RoadRunner Auto Transport Review: Costs, Services, and Reputation
Here’s the bottom line: RoadRunner Auto Transport is an experienced auto transport broker that ships cars, RVs, motorcycles, and oversized vehicles to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, with no upfront deposit and priority customer support throughout the process. It’s a strong pick if you want a broad carrier network and flexible service options, but it’s not the right fit if you need next-day shipping or contact-free delivery.
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 rating
 
4 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Pros & cons of shipping your car with RoadRunner Auto Transport
- 30+ years of experience
- Car transport services are available in all 50 U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
- Live customer support (Monday–Saturday)
- No upfront deposit
- Offers a $1,500 college scholarship for students
- Oversized vehicle shipping services, including RVs and specialty vehicles
- User-friendly tracking
- Wide variety of transport services, including door-to-door and enclosed
- Doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal services
- Limit on personal items placed within your vehicle (may not exceed 100 pounds)
- Pickup time frame is often three to four days and you have to be there in person
Key takeaways
- RoadRunner (USDOT#3124544) is a licensed auto transport company based out of Bethpage, New York, and it services car shipments in all 50 states.
- RoadRunner remains an accident-free car shipper with an expansive network of carriers nationwide.
- The auto transport company offers diverse service offerings, including open and enclosed transport and oversized vehicles.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:Our track record
Jump to the RoadRunner Auto Transport info you’re looking for:
- RoadRunner Auto pricing
- RoadRunner Auto Transport services
- Real RoadRunner Auto Transport customer reviews
- RoadRunner Auto vs. the competition
- How shipping with RoadRunner Auto Transport works
- Should you use RoadRunner Auto Transport to ship your car?
- FAQ
RoadRunner Auto pricing: How much it costs for car shipping
The cost of transport depends on several factors, such as distance (mileage), vehicle type, and selected upgrades, such as enclosed shipping or top-load service.
Below is a sample cost table between some major cities across the U.S. for a mid-sized sedan.
| Origin | Destination | Approximate mileage | Estimated cost | Add-on: Top-load option | Add-on: Enclosed shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Miami | 663 miles | $595 | $99 | $327 |
| Chicago | Atlanta | 716 miles | $695 | $99 | $382 |
| Denver | Phoenix | 865 miles | $685 | $99 | $377 |
| San Francisco | Denver | 1,250 miles | $945 | $99 | $520 |
| Phoenix | Chicago | 1,753 miles | $995 | $99 | $547 |
You can make payments via credit card, checking transfer, and certified check. Payments made directly to the driver must be made in cash, certified check, or postal money order.
Basic liability coverage is included on all vehicles while in transit. Comprehensive coverage options are available at an additional cost by speaking with an agent.
RoadRunner offers a wide variety of services
Roadrunner has auto transport services for individuals, businesses, and specialty needs:
- Open carrier: The most economical and popular way that vehicles are shipped is in open carriers that are equipped to transport between two and 10 at a time.
- Enclosed carrier: For an additional cost, high-priced or specialty vehicles can be shipped in an enclosed carrier to protect them from the elements.
- Cross-country shipping: RoadRunner offers nationwide door-to-door transport of vehicles. Requests may be made for top-load service, where the vehicle is loaded in the upper section of the trailer to avoid leaks or debris falling from above.
- Seasonal relocations: Snowbird auto transport or other seasonal shipping may be more cost-effective than renting a vehicle upon arrival.
- Military relocations and college moves: RoadRunner is a veteran-owned company that handles transports for military members and manages out-of-state sales or purchases. Ask your representative about discounted rates.
- Dealer and auction sales: New and used automobile dealers may have vehicles transported from auctions to customers or other dealers. For dealers, RoadRunner will assign a shipping coordinator and provide access to tracking and updates through a centralized dealer dashboard.
- Corporate relocations: RoadRunner facilitates corporate vehicle transports nationwide.
- Fleet management: Volume vehicle shipping services are available for commercial customers nationwide. Roadrunner pairs all these customers with a designated shipping coordinator, who serves as a central point of contact and an account manager.
- Oversized vehicles: RoadRunner has the equipment and experience to safely transport oversized items, including heavy equipment, RVs, boats, campers, and vehicles with low ground clearance.
- Motorcycles: The company will move motorcycles strapped to a pallet via an enclosed container.
- Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico: You can easily track these transports online.
rating
4 / 5
Real RoadRunner Auto Transport Customer Reviews
RoadRunner Auto Transport is consistently praised across Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and ConsumerAffairs for friendly and responsive dispatch teams, reliable vehicle tracking, and cars arriving on time.
RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews at a Glance
| Review Site | Rating | Positive Reviews Mention | Complaints Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 4.2 / 5 | Smooth deliveries, professional staff, responsive support | Pricing disputes, pickup delays |
| Trustpilot | 4.6 / 5 | Easy booking, friendly drivers, reliable communication and tracking | Occasional price changes after booking, carrier assignment delays |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4 / 5 | Good driver experiences, solid tracking, helpful coordinators | Last-minute price increases, communication gaps with third-party carriers |
Real Customer Reviews
★★★★★ “First time – great experience!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“Really great experience. Roadrunner contracted UZ Auto Transport out of Denver, to ship my sedan from Los Angeles to Colorado in late April 2026, for about $1100 (about the same number of miles if I had to drive myself). This was my first time ever shipping a car and it couldn’t have been easier. Service was good, communication was good, price was reasonable, and everything went well. Pickup was on a Friday evening in L.A. and dropoff Tuesday morning in Colorado – about the same timeframe (or less!) as if I shipped a package with UPS or FedEx. My car arrived in the same condition it was picked up in. Roadrunner’s dispatch people were friendly and helpful, UZ’s people (including the driver) were great to deal with. 10/10, would do business with them again.”
– Andy S.
★★★★★ “Fast and efficient”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“Fast and efficient. Easy pick up and drop off, would definitely use again. Went from Miami to California and was there within 4 days.”
– Anna
★★★☆☆ “Driver was great, but watch for price changes”
Rating: 3/5 (ConsumerAffairs)
“So, the driver who delivered my car was great!! And the communications and tracking was really good… No issues. The only thing I did not appreciate was them telling me one price at time of booking and then, the day before car was scheduled to leave, upping the price. Of course I wanted my vehicle and did have time to look around. But other than that it was a decent experience.”
– Gina, Ledgewood, NJ
How RoadRunner stacks up against the competition
RoadRunner Auto Transport is a great fit for customers who want an auto broker with decades of experience and a large network of carriers to accommodate nearly every need. That said, it’s always a good idea to request multiple quotes.
We’ve pulled two companies from our best car shipping companies round-up for comparison. Sherpa Auto Transport and Navi Auto Transport offer similar nationwide coverage, booking tools, and overall service reliability.
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RoadRunner Auto Transport vs. Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is praised for its Price Lock Promise, which guarantees that the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. Like RoadRunner, Sherpa offers door-to-door service in all 50 states and works with a large network of vetted carriers.
rating
4.5 / 5
Sherpa excels at pricing transparency and proactive communication throughout the shipping process. It’s a top choice for customers looking for reliable, no-surprise auto transport.
RoadRunner Auto Transport vs. Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport provides nationwide car shipping with a modern, user-friendly booking platform. Customers appreciate the company’s real-time tracking, fast quotes, and helpful support team.
rating
4.4 / 5
Navi is a solid option for standard and some specialty vehicle types. Both companies provide competitive pricing and full-service options across the U.S.
Roadrunner vs. the competition at a glance
| Company | State availability | Instant car shipping quote? | Oversized vehicle services? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoadRunner Auto Transport | All 50 states (plus Puerto Rico) | Yes | Yes |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | All 50 states | Yes | Yes |
| Navi Auto Transport | All 50 states | Yes | Yes |
How shipping with RoadRunner Auto Transport works
RoadRunner makes the car shipping process simple and outlines each step of the process on its website, complete with educational resources .
The auto transport process with RoadRunner has three steps:
1. Request a quote
First, you’ll request an instant shipping quote. If you do it online, the form will need your origin and destination zip codes, but you won’t need to provide exact addresses. From there, you’ll provide details about the make, model, and year of your vehicle. It’s important to note that inoperable vehicles cost extra to ship.
At this point, you’ll choose your desired shipping date and submit your contact information. The process by phone is similar.
You can then add any optional services and review the transit time to confirm it fits your schedule. Once you’ve accepted your quote, you’ll need to provide exact pickup and drop-off addresses. You’ll appoint a primary shipping contact, which can be yourself or someone else who will be with your vehicle at pickup and drop-off.
2. Await vehicle pickup
Next, you’ll schedule pickup. After you’ve made a reservation, RoadRunner will match you with an auto transport carrier that can accommodate your time frame and shipment route. On shipment day, your carrier will arrive and complete an initial inspection. You’ll sign the bill of lading before they load your vehicle.
Shortly after, you’ll have access to online shipment tracking, where you’ll be able to check on its progress and see delivery date estimates. If you have any questions during the shipping process, you’ll have priority customer support every step of the way.
3. Accept delivery
Upon arrival, you’ll complete a final inspection with your driver. If everything is as it should be, you’ll sign the bill of lading and take your keys back.
Should you use RoadRunner Auto Transport to ship your car?
Use RoadRunner Auto Transport if:
- You’re shipping your car to Puerto Rico or elsewhere in the Caribbean
- You need help transporting an oversized vehicle, such as a boat or RV
- You don’t want to pay a deposit upfront and want competitive overall pricing
Don’t use RoadRunner Auto Transport if:
- You need next-day or expedited shipping, since RoadRunner works best when they have two to three weeks of lead time
- You need contact-free delivery options
FAQ
Is RoadRunner Auto Transport legit?
Yes, RoadRunner Auto Transport is a legitimate auto transport broker. It holds active USDOT registration (USDOT#3124544), has been in business for decades, has not had any reported accidents in the past two years, and earns strong marks from third-party reviewers.
How much does RoadRunner Auto Transport cost?
RoadRunner shipping costs typically range from $595 to $995 or more for a mid-sized sedan, depending on distance, vehicle type, and add-ons. Short routes like Atlanta to Miami run around $595, while cross-country shipments like Phoenix to Chicago run closer to $995. Optional services include top-load shipping for $99 and enclosed transport, which generally costs an extra $327 to $547. Final pricing depends on seasonal demand, vehicle size, operability, and pickup and delivery accessibility, so getting an instant quote is the best way to see exact pricing for your route.
How long does RoadRunner take to ship a car?
RoadRunner generally requires two to three weeks of lead time to schedule pickup, with a pickup window of three to four days once your shipment is booked. Transit time itself depends on distance, with short regional moves taking one to three days and cross-country shipments typically taking seven to 10 days. Expedited service is available for an additional cost if you need faster turnaround, but RoadRunner is not the right fit for true next-day or same-week shipping needs.
Does RoadRunner provide insurance for shipped vehicles?
Yes, basic liability coverage is included on every vehicle while in transit at no extra cost. This protects against carrier-caused damage during loading, transport, and unloading. Comprehensive coverage with higher limits is available as an add-on by speaking with a RoadRunner agent before booking. Before shipping, ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate and document your vehicle’s pre-shipment condition with timestamped photos.
Is RoadRunner a broker or a carrier?
RoadRunner is an auto transport broker, not a carrier. That means RoadRunner handles the quote, booking, customer support, and tracking, then matches your shipment with a vetted third-party carrier from its nationwide network to physically transport the vehicle. The broker model is part of why customer reviews can vary, since your experience depends on the specific carrier assigned to your route. The upside is access to a much larger pool of trucks and routes than any single carrier could offer, which usually translates to faster pickup and more competitive pricing.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping with RoadRunner?
Yes, but with limits. RoadRunner allows up to 100 pounds of personal items inside your vehicle during transport, and items must be stored below the window line in the trunk or back seat. Avoid packing valuables, electronics, firearms, or hazardous materials, as these are not covered under the carrier’s insurance and can violate DOT regulations.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open carrier transport is the cheapest way to ship a car and is offered by nearly every interstate auto shipper, including RoadRunner. It’s also the most common option, using the same kind of multi-vehicle trailer that dealerships rely on to move new inventory. Enclosed transport is generally only worth the extra cost for collectibles, classic cars, exotics, or vehicles worth $75,000 or more. If a shipper pressures you to upgrade to enclosed transport for a standard daily driver, treat it as a red flag and get other quotes.
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