5 Cheapest Ways to Ship a Car Across the Country

Numerous factors may be the reason you need to ship a car across the country. It could be because you started a new job, upsizing because your family has gotten bigger, received a promotion, or because you wish to have a change in scenery. Moreover, you could have bagged a fantastic deal on a new car from a country away from where you are.

Whatever the reason behind the need for shipping may be, the challenge of having your car shipped can become an issue. You may get worried about the best way to get it done or wonder if it is possible to get your car shipped without having to break your budget.

That is the essence of this article; to examine the five best and cheapest ways to ship a car across the country, as well as the pros and cons of each method.

5 Cheapest Ways to Ship a Car Across the Country

Hiring a Driver

It is possible to hire a professional to drive your car across the country. There are two options you could select from. You could choose a company that specializes in offering this kind of service. The people they employ to drive clients’ cars are usually retirees or students who use this kind of employment as a side hustle.

You could also hire someone by yourself to drive the car without using a third party. Those who drive someone else’s car across the country frequently advertise their services in local ads.

Pros

• Fast service.
• It is possible to transport extra luggage along with your car.
• You may sometimes get the option to ride along.

Cons

• Unnecessary wear and tear.
• You may experience difficulty in finding a reputable company or individual driver.

Shipping by Rail

You might not be aware before now, but yes, it is possible to ship a vehicle through a train. The process is quite simple. You just have to get your car to the train station and collect it at the other end. However, if you are lucky, the nearest station from which you need to drop your car off to be shipped may just be a short distance away.

Pros

• Trains are good for the environment because they have a lower carbon footprint.
• Options of both open and enclosed transport are available.
• Rail services cover the majority of the major routes.

Cons

• There is no option for door-to-door delivery. You have to go to a designated station to deliver your car or pick it up.
• The service is barely flexible as trains run on a defined route, schedule, and time.
• Shipping by rail tends to take a long.
• You cannot transport personal items in the vehicle.
• It could become quite expensive after adding other costs.

Auto Transport With a Car Hauler

A lot of people regard this to be the best way to ship a car across the country. Many car haulers offer a door-to-door auto transport service. It is a simple process, and it is convenient. This method of shipping is probably the most common way used to transport a car across the country.

The shipping cost through this method depends on factors like the type of car to be shipped, its condition, distance, and the start and end locations. Car haulers provide a variety of services based on your needs.

Open car transport is highly popular and affordable. But for an extra charge, you could choose enclosed auto transport (for cars with high value), express auto transport (for emergency periods or times you are in a rush), and guaranteed pick-up.

Pros

• There is rarely wear and tear on the car.
• Regarded as the cheapest way to ship a car across the country.
• Option of door-to-door service is available.
• It saves time.
• There is usually extra protection for vehicles, especially with enclosed auto transport.
• Free of stress.

Cons

• Some locations are not accessible for auto transport trucks and trailers.

Drive it yourself

Driving the car yourself is another way to ship a car across the country. If you have a lot of time to spare, it is certainly a cheap option as you will not have to make any payment to a company or driver for shipping.

Pros

• You can make the journey at your desired pace.
• You could decide to visit exciting places along the way.
• You can choose to stop wherever and whenever you wish to along the way.
• By driving your car yourself across the country, you will get to experience the countryside.
• You may decide to visit exciting places.

Cons

• Driving for long periods is stressful.
• Driving a long distance is quite dangerous.
• It can take a long time to reach your destination because you will need to take breaks frequently, especially when fatigue sets in.
• Your journey depends on the weather and traffic conditions.
• Factoring in the cost of feeding, hotel reservations, and other expenses, this option can become expensive.

A Friend or Family Member Driving the Car For You

You may have a friend or family member that could drive the car for you across the country. It is very budget-friendly, and you know the person you are entrusting your car to. You will also have the privilege to pack extra luggage into the car, saving money on removal fees.

Pros

• It is an affordable option.
• Trustworthy driver.

Cons

• Additional insurance may be required to cover the driver.
• Extra mechanical bills as a result of wear and tear.

Weigh Your Options

Regardless of how urgent it is, you need to get your car shipped across the country and how much you wish to cut costs, ensure you critically go through the options that have been provided above, along with each of their advantages and disadvantages, before you eventually make a choice.

Critically examining an option before making your choice makes you aware of all there is to know about that option, preparing your mind as regards the advantages you will enjoy as well as the disadvantages you may experience with your choice.