Car Shipping Quotes

To find the best rates, get free, instant car shipping quotes from multiple car shipping companies and compare prices and services side by side.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products in this article.

Key Takeaways:

• Many vehicle transport companies offer car shipping quotes online, with some companies sending instant quotes.
• To see who has the best rates for auto transport, we recommend getting quotes from multiple providers and looking for discounts.
• It’s common for auto shippers to post their base shipping costs so customers can obtain estimated vehicle shipping prices without using a quote tool.

This article will give tips for getting car shipping quotes from well-rated companies and explore the variables that shape vehicle transport prices. Our research team has reviewed some of the best car shipping companies, and we’ll share them with you to better inform your shopping experience and give you added peace of mind when it comes time to pick a provider.

What Is a Car Shipping Quote?

A car shipping quote is the estimated cost of auto transport services to a specified destination. According to our research, car shipping quotes range from rates of $0.40 to $2.00 per mile.

Depending on how far you will ship your vehicle (and several other factors), you typically expect the total amount for your car shipping quote to fall somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000.

Best Car Shipping Quotes

To help you get the best quote to fit your shipping needs, we’ve compared quotes from numerous leading car shipping companies for shipments of various distances and transport types. Every auto transport provider charges its own rate for the distance traveled.

Therefore, perhaps the most important factor in determining how much you will pay for car shipping is the transport provider you choose.

Car Shipping Company Quotes

Based on real car shipping quotes given to our research team, below are the quote ranges from the leading providers. On average, Montway and Sherpa consistently offer some of the best car shipping quotes in the industry:

Company	Lowest Quote (Per-Mile)	Highest Quote (Per-Mile)
Sherpa Auto Transport	$0.67	$1.40
Montway Auto Transport	$0.69	$1.33
Nexus Auto Transport	$0.75	$1.34
AmeriFreight	$0.65	$1.62
uShip	$0.94	$1.33
eShip	$0.90	$1.53
Easy Auto Ship	$0.80	$1.47

Compare Car Shipping Quotes

While the average rates above give you an idea of what to expect regarding car shipping rates, the amount you will actually pay to ship a vehicle depends more specific factors than the company alone. In the sections below, we’ll compare car insurance quotes from top providers by distance and transport type.

Compare Auto Transport Quotes by Distance

Generally, you can expect to pay less per mile for shipping vehicles across long distances. That said, due to the number of miles your vehicle is being shipped, also costs more in total to ship vehicles across long-distances. In the tables below, we compare quotes from top providers for short and long-distance auto transport.

Short-Distance Car Shipping Quotes

For short distances of around 535 miles, Golden Key Express, uShip, and Montway offered our researchers the lowest car shipping quotes:

Company	Quote
Golden Key Express	$535
uShip	$649
Montway Auto Transport	$709
Nexus Auto Transport	$715
Sherpa Auto Transport	$750

*The quotes our research team received in the table above were to ship an SUV in an open carrier for 535 miles.

Long-Distance Car Shipping Quotes

For long-distance auto transport, industry-leading providers like AmeriFrieght, Sherpa, and Montway shine, which is reflected in the quotes below:

Company	Quote
AmeriFreight	$1,598
Sherpa Auto Transport	$1,650
Montway Auto Transport	$1,679
Golden Key Express	$1,750
Nexus Auto Transport	$1,845

*The quotes our research team received in the table above were to ship an SUV for 2445 miles in an open carrier.

Compare Auto Transport Quotes by Shipping Method

Shipping method is a major determinant of how much you are quoted for auto transport, as it costs more to ship a vehicle in an enclosed trailer than it does to ship it in an open carrier. Below are quotes from top providers for both auto transport methods:

Open Car Transport Quotes

At $1,075, Sherpa has the best quotes for open carrier transport. Golden Key Express, AmeriFreight, and Nexus also offer competitive rates for open carriers:

Company	Quote
Sherpa Auto Transport	$1,075
Golden Key Express	$1,100
AmeriFreight	$1,199
Nexus Auto Transport	$1,385
Montway Auto Transport	$1,549

Enclosed Transport Shipping Quotes

Sherpa offered our research team a notably lower quote than top competitors for enclosed auto shipping:

Company	Quote
Sherpa Auto Transport	$1,275
eShip	$1,800
Montway Auto Transport	$1,829
Nexus Auto Transport	$1,985
uShip	$1,995

Car Shipping Quotes Online

Many auto transport companies give drivers free, no-obligation car shipping quotes online from their computers, phones, tablets, or other devices. But with an ever-growing number of providers crowding the market, finding the best car shipping quotes online can be challenging.

If the rates you see in your estimate are still too high for your liking, there are a few things you can do to try to lower your rates.

• Consider open shipping: While enclosed container shipping protects your vehicle better during transit, it’s also usually far more expensive than open shipping. Choosing an open container can help bring your costs down.
• Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping: While terminal-to-terminal shipping – in which your vehicle is picked up and dropped off between two points chosen by the motor carrier company – is less convenient than the door-to-door option, it also comes with a much smaller price tag.
• Wait for the right time of year: Car shipping costs are seasonal. Shipping a car costs more during the summer. If you can wait for a less expensive time to ship your car, you can save a good bit of money on your shipment.
• Try using a marketplace: While the process isn’t always as smooth as going with a broker, you may find better rates with a car shipping marketplace. Sometimes this means waiting a few days for a quote, so make sure to plan ahead.

How To Get a Car Shipping Quote

Getting a car shipping quote online is different for each car transport company. Some offer shipping calculators and instant car shipping quotes. Others will take some of your information and get back to you later.

Regardless of the method, you should keep the following basic info on hand when requesting car transport quotes:

• Pickup date and delivery location
• Preferred timeline for car transportation
• Contact information (name, phone number, and email address)
• Desired type of shipping: open carrier or enclosed transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping or door-to-door shipping, expedited shipping

Once you submit the form, you’ll likely receive an email or phone call with the requested car shipping estimate. Or the auto transport estimate may be instant and pop up on the website. Just keep in mind that putting car shipping quotes online isn’t standard practice among all auto moving companies. Some still require you to call a sales representative for a quote.

Car Shipping Quote Calculators

The fastest way to get online car shipping quotes is often with a shipping quote calculator on a provider’s website. When using this car shipping calculator, you might receive an instant quote. 

However, since you usually have to provide information such as your name and email address, you could be contacted by the shipping provider with the information you’re seeking.

Car Shipping Estimates

Several elements determine the rate you are quoted for auto transport quotes. Also, knowing which options are more cost-effective can help you find cheaper car shipping quotes online.

• Price of fuel: If the cost of fuel goes up, expect to pay a higher price for auto shipping.
• Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles require more time and effort to move, making them more expensive to transport.
• Vehicle size: Weight figures into the price of a car shipment, so large vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and RVs customarily have higher shipping costs.
• Transport type: Enclosed car shipping keeps your car safe from road hazards and extreme weather, but it also costs far more than open transport as a shipping option.
• Pickup and drop-off options: Some auto shippers give you the choice between terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door car delivery. While door-to-door pickup is probably much more convenient, it’s also usually much more expensive too.
• Distance: Short distances have higher rates per mile than long-distance trips, but you’ll probably still pay more if the shipment is farther. Shipping your car internationally or to Alaska or Hawaii will come with additional fees.
• Time of year: Summer is usually the busy season for car carriers, so prices are higher. Having flexible pickup and delivery dates can help offset the seasonal increase a bit.
• Marketplace vs. broker: Choosing an open marketplace-style forum for auto shipping quotes might get you a better price because car carriers are bidding directly. Shipping companies that broker deals can tack on extra fees that independent carriers may not. However, a broker can also provide helpful service and assist you in finding the right provider for you.

Car Shipping Fees

When shopping for the right vehicle hauler, it’s essential to know that not all car shipping providers disclose the complete, final pricing when you get a quote. Many companies tack on service fees or insurance coverage costs at a later time. Some vehicle shipping providers guarantee the price you’re quoted is the price you pay, which is pretty rare in the auto transport industry.

Auto Shipping Quotes: Conclusion

There are a lot of auto transport companies out there these days. And while you don’t need to compare estimates from all of them, at least three is a good start. We recommend getting a car shipping quote online from any of the shippers we mentioned.

Use online quote calculators and instant quote tools to determine who offers you the best rates for your shipment. Shopping around may take more time, but you could save hundreds of dollars or more for your effort.

Recommended Providers For Car Shipping Quotes

We examined every major auto transporter in the car shipping industry by looking at car shipping quotes online, services offered, customer reviews, and more. Our research team identified Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship as two of the top car shipping companies.

While we recommend both Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship, we always recommend comparing car shipping quotes online from several providers to find the best price for hassle-free transportation services. It’s always a good idea to see who offers the best price and service for your unique vehicle transport needs.

Montway Auto Transport: Best Service

Quick Facts:

• Average cost: $1,097 
• Transport options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping, international shipping
• Type of Company: Shipping broker
• Availability: 50 states, international

Montway Pros and Cons

What We Like About Montway

Montway topped our list of best car shipping companies, and it is certainly one of the companies that makes it easy to get auto transport quotes online. Since opening for business in 2006, Montway has acquired a network of over 15,000 auto transport carriers. The Schaumburg, Illinois-based car transport company says it ships over 100,000 vehicles per year on average.

The company offers a range of car transport services, including door-to-door transport, open and enclosed auto transport, and expedited shipping. However, Montway does not ship from terminal to terminal as many of its competitors do. 

Montway customers can obtain discounts for shipping multiple vehicles, having served in the military, or paying with cash. You can also ship a classic car with Montway.

Montway Reviews

The company is rated an A+ and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Montway boasts a 4.59 out of 5-star rating on the BBB website, based on more than 2,300 customer reviews. Many customer reviews mention a smooth shipping process from the moment they get an auto shipping quote all the way through to vehicle delivery.

Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-in Pricing

• Quick Facts
• Average cost: $1,720 
• Transport options: Door-to-door, open shipping, enclosed shipping
• Type of Company: Shipping broker
• Availability: 48 states

Sherpa Pros and Cons

What We Like About Sherpa

Sherpa Auto Transport offers a healthy selection of services at affordable rates. In our study, Sherpa earned high marks for its reputation and customer service rating as well.

However, what we like most about the provider is its Price Lock Promise. This program guarantees that the price you see in your car shipping quote online is the price you’ll pay. That’s rare.

So while you might see higher rates on your initial car shipping quotes online than from some of Sherpa’s competitors, after you account for fees and price fluctuations, you may end up with a lower rate by the time you pay the bill. That’s something many customers may appreciate.

Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews

Sherpa Auto Transport has a positive reputation within the industry and with customers. The BBB issued an A+ rating for the company and has accredited it as well. In the customer review portion of the BBB website, Sherpa has a 4.94 out of 5-star rating from just over 215 reviews.

We go into more detail about the provider in our Sherpa Auto Transport review.

AmeriFreight: Best Deals

Quick Facts

• Average cost: $1,300 
• Transport options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
• Type of Company: Shipping broker
• Availability: 50 states

AmeriFreight Pros and Cons

What We Like About AmeriFreight

Having first opened its doors in 2004, AmeriFreight was one of the more veteran providers in our study. Like the other providers on this list, it offers a solid selection of car shipping services at competitive rates.

But what stood out to us about AmeriFreight was the company’s numerous discount opportunities. Military personnel, students, seniors, first responders, and many other people can access discounts to make their car shipping service just a little more affordable.

AmeriFreight also offers additional insurance coverage through its AFta Total Assurance Plan to help cover gaps in the carrier’s coverage. This might be of interest to people who want a little extra protection during their shipment.

AmeriFreight Reviews

The company has an impressive reputation online. Customers gave AmeriFreight a 4.87 out of 5 stars on the BBB website. Over on Google, AmeriFreight has a 4.7 out of 5.0-star rating.

AmeriFreight has an A+ rating from the BBB itself. It is also accredited by the organization.

Read our AmeriFreight review for a more in-depth look at the auto transport company.

Easy Auto Ship: Best Benefits

Quick Facts

• Average cost: $1,168 
• Transport options: Door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open shipping, enclosed shipping, alternative vehicles, expedited shipping
• Type of Company: Shipping broker
• Availability: 50 states

Easy Auto Ship Pros and Cons

What We Like About Easy Auto Ship

Those in pursuit of cheap car shipping quotes online might want to consider Easy Auto Ship. The auto transportation provider offers lower transport rates per mile than most car shipping companies and has discounts similar to Montway’s. 

You can save up to $150 by paying in cash, earn more savings for bulk shipping, and receive a military discount if you’re a veteran or active duty member of the armed forces. Easy Auto Ship also offers shipping options for classic cars.

Easy Auto Ship Reviews

Like Montway, Easy Auto Ship earned accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB. Easy Auto Ship averages 4.62 out of 5 stars after more than 750 transport reviews from customers on the BBB.

*Average prices are based on our review team’s own secret shopper analysis across a variety of vehicles, distances, and shipping services. Your own rates may vary.

FAQ: Car Shipping Quotes Online

Below are some frequently asked questions about car shipping quotes:

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 Better Business Bureau (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.