Best Car Shipping Companies of 2025 (by City & State)
Here’s the quick answer: Sherpa Auto Transport is our top pick for the best car shipping company due to their positive customer reviews, and guaranteed pricing model.
The average cost to transport a car is about $1,100 but you could spend as little as $500 or upwards of $2,400 depending on the type of vehicle you have and where you need it shipped. You’ll want to find a professional car shipper that can accommodate your specific needs at a price point that works for your budget.
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
5 best car shipping companies
Based on in-depth research and analysis, we think the best car shippers are:
- Sherpa Auto Transport: Our overall pick
- AmeriFreight: If you’re looking for car shipping discounts
- Montway Auto Transport: Best if you’re moving cross-country
- SGT Auto Transport: Best for balance of services and price
- Easy Auto Ship: For those who need their car shipped quickly
Top car shippers by city & state
If you’re transporting a car between states, we suggest reviewing our guide on the best car shipping companies. For moving your car within the same state, consider these local car shipping companies:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Local car shippers by city
If you’re planning to ship your car between cities, our guide to the best city-to-city car shipping companies will be very helpful. For transporting your vehicle within the same city, check out our recommendations for local car shipping services:
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Comparing car shippers
| Company | Best For | BBB Rating | State Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Accurate pricing | A+ | 48 (not in AK or HI) | AmeriFreight | Discounts | A+ | 50 |
| Montway Auto Transport | Cross-country moves | A+ | 50 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Overall value | B | 49 (not in AK) |
| Easy Auto Ship | Quick pickup | A+ | 50 |
Compare by discounts
Whether you’re shipping your car as part of a larger move or just getting your new car from the dealership to your house, auto transport can be costly. Some companies offer deals to offset costs — but car shipping discounts are certainly not the norm.
Of the 2,400 car shippers we have evaluated:
- 25% offer a military discount
- 6% offer a senior discount
- 5% offer a student discount
- 1% offer a law enforcement discount
- 1% offer a teacher discount
If you fall into one or more of those categories, promotions that can save you money may be the deciding factor between a car shipper that provides discounts and one that doesn’t.
| Company | Military | Senior | Teacher | Student | Multi-vehicle | Returning Customer | Cash Payment | Early Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
| AmeriFreight | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ |
| Montway Auto Transport | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ |
| SGT Auto Transport | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Easy Auto Ship | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
Compare by cost
How much it costs to ship your car will depend on multiple factors, such as the type of vehicle you have, whether you go with open vs. enclosed transport, and the distance of your shipment.
However, below is a look at what you can expect to pay for each of our best car shippers. Estimates are based on transporting a standard sedan approximately 1,500 miles via an open carrier.
| Company | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,200 |
| AmeriFreight | $888 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $910 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,080 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $980 |
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Compare by reputation
Here’s how our top picks stack up based on independent ratings and consumer reviews:
| Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Trustpilot Rating | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.5/5 | A+ (4.91/5) | 3.1/5 | 4.7/5 |
| AmeriFreight | 4.3/5 | A+ (4.72/5) | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.5/5 | A+ (4.54/5) | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.7/5 | B (4.59/5) | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Easy Auto Ship | 4.9/5 | A+ (4.61/5) | 2.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Other considerations
We researched and analyzed thousands of car shipping companies to come up with our short list of the five best based on a variety of needs and situations. But the best fit for you will ultimately depend on your unique circumstances.
If you haven’t found your perfect match based on the companies here, you may want to take a look at one or more of these highly-rated car shippers:
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs average about $1,100 but cost depends heavily on distance.
Average cost ranges based on milage:
- Less than 250 miles: $340 – $750
- 500-1,000 miles: $400 – $1,090
- 1,000-1,500 miles: $670 – $1,320
- More than 1,500 miles: $870 – $2,400+
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular car shipping routes.
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 AmeriFreight — 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.
Helpful resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology. Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
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