Whether you’re moving across the country or to a new continent, you might want to bring your car with you. Some people prefer to buy a new car once they arrive at their new home, but shipping your car is a great way to avoid the hassle.
We know that car shipping sounds like a lot, but as long as you work with a reputable shipper, you’re golden. Whether you’re moving, buying a car from afar, or shipping several cars, you need a pro to manage the details. That’s why we’ve put in the work to find the best car shipping companies for you.
Check out this guide to learn about the best auto transport companies, plus helpful advice on how the process works, pricing, and discounts.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
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Our ratings of the best car shipping companies
Based on our own research and the reviews of hundreds of moveBuddha readers, these are the best car shipping companies:
Want more details? We’ve got you covered. moveBuddha’s team of shipping experts analyzed the pros and cons of these auto shipping companies to help you find the best shipper for the job.
Sherpa Auto Transport’s founder created the company after having a negative experience shipping his own car. Because of that, Sherpa Auto Transport is very customer-focused. It prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Services include:
Open and enclosed trailer transport
Expedited transport services
Car shipping prices vary based on a lot of variables. It isn’t unusual for pricing to change from your booking date to your pickup date. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with Sherpa. It offers consistent pricing from quote to delivery, so you always know what you’ll pay and why.
If the price needs to change for any reason, Sherpa contributes $300 to make sure the transport happens. Most shippers pass these price increases to you, so this is a big bonus.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few bonus reasons why customers love this company.
Ships inoperable vehicles (as long as they can brake, roll, and steer)
No instant online quotes
No international shipping
No shipping boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Sherpa Auto Transport pricing
To ship a Volkswagen Jetta from New York City to San Francisco (2,900 miles) in mid-June, the cost is $1,350. That assumes a seven-day pick-up window and open car transport trailer.
To ship from Washington, D.C. to Boston (430 miles) in mid-June, the cost is $600, also assuming a seven-day pick-up window and open car transport trailer.
What sets Nexus apart is its commitment to consistency: dependable pickup and delivery timelines, transparent quotes, and real-time GPS tracking on most shipments. Whether you’re working with flexible orders or under tight deadlines, Nexus delivers with accuracy you can count on.
Services include:
Open & enclosed transport
Real-time GPS tracking on most shipments
Up to 100 pounds of personal items allowed in trunk
Expedited, standard, and economy service tiers
RV, motorcycle, and luxury vehicle transport
You will typically need to pay a 25% deposit to book, but you won’t be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel before the carrier is assigned.
Instant online quotes with real-time carrier availability
No international shipping
Service fee charge for credit/debit payments
25% deposit to book
Nexus Auto Transport pricing
Nexus offers competitive rates across both standard and expedited tiers. You’ll typically pay a little more for enclosed shipping or same-day pickup, but their pricing is transparent and generally falls within the national average:
Montway Auto Transport stands out for their ability to seamlessly even the most complex cross-country moves. In fact, some of the biggest corporate relocation companies across the globe use Montway as their preferred car shipper. The company also has an exclusive partnership with Autotrader Classics for vehicle transport services.
Services include:
Guaranteed pickup dates
Motorcycle transport
Expedited delivery
Inoperable vehicle shipping
Door-to-door transport
Cross-country auto transport can be pricey, but Montway offers several discounts, including for military members and multi-vehicle shipments. Door-to-door service comes standard, and the company has a tiered insurance plan, so you can pick the coverage that makes the most sense for your car and budget.
Montway Auto Transport offers reasonably priced car shipping services when compared to competitors. Discounts and perks like free door-to-door service can help lower your overall price.
Costs vary depending on the specific details of your shipment, but here is a quick look at the average per-mile cost to transport a standard sedan with Montway:
SGT Auto Transport stands out thanks to its blend of affordable pricing, flexible service options, and a no-hassle booking process. The company offers open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery — all without requiring an upfront deposit. Add in price matching and a range of discounts for students, seniors, and military members, and it’s clear SGT is designed to be accessible to everyday customers.
In addition to competitive pricing, SGT makes the process straightforward with instant online quotes and a helpful support team that stays in touch from booking to delivery. Whether you’re shipping across the state or the country, SGT Auto Transport makes it easy to get quality service without overspending.
Services include:
Exact pickup dates
Vehicle delivery from auto dealers
Door-to-door vehicle shipping
International vehicle transport (on a limited basis)
Expedited shipping
Motorcycle shipping
Overall, SGT is a customer favorite, known for their excellent pricing and top-rated customer service.
SGT provides initial quotes for national vehicle shipping within minutes on their website based on the distance you are shipping your car. Those who are shipping internationally will need to call and speak to a customer service agent.
Once you choose to proceed with an initial quote, SGT will match you with a vehicle shipper and contact you with a binding quote. This binding quote might be slightly different than the initial quote, but most customers report that it is fairly close.
Pricing for shipping with SGT depends on several aspects, such as time of year. The farther you need to ship your vehicle, the cheaper the per-mile cost will be. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay:
Navi Auto Transport proves that reliable car shipping doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. The company earns its reputation as the best option for budget-conscious customers by consistently offering competitive rates, no upfront payment, and flexible service that works even for first-time shippers. Whether you’re moving across the state or coast-to-coast, Navi’s team makes it easy to book transport without hidden fees or last-minute cost surprises.
Services include:
Open and enclosed shipping
Optional expedited delivery
Ships motorcycles and inoperable vehicles
Door-to-door delivery standard on most routes
Flexible booking with no upfront deposit
Limited international reach
You won’t pay anything upfront with Navi, and you’re free to cancel before dispatch with no penalty.
Consistently competitive rates for open and enclosed options
Multiple discounts, including military, student, online booking, and multiple vehicle
Assigned shipping coordinator for personalized support
Flexible pickup windows to reduce costs
Limited international shipping
Does not ship RVs or boats
No guaranteed pickup
Navi Auto Transport pricing
Navi is built for affordability. While final costs vary by distance, vehicle type, and season, Navi’s pricing stays competitive across the board. Open transport is the cheapest option, but enclosed and expedited service are also available at reasonable rates:
Distance
Average Per-Mile Cost
Less than 500 miles
$1.05–$1.20
500-1,000 miles
$0.75–$0.95
1,000-2,000 miles
$0.60–$0.75
2,000-2,500 miles
$0.55–$0.65
2,500 miles+
$0.40–$0.55
What to know about shipping a car
Picking a top-notch shipper is the best way to enjoy a stress-free experience, but even then, it’s important to understand a few things about car shipping.
1. Choose between open and enclosed carriers
Car transport companies will ask you if you want to ship your car in an open or enclosed carrier. These are two different shipping options that come with their own pros and cons—and pricing differences.
Open transport carriers use trucks to transport your car. Carriers typically use two-level trailers to move your car cross-country. There’s zero protection over your vehicle, so it’s exposed to weather and road debris.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, ships your car in a sealed box or container that protects it from the elements.
Enclosed transport is definitely safer, but it’s double the price (or more) of open transport. Open transport is also easier to find, so it’s the more popular option. If you have a classic car and need extra security — and don’t mind paying extra — go with an enclosed carrier.
2. It takes time
Cars can’t move across the country overnight. When hiring a vehicle transport company, you need to remember that it can take as long as two weeks or more to ship your car.
Of course, this depends on factors like:
Distance
How many cars the provider ships in the same direction
Traffic
Because of this, remember that shipping dates and delivery estimates can change. It isn’t unusual to have a pick-up window of five to seven days, so be flexible.
3. Decide on delivery options
Did you know there are two ways to have your car delivered?
Terminal-to-terminal shipping: You drop off your vehicle at a designated terminal and pick it up at a destination set by the auto transport company. This is less convenient, but because of that, it’s much cheaper than door-to-door delivery. Of course, this only works if you live reasonably close to the terminals.
Door-to-door shipping: This is when the company picks up your vehicle at your old house and drops it off at your new home. Door-to-door is incredibly convenient, but it’s more work for the shipper, so they’ll charge you more.
The delivery option you choose has a big impact on the timeline and cost, so don’t be afraid to ask for multiple car shipping quotes.
Not all auto transport service providers offer these options, though, so when in doubt, check with your car shipping provider to see what’s on the table.
4. You get quotes from a broker
The car shipper doesn’t actually ship your car, so they are a broker, not a carrier. They’re the middleman that handles scheduling, communication, and logistics.
Don’t let this worry you. Brokers are a normal part of the car shipping industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates car shipping brokers, so you’re legally protected.
5. Understand the quote process
No reputable car shipping company will charge you for a quote.
However, if the final price changes between the time you requested the initial quote and when you ship your car, that’s normal. Car shipping is unpredictable, and most carriers will pass on the costs of that unpredictability to you.
To reserve your shipment, most car shipping companies will ask for a deposit when they find a carrier for you. More often than not, you’ll pay a deposit upfront and then pay for the rest after delivery.
6. Document everything
The best car shipping companies do what they can to protect your car, but nothing is a guarantee. This is why documentation is your best friend.
Take 360-degree “before” photos of your car. When the shipper delivers your vehicle, immediately compare it to the photos you took. The shipper might ask you to sign the bill of lading to say you received your car, but don’t sign it unless it notes the damages to your car. It’s really hard to argue about damage after the fact, so inspect the car carefully before you leave.
It’s also important to look at the paperwork to see what insurance will and won’t cover. Some might only cover structural damages and not cosmetic dings or scratches. You can always buy an additional insurance policy for peace of mind.
Different methods of shipping a car
Car shipping companies usually ship cars via trucks, but that’s just one of the many ways they can transport your car.
Truck or trailer: This is, by far, the most popular choice. It’s popular for both local moves and cross-country moves in the contiguous US. You’ll choose between open or enclosed auto transport.
Rail:Train transport isn’t an option in most areas, but it’s affordable for long distances. If you live on the East Coast or in an area with lots of rail infrastructure, this could be a solid option.
Plane: Shipping a car by plane is the quickest option — especially if you’re moving internationally — but it’s incredibly expensive.
Ocean freight:T his is when you ship your vehicle on a big boat. This is ideal if you’re moving down the coastline, but ocean freight is most common for international moves.
It costs an average of $1,782 to ship a car. But keep in mind that the amount you’ll pay depends on a lot of factors.
Several factors influence transport costs, including:
Vehicle size: Heavier or bigger vehicles are harder to move, and they also take up more space that the shipper would normally sell to another customer. You’ll probably pay more if you have an SUV, van, or truck.
Location: Are you moving to the sticks or to a major city? It’s generally cheaper to move from major cities like Los Angeles because the car moving companies are already there, anyway. It’s also more common for these companies to charge less if you’re near a port town in California or Florida. But if you have a delivery location in the Middle of Nowhere, Illinois, you’ll probably pay more.
Shipping time: Time is money, and if you need your car ASAP, the shipper will usually charge you a rush fee. You can save money by being as flexible as possible with your pick-up and delivery dates.
Distance: The further you’re moving, the higher the car shipping costs. You can usually score cheaper pricing per mile on long moves, but even then, the longer the shipper travels, the more they charge you.
Time of year: There’s more demand for car shipping in the summer months when everyone’s moving. Moving your car during the summer is more expensive, so try to move outside of the peak season.
How to save money on your car shipment
We know that nearly $1,800 is a lot of money. The good news is that there are several ways to slash the cost of car shipping.
Try a few of these tips to save some dough:
Ship your car in an open trailer
Schedule during the off-peak season (not summer)
Be flexible with delivery dates
Pay with cash or check
But if you have your heart set on a specific option, look for discounts.Not everyone will offer them, but it can never hurt to ask!
If you qualify, ask your auto shipper if they offer any of these discounts:
Military: Some providers offer discounts for active duty or retired military. You may need to provide a valid military ID for the discount.
Student: If you’re in college, see if your shipper offers student discounts. Be ready to share a copy of your student ID.
Government employee: You might need to submit a government ID or use a government email address to get a discount. (Check your government employee handbook to see if accepting a discount violates any rules)
Senior: “Senior” is a broad term, so you’ll need to see what age requirements the shipper has for these discounts. Generally speaking, senior discounts are available for folks in the 55–65 age range and up.
Seasonal: Not in a rush? Some car shippers run specials during the winter months when business is slow.
Day of the week: Some car shippers offer discounts if you opt for pickup or delivery on slower days of the week — usually weekdays.
Referral: Did your friend refer you to this shipping company? Let them know!
Bundling: Some will give discounts if you move more than one vehicle or use the company for moving your personal items.
Choosing the right car shipping company
All car shipping companies might seem the same at first. Most can take your car anywhere, and usually get it there safe and sound. However, here are some key things to think about when making your selection.
It sounds silly, but make sure the auto shipping company actually offers what you need. For example, maybe you found a company with great reviews, but it only offers open shipping and you wanted an enclosed carrier.
Start by making a list of your must-haves. Make sure the company ticks all of your boxes. This is way better than just picking a company and hoping for the best.
Give yourself time
You’re trusting this company with your car — this is no small decision. Try to take your time picking a company instead of going with the first option you find.
Always get at least three quotes before committing to anything. This way, you have a better idea of the going rate for your shipment and know your options.
Verify this is a legitimate business
It’s unfortunate, but there are some bad apples in the car shipping space. These scammers are getting better at pretending to be real auto shippers, so verify this is a real business.
You can verify they really are the best car shipping companies by:
Looking for companies with hundreds of verified customer ratings
Working with a company that has years of experience
Checking that the business has insurance
Looking for consumer complaints or a poor rating by the BBB
Check your quotes carefully
Most quotes are just educated guesses. They can change because of things like gas prices and other variables.
If you need to know exactly what you’ll pay, look for a company that offers a guaranteed shipping price or binding quote. Keep in mind the best price will differ for different move needs and preferences.
Make sure you know what you’re paying for before you sign anything. Some quotes won’t include everything, and some companies will try to sneakily add charges later. Look for companies that promise to stick to their original quote or are upfront about all possible costs.
Check reviews
Customer service is a big deal. Look for a company that has plenty of awesome reviews.
Reading about other people’s experiences can help you avoid surprises and feel more confident in your choice. It can even save you time and money and streamline the car shipping process. Every business will have at least some negative reviews, but the goal is to find a company with an overall positive reputation.
Car shipping checklist
Gather important vehicle documents
Wash your car inside and out
Take 360-degree photos of your car
Perform maintenance
Don’t fill up the gas tank (it will be on a carrier, not driven, so drive it until the tank is down to one-quarter)
Remove exterior accessories
Lock the car and leave the keys with the transport company
The cheapest way to ship your car domestically is with an open container on a truck. Ocean freight is often the cheapest option for international moves.
Remember, the best car shipping companies might not be the cheapest, but they’ll offer high-quality services and get the job done right.
How far in advance should I schedule my auto shipment?
You might get better rates if you book a month ahead, but you should book at least two weeks in advance. The further in advance you book, the better chance you have of working with the best car shipping companies.
Do I need insurance to ship a car?
Most carriers don’t require you to buy insurance when you ship a car. It’s still a good idea, though, since it could cover damages if something goes wrong, especially if you’re shipping your car overseas.
Can I ship a car internationally?
Yes, many of the best car shipping companies offer international car shipping, but you need to use a reputable company. You can ship a car overseas via:
Shipping container
Air freight
Ocean transport
You can ship a car overseas using door-to-door service or port-to-port service.
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