Cheap car shipping: The cheapest way to ship a car

April 16th, 2021

If you ever find yourself looking for auto transport, one of the first questions you’ll want answering is what is the cheapest way to ship a car. You might want to ship a car because you’ve received a promotion, are upsizing because your family’s got bigger, you need a change of scenery, just started a new job, or found your dream car a few states away. Whatever the reason, the cost is one of the most significant deciding factors and you’re going to want some cheap car shipping options. 

When you need to move a car, auto transport isn’t the only cheap car shipping option. You could:

• Drive your car yourself
• Tow it yourself
• Hire someone to drive your car for you
• Send it by train
• Send it by plane
• Hire a terminal to terminal car shipping company
• Hire a door-to-door auto transport company

Faced with so many options, you might be feeling a little confused, but don't be. We’re about to look at all these cheap car shipping options in more detail and help you appreciate why auto transport is one of the safest, most secure, and cheapest ways to ship your car to another state or even across country. After all, it’s only natural to want to ship your car in a way that doesn’t break the bank. 

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?

The cheapest way to ship a car is using open car transport. A carrier collects your vehicle and safely transports it to a location of your choice. The actual cost depends on several factors, including distance traveled, make and model of car, vehicle condition, time of the year, and location.  

How to find the cheapest car shipping company?

Finding the cheapest car shipping company can be a challenge. Car shipping rates are affected by several things such as your car’s make and model, distance traveled, vehicle condition, location, and time of year. Here at SGT Auto Transport, we do everything we can to secure the best possible price. 

Methods of moving a car

If you ever need to transport a vehicle cross country, there are many options to choose from. Knowing as much about each one means you’re better equipped to make the right decision. We’re going to look in more detail at the options and compare the pros and cons. 

Drive it yourself

Driving your car yourself might seem like the most obvious solution. On the surface, it also appears to be the cheapest way to transport your car. If you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, it’s an affordable option, but there are many reasons why it’s not necessarily the best. 

Some things can bump up the overall price if you decide to drive yourself, suddenly making it much more costly, especially when you compare it with cheap vehicle shipping rates.

Let’s take a look at some of the issues with driving your car yourself. 

If you need to ship a car a few thousand miles, it would be possible to make the trip in 48 hours, but there would need to be two drivers taking it in turns to do the driving. A 3,000-mile trip would take at least six days for only one driver, which would mean five overnight stops in a motel room. You can expect to pay between $40 and $70 per night for a basic overnight stop.

On top of the overnight accommodation costs, you’ve also got to pay for food, drinks, filling the gas tank, and depending on your route, there may be road tolls you have to pay. 

If you’ve purchased a car online and need to get there to collect it, you’ve also got to add the cost of getting there to the overall price.

Pros

• It’s a chance to enjoy a road trip with your family or friends.
• There’s no need to rush, and you can go at your own pace.
• You’ll be able to stop whenever you need to.
• You’ll get to experience the countryside and places you’ve never seen before.
• If any exciting places turn up along the way, you’ll be able to visit them.

Cons

• When you compare the cost with a cheap auto transport service, the total cost is much more when you factor in meals, wear and tear, the cost of fuel, and accommodation along the way.
• Driving long distances can be dangerous.
• It can be very stressful if you’re driving for long periods.
• How long your journey takes is dependent on traffic conditions and the weather. 

Tow it yourself

Another option that might seem appealing is to transport your own vehicle using a trailer or dolly. One significant advantage of this option is that it adds no additional miles to your car. Another benefit is that you’ll be able to carry extra cargo inside the car. You will, however, have to be careful that the total weight of the vehicle and the cargo doesn’t exceed the weight limit of the trailer. 

Have you ever towed a vehicle before? Because this is something you need to consider. It’s not for the faint-hearted. It is quite an experience and takes a certain amount of practice and getting used to. It’s not such an issue if you’re going in a straight line, but reversing and maneuvering while towing a car takes a lot of skill. 

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about wear and tear on your vehicle,
• It’s a relatively safe option.
• You’ll be able to transport your car door-to-door.

Cons

• You need a certain amount of skill and practice to tow a trailer safely.
• When you add in the cost of the trailer or dolly and other costs such as accommodation, additional gas, and gas, the overall cost can work out to be more expensive than cheap auto shipping. 

Hire someone to drive it for you

You might not realize it, but you can hire a professional driver to drive your car across country. There are rather a lot of companies to choose from. Make sure you do your research and choose a company that specializes in providing such a service. Often, the people a company like this hires to drive customer’s cars will be retirees or students looking for a side hustle. 

Another option is to hire someone directly without using a third party. You might be able to find someone by looking in the local ads.

Pros

• The driver might allow you to ride along for the journey.
• It’s a very personal service.
• There may be the option of specialized insurance cover.
• If you wanted to put extra luggage in your car, you might be allowed to.

Cons

• There will be unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.
• You might find it a struggle to hire a reputable company or an individual you can trust.
• Compared with cheap vehicle transport, the cost can be very expensive. 

Have a friend drive it for you

You might know a friend or relative who would be happy to drive your car for you. As long as you know and trust the person, it can be a very budget-friendly option. There’s also the opportunity to pack extra luggage, which adds to the benefits because it could save you money on your removal fees. 

However, on the flip side, you’ll possibly need to purchase extra insurance coverage, and your vehicle will have to endure excess wear and tear. 

Pros

• It’s an economical option.
• You should be able to trust the driver if they are someone you know.
• You’ll be able to transport additional personal belongings.  

Cons

• You may need to purchase additional insurance coverage.
• The extra wear and tear mean additional mechanical bills.
• You have to be confident in the driving skills of your friend or relative. 

Send it by train

Shipping a car by train is an option that few people consider. It can be an affordable way to ship a car, but not when you compare it with cheap car transport companies. The process of sending your car by train is uncomplicated, but you will have to get your vehicle to the station and be there to collect it at the other end. That’s two additional journeys that will add to the overall cost. 

If either station is near, it’s not so much of a problem. But you may have to travel many miles to both or one of the stations. 

Pros

• On occasions, the cost can be lower than some of the other options in this list.
• If you’re concerned about the environment, trains have a lower carbon footprint, so they are better for the environment. 
• Rail services cover most major routes.
• You can choose between open and enclosed transport options. 

Cons

• Sending your vehicle by train is not a door-to-door transport option because you first have to travel to deliver your vehicle and then pick it up from a designated station. 
• The time it takes to ship a vehicle by rail is typically much longer than any other options.
• The basic cost of rail transport might be low, but it can work out to be more expensive than a cheap car shipping service when you consider the additional costs. 
• You’re not allowed to transport any personal items in your vehicle.
• The service is very inflexible as trains run according to a timetable and on pre-defined routes. 

Send it by plane

This is an option that is likely to be way out of most people’s budgets. It tends to be more expensive than the average cost of a new car. All that aside, it’s a viable opinion for specific clients. It is fast and very safe, which will be qualities you’re looking for if you own a one-of-a-kind, custom, antique, or expensive car. However, this service comes with a very hefty price tag. 

Pros

• It’s one of the safest options.
• In some cases, it’s faster than other shipping options. 
• You may be able to ship personal belongings with the car. 

Cons

• The most significant disadvantage is that it is a costly shipping service. 

Terminal to terminal car shipping

A terminal is a location where a company stores a vehicle while it’s waiting to be transported. Generally, one or more companies will use the terminal at the same time. Terminals tend to be located near airport terminals, many large cities across the US, and off many major highways. 

Auto transport carriers use terminals for collecting and delivering vehicles. They might also use them to combine shipments they are taking to the same area. A carrier might offer terminal-to-terminal shipping because it saves time and effort. They don’t have to drive around picking up and delivering vehicles.  

Pros

• If you’re unavailable, you can nominate a third party to deliver or collect your vehicle.
• The service is safe and secure, so you get peace of mind. 

Cons

• You may have to travel to the terminal because they tend to be outside city limits. This means driving extra miles to deliver or collect your car.
• Additional costs make it more expensive compared to cheap car transport.
• You may have to pay storage fees.
• The time frame is usually longer than door-to-door transport with an auto transport company. 

Open door-to-door car transport

Open door-to-door auto transport is one of the most convenient ways to ship a vehicle, whether you want to ship it across state lines, coast to coast, or across the country. It also happens to be the most common way to transport a car and the cheapest way to ship a car cross country.

Not all cheap auto transport companies offer open door-to-door car transportation, but here at SGT Auto Transport, all our stateside auto transport services are door-to-door. 

When you book your open door-to-door car transport service, the company will get as close to your front door as possible, but there are a few reasons why this might not be possible. 

• Trucks and trailers up to 80 feet long can find tight residential areas challenging to navigate.
• It might not be safe and legal just to pull over anywhere to load or unload a vehicle.
• Low-hanging power lines or branches can be a problem for an open trailer.   

Pros

• It’s the cheapest way to ship your car.
• There’s no wear and tear on your vehicle.
• No extra miles are clocked up on the odometer.
• Cheap car shipping is stress-free.
• It’s a cheap car transport that saves time.
• You can ship more than one car at the same time.
• Valuable vehicles can get extra protection if you choose enclosed auto transport.
• It’s a door-to-door service.
• If you’re in a hurry or need to make your cheap car transport arrangements at the last minute, express car shipping and guaranteed pick-up are both options.

Cons

• Not all locations are accessible for auto transport trucks and trailers. 

The most common and cheapest way to ship a car: Open car transport

Open car transport is a service you can use if you ever need to ship a car. There are many reasons why you might need such a service. Here are just a few examples:

• Relocating
• Received your PCS orders
• Your Ford Mustang needs to get to the garage for repairs
• You’ve bought a new car online

A little further down the page, we’ll be exploring open car transport services, the benefits, how it works, the shipping rates, how to find a cheap car shipping company, and much more. Let’s start by looking at the benefits. 

The benefits of the cheapest way to ship a car across country

One of the most significant benefits of using cheap auto transport companies is that you can get your car shipped right to your door, which is convenient. It’s your choice where the carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle. Unlike other cheap car shipping options, you don’t have to drive to a station or a terminal. This is exceedingly convenient, and it saves you time and money.  There are several other advantages. 

• Flexibility: You get to choose the pick-up and delivery locations, and as long as it’s safe and legal to do so, the carrier will get as close as they possibly can to your chosen locations. You can select your home, but you could also select your place of work, a parking lot at the end of your street, or a shopping mall nearby. 
• Personal service: Choose cheap car moving companies, and you’ll be able to meet the driver who is going to transport your car. This is a much more reassuring option compared to leaving your car at a terminal. You’ll also be able to oversee the loading and unloading of your vehicle and inspect it with the carrier before and after they transport it. 
• Saves wear and tear: The carrier picks up and delivers your car right outside your door, which saves unnecessary wear and tear of your vehicle. With fewer miles on the odometer, your car will retain its value for longer.
• Multiple-shipping options: Between 1960 and 2017, the number of households with more than one car increased from 22% to 58%. If you happen to be a multi-vehicle household, you’ll be pleased to learn you can ship more than one car at very affordable and cheap car moving rates. 

If all of these benefits look very appealing, it’s time to look at the two most popular ways to ship a car. 

The two main options for the cheapest way to ship a car

Request your cheap car shipping quotes online or directly, and you’re given two shipping options to choose from: open car transport and enclosed auto transport. Which one you choose depends on your needs, and they both have their pros and cons. To help you make the right decision, let’s look at each one in a little more depth. 

Open car transport: The most widely used and cheapest way to ship a car across country

Open car transport is the most prevalent auto shipping option, especially with cheap auto transport companies. When you’re out on the highway, this is the type of auto transport truck and trailer you’ll see more than any other. It’s a favorite with the general public. Car dealerships also prefer it because it’s a cheap auto transport option, and they can transport both new and used vehicles across the country safely and securely. 

Open car transport trailers usually have one or two levels, and a carrier can transport several vehicles simultaneously. There are various types of open car transport trailers, but they all have one common feature. When you ship a vehicle in an open car trailer, it will be exposed to the elements and the surrounding environment as the trailer has no sides. However, don’t think for one moment your car is not going to be safe. Open car transport is one of the safest and most secure ways you can transport your car. It also happens to be the cheapest way to ship a car. 

Pros and cons

If you’re wondering why open car transport is the most popular option, the benefits speak for themselves. They include:

• It’s fast and efficient.
• Insurance is included.
• It’s an affordable and cheap car transport service.
• Car dealerships prefer it.
• Topload placement is an option that offers additional protection.
• Open car transport suits many types of vehicle.
• It’s better for the environment because the trucks and trailers use less fuel and transport more vehicles simultaneously.

The downside of this service is that there are specific locations a truck and trailer can’t pick up from and deliver to. These include roads where there are restrictions, low-hanging branches, or power lines. In such cases, you’ll have to arrange a more suitable location close by.    

Enclosed auto transport: For owners of custom, antique, rare, luxury, and vintage cars

Choose enclosed auto transport, and the carrier will move your vehicle in a trailer that’s completely enclosed. What this means is that your vehicle will be protected from the weather and any traffic grime. It’s usually recommended for owners of classic, custom, antique, high-end, and luxury vehicles. 

Pros and cons

For most people, open car transport is a perfectly acceptable way to ship a car. However, if your car needs a certain level of care and attention, enclosed auto transport is the best option. In an enclosed trailer, the vehicles inside are completely protected from the weather, traffic grime, and debris from the moment the carrier picks it up to the final delivery. The vehicles inside the trailer arrive at their destination looking shiny and new. But that’s not the only benefit. Here are a few more:

• Peace of mind because your car is fully protected.
• Enclosed trailers use extended racing ramps and hydraulic lift gates which are perfect for cars with low ground clearance.
• You can ship more than one car.
• Insurance coverage for the cars being transported is higher.

The only downside of this service is the cost. Enclosed auto transport costs 30-40% more than open car transport. This means it might not suit you if you’re looking for cheap auto transport companies. 

How the cheapest way to ship a car works

All it takes are three simple steps:

1. Get your cheap auto shipping quotes and book your order

You can get your cheap car shipping quotes using an online calculator. All you have to do is input a few basic details, and with just a few clicks, you’ll quickly find out the cost of a cheap car shipping service. You’ll need to provide the following details:

• Pick-up city and state or ZIP code.
• Delivery city and state or ZIP code.
• Vehicle year, make, and model.
• Condition of the vehicle: running or not running.
• Transport type: open vs. enclosed.
• First available pick-up date (you’ll find an explanation of this term near the bottom of the page).

If you’re satisfied with the cheap truck transport price, you should be able to book your order by speaking with a representative of the cheap car transport company, either by telephone or Live Chat. You’ll arrange the finer detailers of the order with them and schedule a pick-up date.   

2. Your vehicle is picked up

A few hours before your car is due to be picked up, your assigned carrier will contact you to confirm the pick-up information. The call is also to verify the location is accessible for large commercial vehicles. There are a few reasons why it might not be a suitable location. There could be restrictions on commercial vehicles, low-hanging power lines, or branches. 

If there’s an issue with your chosen location, you can easily arrange an alternative. You might be aware of a wider road nearby, a parking lot, or the place where you work. 

The carrier also needs to confirm that you’ll be available to release your vehicle. Don’t worry if you won’t be because you can nominate a third party to act on your behalf. They do, however, have to be 18 years or above. 

Before the carrier can load your vehicle onto the trailer, you both have to closely inspect it for any damage. You must record any dents, dings, or scratches on the Bill of Lading. 

As soon as the paperwork is complete, the driver loads your car onto the trailer and is on his way. Throughout the journey, you’ll receive regular updates by email, Live Chat, or telephone. You can also check on the progress of your vehicle by checking in regularly with the driver. Please bear in mind, however, that they may be driving.  

3. Your vehicle is delivered

Just before the carrier reaches their final destination, you’ll receive a call to let you know they’re not very far away. They also need to check that you’ll be available to receive your car. Don’t worry if you’re unavailable because you can nominate a third party to act on your behalf, as long as they are 18 years or older.

When the carrier delivers your car, you’ll get an opportunity to inspect it closely, just to make sure everything is in order. If you’re happy, you sign the Bill of Lading and accept delivery of your car.  

The cost of the cheapest way to ship a car

The actual cost to transport a vehicle across state lines, coast to coast, city to city, or cross country is determined by several factors. These factors include distance, make, model, and year of your car, along with a few others. Let’s look at them in more detail. 

Factors that affect the cost of the cheapest way to ship a car

• Distance: Distance is the main factor that cheap car moving companies use to determine the cost of moving a car. As you can see from the table below, the rate per mile is lower for longer distances, but the overall cost is higher. 
• Pick-up and delivery locations: In general, more car transport trucks and trailers are available for urban or metropolitan areas. What this means is that the cost tends to be lower than for locations in rural areas. If a carrier has to add rural stops to their delivery schedule, it increases the amount of fuel and time required.  
• Vehicle make and model: Vehicles come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. If you own a car that is larger or heavier than your average motor, you’ll have to pay more because the transporter will be able to move fewer vehicles to keep within the weight restrictions.  
• Type of auto transport service: You have a wide range of auto transport services to choose from. What is the cheapest way to transport a car? Open car transport is the cheapest. Enclosed car transport is another option that offers added security and protection, but it will cost you more. Other options that will include an additional premium include guaranteed pick-up and express car shipping. 
• Condition of the vehicle: When you request your cheap car shipping quotes, you’ll be asked whether your car is running or not. If your car is running, the cost is less than if it is not. This is because carriers have to use specialist equipment to load and unload vehicles that aren’t running, which adds to the cost. 
• Time of the year: You’re more likely to find cheap car transport services during the summer months.  

How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?

On average, the cost to ship a car to another US state using the cheapest car shipping company is under $0.80 per mile. This rate applies if the shipping distance is less than 500 miles. For distances of 3,000 miles or more, the rate drops to $0.33 per mile. This is, however, only the average figure. In the table below, you’ll find the average cheap auto shipping rates for other distances.

Distance	Type of transport	Average price per mile	Sample distance	Sample price
0-500 miles	Open	$0.80	250 miles	$200
500-1000 miles	Open	$0.73	700 miles	$511
1000-1500 miles	Open	$0.70	1000 miles	$700
1500-2000 miles	Open	$0.48	1750 miles	$840
2000-2500 miles	Open	$0.37	2400 miles	$888
2500-3000 miles	Open	$0.35	2700 miles	$945
3000+ miles	Open	$0.33	3200 miles	$1122

The average price per mile rates above are reflective of current market conditions as of January 2020. These rates are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, cost of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc. 

How long the cheapest way to ship a car takes

Cheap car transport companies cover several hundred miles a day. The time it takes for them to deliver your car mainly depends on the distance they have to travel. For short distances, it could take a day or two. But for longer distances, the timeframe will be more. We’ve listed the average transit times in calendar days for various distances in the table further down.

Aside from distance, several other factors might affect the car shipping timeframe, for example:

• Number of stops
• Traffic flow
• Road constructions and detours
• Weather conditions
• Heavy traffic

One last thing that can affect the time it takes is driver’s hours. The Department of Transport mandates the number of hours a truck driver can be legally on the road. Limits include a 14-hour driving window and 60-hour/7-day and 70-hour/8-day limits.

Distance	Average transit time (calendar days)
0-200 miles	1-2 days
200-600 miles	2-4 days
600-1000 miles	3-5 days
1000-1500 miles	4-6 days
1500 miles-2000 miles	5-7 days
2000-2400 miles	6-8 days
2400+ miles	7-9 days

The time shown above can be affected by weather and road conditions, traffic, etc. 

What are the other auto transport options?

Open and enclosed auto transport aren’t the only options available if you want to ship your car. Let’s give you a couple more examples.

Express auto transport

There are times when you might be on a tight schedule and can’t wait for the standard time for a pick-up. Express auto transport is an option, but it will cost a little more. With this service, a pick-up can be arranged with a window of between 24 and 48 hours after you’ve made your booking. 

Guaranteed pick-up service

It’s not easy to guarantee things when organizing auto transport because there are so many variables. It is, however, possible to offer a guaranteed pick-up service. With this service, you can make your booking with a guaranteed 24-hour pick-up window. 

The cheapest way to ship a luxury or vintage car

The most cost-effective way to ship any type of car is using open car transport. However, most owners of this type of car prefer to use enclosed auto transport because it provides the best security and most protection from the elements. 

If you want the highest level of protection for your most precious vehicle, the cost is 30-40% more than cheap car moving rates. 

The cheapest way to ship a car that’s not running

If your car is not running, it’s generally not possible to use open car transport because the carriers use trailers that don’t have the required specialized equipment. Enclosed auto transport is usually the option because the carrier’s vehicles will have a liftgate or ramps. 

How to find the best and the cheapest auto transport provider

When you’re looking for cheap car shipping, it doesn’t mean you have to use an inferior provider. Finding the best auto transport provider is crucial. There are some things you must consider if you want to make the right choice. 

• Customer reviews: Checking out a company’s reputation is the intelligent thing to do when you’re looking for the best auto transport provider. You can check one of the many customer review sites, Google it, look on Facebook, ask for references, or ask around for recommendations.  
• Licensed and authorized: Only choose cheap car moving companies that are licensed and approved by the FMCSA. You can check a company’s status by asking for their DIT number and checking it on the FMCSA website. It will tell you whether a company is authorized or not. 
• Years of experience: Bad companies tend not to stick around for long, whereas a reputable company will stand the test of time. Always be wary of cheap car shipping companies that have not been in business for long.  
• Insurance: Auto transport companies must provide cargo insurance. To make sure the company you choose has valid insurance, ask for a copy of their cargo insurance policy. If you’re looking for cheap car transport, always check whether the insurance cost is included in the cheap car shipping quotes. 
• Shipping personal items: Some carriers allow you to ship personal items in your car. Use our auto shipping services, and it is permitted. It’s a handy option because you can pack things you want to keep safe and reduce the risk of them being damaged when being loaded and unloaded from the mover’s truck. 
• Terms and conditions: Choose an auto transport provider that is transparent. Read the small print in the contract and check whether there’s any mention of expected delays. You don’t want to be left waiting weeks for the delivery of your car. 

How to avoid getting scammed when choosing the cheapest way to ship a car

Online scams can be a problem whatever service you’re purchasing, and the auto transport industry has not escaped the online scammers. To help you avoid such issues and enjoy a worry-free shipping experience, we thought we’d share some tips.

Different types of auto transport scams

There are unscrupulous scammers worldwide, and some target people who want to sell or relocate their vehicles. The scammer copies information from a legitimate auto shipping company’s website and uses it to create their own fake site. Once they’ve created a website, they can target unsuspecting people in various ways.

• The bait and switch scam: This is the most common, and it happens when a company provides a very low price to ship your car. Then they try to get more money when it comes to moving your car. 
• The up-sell scam: The target of this scam is someone who wants to ship their vehicle because they’re relocating. They’ll give you cheap car shipping quotes, and when you contact the company to finalize your booking, you’ll provide your credit card details. The car will be collected as arranged, but before it’s delivered, you’ll receive a call to say the price has changed, and if you refuse to pay, they’ll hold your car. 
• Fake buyer - phishing scam: A scammer gets in touch and offers to buy your car. You agree to a price, and they send a check to cover the cost of the vehicle and shipping via their approved shipping company (which just happens to be their company). The check usually clears, but you may receive a request to send money to cover the shipping. The payment option will be an untraceable method such as Moneygram or Western Union, which allows the recipient to cash the money straight away. A few days later, the check subsequently bounces, which means you’re out of pocket.   
• Fake seller: Scams can also occur when you’re buying a car. They offer you a cr at well below market value, and when you agree to buy the car, they insist you send the money before they ship the car. They make false promises, such as holding your cash in escrow. All they do is take your money and don’t deliver the car. 

How to avoid a car shipping scam   

It is possible to protect yourself from becoming the victim of a car transport scam. Here are a couple of things you can do:

• Know what to expect from a service provider: Several parties can offer a cheap car shipping service. They include direct carriers and car shipping brokers. There are also auto transport management companies, such as SGT Auto Transport, that will manage the complete shipping process from start to finish. 
• Before you make a booking, shop around and do your research: This is the most important tip. Don’t base your decision on price alone, a great-looking website, or smooth-talking sales agents. Spend time doing your research and read lots of reviews. 

Tips on how to save money when shipping a car

If you want to shave more bucks off your cheap car shipping service, follow these tips:

• Choose the right transport type: If you want cheap car transport, open car transport is the best choice. Your car is exposed to the elements, but it is the most popular and affordable car shipping option. 
• Book in advance: If you book in advance, it allows the auto transport company the time they need to find and secure the best deal. Ideally, book one or two weeks ahead of time. 
• Ask about discounts: Here at SGT Auto Transport, we have several available discounts, including those for serving or retired military members, snowbirds, or college students. 
• Pick the best time of the year: Auto transport services are in greater demand during the summer months, so car shipping rates tend to be higher. One of the cheapest times of the year is in the fall. 
• Make sure your car is running: It is cheaper to ship a car that is running because no specialist equipment is needed to load and unload your car. 
• Check whether there are any price match options: Here at SGT Auto Transport, we have a price match option. If our cheap vehicle shipping rates don’t meet your expectations, you can get in touch, and we’ll do our best to make our prices more competitive. Similarly, if you’ve been given a cheaper car shipping quote from a direct competitor, we’ll do our best to match it.   

FAQs about cheap car shipping

How do I pay for a cheap car shipping?

We offer our customers two payment options:

• Discounted cash price: We take a small partial payment from your credit or debit card towards the car shipping cost once we’ve assigned a carrier to pick up your vehicle. You pay the balance of the vehicle shipping cost at the time of delivery. Payment can be made by cash, a cashier’s check, or money order. You pay the driver directly. No upfront payment is required when you complete your booking. 
• Regular price: You pay the entire car shipping cost when we assign a carrier to pick up your vehicle. At the time of delivery, you have nothing to pay. No upfront payment is required when you complete your booking.

What payment methods do you accept for cheap car shipping?

When it’s time to pay for your cheap car shipping service you have several options. We accept all major US cards including Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and Discovery. If you have an international credit card, we also accept PayPal.

Do I have to pay the carrier if I’m not satisfied with the cheap auto transport service?

Yes you do. It is specific in Federal Law that a carrier must be paid in full for services rendered. If you withhold payment, the carrier can legally hold the vehicle until you’ve paid in full all applicable cheap vehicle shipping rates. 

Are there any hidden costs or charges in your cheap car shipping quotes?

No, our prices are all-inclusive, with no hidden fees or charges. Our cheap vehicle shipping rates include all taxes, toll fees, full insurance, and all other freight shipping costs. The cheap auto transport price you get from us is the price you pay for your car shipment. 

How long is my cheapr car shipping quote valid for?

Our cheap car shipping quotes are valid for seven calendar days, but you can update your quote or get a new one at any time.  

Is my vehicle insured?

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured throughout the shipment, from the moment it’s picked up to the final delivery. All the carriers we work with meet all the insurance requirements laid down in the Department of Transport regulations.

How much your vehicle will be insured depends on the type of trailer, the company, and the vehicle’s cost. Usually, open car carriers have cargo insurance coverage between $100,000 and $150,000. Enclosed auto transport carriers offer cargo insurance between $250,000 and $3,000,000. We can provide you with the carrier's certificate of insurance upon request.

The cost of insurance is included in your car shipping cost. There is nothing extra for you to pay. 

If you ever need cheap car shipping, get in touch with us here at SGT Auto Transport. We provide top-quality service at the best possible price. Call (864) 546-5038 to speak directly with our shipping advisors or use our Live Chat option.