Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Union City, New Jersey to Beijing

Generally, driving is cheaper than shipping for shorter distances, but the cost difference shrinks and shipping can become a better value for long hauls when factoring in hidden costs like wear & tear, time, and your own travel expenses (lodging, food). For very long trips (1000+ miles) or unreliable cars, the added costs of driving (depreciation, maintenance, fatigue) might make shipping more economical overall, say Move.org and SoFi.

Generally, shipping a car by train is cheaper than by truck, especially for long distances (over 500 miles) and major routes, due to its high capacity and efficiency, though trucks offer more flexibility and potentially faster door-to-door service. Train transport is often more affordable, potentially saving hundreds of dollars, while providing secure, enclosed transport and reducing your car's mileage and emissions.

The cheapest way to ship a car is by using open transport on a multi-car carrier, choosing terminal-to-terminal service, booking during the off-peak season, and getting quotes from multiple carriers to compare prices. Alternatively, driving the car yourself (if the distance is short) or using a tow dolly/trailer with a moving truck are budget options, while driveaway services (where someone drives your car) can also be very cheap.