SGT Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, American Auto Shipping, Montway, and AmeriFreight are the top six shipping providers
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Best Shipping Options
SGT
Best for Locked-In Pricing
Sherpa
Best Customer Service
Easy Auto Ship
Best Deals
AmeriFreight
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products in this article.
- Each auto transport company charges varying rates for different distances, and most offer more than one type of discount.
- The best car shipping companies offer bonus services – such as cleaning – and ensure your vehicle in the event of any damages.
- Choosing an auto shipping provider involves looking at the distance you need a vehicle shipped and the type of vehicle transport available.
The best car shipping companies can get your vehicle from point A to point B safely and efficiently at a reasonable price. But that’s not every auto transport company.
To help you separate the best car shipping companies from the rest, our experts conducted thorough research into the auto transport industry. We examined the rates, services, ratings, and reviews of the top auto transport providers in the country. In this article, we list our top choices for car shippers and break down the ins and outs of shipping a car.
Best Car Shipping Companies
Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, American Auto Shipping, and SGT Auto Transport are the best car shipping companies on the market based on our research and secret shopper analysis.
We compared the price, services, reputation, and customer experience of the top auto transport companies in the country. Below is how our scoring breaks down.
| Best Car Shipping Companies | Our Rating | Award | Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.7/5.0 | Best Overall | Get Quote |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.6/5.0 | Best Locked-in Rates | Get Quote |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.6/5.0 | Best Shipping Options | Get Quote |
| American Auto Shipping | 4.6/5.0 | Best Service Availability | Get Quote |
| AmeriFreight | 4.5/5.0 | Best Discounts | Get Quote |
| Easy Auto Ship | 4.4/5.0 | Best Customer Service | Get Quote |
What Is the Best Auto Transport Company To Use?
We think that Montway Auto Transport is the best car shipping company. The provider’s excellent reputation, pricing, and services make them a great choice for anyone who is interested in shipping their car.
Car Shipping Companies
In the following section, you’ll find a brief breakdown of each of the top auto transport companies from our latest car shipping study. If you’d like to learn more about a specific company, follow the links for more detailed and thorough provider reviews.
#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Service
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,097
Shipping options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping, international shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 50 states, international
What We Like About Montway
Montway Auto Transport offers affordable auto shipping services across the entire U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. Enclosed and open transport, door-to-door service, and expedited shipping options are available, and the car shipper guarantees pickup dates for an extra cost.
Montway has a network of over 15,000 carriers, and the vehicle shipping company says it moved over 140,000 vehicles in 2020 alone. Each of Montway’s land shipments is backed by a cargo insurance policy of up to $100,000.
Montway transports the following types of vehicles: ATVs, SUVs, sedans, minivans, motorcycles, classic cars, pickup trucks, and regular cargo and passenger vans.
Montway Auto Transport Cost
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Montway Auto Transport:
| Type of Transport | Distance | Montway Shipping Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 524 miles | $629 |
| Open transport | 1,032 miles | $849 |
| Open transport | 2,078 miles | $1,559 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,032 miles | $1,249 |
| Enclosed transport | 2,078 miles | $2,249 |
Montway Auto Transport Reviews
The majority of Montway Auto Transport reviews are positive, with customers mentioning timely delivery and an easy sales process. Montway is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited vehicle shipping company and has an A+ rating from the organization.
Customers on the BBB website also rate Montway an average of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars from more than 2,000 customer reviews.
Montway Auto Transport Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong industry reviews | No real-time tracking available |
| Efficient and easy quotes process | No price guarantee available |
| 24/7 online chat help | No RV or boat shipping |
We give a more detailed breakdown of the provider in our full-length Montway Auto Transport review.
|
Best Service Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
|
One of the best car shipping companies. |
#2 Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Pricing
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,720
Shipping options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 48 states
What We Like About Sherpa
Consumers who want to know the cost of vehicle transportation from quote to delivery should consider Sherpa Auto Transport. Its locked-in pricing is a significant benefit in the car shipping industry.
Since Sherpa Auto Transport opened its doors in 2017, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based vehicle shipping company has offered transport services for family cars, classic cars, and vans. If you’re looking to ship specialty vehicles such as RVs, golf carts, or motorcycles, another car shipping company is likely a better choice.
Sherpa Auto Transport Benefits
Sherpa reimburses customers $20 on a car wash with every delivery as part of its Clean Car Guarantee. In addition, the car shipping company says its Price Lock Promise ensures customers don’t have to worry about hidden fees because it covers costs up to $300 if a carrier charges a higher rate than you’re initially quoted.
Sherpa Auto Transport Cost
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Sherpa Auto Transport:
| Type of Transport | Distance | Sherpa Shipping Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 524 miles | $650 |
| Open transport | 1,032 miles | $925 |
| Open transport | 2,078 miles | $1,825 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,032 miles | $1,375 |
| Enclosed transport | 2,078 miles | $2,850 |
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Customer reviews of Sherpa Auto Transport aren’t as numerous as those of other providers, but they are mostly positive. The vehicle shipping company has a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5.0-star average customer rating from over 200 reviews on the BBB website, and the BBB-accredited business holds an A+ rating.
Sherpa Auto Transport Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Price Lock Promise guarantees quotes | No options for ATV or motorcycle shipping |
| Thoroughly vets each individual carrier | No terminal-to-terminal shipping option |
| Clean Car Guarantee | No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii |
In our full Sherpa Auto Transport review, we go into more detail about the provider.
|
Best for Locked-In Pricing Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
|
Stress-free auto shipping and transparent pricing. |
#3 SGT Auto Transport: Best Price-Matching Guarantee
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,619
Shipping options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, guaranteed pickup service, dealership shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 49 states
What We Like About SGT Auto Transport
In a word? Options. SGT offers a wealth of options for individuals and businesses. Need to ship a golf cart to Miami? Want to move a fleet of delivery vans to New York City? SGT Auto Transport can cover all of these needs and more.
SGT Auto Transport Cost
We reached out to SGT for a few quotes on a few car shipping services. The following table shows what we got back.
| Type of Transport | Distance | SGT Auto Transport Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 503 miles | $610 |
| Open transport | 1,556 miles | $1,499 |
| Open transport | 3,036 miles | $2,289 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,500 miles | $2,079 |
SGT Auto Transport Reviews
In addition to its A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, SGT Auto Transport has strong customer reviews on the site and others. Customers give SGT an average score of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB. The positive reviews continue at Trustpilot, where the company has a 4.8 out of 5.0-star rating from customers.
SGT Auto Transport Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large selection of shipping services | No shipping to Alaska |
| Strong customer reviews on multiple sites | Initial quotes higher than some other providers |
| Very easy online quotes process |
Best Shipping Options
#4 American Auto Shipping: Best Service Availability
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,524
Shipping options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 49 states
What We Like About American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping offers a robust line of services for all your transport needs. Whether you’re looking to ship your car or motorcycle or you need to transport a boat or even heavy equipment, American Auto Shipping can deliver. The company has shipped 137,000 vehicles and is a reliable choice for auto transport services.
American Auto Shipping Cost
Our team reached out to American Auto Shipping for a few transport quotes. The table below shows what we received:
| Type of Transport | Distance | American Auto Shipping Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 535 miles | $669 |
| Open transport | 1,500 miles | $1,559 |
| Open transport | 2,445 miles | $1,789 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,500 miles | $2,079 |
American Auto Shipping Reviews
American Auto Shipping holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a positive customer review score on the site with 4.6 stars out of 5.0. It performs well on other customer review sites as well, with 4.6 stars on Google and 3.8 stars on Trustpilot.
American Auto Shipping Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shipping options available for alternative vehicles | No real-time tracking available |
| Great customer reviews | No shipping to Alaska |
| Easy online quotes process |
#5 AmeriFreight: Best Deals
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,300
Shipping options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 50 states
What We Like About AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight offers comparable options to Montway Auto Transport. In addition to offering auto transport services nationwide, AmeriFreight has add-on insurance coverage to help cover gaps in the carrier’s policy. Under the AFta Total Assurance Plan, AmeriFreight will cover deductibles up to $2,000.
AmeriFreight will guarantee your car shipment quote if you choose the First Class Rate. The vehicle shipping company also ships specialty vehicles such as ATVs, RVs, boats, and golf carts.
AmeriFreight Cost
Here are a few sample quotes we received from AmeriFreight:
| Type of Transport | Distance | AmeriFreight Shipping Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 524 miles | $718 |
| Open transport | 1,032 miles | $828 |
| Open transport | 2,078 miles | $1,049 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,032 miles | $1,401 |
| Enclosed transport | 2,078 miles | $1,888 |
AmeriFreight Discounts
AmeriFreight made our list of the market’s top car shipping companies in part because of its extensive list of discounts. Here’s an overview of the discounts you might qualify for:
- Military: $35 off
- Student: $25 off
- Early bird: $25 off
- Senior citizens: $25 off
- First responders: $35 off
- Return customers: $50 off
- Medical personnel: $35 off
- Multiple vehicles: $50 off (every additional vehicle)
AmeriFreight Reviews
Customer service is one of AmeriFreight’s strengths. Our research team awarded the BBB-accredited business our Best Deals award for the many discounts it offers, and customer reviews often highlight AmeriFreight’s fair prices and professional services.
The BBB rated AmeriFreight an A+, and customers give the car shipping company an average of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars across more than 1,000 reviews on the BBB’s website. Over 3,000 reviews on Google yield a similarly positive average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.0.
AmeriFreight Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide selection of discounts | Real-time tracking unavailable |
| Positive industry and customer reputation | Inefficient quotes process |
| Shipping options for specialty vehicles | No mobile app |
Read our AmeriFreight review for a more thorough look at the auto transport company.
|
Best Deals Our Ratingg: 4.5 out of 5.0
|
One of the best car shipping companies. |
#6 Easy Auto Ship: Best Customer Service
Quick Facts
Average price: $1,168
Shipping options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
Type of company: Shipping broker
Availability: 50 states
What We Like About Easy Auto Ship
Another one of the industry’s best car shipping companies, Easy Auto Ship guarantees the instant quote you receive is the price you pay. The car shipping company offers lower rates per mile than most moving companies and honors car shipping quotes up to 30 days after you’ve requested them.
Easy Auto Ship requires no money upfront to schedule shipping services, and if a car shipment is delayed more than 14 days, the vehicle shipping company will pay your rental car costs.
Easy Auto Ship’s car transport services include open shipping, enclosed shipping, international shipping, and more. The provider can ship RVs, motorcycles, boats, and golf carts in addition to standard vehicles.
Easy Auto Ship Cost
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Easy Auto Ship:
| Type of Transport | Distance | Easy Auto Ship Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | 524 miles | $731 |
| Open transport | 1,032 miles | $974 |
| Open transport | 2,078 miles | $1,486 |
| Enclosed transport | 1,032 miles | $1,401 |
| Enclosed transport | 2,078 miles | $1,888 |
Easy Auto Ship Reviews
Like the other auto shipping companies we’ve profiled, Easy Auto Ship is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating. Customers give the vehicle shipping company an average of 4.6 stars based on nearly 800 reviews.
On Trustpilot, where Easy Auto Ship has a 3.4 rating out of 5.0 stars, the few reviews highlight great experiences and excellent customer service.
Easy Auto Ship Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable rates | No real-time tracking available |
| Shipping options for boats, RVs, and other specialty vehicles | Some complaints of late carriers |
| Quotes honored for up to 30 days | No 24/7 customer support available |
Learn more about the provider in our in-depth Easy Auto Ship review.
|
Best Benefits Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
|
Cost-effective option for those on a budget. |
Car Shipping Overview
If it’s your first time shipping a car, there is some basic information that can be useful to you. In this section, we’ve provided some of the basics to help you become a more informed car shipping customer.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car?
The average car shipping cost can range from $600 to over $2,500. But these rates are highly variable. Each company sets different shipping rates. Those rates are based on a wide range of factors.
Car Shipping Cost Factors
Auto transport companies use these factors, among others, to determine your car shipping rates.
- Cost of fuel:Â Shipping prices usually go up if the price of gas rises.
- Driving hazards:Â Poor road conditions and inclement weather can raise shipping costs.
- Type of vehicle:Â Larger or specialty vehicles, such as trucks and RVs, usually cost more to ship.
- Time of year:Â Summer and January are the busy seasons for vehicle transportation, so expect higher prices around those times.
- Destination:Â Auto shippers charge by the mile. But those rates go down as the distance goes up. So, while long-distance shipments like from Connecticut to California will cost more overall, the per-mile fee will be much lower. International shipments come with additional costs.
- Transport type:Â Open transport is more cost-effective than shipping your car in an enclosed trailer. Terminal-to-terminal transport typically comes at a lower cost than door-to-door.
- Vehicle condition: Shippers tend to charge more to transport an inoperable vehicle than one that can be driven.
Car Shipping Discounts
There are a few auto transport providers who offer discounts. You may be able to find senior citizen discounts, military discounts, early-bird booking discounts, or sometimes a discount for paying in cash.
The vast majority of car shipping companies, however, don’t offer discounts. Still, it never hurts to ask.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company
Between the wide selection of providers and the huge amount of marketing jargon on the internet, it’s hard to know exactly what to look for in a car transport company. Here are a few of the most important considerations:
- Auto transport prices: Price is the most important consideration for many people. That’s why we recommend comparing car shipping quotes from multiple providers before making a decision.
- Easy shipping process: The best auto transport companies take care of the details and ensure a no-hassle shipping experience. Customer reviews and ratings can give you a good idea of how smooth of a process different providers offer.
- Car shipping options: Some providers have a wide range of options for shipping your vehicle, while others may only offer a couple. Make sure the car shipping company you choose has the shipping options you need.
- Direct provider or auto transport broker: You can often find slightly lower rates when you work with a car shipping broker. However, a direct provider of auto transport services can offer a more seamless car shipping process and centralized accountability.
- Auto carrier vetting process: If you do work with a shipping broker, your service will actually be carried about by an independent car carrier. For that reason, it’s good to look into a broker’s vetting process to make sure they only hire reputable truck drivers.
- Availability: Not all car shipping companies operate throughout all 50 states. Some work with international shipments. Be sure to weed out any car transporters that don’t operate where you need them to.
How To Ship a Car
Finding the right car shipping company to ship your car is only part of the equation. Once you’ve compared quotes from different auto movers, it’s time to actually ship your car.
Here’s how to ship a car, in a few simple steps:
- Get quotes: Most auto transporters offer free quotes through their website. However, some providers offer a discount for booking over the phone. In either case, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your shipment and a phone number where the company can contact you. Get quotes from a few companies to see which one offers you the lowest rates.
- Book your shipment: After you find the best rates from a provider you trust, it’s time to book your service. Before signing, go over the contract to ensure that all the information is correct and that you’re aware of all hidden fees and additional costs.
- Prepare your car for shipping: Before your carrier arrives, take the time to remove all personal items from your car and clean it. Make sure to note any existing damages and consider taking pictures to have as proof if you need to make an insurance claim.
- Get your vehicle to the pickup point: On the day of the shipment, you’ll meet your carrier at an agreed-upon pickup location. Before loading the vehicle, inspect it once again and note any damages. You’ll also need to sign a bill of lading.
- Wait: Once your car is in transit, you’ll just need to wait for it to complete its journey. Some companies offer live GPS tracking, while others can provide a location for you over the phone. In most cases, car shipping times are rough estimates at best. Common factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and more can delay your shipment.
- Pick your car up from the drop-off point: Your shipping company or driver will notify you when they reach the delivery location. You’ll need to meet them there to sign the bill of lading again and collect your car. Before your carrier leaves, make sure to inspect the vehicle and note any new damages to report to the company’s insurance provider.
Are Auto Transport Companies Legit?
While there are some less-than-reputable car shippers out there, the majority of auto transport companies are legitimate service providers. If you want to verify a company for yourself, you can look up its record with the Department of Transportation (DOT) using its DOT number. Customer reviews are also a good source of information about a company’s shipping experience.
Car Shipping Customer Satisfaction
In our most recent car shipping survey, an overwhelming majority of respondents – nearly 70% – said they were satisfied with their auto transport experience. A majority of 56% said they would recommend their car shipping company to others.
Car Shipping Survey Results
Our research team surveyed 1,000 people who used an auto transport service to ship their cars. Each of the car shipping companies mentioned in this article was used by respondents. Here’s what we discovered:
- Car shipping costs: Around 41% of participants said they paid between $1,000 and $2,000 to ship their cars. Just 16% of survey participants said that they paid more than $2,000 for auto transport.
- Car shipping distances: Nearly 25% surveyed said that they shipped their car between 500 and 1,000 miles.
- Car shipping methods: Around 42% of survey respondents said that they chose open transport to ship their car.
- Car shipping company: Montway Auto Transport was the most popular company in the survey, with nearly 24% of respondents saying they used the company’s services.
Source: 2021 Automoblog Shipping Survey
Car Shipping Customer Satisfaction by Company
Here are the satisfaction rates from our car shipping survey for each company in the study:
- 84% of Montway Auto Transport customers said they were satisfied
- 67% of AmeriFreight customers said they were satisfied
- 85% of Easy Auto Ship customers said they were satisfied
- 60% of Sherpa Auto Transport customers said they were satisfied
- 59% of uShip customers said they were satisfied
Common Car Shipping Issues
Despite most customers saying they were satisfied with their car shipping company, a majority also said they experienced some kind of issue with their shipment. These are the most common issues people reported in our survey:
- Vehicle damaged during transit
- Car carrier’s insurance insufficient to cover damage
- Shipment delays
- Price increase after booking
Do You Need Cargo Insurance When You Ship a Car?
Transporting a car is typically very safe. However, there is always the chance that your car can get damaged during transit, whether it be from weather, road debris, or even an accident.
And while many auto shipping companies do carry insurance, there are gaps between that coverage and your personal insurance policy. Additional cargo insurance, either through your provider or from a third party, can help you cover unforeseen costs or, at the very least, offer peace of mind while your vehicle is in transit.
Best Car Shipping Companies: Conclusion
Our team found that Montway Auto Transport is the best car shipping company based on its prices, services, and customer support compared to the providers we reviewed. But that shouldn’t stop you from checking out any of the other car shipping companies on our list.
Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Easy Auto Ship, American Auto Shipping, and SGT Auto Transport all performed well enough in our study to earn a place on this list. And the company that provides the best rates to your neighbor may not provide the best rates to you – especially after applying discounts.
Always be sure to get quotes from multiple providers so that you can compare and make an educated decision, whether you’re just shipping your car to the next state or need a cross-country move. All auto transporters will gladly accept your money to ship your car, but only the best car shipping companies offer you the rates and service you deserve.
Top Car Shipping Companies: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about car shipping:
What is the best company to ship a car with?
Choosing the best company for vehicle transport depends on the destination, the type of transport, and the customer’s budget. Our research team found Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight can be good choices because of their affordable prices and solid reputations.
Does AAA offer car shipping?
The roadside assistance provider does not offer vehicle transport, although there is a car shipping company with a similar name.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
For cheaper car shipping, choose a company with open carrier transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping, and flexible pickup dates and delivery times. If you live on the East Coast, Amtrak also offers limited low-cost vehicle shipping by train.
How much does shipping a car usually cost?
Transport costs vary depending on the delivery location, time of year, and method of transport. We’ve found the average cost of shipping is around $1,200, but choosing options such as enclosed carrier transport and door-to-door delivery comes with higher prices.
What is a bill of lading?
A bill of lading is an official document that contains all of the relevant information needed to ship your vehicle. It is effectively a contract between you and the auto transporter and serves as a receipt after your transaction is complete. You or a representative may need to sign the bill of lading before and after shipment. Â
Can you ship your car to another state?
Yes, you can ship your car between states. But remember, the further you ship your car, the more expensive it will be in general. So shipping a car across the country from Miami, Florida to Los Angeles, California, for example, will cost less than shipping your car to the next state over.
Do car shipping companies guarantee delivery dates?
Car shipping companies typically do not guarantee delivery dates. Some auto transporters may offer guaranteed pickup dates, but with many factors like weather and weather and traffic at play, it would be difficult to promise that a shipment would be on time.
Can I ship my car with stuff in it?
Some companies do allow you to ship your car with personal items packed in it. However, they usually have size and weight restrictions, as well as specific instructions about how things must be packed.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Prices: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Services: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Reputation: Our team considers BBB ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
