How To Save Big When Shipping Your Car Across the USA

Shipping a car across the USA can be complicated as well as costly, but there are several strategies and tips we have brought together to help you save money.

You can cut corners in certain aspects of your move, but when it comes to shipping your car across the US, make sure not to save on things like insurance and quality shippers.

1. Compare Many Quotes

• Get lots of different quotes from several national auto transport companies. Make sure to check their reputations and reviews. Prices always vary significantly, so it pays to shop around. 
• Make sure not to save on quality here or additional services that you will end up needing and paying for later on. 
• Use iMoving’s mover’s comparison tool to accurately compare trusted and honest movers.

2. Timing is Everything in Savings

• Plan your car shipment during off-peak seasons when demand is lower. This means during the winter months or mid-month usually. Rates always tend to be higher during peak moving seasons or holidays and many families will try to move during times when their kids won’t miss school.

3. Transport Types and Savings

• Open transport is always cheaper than enclosed transport, which offers more protection at a higher cost. If your car doesn’t require special handling, if it’s a broken down Pruis like mine, or you really can’t afford enclosed transport then open transport can save you lots of money.
• Take into account high insurance rates and premiums when choosing the open transport route.

4. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

• Terminal-to-terminal shipping means dropping off and picking up your car at designated terminals. Since they don’t have to personally pick up and deliver your car, and they can transport multiple cars on the same transport, this translates into a saving for you. 
• Take into account the distance and ways you can get to the terminal to make sure this is actually a saving.

5. Consolidate Shipments

• If you’re moving a few family vehicles or have flexibility with timing, try consolidating shipments with friends or family to share costs. 
• There may be many people moving to the same area or a corporate relocation planned that you could join in on to save big on the shipping for your car.

6. Discounts are Your Best Friend

• Some car transport companies offer group discounts. If you have a way of obtaining a military ID, you can write off your car on your grandma’s name and get a seniors discount, or if they have a broken campus students discount try and take advantage of this. 
• Sometimes if you book early or online you can save certain percentages. Always ask your vendor about available discounts or flexibility with your shipment. Ask and you shall receive.

7. Prepare Your Car For the Ride

• Make sure your car is clean and in good shape before shipping to avoid extra fees for cleaning or repairs. 
• Take it to the shop and get a diagnostics report in order to be able to prove future internal damage from the shipment.

8. Insurance Coverage

• Check if your current car insurance policy covers your car during national transit. You might be able to add on a certain small amount for the dates of travel which will end up saving you on an additional policy needed.
• If not covered, don’t skimp and cheap out here. Get additional coverage from the shipping company directly or check out and compare rates and options from third-party vendors.

9. Avoid Last-Minute Booking

• Plan ahead and book your shipment well in advance. Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive due to limited availability. That being said, if a shipment is about to leave that day and you add your car in an extra space you also may be able to request a significant last-minute discount.

10. Review Contracts As Needed

• Before signing any contracts, carefully review the terms and conditions and make sure you understand the fine print. 
• Make sure you understand how it works to use their cancellation policies and additional fees you will be expected to pay to avoid unexpected charges that you didn’t budget for.

11. Remove Personal Items

• Shipping companies charge by weight, so empty that the car is down to its bare bones. 
• Anyways most shipping companies require you to empty your car of personal belongings, so be one step ahead and even take off the seat covers to save a few ounces.

12. DIY Options

• If you are feeling really broke and need to save, consider the opportunity costs of driving the car yourself, especially for shorter distances. This could be more cost-effective than hiring a shipping service.
• You could also pay a student or young adult to drive your car to your new destination instead of a professional service. Consider the km that will be accumulated and the risks of the long drive.

13. Negotiate As If You Were in the Middle East

• Don’t be afraid to negotiate the final price with the shipping company directly, especially if you have multiple vehicles or are shipping during their off-season. You can mention checking multiple quotes or promise to leave them positive reviews in exchange for their discount.

14. Consider Selling Your Car

• Think about the opportunity cost of actually selling your current car and buying one of equivalent value in your new location. With the km added from the journey and the costs of moving, sometimes this option can be cheaper and better for your family.

Shipping your car across the entire 50 states of the USA isn’t usually a cheap process. We break it down into steps to show you where you can cut corners and save, and where you should shell out those extra dollars.

Consider all the factors involved and prep your car as needed for your journey and you will be on your way to a stress-free move, car included. Best of luck from all of us at iMoving!