How To Finance A Car Shipment

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car and can that cost be financed?

Shipping a car in the U.S. typically costs between $600 and $1,500 for standard interstate transport, depending on distance, vehicle size, carrier type, and season . Longer routes above 1,500 miles may cost more but often have a lower cost per mile. Because some shipments can exceed $2,000 for enclosed or expedited transport , customers sometimes finance the total shipping fee instead of paying upfront. You can estimate pricing based on mileage and vehicle details using the vehicle transport cost calculator .

Q: What payment methods are available for car shipping services?

Most car shipping companies accept credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and cashier’s checks . Some brokers also partner with financing providers that allow customers to split the shipping cost into installment payments or short-term financing plans . The available payment options often depend on whether the company is a carrier or broker , as well as the shipment value and route. Customers typically review payment terms when booking a vehicle transportation service .

Q: Can you finance international car shipping costs?

Yes, financing may be available for international vehicle shipping , which often costs $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the destination, shipping method, and port fees. Costs are influenced by RoRo vs container shipping, customs requirements, and destination taxes . Because these shipments are more expensive than domestic transport, some logistics providers offer installment payment options or external financing partners. International shipments also require compliance with U.S. export regulations and destination country import rules .

by Joe Webster

Last updated Mar, 05 2026

Financing A Car Shipment

Car sales in the United States are on the rise with numbers reaching their peak in December 2016. The rise is attributed to the confidence Americans have in their economy and government. As the sales rise, so do auto loans taken out by residents to finance purchase and hauling of vehicles. The amount of debt being racked up by vehicle owners can be frightening when planning to import a car. However, having the right knowledge on how to finance a car shipment can help you avoid unnecessary debt. Here are some ways to fund your car shipment without breaking the bank.

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Cash deposit

Majority of relocators allow their customers to make payments as they prefer. They usually require a deposit to be made before any work begins, with the balance paid later. If you prefer paying cash, you will need to find a carrier that accepts cash in bulk as the first payment. It is also important to make payments in two or three installments to ensure that the cargo is done satisfactorily. Even so, cash payments are risky and cannot earn you points to be redeemed later on.

Credit cards

Payment for car shipment using credit cards is quite common in the US. Many people find its use much safer and beneficial in the long run. Processing payments using credit cards is easier as it can be done online. Most transportation companies accept payments using these cards for both local and international relocating. In some cases, they may ask for a cash deposit for initial payment and allow credit card payment after vehicle delivery. Nevertheless, it is advisable to confirm whether a hauler permits payment by card before booking with them.

Bank loans

Approaching your bank for a loan is a common thought when thinking of how to finance a car shipment. Most banks are willing to give loans to individuals and businesses as long as they meet their requirements. Ensure that you understand every detail pertaining to the auto loan before signing for it. The bank offers direct lending allowing you to pay the relocator to bring in your car. Most times, the loan is paid back with interest and within an agreed timeline. To get the best lending rates, shop around in different banks before settling on the one that benefits you.

Financing by shipping companies

If asking for a loan from a financial institution is impossible, try asking your shifter to fund you. Many shipping companies offer financing to customers that hire them to import or export their cars. The financing contract is often signed by the hauler and vehicle owner. The owner of the car agrees to make payment for the shipment plus interest over an extended time period. In most cases, the company will have a bank or finance company as an assignee to collect payments on their behalf. Some of the advantages of this type of financing are convenience in accessing loans, various loan options, and special programs with attractive features.

Online car loans

A number of companies offer online loans to vehicle owners with a simple click of their mouse. The wide range of loans enables car owners to pay for relocation without using their own money. Application for the loans is easy with many asking for minimum information before advancing the loan. You can also get an idea of repayment installments by using an auto loan calculator on the sites. Although car shipment loans given by online companies are easy to get, you should compare prices before making a commitments. Also, ensure that the company is genuine and their contracts have no hidden clauses.

an online payment platform enabling users to transfer funds to individuals easily and safely

PayPal credit

When thinking of how to finance a car shipment, using PayPal credit may be the furthest thing from your mind. It is an ideal financing option for people that use PayPal on a regular basis. Users must accumulate enough credit in their PayPal account to receive funding from for shipment. Most times, the companies offering this credit line partner with financial institutions to offer bulk amounts to customers. Payment of the loan is done over time in installments or as a lump sum on the agreed date. For this financing option to succeed, the shifter, the credit provider, and the customer have to work together.

If you are looking for the best financing options to bring in your vehicle, consider talking to our sales team. The team can be reached directly on phone or through e-mail, day or night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you finance a car shipment in the United States?

Yes, some auto transport brokers and logistics companies allow customers to finance a vehicle shipment through payment plans or third-party financing services. Instead of paying the entire cost upfront, the total shipping fee may be split into monthly installments depending on approval and provider policies. Financing options are typically used for higher-cost shipments such as cross-country or international vehicle transport. Many customers also compare shipping costs first using a car shipping rate estimate through the car shipping rates page.

What payment methods are available for car shipping services?

Most car shipping companies accept credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and cashier’s checks. Some brokers also partner with financing providers that allow customers to split the shipping cost into installment payments or short-term financing plans. The available payment options often depend on whether the company is a carrier or broker, as well as the shipment value and route. Customers typically review payment terms when booking a vehicle transportation service.

How much does it cost to ship a car and can that cost be financed?

Shipping a car in the U.S. typically costs between $600 and $1,500 for standard interstate transport, depending on distance, vehicle size, carrier type, and season. Longer routes above 1,500 miles may cost more but often have a lower cost per mile. Because some shipments can exceed $2,000 for enclosed or expedited transport, customers sometimes finance the total shipping fee instead of paying upfront. You can estimate pricing based on mileage and vehicle details using the vehicle transport cost calculator.

Can you finance international car shipping costs?

Yes, financing may be available for international vehicle shipping, which often costs $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the destination, shipping method, and port fees. Costs are influenced by RoRo vs container shipping, customs requirements, and destination taxes. Because these shipments are more expensive than domestic transport, some logistics providers offer installment payment options or external financing partners. International shipments also require compliance with U.S. export regulations and destination country import rules.

Is financing a car shipment a good option for long-distance moves?

Financing can be helpful when relocating long distances or coordinating a move where multiple expenses occur at once. For example, shipping a vehicle coast-to-coast (2,500–3,000 miles) can cost $1,200–$2,000, especially during peak relocation seasons like summer. Financing spreads the payment over time, helping customers manage moving costs such as housing deposits and travel expenses. Many long-distance moves also use door pickup and delivery, which you can learn more about through door to door auto transport.