Shipping Cost from Gary, Indiana to Shanghai

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.

The cheapest international car shipping method is usually Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO), where vehicles are driven onto specialized ships, costing around $900-$2500+ but leaving cars exposed; for better protection, consolidated container shipping (sharing a container) is more affordable than dedicated containers, while air freight is the fastest but most expensive, best for luxury or rare vehicles, so compare RORO vs. shared containers for budget, destination, and vehicle value to find your cheapest option.

It's often cheaper to ship a car by train, especially for long distances on specific routes like Amtrak's Auto Train (DC to Florida), offering enclosed protection for potentially less than an open truck carrier; however, for general cross-country moves not on Amtrak routes, truck (open carrier) is usually the most economical, though trains offer better protection and environmental benefits if available.