Moving cars across the country?
Whether you’re relocating across the country for work, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or shipping your college student and their car to school… Shipping a vehicle doesn’t have to be difficult. You have options — and choosing the right method can save you money and frustration.
Before we dive in..
The auto transport industry is booming. The US automotive logistics market will reach $62.19 Billion by 2025.
With so many tailored vehicle shipping services available, it’s important to understand what each method entails. Not all auto transport companies and options are created equal. The best way to ship a Corvette may not be the most efficient way to transport your daily driver.
Let’s go through your options…
In this article we’ll cover:
- Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport
- Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
- Expedited Transport
- Driveaway Services
Open Auto Transport
Open auto transport is how the majority of vehicles are transported from point A to point B.
If you’ve ever driven past a trailer stacked high with cars, you’ve seen an open auto transport carrier. It’s how dealerships ship new inventory to their lots. And it’s how most people get their cars shipped across the country.
Why is open transport so popular?
- Less expensive than enclosed transport (30-40% less expensive on average)
- More auto transport carriers offer this service
- Faster pickup times due to more open carriers
That being said..
Your vehicle will be outside during transport. This means exposure to the elements, road debris, and bugs. Don’t worry about your car! Unless you’re shipping a vintage vehicle or something extremely valuable, open transport from State A to State B is perfectly safe.
Cars are designed to drive in this stuff every day. Open transport is great for:
- Daily drivers
- Newer vehicles
- Standard transport
- Budget conscious moves
SUVs made up 46% of vehicles transported in 2024. The majority of these transports were done using open carriers.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Need Buck Rogers level protection for your vehicle?
Enclosed auto transport literally encloses your vehicle. It’s transported in a “car trailer” instead of on top of one. This added level of protection keeps your vehicle safe from the elements and physical damage.
Needless to say..
Enclosed auto shipping is more expensive. But if you’ve got the money and want that peace of mind, go for it. Your car will be safe from:
- Weather
- Road debris
- Dust/dirt
- Suspicious individuals
Here’s who should use enclosed auto shipping:
Think high-end vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars. If your vehicle has an annual model year payment that exceeds your salary, you should strongly consider enclosed shipping. Protect that investment!
There are less enclosed auto transport carriers than open carriers. And you’ll pay 2-3 times what open shipping costs.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Terminal vs door service is all about “locations”.
Door-to-door service picks up your vehicle from your home and drops it off at your destination. The simplest option. Ideally, that’s how all services would operate.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping requires you to drop-off/pick-up your vehicle at an auto transport terminal. Cost less, but requires more leg-work.
Ask yourself…
Are you moving across the country stressed enough? If you’re paying to ship a vehicle, why not make it as easy as possible? Terminal service is cheaper, but door-to-door is convenient.
Honestly.
Most people choose door-to-door shipping. With more than 750,000 US motor carriers operating in the US as of 2023, it’s not hard to find someone that can pick up your vehicle at your house.
Expedited Auto Transport
Need your vehicle fast? Pay up.
Expedited transport costs more because the shipping company rushes your vehicle. Instead of waiting for their trailer to fill-up with cars (typical transport), expedited transport gets your car loaded and shipped as soon as possible.
It’ll cost you…
Expect to pay at least 40% more for expedited transport. Some companies charge up to double their normal rates.
However…
If you just started a new job and need a car ASAP, you need your car shipped because of an emergency, are selling a vehicle and have a deadline, or need your vehicle transported for an event… Then expedited service is for you.
Normal auto transport can take 1-2 weeks door-to-door. Expedited will cut that time in half (if not better).
Driveaway Services
Here’s a little known method of “auto transport”
Driveaway services have someone DRIVE your vehicle to its destination. No trailer needed. Your driver literally takes your car on a cross country road trip.
Driveaway is perfect for:
- Operable vehicles only
- Distance transfers
- People wanting to save money
- High mileage vehicles
Does it make sense?
Your vehicle gets PAID TO DRIVE itself to its destination. “But wait,” you ask.. “doesn’t that put miles on my car?”
Of course it does. However if you have an older vehicle that doesn’t mind the extra mileage, or you need flexibility in your transport method, driveaway can be a great option.
Which Auto Transport Method is Right For You?
Depends on what you’re shipping.
Just because you can enclose your car doesn’t mean you should. Somebody buying their first new car from across the country doesn’t need the same level of service as you transporting a classic mustang.
Every situation is different..
But take into account your budget, timeline, and type of vehicle you’re shipping. Research the different transport methods to learn what may work best for your move.
Get quotes from multiple companies..
THEN compare prices. Don’t just go with the cheapest. Ask about their insurance policy, expected delivery window, and check out customer reviews. Find your perfect balance of price and service.
Make sure any company you look at is:
- Registered with the USDOT
- Insured
- Has great reviews
- Offers clear contract terms
Let’s be real..
Automobiles are a necessity these days. With 91.7% of American households owning at least 1 vehicle, there is high demand for auto carriers. Bottom feeder companies will not be in business long.
Conclusion
Alright folks.. Now that you know all your auto transport options. What’s next?
Start researching companies near you. Compare prices between carriers and ask lots of questions. Want enclosed transport but aren’t sure if you need it? Call a local company and see what they suggest.
Knowing your options is half the battle.
With open versus enclosed and door-to-door vs terminal shipping to decide, you’ve got some homework to do. But we’re here to help you through the process.
Good luck shipping your vehicle.