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.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Key Takeaways:
- Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick overall based on pricing and services.
- 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.
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.
8 Cheap Car Shipping Companies
Here are our picks for the best car shipping companies with competitive prices:
- Our Top Pick: Nexus Auto Transport
- Most Affordable: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Cross-Country Shipping: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Price Matching: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Protection Plans: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for Motorcylces: American Auto Shipping
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint 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.
Our Top Pick: Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport takes our top spot for its unbeatable blend of affordability, service options, and availability. With transparent pricing, fast booking, and customer-first flexibility, Nexus stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to ship a car without sacrificing reliability or support.
One of Nexus's standout features is its instant pricing calculator, which makes it easy to compare shipping rates without waiting for callbacks or email quotes. The company partners with a large network of vetted carriers, offering coast-to-coast coverage and both open and enclosed shipping. Nexus also allows customers to choose between economy, standard, and expedited delivery tiers—perfect if you’re on a budget or in a hurry.
Customers regularly praise Nexus for its responsive communication and driver punctuality. And while Nexus does require a small deposit at booking, final payment isn’t due until your car is delivered. That flexibility is rare in the auto shipping world—and one more reason why we recommend Nexus Auto Transport for most types of vehicle shipments.
Below are average rate-per-mile estimates from Nexus based on recent quotes so you can gauge how its prices stack up.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.45 |
| Long-distance | $0.92 |
| Open trailer | $0.46 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.64 |
Pros:
- Instant online pricing with transparent rate estimates
- Flexible service tiers (economy, standard, expedited)
- Online shipment tracking available
Cons:
- Non-refundable deposit required at booking
- No international shipping options
Most Affordable: Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport earned its spot as one of the cheapest car shipping companies thanks to consistently low pricing, simple booking, and a customer support team that goes the extra mile. Navi is especially appealing for first-time shippers or anyone who needs a budget-friendly option with solid support.
Navi stands out for its all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees—what you see is what you pay. While some auto transport brokers charge steep service fees or tack on fuel surcharges, Navi's pricing is upfront and competitive across short and long distances. The company also offers multiple discounts, including for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Although Navi doesn’t offer instant quotes online, their quote request form is fast, and customer service is quick to follow up. You can choose between open or enclosed transport and request door-to-door service at no extra cost. Plus, Navi doesn’t charge a deposit until a carrier is assigned, which makes the process lower risk for budget-minded customers.
Take a look at Navi’s average per-mile pricing to see how it compares in the budget category.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.38 |
| Long-distance | $0.88 |
| Open trailer | $0.45 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.62 |
Pros:
- All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Discounts available for students, seniors, and military members
- No deposit required until a carrier is confirmed
Cons:
- No instant quotes (must wait for follow-up)
- No guaranteed pickup
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 for Cross-Country Shipping: Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport stands out as the most affordable option for long-distance and coast-to-coast car shipping. With one of the lowest average rates per mile on long hauls, Montway is ideal for anyone relocating across the country on a tight budget.
Montway’s pricing consistently beats out other national providers, especially on routes over 1,000 miles. The company works with a massive network of more than 15,000 carriers, which gives it the flexibility to match customers with the most affordable shipping options based on location, timing, and trailer type. They also offer multi-vehicle shipping discounts, which can further reduce your cost per car.
Even though Montway is a budget-friendly choice, it doesn’t skimp on service. You’ll get door-to-door delivery, insurance coverage included in the price, and the option to track your shipment for added peace of mind. And while they don’t require payment upfront, Montway does lock in quotes for up to a week, which helps protect against price hikes if you need time to decide.
Here’s a breakdown of Montway’s average pricing so you can see why it’s our top pick for long-distance affordability.
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.52 |
| Long-distance | $0.95 |
| Open trailer | $0.47 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.65 |
Pros:
- Lowest long-distance rates among major carriers
- Large carrier network improves pricing and availability
- Multi-car discounts available
Cons:
- Quote expires after seven days
- Doesn’t ship RVs or motorcycles
Best for 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
Best Protection Plans: 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
Comparing the Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
Check out our quick comparison of the top cheap car shipping companies’ reputations, costs, state availability, and services.
| Company | Best For | Services | Average Cost | State Availability | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | Overall | Short-distance, long-distance, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | All 50 | A+ |
| Navi Auto Transport | Affordability | Short, long-distance, and limited international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | All 50 | N/A (not accredited) |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Guarantees | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | All 50 | A+ |
| Montway Auto Transport | Cross-Country Shipping | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $$ | All 50 | A+ |
| SGT Auto Transport | Price Matching | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $ | 49 (not in AK) | B |
| Ship A Car Direct | Protection Plans | Short, long-distance vehicle shipping, open and enclosed car transport | $ | 47 (not in AK, ND, or SD) | A+ |
| uShip | Online Booking | Short, long-distance, international (Canada), open and enclosed car transport | $ | 50 | A+ |
| AmeriFreight | Discounts | Short, long-distance, open and enclosed car transport | $ | 48 (not in AK or HI) | A |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $575 | $2.65 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $625 | $2.88 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $800 | $2.69 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $549 | $2.52 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $600 | $2.76 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $450 | $2.07 |
| uShip | $495 | $2.28 |
| AmeriFreight | $560 | $2.58 |
*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 eight providers.
Cheapest Car Shipping Rates by Transport MethodOpen 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 RatesWe 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 | $1,325 | $1.03 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,229 | $0.95 |
| SGT Auto Transport |
| Provider | Transport Rate | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1,150 | $0.89 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $1,275 | $0.99 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,325 | $1.03 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,229 | $0.95 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,322 | $1.03 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $800 | $0.62 |
| uShip | $1,050 | $0.81 |
| AmeriFreight | $1,210 | $0.94 |
| Provider | Transport Rate | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1,895 | $0.68 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $1,975 | $0.71 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $2,050 | $0.73 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,829 | $0.65 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $2,126 | $0.76 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $1,625 | $0.58 |
| uShip | $1,735 | $0.62 |
| AmeriFreight | $1,980 | $0.70 |
Car Shipping DiscountsYou 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 | Nexus | Sherpa | Montway | Navi | SGT | Ship A Car Direct | uShip | AmeriFreight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Student | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Snowbird | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Military | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Returning customer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| First responders | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Early bird | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Senior citizen | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
| Multiple vehicles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Car ShippingCheap 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
We recommend starting your car shipping search by getting quotes from a few reputable providers and comparing their services side by side. Based on pricing transparency, service quality, and customer satisfaction, Nexus Auto Transport is our overall top pick. Nexus consistently offers competitive pricing, works with a high-quality carrier network, and provides excellent support throughout the entire shipping process.Sherpa Auto Transport stands out for its Price Lock Promise, which guarantees that the quote you receive is what you’ll pay—no last-minute fees or surprises. This makes Sherpa a great option for customers who value predictability and peace of mind.Montway Auto Transport is also a solid choice, particularly for long-distance moves. With full coverage across all 50 states and a large network of carriers, Montway provides flexible scheduling and broad availability, though it does not offer binding quotes.Ultimately, Nexus offers the best balance of affordability, reliability, and customer service, making it our top recommendation overall.
FAQ
What is the most affordable car shipping company?
Navi Auto Transport 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
