Best Car Shipping Companies
Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, American Auto Shipping, and AmeriFreight are the best car shipping companies of 2024.
From our #1 rated provider, 
The Gist:
- Montway Auto Transport is the best company to ship your car with, according to our analysis.
- Sherpa Auto Transport offers a price-lock guarantee, earning it second place in our rankings. SGT is our third-rated auto-shipping provider due to its price match guarantee and instant offers.
- Average car shipping costs come out to around $2.00 per mile or $550 to $2,600 in total depending on a variety of factors.
If you’d like to weigh your options for car shipping, our team of experts has spent 300 hours evaluating the reputations, prices, services, and customer experiences of 25 different auto transporters. To help you find the right provider for you, we’ll explore these factors from our top five picks for the best car shipping companies.
Car Shipping Ratings
Along with consumer surveys and quotes from hundreds of providers, we take a company’s customer review scores, industry reputation, price, and services offered to deliver an unbiased rating methodology that helps us determine the best car transport companies.
Best Car Shipping Company
Montway Auto Transport is the highest-rated auto transport company in 2024, but the following companies also offer high-quality car shipping services at competitive rates:
- Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Rates
- SGT Auto Transport: Best Price-Match Guarantee
- American Auto Shipping: Best Service Availability
- AmeriFreight: Best for Discounts
- uShip: Best Shipping Marketplace
- Easy Auto Ship: Best Customer Experience
To help you easily compare, the table below contains the top seven car shipping companies in our study and their scores in each major category:
| Company | Overall | Reputation | Price | Services | Customer |
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.6 |
| American Auto Shipping | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| AmeriFreight | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.1 |
| uShip | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Easy Auto Ship | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.9 | 4.4 |
As you can see, Montway is the top-rated auto transport company. Its excellent reputation and services set it apart from other providers and make it our recommended car transport company if you’re looking to ship your car.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
We surveyed 1,000 car shipping customers who used the auto shipping companies in this article. Nearly 25 percent of respondents shipped their car between 500 and 1,000 miles. While the majority experienced issues, nearly 70 percent of respondents were satisfied with their shipment overall and 56 percent would recommend the car shipper to a family member or friend.
These are the average satisfaction numbers for each auto provider in our survey:
- Montway Auto Transport: 84 percent of customers were satisfied
- AmeriFreight: 67 percent of customers were satisfied
- Easy Auto Ship: 65 percent of customers were satisfied
- Sherpa Auto Transport: 60 percent of customers were satisfied
- uShip: 59 percent of customers were satisfied
Best Car Shipping Companies
In the sections below, we provide an in-depth look at each of the top seven car shipping companies. Along with providing the specific information used to determine scores in each of our rating categories, we provide pros and cons, sample quotes, and specific areas where each shipping company stands out in the industry.
Car Shipping
Car shipping services can be a convenient way to transport your vehicle to an intended destination without having to drive yourself. If you’re unfamiliar with the auto transport process, check out the following sections.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transportation is a service provided by cargo companies that helps people move their vehicle from one place to another on a carrier truck designed to ship vehicles. Auto transport is also referred to as “car shipping” or “vehicle shipping.” It can be the most time and cost-effective way of getting your car from point A to point B.
Auto Transportation Terminology
Like many industries, auto transport is filled with jargon. While you may be familiar with many of these terms, some of them may be unfamiliar. If you’re considering transporting a vehicle, knowing the lingo can help you better assess your options. The table below contains many commonly-used auto transport terms:
| Auto Transport Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Auto transport | To physically move a vehicle from a place of origin to a specific destination. |
| Auto transport broker | A type of cargo broker that specializes in the transportation of vehicles. While most U.S. vehicles are cars and pickup trucks, many other vehicle types are also shipped. Transport brokers are usually an intermediary between customers and carriers. |
| Auto transport company | A company that provides open or enclosed carriers to transport automobiles from a point of origin to a destination. If you need a car moved, auto transport companies can do it for you, and can be a broker or carrier. |
| Auto carrier | A semi-truck and trailer designed to carry automobiles that can also be a train or roll-on/roll-off ship that transport cars. Shippers are sometimes referred to as “carriers” as well. |
| Bill of lading | In auto transport, a bill of lading is a legal document issued by transport companies that outlines the shipping arrangement. It describes the condition of your vehicle at pickup and dropoff. Your signature indicates your agreement with the carrier’s inspection of the vehicle.
The bill of lading can also be used as an official receipt of your shipment and indication of new damages if you have to file an insurance claim against the company. |
| Co-loading | Roughly equivalent to ridesharing in freight transportation, co-loading is the consolidation of shipments across several companies on the same carriers. In auto transport, this means loading more than one car on a carrier, which helps reduce costs for both the company and customer. |
| Damage codes | Damage codes are a set of codes that report damages to a vehicle. |
| Diversion | Diversion signifies the changing or rerouting of a shipment in transit |
| Door-to-door auto transport service | Door-to-door shipping is a type of auto transport where the shipping company picks up or delivers a vehicle as close to a customer’s desired location (often their home) as possible. |
| En route | En route means a vehicle has started its journey from the place of origin to the place of destination and is in transit. |
| Terminal-to-terminal auto transport service | Terminal-to-terminal shipping is when you drive your vehicle to a specified dropoff terminal. Your vehicle remains there until the carrier collects it. After picking it up, the carrier transports the vehicle to its destination terminal, where you then pick up the vehicle. |
Car Shipping Services
The type of car shipping service you choose should match your needs. There are a variety of car shipping services available, all of which can differ depending on the shipping provider. Below we will look at several types of auto transport services, including transport methods, pickup and delivery types, and transport company categories.
Ways To Ship A Car
The list below contains information about the benefits and drawbacks of the most common auto transport methods:
- Open transport: Open transport is a car shipping method where the vehicle is shipped on a truck with an uncovered bed. While this is the cheapest method, there is more risk of the vehicle being damaged because the car is exposed to the environment.
- Enclosed transport: Enclosed transport is when a vehicle is shipped on a trailer that is sealed and closed. Because the car isn’t exposed to the environment and is out of sight using this method, it is safer from damage or theft. This more pricey option may be preferable if you have an expensive vehicle or prefer discretion.
- Alternative transport methods: Alternative (non-truck) methods like rail, air, or ship are less flexible but may be worth it in long-distance scenarios.
Door-To-Door Auto Transport Vs. Terminal-To-Terminal Auto Transport
With door-to-door shipping, customers are required to be present during pick-up and delivery, which can be preferable for those who want their vehicles delivered near their homes. With terminal-to-terminal shipping, customers can drop off or pick up their vehicles at the terminal yard at their convenience but may have to travel farther to do so.
Door-to-door transport is typically more expensive than terminal-to-terminal transport, although it is more convenient most times to have it delivered right to your door. Door-to-door transport is also not available in every location so it's important to check with your provider should you prefer that option.
Types Of Car Shipping Companies
There are three types of car shipping companies: third-party brokers, marketplaces, and direct providers, each of which has specific benefits and drawbacks:
- Car shipping brokers: Auto transport brokers coordinate with carrier networks to help customers find the best deal. While lower rates can be found on marketplaces, a safe, smooth shipping experience is more likely to be provided by a reputable broker with standardized contracts and high carrier-vetting standards.
- Car shipping marketplaces: Shipping marketplaces cut out the middleman and allow customers to compare shippers and negotiate with carriers directly. While this can be risky due to less carrier vetting and no contract standardization, diligent customers can leverage the bidding process for lower rates.
- Direct providers: While you can sometimes get better services or lower rates working directly with a carrier, this option is the riskiest. The main benefit of working directly with a carrier (you can trust) is that the driver is more directly accountable.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
Averaging around $2.00 per mile, auto transport costs range from $550 to $2,600 for shorter transports. While rates are as low as 58 cents per mile for shipments of 1,500+ miles. In our customer survey, around 41 percent of respondents paid between $1,000 to $2,000 in car shipping costs, and only 16 percent paid over $2,000 for auto shipping.
Car Shipping Cost Factors
The cost to transport a car depends on several factors, including:
| Car Shipping Cost Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Shipping time frame | The faster you have to have a vehicle delivered, the more it will cost. For lower prices, it’s generally recommended to book transport services at least two weeks out and be flexible with pickup and delivery times. |
| Transport methods | Shipping by open carrier is the cheapest way to ship a car, though we recommend the extra protection of enclosed trailers for classic cars. |
| Pickup and delivery location | In general, terminal-to-terminal delivery is less expensive than door-to-door delivery. Also, shipping to and from urban areas tends to be less expensive than shipping to and from rural areas. Also, terminal-to-terminal delivery saves on upfront costs compared to door-to-door shipping, but it’s not available with every provider. |
| Shipping distance | While the cost per mile is often lower for extremely long trips, the overall cost is typically higher. This is because you pay for a higher number of miles overall. |
| Type of vehicle and condition | Larger cars like SUVs, pricey vehicles, and inoperable vehicles have higher costs. You might also find different transport costs for specialized vehicles like motorcycles and RVs. |
| Time of year | Shipping prices tend to be more expensive in the summer months and January, because more people are moving to different locations during these times. |
| Discount availability | Most transport companies offer discounts for multi-car transport, returning customers, military members, seniors, students, and first responders. You can often get a lower rate for things like paying the carrier in cash, paying up front, or leaving a larger deposit than what is required. |
Shipping A Car
The first thing to determine when considering shipping a vehicle is whether or not it’s worth it. Those who are relocating may be tempted to drive the vehicle themselves and maybe trade it in at the destination. For instances when the distance is short, your schedule is tight, or you need a car shipped fast, driving (or having the vehicle driven) may save time and money.
Is It Worth It To Ship A Car?
While driving is usually cheaper than shipping it, especially for shorter transports, auto shipping is worth the price if you’re moving over 500 miles because it’s more convenient.
Here’s why:
- Safety: Driving long distances involves many safety risks that can come as a result of human or mechanical error. Having your vehicle professionally shipped removes these concerns.
- Cost: While it may seem like the alternatives make more sense, saving money and saving time are arguably the biggest reasons to ship your vehicle, as it can be difficult to get out of long-term leases.
- Less damage and wear: By choosing to have your vehicle shipped, you will keep thousands of miles off your odometer.
- Simplicity: By having professionals ship your vehicle, any concerns you may have had about getting your vehicle from point A to point B will be reduced.
- Inoperable vehicle: Even if your car is not driveable, it can still be shipped. People who are in this position may have the biggest reason to ship a vehicle.
How Car Shipping Works
Once you’ve determined that shipping a car is worth it, the next steps are to research car shipping companies and understand the car shipping process so you can avoid common hang-ups. In the next sections, we’ll discuss choosing a car shipping company, issues to be aware of in the shipping process, and tips for a smooth auto transport experience.
How To Choose An Auto Transport Company
If you’re unsure of what to look for, read on to discover what makes a vehicle transport company rise above the rest:
| Auto Transport Company Characteristic | What To Look For |
|---|---|
| Registration | To be eligible to provide auto transport services, a car shipping company should have an MC and DOT number as proof that it’s registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. If its number is not authorized, there’s a high chance you’re dealing with a scam or company that isn’t reputable. |
| Insurance coverage | Does the provider offer a full slate of insurance coverage? Legitimate car moving companies are bonded and hold cargo insurance to keep your vehicle safe during transport. Avoid carriers that lack sufficient policies. |
| Services meet your needs | Not every carrier offers all shipping options, such as door-to-door shipping, enclosed transport, and expedited delivery times. Ensure that shipping a car to Hawaii, Alaska, or international destinations is possible if you need one of those services. |
| Price is within your budget | With so many auto transport companies on the market, it’s important to shop for one that can get the job done within your budget. Companies charge different shipping rates depending on their services and availability.
Look for a reputable provider that asks for no more than $2 per mile for your route. Many companies are willing to offer lower rates if you aren’t picky about waiting or can live without door-to-door service. |
| Industry experience and reputation | You’ll want to be sure that the car shipping company you choose has a reputation for taking care of its customers, as customer service is said to be the business auto shipping companies are really in.
One of the top indicators of a reputable car shipping company is the number of years they’ve been in the industry. Look for companies with a high level of expertise and a good track record of safely fulfilling deliveries. |
| Payment options | Auto transport companies should offer multiple payment options to cater to different needs, including cash, credit card, check, and more. One red flag is a company that only accepts wire transfers, as this method is the least traceable. |
| Bidding quotes | Avoid companies that make offers that are too good to be true, as the cheapest quote usually isn’t actually the cheapest. It’s not uncommon for prices to increase by 25 percent or more between the period you’re given an initial quote and receive the final price. Make sure to look for companies with guaranteed quotes. |
| Customer reviews | Ratings and reviews are true assets for top car shipping companies because so many details about them are available online. While the providers on this list all receive positive marks for customer satisfaction, that’s not true across the entire auto transport industry.
You can drastically increase your chances of a positive experience and save time and money by reading online ratings and learning from the experiences of others. |
What To Know When Shipping A Car
Once you pick a vehicle transporter, the process is fairly simple. If you use one of the U.S.’s best car shipping companies, you’ll likely have a straightforward and hassle-free delivery experience from pickup to the moment the bill of lading is signed at drop-off.
That said, there are some key hangups to look out for to make ensure a smooth shipping experience:
| Car Shipping Fact | What To Know |
| Shipping quotes are rarely locked in | Car shipping quotes are rarely locked in. When you present the info needed to get a shipping quote, the broker from the shipping company will provide you with the estimated cost that it will take to have your vehicle shipped and try to secure a carrier for that price. |
| Documents required to ship a car | There are two documents that every customer deals with when shipping a car: (1) the bill of lading and (2) insurance terms and conditions. Additional documents like the absent owner and lienholder authorizations are needed when your car goes through a port (e.g. for international or Hawaii shipping). |
| Car shipping rules | Federal law places restrictions on the height of transported vehicles. If your vehicle is taller than seven feet high, which is the permissible limit of what a standard carrier can transport, your vehicle must be shipped on a special carrier made for taller vehicles. |
| Drop-off points may not be exact | Because auto transport trucks are large, they may not be able to meet you at the exact drop-off point. Choosing door-to-door service doesn’t mean your vehicle will end up directly at your home. This is because, in some neighborhoods, it’s extremely difficult for a massive delivery truck to drive right up to your home. |
| Car shipping requirements | Most companies have various requirements regarding the vehicles they’ll ship. For instance, many providers require that vehicles be in operating condition, have an emergency brake, be licensed to drive on highways, and have windshields/windows with no cracks. Also, most car shipping companies have a limit on the number of personal items you can have in a car while it’s transported. |
| Pickup times vary | Vehicle transport timelines can change considerably depending on many factors that are out of everyone’s control, like weather and traffic. |
| Cash payments are preferred | Companies expect to receive cash upon the delivery of your vehicle. If you need to use a credit card, you’ll likely be required to pay for the entire transport upfront when the carrier is dispatched to pick up your vehicle. |
Car Transport Problems
Our survey found that the majority of customers experienced some issues during the shipping process. Commonly reported issues included the following:
- Vehicles were damaged upon delivery
- Prices increased after booking
- Carrier’s insurance didn’t cover damages
- Shipments extended beyond the original delivery date
Car Shipping Tips
If you’re unfamiliar with how car shipping works, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid unnecessary issues. Here are some tips:
- Get more than one quote: As is the case with shopping for nearly any product or service, it’s usually best to get multiple quotes so that you understand what options are available.
- Don’t be in a rush: While it’s difficult to prepare for unexpected and urgent situations, thinking ahead and giving yourself as much time as possible allows you to assess your options and avoid the unnecessary fees that come with expedited shipping from short notice.
- Emphasize the company: While discounts and low costs can seem like the top factor in choosing a car shipping company, it’s even more costly to incur vehicle damages from a company that doesn’t ship your vehicle with the utmost care.
- Assess the risks: To avoid the potential for costly damages, make sure that the company you choose has an insurance policy that is clear and comprehensive.
- Aim for flexibility: If you need to have your vehicle on a specific day or at a particular location, make sure to explain this to the car shipping company upfront. If this isn’t possible, consider arranging a friend, family member, or even your moving company to meet at the location your vehicle is delivered at.
If the carrier can’t come directly to your home, we recommend locating the delivery location at a local parking lot that is along a wide road and relatively vacant.
How To Ship A Car
Below are the steps that typically take place when shipping a car:
| Car Shipping Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Compare quotes and decide on a company | Compare multiple free quotes and select a reputable car shipping company that best fits your needs. |
| Shipment reservation | After selecting a company, your shipment will be assigned to a carrier that accommodates your timeframe and route and you’ll work with the broker to schedule a convenient pickup time. You may be asked to make a partial deposit. |
| Vehicle preparation | Make sure to remove your personal items and deliver your vehicle with 1/4 tank of gas or less to decrease unnecessary weight or damages to your vehicle.
Also, give the shipping company a copy of your key to ensure you can pick your vehicle up if the key is lost. |
| Pickup | On pickup day, your vehicle is loaded and will begin transport to its destination. At this moment, you and your driver will inspect your vehicle.
Make sure the bill of lading accurately describes your vehicle’s condition when you leave the vehicle with the carrier. It may also be a good idea to take photos at this time so you can determine if it was damaged during transit. |
| Shipment tracking | Many car shipping companies regularly communicate with customers during transport, which may include text or email updates, 24-hour support from a live shipping agent, or an online transport tracker powered by GPS. |
| Delivery | When the vehicle is delivered, you will sign the bill of lading again and inspect the vehicle for damages. If applicable, you’ll also make final payments to the driver at this time.
If there is damage, you’ll need this document to submit a claim to the transport carrier’s insurance company. Without damage properly noted on the bill of lading, this claim can be denied. |
Auto Transport Companies: Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed the best car shipping companies in the country and provided several tips that will hopefully ensure peace of mind for those seeking a reliable auto shipping provider. We chose Montway as our top shipping provider for offering the best overall experience for customers. The company is the most well rounded in the shipping industry and offers competitive prices with a full range of shipping services.
We also realize that our top-rated provider isn’t always the best fit for every customer, so we included several other companies that provide solid shipping options. By comparing many providers, you’ll find the one that suits your needs best.
Auto Shipping Companies: FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about car shipping companies and the auto transport process in general:
What is the best company to ship a car?
After a thorough review of the car shipping industry, we found that Montway Auto Transport is the best company to ship a car with. The auto shipper stands out for its stellar customer service reputation and variety of transport services.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
You can put stuff in your car with some auto transport companies (usually up to 100 miles), but most companies advise against this. If the vehicle is damaged because of the contents inside it, it isn’t likely you’ll be reimbursed. Additionally, you may incur extra costs because your vehicle would weigh more.
What should you look for in a car shipping company?
When shopping for an auto transport service, you should look for these things in a car shipping company:
- Good customer service
- Low prices
- Supplemental insurance
- Years of experience
- GPS tracking services
How long does it take to ship a car?
The average time that it takes to ship a car within the continental U.S. is one to two weeks. Shipping a car to Hawaii or Alaska, on the other hand, can take up to eight weeks or longer. While these time periods are approximate ranges, factors that will determine your particular times are transport truck bandwidth, traffic, weather, and more.
Can I ship my vehicle overseas?
Yes, you can ship your vehicle overseas, but doing so will require a few extra documents, such as a photo ID and vehicle registration.
How do I choose a shipping company for my car?
How you choose a shipping company for your car depends on multiple factors. Look into each carrier’s prices, services, insurance protection, and customer service ratings.
How should you prepare to ship your vehicle?
Here’s how you prepare to ship your vehicle:
- Make sure your gas tank is no more than one quarter full.
- Ensure you’ve removed your personal belongings from the vehicle. Lighter vehicles mean cheaper shipping costs.
- Wash and take pictures of the car. This will help you better notice any pre-existing marks or damages to tell the carrier.
Do you need insurance to ship a vehicle?
You aren’t required to purchase insurance to ship a vehicle. Personal car insurance is also not required to ship a vehicle. On the other hand, the shipping company is required to have liability insurance to cover damages that may be incurred while shipping others’ vehicles.
What is the best way to ship a car?
The best way to ship a car largely depends on what you seek to achieve. Moving companies can be good for cheaply transporting personal vehicles, but professional car shipping companies are the best and most affordable way to do it. They’re also the best avenue for shipping collector cars and commercial and military vehicles.
Does shipping an inoperable vehicle cost more?
Yes, it generally costs more to ship an inoperable vehicle than an operable one. While the fee amounts may vary, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 extra if your car doesn’t start.
Can you ship a car to another state?
It’s simple to ship a car to another state using one of the top car shipping companies. By getting auto transport quotes from top providers, you’ll find out how much the process could cost. Since car transport providers specialize in shipping from state to state, they have a streamlined process for how to do so.
What Is door-to-door shipping?
Door-to-door service is standard in the auto transport industry and allows you and the carrier to meet as closely, safely, and legally at a pre-agreed upon address to pickup and drop-off your vehicle. However, door-to-door service doesn’t always start or end on your exact doorstep. Imagine a 45-foot truck driving up to your house. Meeting at a nearby parking lot or along a wide road is best if the carrier has trouble navigating the area.
How We Rate 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 drop-off 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.
