cellphone and car

What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car to Another State?

Open transport is the cheapest way to ship a car cross country.

Start Shipping Now
Top online car shipping site
Instant rates (no waiting)
Experienced providers
Secure payments
  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jason

    “My truck was delivered in pristine condition, and I easily released payment to shipper via uShip's website and that was it! So easy.”

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jaime

    “In every interaction with the team members they have gone above and beyond to ensure I was satisfied with the results.”

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Liz

    "It was relatively easy to find a shipper and payment was pretty seamless."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jim

    "We have been working with uShip since 2013 and have always been satisfied with the results."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Nate

    "My shipper was great! On time both for pick up and drop off would highly recommend."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Brian

    "I can find that hard to deliver item a dependable driver and research their past feedbacks on the platform."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Rebecca

    "Our boat arrived in perfect condition."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Jonathan

    "Have used uShip twice to ship a motorcycle purchased out of state. The entire experience has been top notch each time."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Sheleigh

    "Super easy and quick! Very pleased! I will certainly use this platform again."

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Stephen

    "uShip provides a service that is unlike anyone else on the planet and I am thankful for it!"

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Alaina

    "Wonderful service!!!!! Felt safe and comfortable with how they do payments too! Shipment went better and quicker than expected!!"

  • 5/5 5 out of 5 stars

    Tony

    "The delivery went without a hitch and I cannot say enough good things about the shipper!"

How Do You Get Cheap Car Shipping Quotes?

Finding affordable car shipping quotes—including for cross-country and international car transport—starts with creating a listing on uShip. To get the most accurate pricing, provide key shipment details, such as:

  • The year, make, and model of your vehicle
  • Your preferred shipping dates
  • Pickup and delivery locations

Once your listing is live on the uShip marketplace, carriers will send you competitive quotes to transport your vehicle. If you're focused on low-cost car shipping, take the time to review each carrier’s profile, pricing, and feedback from previous customers to ensure they meet your needs.

When you've found the best option for your budget, simply accept the quote to book your shipment and begin the process.

WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP A CAR TO ANOTHER STATE?

If you're looking for the most cost-effective way to ship your vehicle across the country, open car transport is the answer. As the most common and budget-friendly method for cross-country car shipping, open auto transport is significantly cheaper than alternatives like enclosed transport, expedited shipping, or top-load transport.

With open transport, your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-car or single-car trailer and delivered to your destination. While your car will be exposed to the elements—such as dust, dirt, and road grime—this exposure is no different than what it would experience during a long drive on the highway.

For those prioritizing affordability without compromising on reliability, open transport is the best option for low-cost, long-distance car shipping.

car and a truck
transporting suv

HOW MUCH DOES THE CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP A CAR COST?

The cost of cheap car transport varies based on distance, but on average:

For long-distance shipments (2,000+ miles):
Expect to pay around $0.58 per mile.
For shorter distances (under 100 miles):

The average cost is about $2.75 per mile.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on factors like fuel costs, demand, vehicle size, and shipping route. To get the best deal, compare multiple quotes and book in advance when possible.

DistanceAverage price per mileSample DistanceSample Price
1-100 miles$2.75100 miles$275
101-250 miles$1.98200 miles$396
251-500 miles$1.45300 miles$435
501-1,000 miles$1.10500 miles$550
1,001-2,000 miles$0.781250 miles$975
2,001-3,000 miles$0.582250 miles$1,305

The average prices per mile above reflect market conditions as of March 2023 for operable vehicles and sedans shipped with open transport. These prices include match fees and are subject to change depending on several elements, including pickup and delivery locations, the price of gas, and seasonal fluctuations.

WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO SHIP A CAR TO ANOTHER STATE?

See why open transport is the most cost-effective way to ship your car

Find the Best Price

Top 10 Tips for Shipping Your Car Cheaply

The cost of shipping a car to another state depends on factors like vehicle type, distance, and shipping method. To save money on auto transport, follow these 10 tips for securing the best deal:

  1. Research all your options carefully. Compare different transport methods, pricing structures, and carrier reliability.
  2. Compare rates and services. Get multiple quotes from carriers to ensure you’re getting the best price.
  3. Don’t book the first company you find. Take the time to learn how to choose a vehicle transporter to avoid overpaying or dealing with unreliable carriers.
  4. Find the best transporter for your needs. Look at customer reviews, ratings, and insurance coverage before selecting a provider.
  5. Determine your priorities. Decide what matters most—cost, speed, or service level—and choose accordingly.
  6. Opt for open transport. Open carriers are the most affordable option compared to enclosed shipping.
  7. Check for discounts. Many transporters offer discounts for military members, students, or multi-car shipments.
  8. Book in advance. Last-minute bookings can cost more, so schedule your transport as early as possible.
  9. Ship from a major city. Pickup and drop-off locations in urban areas are generally cheaper than in rural locations.
  10. Choose the right time of year. Avoid peak seasons like summer and holidays when prices tend to be higher.

By following these strategies, you can cut costs and find the most affordable car shipping solution for your needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS USHIP?

uShip is an open marketplace that helps people and businesses connect with transporters who have extra truck space for shipping big stuff.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP?

That largely depends on what and how far you're shipping your item. You can name your own price or review bids from feedback-rated transporters. In some categories like vehicles and freight, instantly-bookable rates are provided to speed up the process.

WHO TRANSPORTS MY ITEM(S)?

Independent and small fleet transporters provide nationwide coverage for large item delivery. They operate sprinter vans, box trucks, pickup trailers, flatbeds, and vehicle haulers. Transporters are not contractors or employees of uShip. uShip provides a public profile page for each provider, with their feedback score, service history, and experience, so you can make an informed decision.

WHAT KIND OF ASSURANCES OR SUPPORT DO I HAVE ABOUT SHIPPING MY ITEM(S)?

uShip provides several ways to safeguard and support your shipment, from the uShip Protection Plan to our Ship with Confidence Guarantee. Additionally, our top-notch customer support team is here to answer your questions or address issues throughout your shipping experience.

IS USHIP FOR BUSINESS OR PERSONAL SHIPPING?

Both. uShip can help someone ship an heirloom armoire to Aunt Sally, furniture resellers or Etsy sellers deliver to their buyers, small businesses transport their less-than-truckload freight, and car dealers move volumes of vehicles to out-of-area customers.

HOW TO CHOOSE A VEHICLE TRANSPORTER?

Select a vehicle transporter with a solid track record, verified insurance, and positive customer feedback to ensure a trustworthy and dependable service. Learn more about how to choose a vehicle transporter.

LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE CAR TRANSPORT OPTIONS?

Get instant quotes from our network of vehicle transporters

Get Car Shipping Quotes