Top 5 Tips for Saving Money on Car Shipping in 2025
Shipping a car might sound stressful or expensive at first, but honestly, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re relocating, buying or selling a car out of state, or just helping out a family member, getting a car from one place to another can be smooth and affordable if you know what you’re doing. And in 2025, car shipping is more accessible and convenient than ever before. The real trick? Knowing how to avoid unnecessary costs.
If you're looking for affordable auto transport services, especially in busy areas like Tampa, a little planning goes a long way. So here are five easy and practical tips to help you save money when shipping a car, without cutting corners.
Book Early to Lock in Lower Rates
One of the simplest ways to save money on car shipping is just book it early. Seriously—it works the same way flights and hotels do. The closer you get to your desired pickup date, the higher the prices go. That’s especially true during busy seasons like summer or the end-of-year holidays when carriers are in high demand.
If possible, try to schedule your car shipment at least two to four weeks in advance. This not only gives you a better chance of getting a cheaper rate, but it also gives you more options to choose from. Plus, early bookings often get priority when it comes to matching with reliable carriers.
So don’t wait until the last minute—get a quote early and lock it in while prices are still low.
Be Flexible with Your Pickup and Delivery Dates
Another way to cut costs is by being flexible with your shipping dates. If you have some wiggle room in your schedule, you can take advantage of discounts that carriers sometimes offer to fill empty spots on their trucks.
Instead of requesting a super-specific pickup or delivery day, give them a window—say, 3 to 5 days. This makes scheduling easier for the car shipping company, which usually results in lower prices for you.
Avoiding weekends and major holidays is also a smart move. Weekday pickups and deliveries are usually less expensive because there’s less demand. The more flexibility you give the carrier, the better chance you have of scoring a deal.
Choose Open Transport Unless You Absolutely Need Enclosed
Let’s talk about transport types. You’ve got two main options: open car shipping and enclosed car shipping services. The names are pretty self-explanatory. Open transport means your car is transported on an open trailer, while enclosed means it’s shipped in a fully covered truck.
Now, if you’re shipping a luxury car, antique vehicle, or something you can’t risk getting dusty or exposed to weather, enclosed might make sense. But for most everyday vehicles—sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks—open car shipping is totally safe and way more budget-friendly.
In fact, enclosed shipping usually costs 30% to 50% more. So unless your car really needs that extra layer of protection, stick with open transport. It’s the industry standard for a reason, and it’s widely available—especially if you’re looking for open car shipping in Tampa or other large cities.
Go with Terminal-to-Terminal Instead of Door-to-Door
It might sound super convenient to have your car picked up from your driveway and dropped off right at your new address, but door-to-door shipping often comes with a higher price tag. If you're trying to save money, consider terminal-to-terminal shipping instead.
With terminal-to-terminal service, you’ll drop your car off at a designated location (usually a lot or facility used by the shipping company) and the person receiving it will pick it up from a similar location at the destination. It might require a little extra time and effort, but it can save you a decent amount of cash.
In places like Tampa, where there are multiple terminals and a lot of carrier traffic, terminal shipping is easy to set up and can really bring the cost down. Plus, you don’t have to worry about coordinating with a driver to meet you at home or at work—just drop it off and pick it up when it’s ready.
Always Compare Multiple Quotes Before You Book
Here’s a tip that a lot of people overlook—don’t go with the first quote you receive. Always compare prices from at least three different car shipping companies before making a decision.
But don’t just look at the number. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some companies throw in hidden fees later—like fuel surcharges, delivery fees, or limited insurance coverage. A quote that looks cheap up front might end up costing more than a higher quote that includes everything.
Take a few minutes to check out online reviews, see what kind of customer support each company offers, and make sure the quote includes full insurance and a realistic delivery window. In short: don’t just go for the lowest price—go for the best value.
Bonus Tip: Do Some Local Research
If you’re shipping to or from a specific area—say, Tampa—it’s smart to look into companies that are already operating there regularly. Local or regional auto transport companies often offer better prices than big nationwide brokers because they know the area, have existing routes, and can be more flexible with scheduling.
So if you’re looking for enclosed car shipping services in Tampa or want to find a reliable open car shipping Tampa provider, doing a little local research can go a long way. You might even get a faster pickup time and more responsive customer service.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car in 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive. With a little bit of planning, flexibility, and smart decision-making, you can find an affordable auto transport option that fits your budget and gets your vehicle where it needs to go safely.
To sum it up: book early, stay flexible, choose open transport services if it works for your car, consider terminal-to-terminal if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, and always compare quotes to find the best deal.
Once you understand how car shipping works and what factors influence the price, saving money becomes a whole lot easier. So the next time you need to move a car, keep these tips in mind—you’ll thank yourself (and your wallet) later.
