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Cheapest Long-Distance Car Transport in 2026
Shipping your car across the country can feel like a tricky balancing act between saving money and keeping your vehicle safe. Many people attempt to cut costs with DIY options or low-cost transportation services, but these often result in unexpected expenses, delays, or even damage.
The good thing is that you can save money and still have a smooth, safe, and stress-free shipping experience. With proper planning and guidance from trusted professionals, you can protect your car and your budget simultaneously.
This guide explains the real challenges of affordable long-distance car shipping and shares practical ways to find the safest, most reliable, and cost-effective way to move your vehicle.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer the following questions:
What are the most effective ways to lower your long-distance car shipping cost without sacrificing safety?
How much can you really save by choosing open transport versus enclosed carriers?
When does DIY hauling stop being cheaper and start becoming risky?
Overview
How To Save Money On Long Distance Car Transport (Quick Checklist)
Follow this checklist for the quickest ways to reduce your long-distance auto transport cost:
Be flexible by three to seven days: Carriers pay less for guaranteed, immediate pickups. Offering a flexible window saves you money.
Choose open transport: Unless you're shipping a high-end, classic, or custom car, open transport is the default and cheapest option.
Ship to/from metro corridors: Avoiding rural last-mile deliveries saves time and fuel for the driver, a saving often passed to you.
Stack eligible discounts: Never forget to ask for military, student, or multi-vehicle discounts.
Avoid add-ons you don’t need: Say no to "expedited" or "guaranteed date" services unless absolutely necessary.
What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026 (and Where You Can Save)
Shipping rates aren't fixed. They're driven by supply and demand. The main factors affecting your rate are:
The popularity of your chosen route (lane demand)
The time of year (seasonality)
The size and condition of your vehicle (vehicle class).
Using a car shipping calculator can help determine your personalized shipping estimate by considering these factors.
Carrier Transport Rates for Car Shipping by Type and Distance
Car shipping costs vary depending on the type of carrier and total distance traveled, as shown in the table below.
Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping Price Difference
Open carrier transport:
Industry standard and most cost-effective option
Vehicle travels on an open trailer and is exposed to the elements, similar to being driven on the road
Industry standard and most cost-effective option
Vehicle travels on an open trailer and is exposed to the elements, similar to being driven on the road
Enclosed carrier transport:
Provides maximum protection from weather, road debris, and potential theft
Typically costs 30 to 70 percent more than open transport
Higher rates reflect added security, limited carrier availability, and smaller vehicle capacity
Provides maximum protection from weather, road debris, and potential theft
Typically costs 30 to 70 percent more than open transport
Higher rates reflect added security, limited carrier availability, and smaller vehicle capacity
When is enclosed shipping worth it?
It’s the preferred choice for luxury, classic, exotic, or low-clearance cars, where even a small scratch or dent could mean a costly repair or loss of value.
How to reduce the cost?
You can often lower the enclosed carrier premium by:
Staying flexible with pickup and delivery dates
Booking during off-peak seasons
DIY Car Hauling vs Professional Auto Transport (When “Cheap” Becomes Costly)
Choosing to haul your car yourself can be tempting, but the hidden costs and risks often outweigh the savings, particularly for long-distance transport. Here’s what you need to know about using a carrier vs a tow dolly in long-distance transport.
Renting a Tow Dolly for a One-Way Trip
Renting a tow dolly for a one-way trip seems cheap upfront, but consider the hidden requirements:
Eligibility Limits: Most dollies are only compatible with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles. AWD/4WD systems often require a full flatbed trailer or a professional enclosed carrier to prevent transmission damage.
Actual Costs: The one-way rental fee + the cost of a trailer hitch and wiring (if you don't have one) + a huge jump in your tow vehicle's fuel burn (often dropping MPG by 30 to 50 percent).
Safety/Skill: Towing a vehicle over thousands of miles requires the right equipment, careful planning, and comfort with managing the transport process independently.
Why Professional Auto Transport Is Safer and Smarter
Hiring a licensed auto transporter minimizes the stress, risk, and guesswork associated with the process. Professional carriers:
Use insured, purpose-built trailers that meet federal safety standards
Employ trained drivers experienced in long-distance vehicle hauling
Can help you save money in the long run by avoiding damage, repairs, and unexpected travel expenses
Discount Stacking: How to Pay Less with Interstate Car Shipping Companies
AmeriFreight helps coordinate cost-saving opportunities through a network of licensed and insured carriers, combined with flexible scheduling and discount options.
Eligible Discount Categories
AmeriFreight customers may qualify for discounts in the following categories:
Active Duty Military and Veterans
Students and Recent Graduates
First Responders
Seniors
Multi-Vehicle Shipments (typically two or more cars)
Step-by-Step: How to Save Money on Long-Distance Car Transport
Here is your simple, seven-step checklist for getting a lower price on your shipment:
Gather at least three quotes for the exact same service level (i.e., open transport, door-to-door, running car) for a valid direct comparison.
Choose open unless your vehicle's value or condition absolutely requires an enclosed trailer.
Shift dates to carrier availability by offering a three to seven-day window instead of a single day.
Pick metro terminals or wide-access commercial pickup spots instead of tight residential streets.
Remove personal items and mods (like heavy roof racks) to avoid accessory and weight fees. Avoid placing personal items inside your vehicle, as carriers are not licensed or insured to transport goods.
Confirm insurance terms and politely decline any unnecessary, high-cost add-on insurance or services you don't need.
Confirm the agreed rate and ensure all details, including price and conditions, are clearly reflected in your Bill of Lading.
Final Thoughts: Smart Savings Start with Informed Choices
Saving money on long-distance car transport isn’t about chasing the lowest quote. It’s about knowing where costs hide and how to manage them wisely. By comparing carriers, choosing flexible dates, and understanding your transport options, you can ship your car safely, affordably, and with confidence.
Why Ship with AmeriFreight Auto Transport?
With more than 20 years of experience coordinating vehicle shipments across the U.S., AmeriFreight Auto Transport is a trusted name in long-distance car shipping. We work with a carefully vetted network of licensed, insured, and FMCSA-authorized carriers.
Our team supports you throughout the process, from helping you understand pricing and pickup options to assisting with documentation and shipment updates.
Get your free, no obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the open vs enclosed car shipping price difference?
Enclosed transport typically costs 30 to 70 percent more than open transport due to added protection.
How do I ship a non-running car cheaply?
Use flexible dates and metro-to-metro routes, and always disclose the inoperable status upfront.
Does a sedan cost less than an SUV to ship cross-country?
Yes, sedans are smaller and lighter, making them cheaper to transport than SUVs.
Can renting a tow dolly for a one-way trip be cheaper than shipping?
Possibly for short trips under 500 miles, but shipping is safer and often more cost-effective for long distances.
How do I avoid hidden fees in long-distance auto transport?
Request a full, upfront quote and disclose all details like non-op status or rural access.
What are the hidden fees in long-distance auto transport?
The hidden fees in long-distance auto transport commonly include fuel surcharges, non-op fees for non-running vehicles, residential access surcharges, and fees for storage, layover, or oversized modifications.
