7 Best Car Shipping Companies (2024 Reviews)
Here’s the bottom line: We chose SGT Auto Transport as the overall best car shipper due to their positive customer reviews, price matching opportunities, and solid reputation.
Check out our other top picks for the best car shipping companies to help you find the right company for your unique needs.
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4.4 / 5
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Key takeaways
- Car shipping companies work as brokers to match you with qualified vehicle shipping services.
- Car shippers can vary in terms of nationwide coverage, guaranteed delivery dates, door-to-door service, and open carriers and enclosed shipping options, among other key factors.
- Car shipping companies are generally more expensive than driving yourself, and quotes can change during the delivery process. However, flexible scheduling and discounts can help bring these costs down.
Our picks for the best car shippers in 2024
Based on in-depth research using our unique car shipping company methodology, here are our top car shippers:
- Best overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight
- Best cross-country moves: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for customer service: American Auto Shipping
| Company | Best For | BBB Rating | State Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGT Auto Transport | Overall value | B | 49 (not in AK) |
| Easy Auto Ship | Quick pickup | A+ | 50 |
| AmeriFreight | Discounts | A+ | 50 |
| Montway Auto Transport | Cross-country moves | A+ | 50 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Accurate pricing | A+ | 48 (not in AK or HI) |
| Ship A Car Direct | Insurance coverage | A+ | 47 (not in AK, ND, or SD) |
| American Auto Shipping | Customer service | A+ | 49 (not in AK) |
Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Free online quotes; binding quotes available over the phone
- Door-to-door service available in 48 states
- Exact pick-up dates available
93% of users select this mover
Founded in 2014, SGT Auto Transport is a car shipping company that has quickly become a favorite among movers. With both open and enclosed car shipping services in 49 states, SGT has overwhelmingly positive customer reviews.
Like most car shipping companies, SGT Auto Transport is a broker. This means that they will match you with a vetted car transport service within their network of more than 25,000 auto shipping partners. With a price-matching guarantee, you don’t have to rule out SGT Auto Transport if you find a better deal.
What makes SGT great as a car transport company is that they have options many other shippers don’t offer, such as exact pickup dates for your vehicle. It may not be the cheapest car shipping service on our list, but SGT truly provides the most value to customers in terms of its balance of fair pricing and quality services.
Pros and cons
- Easy-to-use website with free car shipping quotes
- Binding estimates with no hidden fees
- Exact vehicle pickup dates
- Excellent customer service
- No GPS tracking available
- Does not transport RVs or other larger vehicles
- Limited international car shipping options
How much does SGT Auto Transport cost?
SGT provides an initial car shipping quote within minutes on their website based on the shipping distance. 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 car shipping with SGT depends on several aspects, such as the time of year and whether or not your vehicle needs open or enclosed transport. The more miles 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 when choosing SGT Auto Transport:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.75 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.60 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 |
Why we like SGT Auto Transport
Overall, SGT’s reputation among customers speaks for itself, and it is our favorite car-shipping company for the following reasons:
- They offer door-to-door car shipping across 49 states including Hawaii (no need to drop it off)
- Open or enclosed car shipping options
- $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage is included
Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
93% of users select this mover
Easy Auto Ship specializes in domestic auto transport to and from all 50 states, plus Canada. The car shipping company has an overwhelming amount of positive customer reviews, but what really sets them apart from the competition is their ability to facilitate a smooth and easy pickup process.
Like most auto transport companies, Easy Auto Ship is a third-party logistics provider (or broker). But their advanced logistics technology and wide network of carriers gives them the unique ability to streamline scheduling for faster pickups.
To ease the stress, you will always have a dedicated account rep from start to finish with Easy Auto Ship. For added peace of mind, the company will send you a text and email with the company’s name, truck driver’s name, and phone number before pickup and delivery.
If you need fast pickup and delivery services from a trusted carrier, Easy Auto Ship is going to be a smart choice all around.
Pros and cons
- Free rental cars for moves that take more than 14 days
- Discount for paying in cash
- Guaranteed pickup dates are available
- Doesn’t ship boats or heavy equipment
- No guaranteed drop-off dates
How much does Easy Auto Ship cost?
Easy Auto Ship provides real-time quotes on its website for one- to five-day pickup. If you have a unique situation, it’s best to call the car shipping company directly for a custom free quote.
Easy Auto Ship doesn’t have the cheapest car shipping services, but it offers the most accurate pricing — no bait-and-switch tactics here. The final price you will pay varies widely depending on the type of vehicle you are shipping and the transport type.
Once Easy Auto Ship assigns a carrier and pickup date, customers are charged a small deposit and pay the rest on delivery.
The company offers a variety of discounts, mostly for those in the military or families shipping multiple vehicles. Easy Auto Ship is also unique in that you can pay for your vehicle shipment using PayPal, in addition to cash and credit card.
Here’s what you can expect to pay when shipping your vehicle with Easy Auto Ship:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $1.00 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.75 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.60 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 |
Why we like Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is a great car shipping company for anyone who needs to move their car quickly because:
- Expedited car shipping services are available
- You can ship up to an additional 100 pounds of items inside your car
- The company’s clean car service guarantee means they will take your vehicle through a car wash before delivering it
Best for discounts: AmeriFreight
- Very competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
93% of users select this mover
AmeriFreight has the ability to ship a variety of vehicles nationwide, including cars, trucks, boats, and RVs. Amerifreight offers flexible services like enclosed or open transport, which can be more budget-friendly.
Still, what sets AmeriFreight apart from the car-shipping competition is the wide range of discounts they offer customers.
You can get a discount for booking early with AmeriFreight, but the company also has deals for students, seniors, first responders, military, and medical personnel. The company provides rotating promotions, as well, so it is always important to speak to a customer service representative to make sure you’re getting the best price for your situation.
With their many markdowns and flexible payment options, it makes sense why AmeriFreight Car Transport is one of the most cost-effective options for car, boat, and pretty much any vehicle-shipping.
Pros and cons
- Free cancellations
- More discounts compared to competitors
- Door-to-door shipping comes standard
- No international car shipping services
- No online booking (have to call to schedule)
How much does AmeriFreight cost?
AmeriFreight provides free quotes online, but the catch is you have to enter your contact information to get it. So, even though you don’t have to follow up by phone or email for a quote, you can still expect to be contacted by the company, even if you don’t end up using them for car shipping services.
Compared to competitors, AmeriFreight is considered an affordable car-shipping company. It helps that they offer three tiers of pricing: Economy Saver Rate, First Class Rate, and Priority Preferred Rate. That way, you can pick which option is best for your budget and timeline. Their First Class Rate plan includes guaranteed pricing, which means no hidden fees.
Regardless of what tier you pick, Amerifreight consistently has the best discounts out of any other car shipper. Military, students, first responders, healthcare workers, and senior citizens are all eligible for specific discounts or support with additional services.
AmeriFreight also offers discounts for returning customers, shipments of multiple vehicles, and an “early-bird” discount for booking within 48 hours of receiving your quote.
Here’s what you can expect to pay when shipping your vehicle with AmeriFreight:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $0.97 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.68 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.57 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.48 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 |
Why we like AmeriFreight
Amerifreight is a great option for anyone looking for affordable shipping options, because of their wide range of discounts and the following perks:
- Multi-tiered pricing fit for almost any size budget
- Open and enclosed car shipping options
- Customers can ship RVs, boats, and multiple vehicles at a time
Best for cross-country moves: Montway Auto Transport
- No upfront payment required
- GPS tracking
- A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau
- Almost 100,000 online customer reviews
93% of users select this mover
Montway Auto Transport is available in all 50 states, as well as in several international locations. No matter where you’re moving, Montway can handle getting your car there safely. But what makes this company different from competitors is their ability to seamlessly ship cars across the country.
Montway’s network of carriers allows for efficient and flexible car shipping anywhere nationwide — including more complex cross-country moves. As expensive as cross-country moves can be, Montway offers a variety of service options to fit most budgets no matter how far you’re relocating.
Given their expert handling of cross-country moves, it is not surprising that Montway Auto Transport is a preferred shipper for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world. It is also the exclusive transport partner for Autotrader Classics.
Like most national auto carriers, Montway acts as an auto transport broker. The car shipping company has a network of over 30,000 car carriers worldwide that it contracts with to haul your car both within the United States and internationally.
Pros and cons
- Door-to-door service
- Guaranteed pickup dates
- Coverage in all U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska
- Online quotes are non-binding
- Does not ship RVs
- Steep cancellation fees for dispatched vehicles
How much does Montway Auto Transport cost?
Montway makes it easy to get an instant quote on their website. Just enter a few basic details about your car and your email address and Montway will display a regular price along with a discounted cash price.
Online quotes with Montway aren’t binding, so you’ll need to call customer service to get an exact price. While customer reviews report that online quotes are often close to the final price they pay, the quote and actual price may be slightly different.
To ship a Honda Accord 2,900 miles from New York City to San Francisco during peak season, the discounted cash price would be about $1,369. Using the same criteria, shipping a car 430 miles from Washington, D.C. to Boston would be approximately $619.
Shipping costs range widely depending on the shipping company you are paired with and your pickup and delivery location. Being flexible with your dates and selecting open transport will keep your costs as low as possible.
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
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| Less than 500 miles | $1.96 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.93 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.52 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 |
Why we like Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is our favorite car shipping company for overall value for many reasons, including:
- No deposit upfront and competitive pricing
- Service for a variety of vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, and classic or luxury cars
- GPS tracking while personal items are in transit
Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- "Price Lock Promise" keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
93% of users select this mover
Sherpa Auto Transport’s founder created the company after having a negative experience shipping his own car. Because of that, Sherpa Auto Transport prides itself on being very customer-focused.
What sets Sherpa Auto Transport apart is its accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the car shipping process. It also works to ensure your vehicle is protected by requiring each of the carriers it works with to carry at least $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage.
In business since 2017, Sherpa Auto Transport is a newer car shipping company compared to some of its competitors. However, they have quickly risen through the ranks and set themselves apart as vehicle shippers. Customers especially love their clean car guarantee and Price Lock Promise.
Car shipping costs vary based on a lot of variables, so it’s not uncommon for pricing to change from booking 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 up to $300 to make sure the transport happens. Most shippers pass these price increases to you, so this is a big bonus.
Pros and cons
- Can ship inoperable vehicles, in addition to operable ones
- Door-to-door drop-off and pickup services
- Expedited car transport services (for an additional fee)
- You have to call for tracking updates
- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates
How much does Sherpa Auto Transport cost?
Free quotes for shipping your vehicle with Sherpa Auto Transport are available both online and over the phone. The quote you will receive is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about surprise fees popping up later.
The price of shipping your vehicle with Sherpa Auto Transport varies widely based on the type of vehicle you plan to ship, as well as the shipping distance. While Sherpa Auto Transport isn’t known as a budget option, customers report that the prices are reasonable for the services they receive.
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a variety of discounts for those in the military, as well as students and repeat customers. You’ll have to speak directly with a customer service representative to receive one of these discounts.
Here’s what you can expect to pay when shipping your car with Sherpa Auto Transport:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $2.75 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1.55 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $1.23 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.84 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.74 |
Why we like Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is our favorite car shipping company for accurate pricing for the following reasons:
- Fixed pricing and no upfront deposit
- Price Lock Promise provides $300 off if your price changes drastically
- Their carriers hold a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance
Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Home of the industry’s only “Damage Free Guarantee”
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- No deposit to schedule
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
93% of users select this mover
Founded in 2008, Ship A Car Direct has made a name for itself by carefully vetting every auto carrier in its network. It also offers generous carrier insurance with every shipment.
Ship A Car Direct is very selective about which carriers they will work with to haul your car. And because the company backs every carrier with a Damage Free Guarantee, choosing to ship your vehicle with them is risk-free. It even has a Damage Protect App for iOS and Android that explains how to document your vehicle’s condition before and after auto shipping. This can definitely simplify the claims process if you do ever need to file a claim.
Pros and cons
- Allows you to ship an additional 100 pounds of items in your car
- Free rental car if delivery is delayed more than 14 days
- Provides a guarantee against damages
- No international transport available
- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates
- Doesn’t ship boats or heavy machinery
How much does Ship A Car Direct cost?
Customers can request a Ship A Car Direct quote using one of their two online free quote tools. The initial quote you receive will be a price range, then you will need to speak with a customer service representative to receive a binding quote.
The cost of shipping a vehicle with Ship a Car Direct varies widely depending on your shipping specifications. Those looking for enclosed shipping, for example, will pay more than those who don’t mind shipping their vehicle in an open transport.
Here’s what you can expect to pay when working with Ship A Car Direct:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
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| Less than 500 miles | $2.00 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1.29 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.62 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.60 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.55 |
Why we like Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct is the best auto shipper for making sure your car is protected in transit because:
- They ship inoperable vehicles
- Provides classic car transport services
- Premium insurance coverage for all vehicle shipments and a Damage Free Guarantee
Best for customer service: American Auto Shipping
Founded in 1999, American Auto Shipping is a premium auto shipping company revered for its excellent customer service. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), have widespread availability, and provide services aimed at meeting customers’ busy schedules and unique needs.
Known for their long-distance car shipping options, American Auto Shipping services all U.S. states except Alaska. They offer locked-in prices based on the quotes they provide online — as long as you book within 24 hours of requesting your quote.
American Auto Shipping also has expedited car shipping options in every state they service, including Hawaii. In most cases, they can pick up your vehicle within five days of booking.
American Auto Shipping guarantees their deliveries will be on time. If your vehicle is ever late, they will provide you with a rental vehicle for free.
Pros and cons
- Instant online quote with locked-in pricing
- Heavy equipment transport
- Reimburses you up to $20 for a car wash after delivery
- Higher pricing compared to competitors
- A full deposit is required to obtain a discount
How much does American Auto Shipping cost?
American Auto Shipping offers fast and easy free quotes both online and over the phone. When you receive a quote, the price is locked in for 24 hours and there will be no additional or hidden fees.
The cost of shipping your car with American Auto Shipping will vary widely depending on the distance you are shipping and whether you require an open or enclosed trailer. Compared to other companies on this list, American Auto Shipping is considered more expensive, but customers report the increased shipping rates are worth their positive experience.
The company accepts many payment methods, but the most inexpensive option is to pay for your entire auto shipment upfront using a debit or credit card. If you would rather pay cash or pay at delivery, you can choose this option as well, but it will cost more.
Here’s what you can expect to pay when working with American Auto Shipping:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
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| Less than 500 miles | $3.00 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1.10 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $1.15 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.49 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.47 |
Why we like American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping is our favorite car shipping company for customer service many reasons, including:
- Vehicle delivery for auto dealers or online buyers
- Free rental car if your vehicle delivery is delayed
- Expedited service and shipments to and from Hawaii
How to choose the right car shipping company for you
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.
Before you book your vehicle shipment, we recommend going through these steps:
- Decide between open vs. enclosed car shipping . Car shipping companies have open and enclosed shipping options for cost flexibility because open shipping is cheaper.
- Decide on delivery options. Many car shipping companies offer door-to-door delivery for convenience, but terminal-to-terminal shipping can be more affordable.
- Don’t worry about brokers. When you get a quote for car shipping, they are from a broker. While trusting a middleman can be nerve wracking, this is the standard in the car shipping industry. Plus, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates car shipping brokers, so you’re legally protected.
- Understand the quoting process. Unless there is a price-lock guarantee, car shipping costs can fluctuate from the initial quote to final delivery. But remember, reputable car shippers will never charge you for a quote.
- Check what payment methods are accepted. Some car shipping companies charge deposits that can be paid with a credit or debit card. But cash or money order tends to be required at the time of delivery.
- Document everything. All our picks for car shipping companies have well-established track records for quality service. That said, accidents do happen and so make sure to take 360-degree “before” pictures of your car. When your car is delivered, the shipper will ask you to sign the Bill of Lading to confirm you received your car. If there are damages, don’t sign anything unless those are mentioned in writing.
- Know that it can take a few weeks. Unless you’re splurging for expedited shipping, auto shippers can take up to two weeks to deliver. If that makes you nervous, you may want to pick a company with GPS tracking options.
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How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs are about $1,150, on average. Here is a general breakdown of costs based on distance:
| Distance | Average Cost Range |
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| ≤250 miles | $340–$750 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $400–$1,090 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $670–$1,320 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $870–$1,560 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $1,100–$1,800 |
Keep in mind that the amount you’ll pay depends on a lot of factors, including:
- Vehicle size: Heavier and larger vehicles are harder to move, and 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: It’s generally cheaper to move from major cities like Los Angeles because the car moving companies are already there. It’s also more common for these companies to charge less if you’re near a port town. But if you have a delivery location in the Middle of Nowhere, Illinois, you’ll probably pay more.
- Shipping time: 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 pickup and delivery dates.
- Distance: The further you’re moving, the higher the car shipping costs. You are typically able to score cheaper pricing per mile on long moves.
- Time of year: There’s more demand for car shipping in the summer months when everyone’s moving. So, moving your car during that peak season is more expensive.
FAQ
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
Prepare your car for shipping by doing the following:
- Gather important vehicle documents
- Check with your car insurance company to make sure they’ll cover your vehicle in transit
- Ensure your car is empty of all belongings (unless you are using a shipper that allows you to leave some items in your car during transport)
- 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 full)
- Remove exterior accessories
- Lock the car and leave the keys with the transport company
- Sign the Bill of Lading
Do I need insurance to ship my car?
You do not need insurance to ship your car with a reputable car shipping company. However, you may opt to buy additional coverage if you want extra protection.
Dependable car shippers carry cargo insurance with enough value to cover your car at no extra charge. If you have a classic or specialty vehicle, double-check that your preferred shipper carries enough insurance for your car.
You may also want to look at purchasing additional insurance to cover your vehicle during transport if your car is antique or high-value. While cargo insurance will protect you against any major damage to your vehicle, it doesn’t usually cover things like vandalism, weather, or minor scratches.
Before booking, have a customer service agent walk you through their insurance policy and note what isn’t covered. Also, check with your current auto insurance provider to see if they will cover your car during transport or if additional service for your vehicle is needed.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
You typically cannot put stuff in your car when you ship it. However, some companies — like Easy Auto Ship and Ship A Car Direct — allow you to have up to 100 pounds of stuff in your car during transport. Always ask a customer service representative about this, so you don’t risk being charged extra for leaving items in your car.
How do I avoid car shipping scams?
You can avoid car shipping scams by ensuring the company you plan to use has a valid federal motor carrier number and is licensed through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can search a company to check for proper licensing and registration using the FMCSA’s company snapshot tool on its website.
Can I get car shipping discounts?
Yes, you can get car shipping discounts, depending on the company you choose to hire. AmeriFreight is our pick for best discounts, but many car shippers offer a variety of discounts for students, military, healthcare workers and other groups. They may also have discounts for returning customers, car shipments with multiple vehicles, or even for booking service in advance or during a short time frame after receiving a quote.
Some of these incentives can vary depending on where you are moving and time of year. To be sure you don’t miss out on any deals, always speak to a customer service representative before booking.
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