Cheap Car Transport Services: Car Shipping For Just $500

A-1 Auto Transport has been a part of the car shipping industry for decades. During that time, we have developed a reputation for providing our clients with exceptional service at unbeatable prices.  A-1 Auto Transport works with some of the nation’s top carriers. Together, we can safely and efficiently ship your car virtually anywhere.

Shipping a car can be quite expensive, depending on where to transport it and your chosen methods. However, A-1 Auto Transport’s sales team will help you find the best combination of services to suit your needs and budget.  

When you speak with our team, let us know your ultimate goals. For instance, if you are shipping a classic or exotic car, you are probably looking for the most protection option.  

On the other hand, if you are a college student who needs to get your daily drive back to campus, you likely want the cheapest hauling services available.

To ensure a smooth car Moving experience, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not researching car transport services thoroughly
2. Ignoring customer reviews and company ratings
3. Failing to obtain a detailed estimate, including all costs
4. Underestimating distances and market conditions
5. Neglecting to prepare your vehicle for delivery
6. Ignoring gas levels and pre-existing vehicle damage

A-1 Auto Transport's Low-cost auto shipping quotes are all-inclusive and transparent, covering:

1. Fuel charges for transportation from pickup to delivery
2. Necessary insurance coverage to protect your vehicle during transit
3. Applicable taxes associated with the car transfer service
4. Tolls encountered along the moving route
   Our comprehensive pricing structure ensures that you know all costs upfront, with no hidden fees or surprises.

A-1 Auto Shipping strives to provide our clients with extremely precise quotes. However, we base our estimates on the information you submit to our sales team. If you do not provide us with accurate details about your moving needs or vehicle, the quote is subject to change.

When you use our quote generator, our tool provides the cheapest shipping option available at the time. However, the rate will be slightly higher if you want to upgrade to a shipping method that offers more protection, such as enclosed transport. 

After you have received your quote, we recommend calling our sales team so that we can apply any discounts and lock in your rate.

When you book your shipping services with A-1 Auto Transport, you will have to make two major decisions that influence your rates. If your goal is to find the most affordable option, then we recommend terminal-to-terminal shipping. While less convenient than the door-to-door method, this option is the most cost-effective.

You can choose between open-air and enclosed trailer shipping. Of the two choices, open-air is more affordable. When you combine terminal-to-terminal delivery with open-air, you can maximize your overall savings.

Terminal-to-terminal is one of the best ways to cut costs on your auto transport services. When using this method, you will need to deliver your car to the nearest loading facility. A-1AT will provide the location of this terminal when arranging your freight services. Once your vehicle has been dropped off, the carrier will load it onto their trailer.

Instead of being delivered straight to your door, the carrier will take your car to another terminal near your new home. You will be responsible for retrieving your car from said terminal upon its arrival.

Many clients find that door-to-door is worth paying a little extra for. While it is not as affordable as the terminal-to-terminal method, it is incredibly convenient. The carrier will respond directly to your residence and load up your car. They will then drive it to the final destination and deliver it straight to your door.

If you are unsure which option is best for your budget, feel free to speak with our sales team. We will gladly provide you with a quote for each type of delivery method so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

Many drivers worry that choosing the more affordable open-air option puts their car at unnecessary risk. However, this is simply not the case. A-1AT and our partners are able to offer exceptional rates through continuous innovation and process improvements. We give your car the utmost care, no matter which shipping option you choose.

While open-air shipping does not offer as much protection as the enclosed trailer method, it is still a highly effective means of transporting your car. 

Generally, enclosed shipping is necessary if your car is classic, exotic, or otherwise irreplaceable. This is because an enclosed trailer gives vehicle owners added peace of mind by completely protecting the car from the elements.

Whether a carrier is hauling an open-air trailer or an enclosed trailer, the total cost to transport that load is similar. This is especially true if the carrier is taking the trailer from one terminal to another. So why exactly is enclosed trailer more expensive?
It all comes down to two main factors, which include:

Capacity – Due to their design and shape, an enclosed trailer cannot hold as many cars as an open-air hauler. On average, a car hauler can hold between seven and nine vehicles. For comparison, an enclosed trailer can hold three to five vehicles. There are two-story enclosed trailers that can hold up to seven vehicles, but this equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain.

Let’s say that a carrier needs to charge $9,000 for a domestic trip that is a total of 1,000 miles. If they are transporting nine vehicles in an open-air car hauler, then they will charge $1,000 per car. If the carrier is making the same trip with an enclosed trailer that can hold only three cars, then the per-vehicle cost rises to $3,000.

Gross Vehicle Weight—Space is not the only concern that our carriers must address when hauling vehicles. They must also ensure that their trucks are not overloaded. Currently, the GVW for semi-trucks and trailers is 80,000 lbs. This includes the weight of all cargo, including your car.
The average enclosed trailer weighs more than an open-air car hauler or flatbed. This added weight further restricts the carrier’s ability to haul cars. As a result, they must increase the per-vehicle cost to offset the reduced hauling capacity.

While it may be tempting to stuff your car full of luggage to save a bit of money, don’t do it! The risks of loading your car down with all of your home goods and personal effects can end up costing you far more in the long run. Plus, it can be incredibly dangerous for the carrier and other vehicles that are loaded onto the trailer.

Remember, you will be charged based on the overall weight of your car in addition to the mileage. If your car weighs 400 to 500 lbs more than estimated because you stored lots of personal property in it, then you will be charged extra for shipping.

In addition, the carrier could be fined if your vehicle pushes them over the legal limit. They will likely pass those costs onto you.

The dimensions and weight of your car will influence how many total vehicles the carrier can fit on their trailer. Car haulers are designed for average-sized passenger cars, not oversized trucks or massive SUVs.

While A-1 Auto will be happy to facilitate shipping for these types of vehicles, we will have to adjust the rates accordingly.

We believe in doing business with honesty and integrity. We strive to provide clients with accurate estimates so that they can book with confidence.

However, your rates could change after you book if you provided our sales team with inaccurate information or violated shipping regulations. 

As long as you give us accurate information and follow the guidelines provided by our team, the rates that we provide when reserving your service are what you will pay upon delivery.

When you finalize your transportation services, our sales team will provide detailed instructions so that you can avoid incurring any extra fees. If you want to make sure that your car is prepared for loading, we recommend that you:

Empty Your Car – Before the carrier arrives, inspect your car one final time. Check the trunk or cargo area, as well as the passenger compartment, and ensure that you have removed all personal items. 
The only thing that should be left in your car is the spare tire and jack, if you have one. These items should be secured in the intended location and should not be loosely stored in your trunk.

Make Sure Your Documents Are Ready –  When the carrier arrives, they will need a few documents. Usually, the carrier will request a form of identification (such as your driver’s license) and proof of ownership. The title or bill of sale will suffice for proving that you own the vehicle. They will also need you to sign a bill of lading.

If your car is not ready to go and you cannot provide required documents, the carrier will be unable to accept your car. While A-1 Auto Transport will gladly arrange another shipping appointment, you will forfeit your deposit for the initial attempt.

Remove Your Toll Transponder – After taking the time to find an affordable shipper like A-1 Auto Transport, the last thing that you want to do is waste $100 or more on tolls. But that is exactly what will happen if you forget to remove your toll transponder from your car. The carrier is about to haul your car hundreds, if not thousands, of miles. Think of all those tolls that they are about to travel through.

Provide Accurate Information – Our partner carriers are highly skilled and professional. They will arrive at your shipping appointment prepared to load your car onto their trailer and hit the road. Our goal is to deliver your vehicle safely and efficiently. In order to accomplish that mission, we must have accurate information about your car and delivery destination.

If your car is oversized or inoperable, please let our sales team know in advance. While we are happy to accommodate any delivery needs, our carrier must bring the appropriate equipment to load your car. 
If you fail to notify our team, then we will likely have to reschedule your shipping services. Unfortunately, this will drive up costs because you will forfeit your deposit.

The best way to find the most affordable shipping services is to partner with A-1 Auto Transport. We work with a vast network of carriers that offer reliable transport services. We will find the carrier that best meets your needs and help you to get a great deal in the process.

Instead of having to visit multiple sites and request quotes from carriers individually, just use our quote tool. In less than 30 seconds, you can have a custom quote sent straight to your email.

The average cost to ship a car 1,000 miles is $850-$1,150. However, prices can range from $550 to $1,500.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of Hauling a car 1,000 miles by type of car:

• Economy car: $550-$850
• Midsize car: $650-$1,050
• SUV: $750-$1,250
• Luxury car: $950-$1,500

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of shipping a car 1,000 miles by moving method:

• Open carrier: $550-$850
• Enclosed carrier: $750-$1,250

Open carriers are less expensive than enclosed carriers, but they offer less protection from the elements. Enclosed carriers offer more protection, but they are also more expensive.

The level of insurance coverage also affects the cost. The more comprehensive the insurance coverage, the higher the cost.

The time of year also affects the cost. During peak seasons, such as summer and winter, prices are typically higher.

The availability of carriers also affects the cost. If there are few carriers available, shipping your car may be more expensive.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping your car 1,000 miles, contact a car shipping company. They will factor in all of the factors that affect the cost and give you a quote.

Car shipping and auto transport are terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two.

• Car shipping is the process of transporting a car from one location to another using a truck or trailer. The car is typically loaded onto the truck or trailer and secured in place.
• Auto transport is a broader term that can refer to any type of vehicle conveyance, including car shipping, motorcycle shipping, and RV shipping.

In general, the term "car shipping" refers to the transportation of a single car, while the term "auto transport" refers to the conveyance of multiple vehicles.

A car shipping calculator is a tool provided by many auto transport companies on their websites to give potential clients a rough estimate of the cost to ship their vehicle. To use such a calculator, you typically need to provide the following information:

Pick-up Location and Destination: This can be just the zip codes, city names, or specific addresses. The distance between these two points plays a significant role in the cost calculation.

Vehicle Information:

Make and Model: Different vehicles have different sizes and weights, which can affect the cost.

Vehicle Condition: If the car isn't running (non-operational), it might cost more since special equipment or additional labor is needed to load and unload the vehicle.

Modifications: Any modifications, like oversized tires, roof racks, or lowered chassis, which might affect how the vehicle is loaded or the space it occupies.

Type of Moving:

Open Transport: The standard and typically cheaper option, where vehicles are loaded onto open trailers.

Enclosed Hauling offers protection from the elements but is usually more expensive. It is suitable for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.

Preferred Shipping Date: Some calculators might ask for this to gauge demand during that period, which can influence pricing.

Additional Services: Some companies might offer (or you might request) additional services like top-load placement (where your car is placed on the top tier of an open carrier to avoid potential leaks from vehicles above), door-to-door delivery, or expedited shipping.

Contact Information: While not necessary for a basic quote, some companies might ask for your email or phone number to send a detailed estimate or to follow up with you.

Remember that while online calculators can provide an initial estimate, it's often best to contact the company directly for a more precise quote. They might consider factors not included in the online tool or offer special deals or discounts. Always ensure you fully understand what's included in the quote to avoid hidden fees or surprises later.

Yes, the cost of car transport is affected by the time of year. The demand for car shipment typically increases during the summer and winter months, when people are moving for vacations or to escape the cold weather. This increased demand can lead to higher prices.

Choosing a company is a significant decision, especially if you're shipping a valuable vehicle. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:

1. Research and Gather Recommendations:

   - Ask friends, family, or colleagues for their experiences and recommendations.

   - Check online review sites, forums, and the Better Business Bureau for ratings and feedback.

2. Verify Licensing and Insurance:

   - Ensure the company has the necessary licenses. In the U.S., interstate carriers must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number. 

   - Check their insurance coverage to ensure your vehicle will be covered during transport. Ask for a copy of their insurance policy and understand what it covers.

3. Get Multiple Quotes:

   - Obtain quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services.

   - Ensure quotes are comprehensive, including all potential fees and surcharges.

4. Consider the Type of Service:

   - Decide whether you want open or enclosed transport. Open is typically cheaper, but enclosed provides more protection for the vehicle.

   - Consider door-to-door versus terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door is more convenient but may be more expensive.

5. Check Their Experience:

   - Companies with many years in the business often have a track record you can evaluate.

   - See if they have experience shipping your type of vehicle, especially if it's a classic, luxury, or an unusually modified car.

6. Read the Contract:

   - Always read the contract thoroughly before committing.

   - Understand the terms, especially concerning delivery times, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

7. Communication and Customer Service:

   - Choose a company that communicates transparently and provides excellent customer service.

   - Check if they offer tracking services, which allow you to monitor your vehicle's location during transport.

8. Prepare Your Vehicle:

   - Once you've chosen a company, prepare your car for shipping. Clean it, remove personal items, and document its condition with photos. This will be helpful if you need to file a claim for damages.

9. Trust Your Gut:

   - If a company gives you a bad feeling or if something seems too good to be true (like an unbelievably low quote), trust your instincts.

10. Finalize the Deal:

   - Once you're comfortable with a company, finalize the arrangements. Be sure to keep a copy of all documents related to the shipment.

Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. When making your decision, consider a balance of cost, service quality, and the company's reputation.

To ship a car cross-country, it may cost around $1000 - $3500. Here is a break down

1. Open Carrier Transport:

   - Typically the most common and cost-effective option.

   - Prices usually range from $1,000 to $2,500, but they can be lower or higher based on other influencing factors.

2. Enclosed Carrier Transport:

   - Provides added protection for the vehicle and is often used for luxury, antique, or rare cars.

   - Costs are higher, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 or even more depending on specifics.

Several factors can influence these prices:

- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger or heavier vehicles generally cost more to ship than smaller ones.

- Seasonality: Prices might rise during peak seasons due to higher demand. For example, rates might increase during the late summer when many people are relocating for school or at the beginning of winter when snowbirds move south.

- Pick-up and Delivery Locations: Urban areas with multiple transport routes might offer cheaper rates than more remote or rural locations. Additionally, door-to-door shipping might cost more than terminal-to-terminal, where you drop off and pick up your car at a designated location.

- Expedited Shipping: If you need the car delivered quickly, you'll pay a premium.

- Fuel Costs: As gas or diesel prices fluctuate, they can impact shipping rates.

Vehicle Condition: Additional fees might apply if your car isn't running and requires special equipment to load and unload.

Always get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you're getting a competitive rate. And ensure you're clear on what's included in the quoted price to avoid unexpected charges later on.

Shipping cars in an enclosed carrier transport trailer is typically more expensive than using an open carrier for several reasons:

1. Protection from the Elements: One of the main advantages of enclosed transport is that it offers protection from external elements like rain, snow, dust, road debris, and even potential vandalism. This added protection requires a higher premium.

2. Specialized Equipment: Enclosed carriers often have specialized features like liftgates for loading and unloading, climate control, and customized tie-down systems. This equipment adds to the carrier's cost and maintenance.

3. Limited Capacity: Enclosed trailers generally have less space than open carriers. While a typical open carrier might transport up to 9 or 10 vehicles, an enclosed trailer might only carry 2 to 6 vehicles, depending on its size. This means the cost per vehicle is generally higher.

4. Higher Insurance Costs: Vehicles shipped in enclosed carriers are often more valuable – think luxury cars, antique vehicles, or rare models. As a result, the insurance premiums for these high-value vehicles can be higher, which can influence the shipping rate.

5. Increased Weight: Enclosed trailers tend to be heavier than open carriers. This can lead to higher fuel consumption, which can influence costs.

6. Special Handling: Drivers of enclosed carriers often need to be skilled in handling high-end, classic, or luxury vehicles. This special expertise might command higher wages or premiums.

7. Target Market: The target market for enclosed car transport is often individuals or businesses with luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles who are willing to pay a premium for added protection and care. The service is tailored to meet the expectations of this niche market, which is willing to pay for a higher level of service.

While enclosed transport is more costly, it provides peace of mind for those shipping vehicles of significant value or sentimental worth, ensuring that their investment is well-protected throughout the journey.

The cheapest way to ship a car in the USA depends on a number of factors, including the distance the car is being shipped, the type of car, the shipping method, and the time of year.

Here are some of the cheapest ways to ship a car in the USA:

• Ship during the off-season: The demand for car shipping is typically lower during the off-season, which can lead to lower prices. The off-season typically runs from December to February.
• Get quotes from multiple companies: Before making a decision, get quotes from several different companies. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible price.
• Consider door-to-door shipping: Door-to-door is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal, but it is more convenient. If you are moving your car a long distance, door-to-door may be the best option for you.
• Choose an open carrier: Open carriers are less expensive than enclosed carriers. However, they offer less protection from the elements. If you are hauling a car that is not as valuable or that you do not need to protect from the elements, then an open carrier may be the best option for you.
• Get insurance: When you ship your car, get insurance for it. This will protect you in case of damage during transport.

Yes, it typically costs extra for a car shipper to transport an inoperable vehicle. This is because it requires more time, effort, and specialized equipment to safely transport a non-running car.

The extra costs associated with shipping an inoperable vehicle can include:

• The cost of specialized equipment, such as winches and lift gates
• The cost of additional labor to load and unload the vehicle
• The cost of additional insurance coverage
• The risk of damage to the vehicle during transport

The amount of extra cost will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the shipment, such as the distance the vehicle is being transported, the type of vehicle, and the availability of specialized equipment.

If you are considering shipping an inoperable vehicle, it is important to get quotes from several different shipping companies to compare prices. You should also be sure to ask about any additional costs that may be associated with the shipment.

It takes between 2 and 14 days to ship a car across the country. However, it can take longer for longer distances or during peak shipping seasons.

The speed at which an auto transport company can ship your car depends on a number of factors, including:

• The distance the car is being shipped
• The availability of carriers
• The shipping method
• The time of year

Here is a breakdown of the average shipping times for different distances:

• 500 miles: 2-3 days
• 1,000 miles: 3-5 days
• 2,000 miles: 5-7 days
• 3,000 miles: 7-10 days
• 4,000 miles: 10-14 days