from $1,650 to $1,485 or even $1,400.
When you know the factors affecting the cost for transferring a car across the country, you can make better decisions to fit the final bill within your moving budget or if that’s not feasible, you can still find the next best possible way to transport your vehicle across country.
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 you ship your vehicle cross country, make sure to compare the services and quotes offered by different cross country transport companies. Your goal is to find the cheapest way to move a car to another state without compromising on value for money. For instance, one company may charge $500 for cross country vehicle transport while the other company might offer a $400 quote, and if the cost breakdown includes the same things from both and both have good reputation online, you’ve already saved $100.
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. It’s like hopping on a bus with a free seat rather than booking a specific seat. 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
We’re sure you’d love some good old discounts to bring down the cost of car shipping to another state. The good thing is, some companies offer discounts for different situations and people such as students, disabled people, snowbirds, seniors, multiple vehicle shippers and so on. So make sure to ask about any discounts or even seasonal promotions going on. 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, even premium brokers like Easy Auto Ship offer discounts for AAA and Military members. 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
Lastly, remember that any vehicle modifications such as spoilers, lift kits, tire extensions etc. can increase the weight and dimensions of your vehicle which in turn will increase the cost to ship. Remove these items and either store them inside the car or bring them separately. If you want a budget-friendly cross country car shipping experience, keep your automobile 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 proactive planning and working with carriers having already established routes ensures that your vehicle takes the most cost-optimized route, potentially costing you less on shipping.
And if your car arrives dirty after shipping, don’t worry - we’ll give you a free car wash allowance! Plus, if there are any delivery delays, we’ll cover your car rental expense. So why wait? Give us a call at (888) 687-3243 or chat with us live for a free, no-obligation quote in minutes today!
