The cheapest way to transport a car cross-country is by the open transport method. Your car will be transported on a trailer with no walls or roof, and will be open to the elements. However, with the cheapest services come certain trade-offs that could have adverse effects on the vehicle. Therefore, in this blog, we discuss the importance of exploring alternatives such as driveaway shipping and train shipment in addition to open trailer transport methods, and compare their features and benefits against one another to find out which transport method is truly the cheapest and serves your best interests.
Open transport is one of the most popular transport methods availed by car movers around the world. Studies show that it almost reduces the cost by $400 to $600 which is a good amount. You can also check for yourself by using online Car Shipping Cost Calculator tools available to check its cost against enclosed transport methods.
One of the biggest benefits of the open car transport method is its affordability. When you hire a car transport company offering open carriers, the cost is significantly lower compared to enclosed transport. This is mainly because open carriers can haul multiple vehicles at once, helping distribute fuel and labor costs across several customers. For those looking to transport their vehicle on a budget for over long distances, this is a smart choice.
If you are planning to ship a car cross country or within the state, the open transport method provides unmatched availability. Carriers operate along most major highways and frequently travel coast-to-coast, offering flexible pickup and drop-off schedules. Because of the volume of open transport trucks, it is easier to find last-minute or same-week bookings, even during peak summer and winter seasons. This makes open car transport highly convenient for people with tight moving timelines or unexpected vehicle shipping needs. It is a reliable choice when time and availability are key.
While open car transport is affordable and widely available, it comes with certain considerations. Your vehicles are shipped on trailers without walls or roofs, which means they will be exposed to weather conditions, road debris, and dust during transit. Although damage is rare and insurance is included. Plus, since open trailers will typically carry many other vehicles alongside yours, delivery windows might be slightly longer due to multiple stops. Despite these facts, for most cars, daily drivers or used vehicles, the trade-offs are minimal. You can ship a car to another state without worries if you accept these limitations and consideration.
Shipping a car across the country with Bold Auto Transport is easy and worry-free. A car shipping company which has been moving vehicles with decades of expertise in open transport and other shipping methods will ship your car at lowest prices yet quality and reliability of the service will not be compromised. To verify this yourself, you can check us out online on many credible platforms like Google Business, Yelp, and several others to see how we ship vehicles and what our clients feel after a decade long service. We take pride in saying that we earned almost 5-stars ratings and honest reviews that not only reflect our clients’ trust in us but our commitment to state-of-the-art service delivery.
You can comfortably let us ship your single car or fleet, exotic or luxury, and heavy truck or military vehicles by open transport service. Your car will be delivered in time and the fastest way.
Driveaway services are a type of car moving service in which you hire a professional to drive your vehicle to your desired destination. This car moving method is often mentioned among cheap ways to ship a car cross country because you are not paying for loading equipment or large trucks; you just pay for the driver’s time and expenses. Some companies offer professional drivers, while others connect you with individuals who want to relocate and are willing to drive your car in exchange for free travel. It is best for vehicles in good condition and for owners comfortable with someone else handling their car.
Driveaway services can be highly cost-efficient when you compare to conventional transport methods. Since you avoid the high fees of trucks and carriers, this option often costs less than open transport methods. There are very minimal chances of wear and tear which is possible in normal transportation. It can work also as expedited car shipping, because there is flexibility in scheduling the move and no time taking loading and dispatching windows. Your car can be delivered at your doorstep fastly and at a low cost.
Driveaway services are suitable for various vehicle types but not for all shipping needs. They are best if your vehicle is in good working condition and you are content with additional mileage for your vehicle. This option appeals to people relocating across the country, college students moving out of state, or seasonal travelers. If you want direct delivery to a driveway without dealing with terminals, this method offers convenience. However, it is not a match for luxury, vintage, or inoperable cars. For motorcycles, alternative shipping methods are more appropriate, if you are exploring Cross Country Motorcycle Shipping where secure crating or enclosed transport is often necessary. Therefore, evaluating your vehicle type and shipping needs first is your first job.
As with any transport option when you ship a car to another state, driveaway services carry risks. Since your car is being driven rather than hauled, it is exposed to weather, traffic, and potential wear-and-tear, or a road accident. Your traditional car insurance policy may not cover for the damages to your vehicle as the driver is not the owner or title holder of the vehicle, and none of the parties may take the responsibility. As a result this creates a gap in the liability coverage. However, with driveaway insurance you can fill that gap and get your car protected from the possible damages or accidents on the way. Therefore, it is important to read the policy carefully and consider extra coverage if your vehicle has high value. Despite the potential downsides, this remains one of the cheap ways to ship a car cross country as long as you take proper steps to protect your vehicle.
Shipping your car by train is a secure and often budget-friendly method that many people overlook. Your vehicle is loaded onto a railcar either open or enclosed, and travels securely across major freight corridors. You can ship your sedans and standard-sized SUVs as it is ideal for such vehicles that you ship to far destinations. Some train routes even allow you to ride along. If you are coordinating Multiple Cross-Country Car Transports, rail can streamline logistics and lower costs per vehicle. However, availability is limited to certain major cities.
Train shipping is quite competitive when you break down the numbers. On average, it costs $500 to $1000, depending on route length and whether the railcar is enclosed. Compared to enclosed trailer shipping, which can cost $1200 or more, rail is a pocket-friendly alternative without sacrificing too much security. Some companies bundle terminal handling or offer discounts for round-trip service, saving you even more. It is a smart option if you are not in a rush and want to avoid adding mileage.
Rail shipping is not available everywhere. This method is only possible when you are located near one of the limited train terminals; in large cities or along specific East Coast, Midwest, and Southern corridors. If you are in a rural area or off the main line, you will need to arrange additional transport to and from the terminal, which adds time and cost. These added steps are among the biggest
Shipping a Car Cross-Country: Challenges you will face. Also, not every rail service allows personal belongings in the car, unlike some truck carriers.
One of the main reasons to ship your car by train is safety. Unlike trucks that stop, idle, and navigate crowded highways, train-shipped vehicles are stationary. They reduce the risk of damage. Enclosed railcars offer full protection from weather and road debris, making it a solid choice for high-value or sentimental vehicles. It is also eco-friendly; rail transport emits significantly less carbon per mile than trucks.
While the cheapest way to transport a car cross-country is often considered as an open transport method, it comes with potential exposure risks. Exploring alternatives like train shipment or driveaway services, which can offer better protection and affordable pricing. Ultimately, balancing cost with vehicle safety is key to choosing the right transport method for your needs.
The cheapest way to transport a car cross‑country is often by using an open auto transport method. Train shipping can also be cheapest in some cases.
For long distances, shipping is often cheaper than driving; shipping costs about $600 to $750 per 1,000 miles vs. added fuel, lodging, food, and wear when driving.
Open transport cross‑country typically costs between $800 and $1500, depending on distance, vehicle size, timing, and route you choose.
Driveaway services can be cost effective and time‑efficient, but add mileage, wear, liability insurance concerns, and less control.
Yes, you can ship by train on select routes. Costs are often $500 to $900 for standard car shipping.
Hidden costs of cheap car shipping include terminal fees, fuel surcharges, insurance, added mileage, wear‑and‑tear, driver tipping, and delivery delays.
To find a reliable affordable transport company use online business directories like Google Business, Yelp, or BBB. Try getting quotes from a few top companies based on their reviews, check their experience, facilities, registration, and insurance.
