Advisor

Content on Jalopnik Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Jalopnik Editorial and Advertising. Jalopnik Advisor content is free to consumers and always will be, however we and our partners may be compensated if you purchase a product or service through the links on this website.

Best Car Shipping Companies In Massachusetts

From our #1 rated provider,

844-601-0286

08/05/2024 08:01 AM

If you need to move to or from Massachusetts, whether temporarily or permanently, shipping your car there should be easy. In this article, we’ll provide a look at the five best car shipping companies in Massachusetts that offer peace of mind and competitive costs. We will also explain the costs of shipping for both open and enclosed transport services and provide guidance on how to easily ship your car.

The Gist:

  • Our team found that Montway Auto Transport is the best Massachusetts car shipping company, though it’s best to compare rates with those from Sherpa Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, American Auto Shipping and AmeriFreight.
  • The average cost to ship a car to or from Massachusetts is $1,053 for open car shipping services and $1,474 for enclosed auto transport.
  • Your car shipping cost in Massachusetts depends on factors like a city’s size, nearby traffic patterns, and weather conditions.

5 Best Car Shipping Companies In Massachusetts

We have dedicated more than 300 hours to researching the auto transport industry in order to give an honest review of the top car shipping companies. If you’re moving a car to or from Boston, Worcester, Malden, or beyond, check out our list of the best Massachusetts car shipping companies.

1. Montway Auto Transport: Best Reputation

Montway Auto Transport is our top choice among the best auto transport companies of 2024 because they provide reliable service and reasonable rates. While Montway may not have the lowest prices, their excellent customer service and variety of available options put them ahead of the competition.

Montway Auto Transport is a big and well-liked company that moves cars across the country. They operate in all 50 states and also do international shipping. Montway can give customers lower prices than other companies because they have a huge network of carriers.

Read more: Montway Auto Transport review

Montway Auto Transport Best Reputation
BBB Rating : A+ Phone : 844-601-0286 Coverage : 50 states
Pros & Cons
Pros Strong reputation, customer satisfaction, and industry ratings Carrier vetting Large network of 30,000+ carriers Offers expedited delivery Competitive pricing Cons No real-time tracking or mobile-app; must contact company for tracking info No guaranteed pricing $249 cancellation fee No specialty shipping services for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, trailers, or other watercraft Intrusive Pop-up Ads
Summary

Montway Auto Transport is a reputable auto transport broker offering several car shipping services and cheap car shipping rates. We named it the Best Reputation car shipping company for 2024.

2. Sherpa Auto Transport: Best For Locked-In Rates

According to our research team’s special rating system, Sherpa Auto Transport has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. This high rating is due to their consistent pricing, positive customer feedback, and wide range of services. As a bonus, Sherpa also provides customers with a $20 reimbursement for a car wash as part of their Clean Car Guarantee.

Sherpa Auto Transport makes shipping a vehicle hassle-free and guarantees fair prices with their Price Lock Promise. This means that the initial quote you receive is the exact amount you’ll pay at the end. They even go the extra mile by covering up to $300 of any unexpected cost increases.

Read more: Sherpa Auto Transport review

Sherpa Auto Transport
4.5
BBB Rating : A+ Phone : 888-202-7706 Coverage : 49 states
Pros & Cons
Pros Locked-in shipping rates through the Price Lock Promise Vetted network of reliable and friendly carriers Strong customer service ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Offers a Clean Car Guarantee Cons Slightly higher prices than competitors Does not provide terminal-to-terminal shipping
Summary

Sherpa Auto Transport has many strengths, from excellent customer service to the added security of the Price Lock Promise.

3. SGT Auto Transport: Best Price-Match Guarantee

SGT Auto Transport has been given a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars because it provides various shipping choices at affordable prices. The company has received high marks for its services, which include open, enclosed, and door-to-door vehicle transportation, as well as fast delivery and the assurance of scheduled pickup dates.

You won’t have to pay for SGT Auto Transport until they send someone to collect your vehicle. If you find a cheaper price from another company, SGT Auto Transport will offer the same price. Our team discovered that most customers have a good experience with this provider.

Read more: SGT Auto Transport review

SGT Auto Transport Best Price-Match Guarantee
4.5
BBB Rating : B Phone : 864-635-4879 Coverage : 49 states
Pros & Cons
Pros Available in 49 states Offers price matching Has an option for a guaranteed pickup date Cons Doesn’t offer real-time tracking No terminal-to-terminal shipping option
Summary

We give SGT Auto Transport an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. This shipping broker has an outstanding reputation and offers affordable options for car transport services. Price matching, express shipping, and guaranteed pickups are other great features of SGT Auto Transport.

4. American Auto Shipping: Best Service Availability

American Auto Shipping provides a variety of services to transport vehicles to their destination. With a great 5.0 rating in the services category, this provider offers options like door-to-door shipping, both open and enclosed auto transport, shipping to Hawaii, motorcycle shipping, military vehicle shipping, heavy equipment transport, and more.

American Auto Shipping strives to offer customers a pleasant experience with perks like a covered rental car if your shipment is delayed over 14 days past the delivery date. Another benefit is your choice of pickup times from three different options–standard, priority, or expedited.

Read more: American Auto Shipping review

American Auto Shipping Best Service Availability
4.6
BBB Rating : A+ Phone : 800-238-7613
Pros & Cons
Pros Instant online quotes 24/7 customer service A+ rating from the BBB Standard, priority, and expedited service Cons No Alaska service No terminal-to-terminal shipping No GPS tracking
Summary

Considering its service offering, availability, and average rates, we give American Auto Shipping 4.5 out of 5.0 stars overall. It can work with a variety of shipping timelines, whether you need to ship your car next month or tomorrow. We recommend checking out a quote from American Auto Shipping when you plan your car shipment.

5. AmeriFreight: Best For Discounts

AmeriFreight has prices that are in line with what other companies in the industry charge, but customers have the chance to reduce their rates even further by taking advantage of AmeriFreight’s discounts and different pricing levels. Some of the discounts that are available include reduced rates for customers who have used AmeriFreight before, people who are shipping multiple vehicles, first responders and medical personnel, seniors, students, and others.

AmeriFreight is one of the top five auto shippers because they offer lots of discounts, match prices, and have good customer service. They work with over 10,000 car carriers and make sure each one is licensed and insured with a background check.

Read more: AmeriFreight review

AmeriFreight Best for Discounts
4.8
BBB Rating : A+ Phone : 855-460-6609 Coverage : 50 states
Pros & Cons
Pros Affordable rates and several discount opportunities available Thorough carrier vetting process Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation Offers a guaranteed price option Delivers coast to coast Cons No real-time GPS tracking or mobile app Charges extra for insurance No locked-in rates No international shipping
Summary

AmeriFreight is a leading car shipping broker that partners with over 10,000 car carriers to deliver a wide range of auto transport services. The company also works with government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and retailers to deliver outsourced logistics services and shipping on a large scale.

Other Massachusetts Car Shipping Companies

We mentioned five well-known car shipping companies that operate nationwide earlier. However, there are also some excellent regional options in Massachusetts. Take a look below at one more provider you might want to consider.

Fisher Shipping

Fisher Shipping is headquartered in Auburn, MA. Learn more about this provider on the Fisher Shipping website.


Massachusetts Car Shipping Costs

The price of shipping a car in Massachusetts can be very different depending on a few things. Some factors that affect the cost depend on what you need, like the type of transportation you choose. Most people use either an open or enclosed trailer to ship their car, so we’ve given the average prices for both methods below.

Open Car Shipping Costs In Massachusetts

Open car shipping is when vehicles are transported together on a trailer without walls or a roof. It’s cheaper, but there is more risk involved compared to enclosed transport services.

The average cost to ship a car to and from Massachusetts using open car shipping is $1,053, which is 4 percent more expensive than the national average of $1,010. We gathered cost estimates for open car transport along popular Massachusetts car shipping routes, which you’ll find below:

Auto Shipping RouteTotal Average Cost
Boston to New York$479
Boston to Los Angeles$1,229
Boston to Chicago$899
San Francisco to Boston$1,439
Miami to Boston$1,029
Worcester to New York$489
Worcester to Los Angeles$1,299
Worcester to Chicago$869
San Francisco to Worcester$1,349
Miami to Worcester$1,029
Malden to New York$559
Malden to Los Angeles$1,309
Malden to Chicago$869
San Francisco to Malden$1,399
Miami to Malden$1,029

Enclosed Car Shipping Costs In Massachusetts

Enclosed auto transport services utilize an enclosed carrier that provides the ultimate level of protection from road hazards during transport. While it makes Massachusetts car shipping much pricier than open car shipping services, owners of classic or luxury cars should consider it.

The average cost to ship a car to and from Massachusetts using enclosed auto transport is $1,474, which is 40 percent more than the average cost of open car shipping in Massachusetts. The table below has average costs of popular Massachusetts car shipping routes using enclosed transport.

Auto Shipping RouteTotal Average Cost
Boston to New York$669
Boston to Los Angeles$1,719
Boston to Chicago$1,259
San Francisco to Boston$2,009
Miami to Boston$1,439
Worcester to New York$679
Worcester to Los Angeles$1,819
Worcester to Chicago$1,219
San Francisco to Worcester$1,889
Miami to Worcester$1,439
Malden to New York$779
Malden to Los Angeles$1,829
Malden to Chicago$1,219
San Francisco to Malden$1,959
Miami to Malden$1,439

What Affects Car Shipping Costs In Massachusetts?

Your exact auto transport expenses for Massachusetts will likely depend on various factors. When you ship a car, several factors can influence the cost you will pay. These factors include the type of transportation, where the car is being delivered, the price of fuel, the distance the car needs to be shipped, the type of vehicle, and the condition of the car.

A visual list of items that affect car shipping prices

How To Ship A Car To And From Massachusetts

Want to send a car in Massachusetts but don’t know where to begin? Moving your vehicle might seem difficult at first, but we’ve explained the process below to make it easy and stress-free.

Choose Your Shipping Method

First, you have to choose how you want to transport your vehicle. As previously mentioned, enclosed and open carrier car shipping are the most common types used across the industry. Both have their pros and cons, so comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping will help you determine which best fits your needs.

Compare Massachusetts Car Shipping Quotes

After you have decided on a way to transport, you need to compare quotes for auto transport in Massachusetts. It’s easy to get online quotes for car shipping, and we recommend providing vehicle details to various car shipping companies to find the best price.

Remember that while certain companies promise to honor the price they quote you for Massachusetts auto transport, there are others who might raise your shipping rate because of market changes. If having a fixed price for your Massachusetts car shipping service is important to you, then go for a provider that provides this guarantee.

Select A Transport Provider

Once you’ve looked at different quotes for shipping cars from different providers, you will probably have fewer options for Massachusetts car shipping. At this point, you need to decide if you prefer to use a car shipping broker or an online shipping marketplace. Brokers will find a car carrier for you, while shipping marketplaces expect you to handle carriers on your own.

Make sure to do your research by checking online review platforms and discussion boards, no matter what option you choose. It’s really useful to hear directly from other people who have used shipping providers when you’re deciding on one for transporting a car to Massachusetts.

Prepare Your Car And Meet The Carrier

After you have arranged for a vehicle transport service, it is important to prepare your car for shipment. Remove any personal belongings from your vehicle, as some transporters in Massachusetts take into account the weight of the vehicle when determining the costs. It’s also wise to leave your gas tank no more than a quarter full.

It’s now time to meet your carrier at a predetermined time and location. Whether you opted for door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping, you’ll inspect your vehicle for prior damages such as dents, scratches, and dings. Before your car is loaded onto the trailer, make sure to take pictures of it to have the proper documentation. All you need to do now is sign the bill of lading, which is a receipt that follows your vehicle as it travels to or from Massachusetts.

Pick Your Car Up

If the car transport company you choose has GPS tracking, you can watch your car as it travels to or from Massachusetts in real time. Either way, the company will eventually send you a message about when they will pick up your car.

When you arrive at the assigned pickup spot and time, check your vehicle for any damages. This is especially crucial for people who choose open auto transport. If you find any damages, report them on the bill of lading and take photos for potential claims. However, if everything looks good, you’ll just sign the bill of lading one last time and drive the car away.


What To Expect With Massachusetts Car Shipping

If you’re shipping a car to or from Massachusetts, there are certain factors that are specific to the state that could affect your car shipping experience. The size of the city, the number of people, how traffic flows, and bad weather conditions can all impact how long it’ll take for your car to be shipped in Massachusetts. It’s a good idea to be aware of these things in advance so you won’t be surprised during the shipping process.

Population density can also have an impact on the availability of door-to-door transport. Massachusetts is less densely populated than other states in the U.S., which may make door-to-delivery less of a hassle. However, availability may differ in major cities such as Boston and Worcester.

In addition, many cities in Massachusetts have higher-than-average rainfall and greater chances of extreme weather. Bad weather like storms or flooding might cause delays with shipping cars in Massachusetts. To avoid any problems, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and be open to flexible delivery times.


Massachusetts Car Shipping: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions customers have about Massachusetts car shipping.

Why would a person want to ship their car?

If you’re moving more than a few hundred miles away, a long-distance road trip might not be worth it. Cross-country car shipping can provide peace of mind while offering protection from risks associated with long drives, such as mechanical breakdowns and car accidents. Getting your car to Massachusetts from far away states is much easier with auto transport.

What are the benefits of car shipping?

Car shipping is a safe way to get your car to and from Massachusetts without wasting the time and expenses associated with a long road trip. Choosing to ship your car rather than drive it will also protect your car from the wear and tear that comes along with extended driving periods.

How do I ship a car to Massachusetts?

You’ll start the shipping process by researching various car shipping companies and getting free quotes online. Next, you’ll choose a provider, book your shipment, and prepare the car for transport. Once your car has made it to or from Massachusetts, you’ll meet the car carrier for pickup.

How We Rate Massachusetts Auto Shippers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car shipping companies. While there are multiple qualities that make an auto transport provider successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and routes.
  • Services: Our team of experts looks at the types of services available, as well as insurance coverage and the ability to guarantee pickup and dropoff dates. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier.
  • Reputation: It’s important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. Companies with a strong rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score well in this category. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Customer Experience: We comb through consumer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area.

*Data accurate at time of publication.
*Read more about our methodology.