Moving to another state? Purchasing a vehicle online? Sending a car to a family member across the country?
Whatever the reason, car shipping services in the USA make it easy to move your vehicle safely and efficiently, without the stress, added mileage, or time commitment of a long drive.
Still, let’s be honest: arranging auto transport isn’t something most people do every day. The industry has its fair share of brokers, carriers, and confusing options.
That’s why this complete 2025 guide to car shipping in the USA will help you understand how the process works, how much it costs, what options exist, and how to choose a reliable company.
Let’s get started.
What Is Auto Transport?
Car shipping in the USA is the professional service of moving a vehicle using a licensed carrier. Instead of making the drive yourself, you hire a company to pick up your car and deliver it to your destination, whether across state lines or across the country.
Companies like Tiger Auto Transport handle the logistics for you, ensuring your car arrives on time and in excellent condition.
This service is used by:
- Families relocating to another state
- Car dealerships moving inventory
- Military personnel changing bases
- College students and their parents
- Buyers from online platforms like Carvana or eBay Motors
- Seasonal travelers (“snowbirds”)
- People shipping vehicles to or from Alaska and Hawaii
Why Use Tiger Auto Transport to Ship your Vehicle
Thousands of auto transport companies operate across the US, but Tiger Auto Transport consistently ranks as one of the best. Here’s why:
- Family Owned & Operated: A personalized approach that treats every vehicle like family.
- Fleet Ownership: Unlike brokers, Tiger owns trucks, giving them greater control over safety and scheduling.
- Price Match Guarantee: If you find a lower rate, Tiger matches it.
- Full Insurance Coverage: Every shipment is 100% insured, bumper-to-bumper.
- 24/7 Tracking and Support: Customers always know where their car is and can contact support anytime.
- Proven Experience: 31,000+ reviews and a 97% satisfaction rate prove the company’s reliability.
Why Ship Instead of Drive?
You could drive your car yourself, but many people choose shipping for good reason:
- Avoid wear and tear – Long trips add thousands of miles, increase depreciation, and heighten the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
- Save time – Cross-country drives take days. Shipping lets you spend that time on work, family, or settling in.
- Lower stress – Weather, traffic, and roadside issues make long trips unpredictable.
- Cost savings – After factoring in fuel, hotels, meals, and time off work, driving is often more expensive than shipping.
8 Common Reasons People Ship Cars
The U.S. is a big country, and there are countless situations where auto transport makes sense:
- Long-distance relocation for work or family
- Online vehicle purchases from dealers or private sellers
- Military and government moves
- College students traveling out of state
- Seasonal migration (e.g., Florida winters)
- Sending a car to relatives or collectors
- Corporate fleet transfers
- Deliveries to or from Alaska and Hawaii
Car Shipping Options in 2025
Understanding your transport choices is key to picking the right service. Most companies in 2025 offer several options:
- Open Carrier Transport: The most common and affordable method. Cars are shipped on an open trailer with other vehicles. Though exposed to weather, damage is rare.
- Enclosed Carrier Transport: Cars travel in a covered trailer, protected from weather and road debris. Costs 30–60% more than open transport.
- Door-to-Door Service: The carrier picks up and delivers as close to your home, office, or specified location as possible. Best for: maximum convenience.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: You drop off and pick up the car at designated transport hubs. Less common today, but still used in big cities or for budget shipping.
- Expedited Shipping: Priority pickup and delivery for urgent moves. Comes with a premium price.
- Alaska & Hawaii Transport: Combines ground and ocean freight. Only specialized companies offer these routes.
The Car Shipping Process in 6 Steps
Here’s what a typical shipment looks like:
- Request a Quote – Enter your route and car details for an instant or same-day estimate.
- Book the Shipment – Confirm your order, usually with no upfront payment unless working with a broker.
- Prepare the Vehicle – Wash the car, remove personal belongings, leave ¼ tank of gas, take photos, and disable alarms.
- Pickup – The driver inspects the vehicle, records its condition, and loads it.
- Transit – You can track progress via phone or online tools.
- Delivery – Inspect the car, compare its condition, and sign off once everything checks out.
How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company
Not all providers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Transparent pricing – Avoid vague quotes or sudden fees. Look for locked-in rates.
- Strong reviews – Read feedback on platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, and Google.
- Verified insurance – Always confirm coverage and deductibles before booking.
- Licensing – Ensure the company is registered with a DOT and MC number.
- Good communication – Choose providers who are responsive, clear, and reliable.
How to Save Money When Shipping a Car
Car shipping can feel expensive, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing safety:
- Book early – Lock in your rate weeks before your move. Last-minute bookings almost always cost more.
- Be flexible with dates – If you don’t need exact pickup or delivery days, you’ll get better deals.
- Choose open carrier transport – This is the most affordable option and works well for standard vehicles.
- Avoid rural pickups – Meeting the carrier in a nearby city can lower costs significantly.
- Ship multiple cars together – Families or businesses moving more than one vehicle often qualify for discounts.
- Ask about seasonal deals – Some providers offer promotions during off-peak months.
- Use a price-match guarantee – Tiger Auto Transport ensures you never pay more than the best market rate.
Final Thoughts: Is Car Shipping Worth It in 2025?
Yes, especially now that the industry is more streamlined and competitive. Whether moving across the country, buying online, or sending a car to a loved one, auto transport saves time, reduces stress, and often saves money compared to driving yourself.
For anyone seeking a provider that balances affordability, professionalism, and reliability, Tiger Auto Transport remains a top-rated choice in the USA for 2025.
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