Is it Cheaper to Ship a Car Long Distance ThanDrive It?
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There are 7,858 car shippers in the US, and almost all are offering long distance car transport. However, does it make sense for you to hire them? What if you can just drive the car and save money? Let’s see if that’s possible.
Driving vs. Long-Distance Car Transport – Finding The Cost Sweet Spot
If you want to know after how many miles its going to cost you more to ship your car than drive it then we’ve dont all the work for you. We’ve compared the costs of driving vs shipping over different distances to find out the sweet spots regarding shipping vs driving costs. Here’s how we’ve taken the costs:
● Fuel costs assume 25 mpg average at $3.50/gallon
● Food: $20/day
● Accommodation: $100/night with:
○ 0 nights for 500 miles
○ 1 night for 800 miles
○ 2 nights for 1100-1500 miles
○ 3 nights for 2000+ miles
● Wear and tear: $0.0968/mile as per AAA
● Depreciation: $0.12/mile as per Iowa State University Research
● Car wash: $15 flat fee
Shipping costs per mile are:
● $1 for 500-800 miles
● $0.75 for 1000 to 1499 miles
● $0.6 for 1500 to 1999 miles
● $0.5 for 2000 to 2500+ miles
Now that we know both cost factors, let’s find the sweet spots:
| Distance (miles) | Fuel | Food | NightStay | Wear & Tear | Depreciation | Car Wash | Total Driving | Shipping | Best Option |
| 500 | $70 | $40 | $0(0 nights) | $50 | $60 | $15 | $235 | $500 | Drive (save $265) |
| 800 | $112 | $40 | $100(1 nights) | $80 | $96 | $15 | $443 | $800 | Drive (save $357) |
| 1100 | $154 | $60 | $200(2 nights) | $110 | $132 | $15 | $671 | $825 | Drive (save $154) |
| 1500 | $210 | $80 | $200(2 nights) | $150 | $180 | $15 | $835 | $900 | Drive (save $65) |
| 2000 | $280 | $100 | $300(3 nights) | $200 | $240 | $15 | $1135 | $1000 | Ship (save $135) |
| 2500 | $350 | $140 | $300(3 nights) | $250 | $300 | $15 | $1355 | $1250 | Ship (save $105) |
● Driving is most economical for distances under 800 miles
● 500 miles is particularly favorable since no overnight stay is required
● The break-even point occurs around 1100 miles where:
○ Shipping rates decrease to $0.75/mile
○ Two nights of accommodation are required
○ Cumulative wear and depreciation become significant
● For trips under 800 miles, driving is clearly more economical
● Between 800-1100 miles, consider personal preferences as costs are comparable
● Beyond 1100 miles, shipping becomes increasingly attractive due to:
a. Multiple nights of accommodation
b. Lower shipping rates for longer distances
c. Accumulated wear/tear and depreciation
d. Time and fatigue considerations
When Interstate Vehicle Shipping is Worth the Extra Cost?
A pristine 1967 Shelby GT500 demands $800 enclosed transport rather than risking its $200,000+ value to road debris and weather.
Cars with transmission issues could face $2,500+ in emergency repairs far from home, while new vehicles preserve thousands in resale value by avoiding cross-country mileage. Leased vehicles dodge overage fees.
When starting a C-suite position in a week, shipping your Mercedes while flying ahead keeps focus on the career transition.
Furthermore, as a family, during complex moves like managing two households, the $1,200 shipping cost saves days of coordination and travel expenses. Professional transport eliminates logistical headaches when timing is critical.
Weather & Seasonal Considerations
Professional carriers expertlyhandle hazards like Rocky Mountain winter storms with tire chains and experienced drivers..
Carriers time routes around hurricane threats and flood risks that make personal drives dangerous and potentially catastrophic.
A third-trimester mother can ship her SUV for $1,100 instead of risking a grueling three-day drive. Those managing diabetes maintain treatment routines without navigating unfamiliar medical access across states.
When family emergencies require immediate presence, shipping ensures reliable vehicle transport while you take the quickest route to loved ones.
An estate distributing three classics to heirs in different states saves thousands using enclosed transport versus multiple drivers.
Military PCS moves meet strict timelines by shipping the family sedan and spouse’s car together for $1,800.
Multi-vehicle shipping often proves more economical than coordinating several drivers, accommodations, and travel costs.
5 Ways to Reduce Cross-state Car Hauling Costs
1. Terminal-to-Terminal Over Door-to-Door
Terminal shipping can slash your costs by up to 30%. Instead of door pickup, you drop your car at a secure facility. Sure, you’ll need to handle the dropoff, but the savings make it worth it.
| Service Type | Average Cost Savings | Best For |
| Terminal-to-Terminal | 10-20% | City dwellers, flexible schedules |
| Door-to-Door | 0% | Remote locations, tight schedules |
Most terminals offer:
● 24/7 security cameras and fenced storage
● Staff who know how to handle expensive rides
● Regular shipping schedules to major cities
● Full insurance while your car’s in their care
2. Strategic Timing and Booking
Timing is everything in nationwide auto transport services. Book between October and March (except holidays), and you’ll save 10-15% right off the bat.
Mid-week, mid-month bookings usually cost less because fewer people are moving then. Just avoid December holidays – prices skyrocket when everyone’s shipping cars south for winter.
Location matters big time in long-distance car transport. Carriers run regular routes between major cities, and jumping on these can save you serious cash. Meeting at truck stops near highways instead of your driveway? That’s smart money.
Popular routes cost less because:
● Trucks are already heading that way
● Companies combine multiple cars per load
● Regular schedules mean faster delivery
Every pound costs money when shipping. Here’s your pre-ship checklist:
● Drop your gas to 1/4 tank – you’ll save on weight
● Clear out personal stuff – it’s not covered by insurance anyway
● Take off those bike racks and roof boxes
● Fix any leaks – carriers won’t take leaking vehicles
5. Smart Shopping and Negotiation
Don’t jump at the first quote you get. Shop around – prices can vary by hundreds. Get at least 3 quotes and check these discounts:
● Military/veteran discounts (often 10-15% off)
● Student specials (usually 5-10% savings)
● Multi-car deals (save 10-20% per vehicle)
● Cash payment discounts (some offer 3% off)
Before booking, read those reviews carefully. Look for companies with solid insurance coverage and clear payment terms. Get everything in writing – quotes, pickup dates, and any promises made. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about avoiding surprises later.
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