Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Auburn, Alabama to Shanghai

It's usually cheaper to drive for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, shipping can become competitive or even cheaper when you factor in the "hidden" costs of driving (gas, hotels, food, wear-and-tear) versus the upfront shipping fee, especially if you're moving with others or have an unreliable car.

The cheapest kind of international car shipping is a RORO vessel. This shipping method is often more affordable for shipping cars than containers or air freight. However, it also leaves your vehicle more susceptible to damage during transport to your final destination.

Shipping a car by train is generally cheaper, especially for long distances (500+ miles), due to higher capacity and lower cost-per-mile, but trucks offer door-to-door convenience, while trains require drop-off/pickup at terminals, adding costs and time, making trucks better for flexibility and short hauls, and trains better for budget and long cross-country trips.