Shipping a car involves several factors, from the car’s location to the process of getting it to its destination. These factors can affect how much you spend on the shipment.

To reduce shipping costs, the goal is to find the most cost-effective way to move the car without paying for services you do not need or costs that could have been avoided.

Here are 8 ways to reduce car shipping costs.

1. Select the Right Shipping Method

The shipping method is one of the first decisions to make because it can have a noticeable effect on the price.

For most standard, running vehicles, RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is often the more economical choice. The vehicle is driven onto the vessel and secured in a designated area for the journey, without the additional cost of a container.

Container shipping can cost more, but that extra cost may be justified for a high-value vehicle, a non-running car, or a shipment that needs the protection of an enclosed space. There is also the option of sharing a container with other vehicles or cargo, which can reduce the cost.

When comparing ro-ro and container car shipping, consider what each option offers for your particular car and route. 

2. Evaluate Your Departure Port

Large ports tend to have more carriers and sailing schedules, which can create more competitive freight rates. The trade-off is that a car may need to travel farther to reach one of these ports.

That distance does not automatically make the option more expensive. If the savings on ocean freight is greater than the additional inland transportation cost, using the farther port can still work out cheaper overall.

Before settling on a departure port, price the complete journey from the car’s current location to the destination. This gives you a more accurate comparison than looking at the port’s shipping rate alone.

3. Consider Consolidated Shipping

A container can be a sensible choice when a car needs protection, but paying for an entire container may be unnecessary for a single car.

Consolidated shipping offers a way around this. Your car shares container space with other shipments, so you pay for a portion of the available space rather than paying fot the entire container.

The savings can make container shipping more competitive with RoRo, especially on routes where container services are readily available. Just make sure you understand how the provider handles loading, unloading, and destination charges, as these costs can vary.

4. Avoid Peak Shipping Periods

International shipping rates can rise during periods when demand for vessel space is high. Peak periods can also mean fewer available sailings and less flexibility when booking.

If you know when the car will be needed, plan the shipment early and check whether that period coincides with a busy shipping season. When the vehicle is not urgently needed, moving the shipment to a less busy period can help you avoid paying a premium for the same journey.

There is no need to rush a shipment simply to have the car arrive at a particular time when you do not actually need it then. Planning around your own timeline gives you more room to choose a suitable sailing and manage the cost.

5. Check the Car’s Shipping Requirement

Not every vehicle costs the same to move, even when traveling along the same route.

A non-running vehicle requires special handling compared to one that can be driven onto a vessel. Larger SUVs, trucks, and modified vehicles also take up more space or require customized transport arrangements. These details directly affect your shipping quote and can lead to extra handling fees if not disclosed upfront.

Providing the shipper with precise information regarding the vehicle’s condition, dimensions, and specifications before booking ensures a more accurate quote and minimizes the risk of unexpected charges later.

6. Prevent Payment-Related Delays

Even well-planned shipping arrangements can be delayed if payment is not completed on time.

This often occurs when payment instructions arrive late or the selected payment method experiences processing delays. For international shipments, even minor delays can cause you to miss a booking or pickup window.

When you need to pay car shippers, confirm the payment details and deadline early enough for the funds to arrive when required. Having a dependable way to make international payments can also help keep the shipping schedule on track.

7. Avoid Unnecessary Port and Terminal Charges

Port-related charges can increase the cost of a shipment. Storage, terminal handling, and other fees may be added when a car stays at a facility longer than expected or requires services outside the original arrangement.

Know the port’s free storage period and have the necessary documentation and pickup arrangements ready before the vehicle arrives. This gives you a better chance of moving the car before daily charges begin.

Knowing how to avoid storage fees at ports can help you account for these costs before they become part of the final bill.

8. Compare Quotes on Total Scope

A lower port-to-port quote does not necessarily mean you are getting the better deal. One quote may cover only ocean freight, while another may include services such as vehicle pickup, title handling, terminal charges, insurance, or destination fees.

When comparing shipping companies, look at the full scope of each quote and what you will actually need to pay from vehicle pickup through to delivery. Comparing like for like makes it much easier to see which option offers the better overall price.

Frequently Asked Questions