Auto Shipping Companies in USA
If you are looking for the finest auto shipping company for your requirements and the best transportation care for your vehicle?
To provide you with the greatest overall alternatives, we've assessed the reputation, cost, services, and customer experience of the top vehicle transporters in the country. The list is down to the top 10 car shipping companies. Each one passes stringent requirements for licensure, insurance, and customer-friendly company procedures.
What's In This Article?
- How We Selected The Best Car Shipping Companies?
- What Characteristics Should You Seek For In A Car Transportation Company?
- Compare Car Shipping Companies
- Car Shipping Guide
- How Does Car Shipping Work?
- Types Of Auto Transport
- How To Ship A Car
- How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
- What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs?
- Car Shipping FAQs
How We Selected the Best Car Shipping Companies?
Our list of the top vehicle shipping firms was created by first selecting rivals who satisfied our basic requirements, then assessing the 25 most well-known businesses from that list and rating them all according to 26 distinct criteria
We further whittled down our choices to the top five firms. We rate services based on things like BBB rating, national coverage, cancellation policy, customer service, choices for shipping cars internationally, insurance coverage, and multi-car transport service. Our editorial staff alone determines all ratings.
What characteristics should you seek for in a car transportation company?
There are several qualities you should search for in a car shipping firm, including:
Low costs: Spend the extra time comparing various quotations to avoid overpaying. But, be wary of prices that look absurdly low.
Quote guarantees: Car transportation costs frequently increase between the first estimate and the final price by roughly 25%. Hence, if a firm even partially guarantees your delivery quotation, see it as a red sign.
Several years of expertise: In the car transport sector, longevity is typically a big trust indicator. We advise choosing a car shipping firm that has been in business for some time
Extra protection: Although though accidents are uncommon, anything may happen in logistics. The greatest vehicle shipping businesses will provide you with more than a basic insurance plan.
Consumer feedback: We take customer evaluations very seriously and while we appreciate that they are subjective, we typically feel confident selecting a shipping provider that has at least 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Compare car shipping companies
Company |
10+ years experience |
Extra insurance coverage |
Price |
Services |
Sherpa Auto Transport |
NO |
YES |
4.8 |
4.6 |
Rapid Auto Shipping |
YES |
YES |
4.7 |
4.9 |
Montway Auto Transport |
YES |
YES |
4.5 |
4.7 |
SGT Auto Transport |
NO |
YES |
4.4 |
4.6 |
AmeriFreight |
YES |
YES |
4.3 |
4.8 |
American Auto Shipping |
YES |
YES |
4.2 |
4.7 |
Easy Auto Ship |
NO |
YES |
4.0 |
4.6 |
uShip |
YES |
YES |
4.4 |
4.7 |
Nexus Auto Transport |
NO |
YES |
4.3 |
4.4 |
Ship A Car Direct |
YES |
YES |
4.6 |
4.5 |
Sherpa Auto Transport
The national vehicle shipping company Sherpa Auto Transport provides a wide range of services. Pick from covered transport trucks or open-car carriers to carry any kind of vehicle. You'll never see bait-and-switch pricing thanks to our exclusive Price Lock Guarantee. Instead, we provide you with an estimate for shipping your automobile and keep to it. I'm done now. Get your free estimate right now. The booking fee for your shipment is nil. In addition, with our Clean Vehicle Promise, receive a free car wash when it arrives.
PROS |
CONS |
• $1 million liability insurance |
• No shipping to Hawaii, Alaska or DC |
• Discount for multiple vehicles |
• No RV transport |
• "Price lock" guarantee |
• "Clean Car Guarantee" only reimburses up to $20 for out-of-pocket car wash expenses |
Why we chose it: Sherpa Auto Shipping is our choice for the finest auto shipping business with high insurance limits, offering a liability insurance coverage that is ten times what other firms provide.
Rapid Auto Shipping
We will help you to ship your vehicle on time at an affordable price. You can ship your vehicle without any hustle and bustle, only just by contacting us. We will provide you best representatives to help you out if you have any questions regarding auto shipping. All you have to do is to fill the free quote form, to get an instant quote for your shipment. You will see your auto shipping quote in less than 30 seconds with our price calculator, and find out when your vehicle can be picked up. We will help you to ship your vehicle on time at an affordable price. Give us a call at +1 (833) 233-4447 the next time you need to transport an automobile, or utilise Live Chat. Get in contact for a guaranteed all-inclusive pricing with no additional costs. We’re open 24/7.
PROS |
CONS |
• A+ rating from the BBB and very few customer complaints |
• Charges extra for insurance |
• Easy-to-use booking process and quick shipper matching |
• Enclosed shipping is expensive |
• 24/7 customer service available |
• Limited quote tool functionality |
• Ships to all US states |
|
• Shipping all type of vehicle |
|
On Transport Reviews, TrustPilot, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau, and Google, Rapid Auto Shipping consistently obtains five-star ratings. Some reviewers are given a little deposit reimbursement that is unrelated to their rating score or pricing as an incentive to share their experience. We've delivered over 20,000 new and used cars, and while we're not perfect, we've built a solid reputation in the process.
Montway Auto Transport
A 5-star rated auto transport business, Montway Auto Transport is based in Chicago, Illinois. We provide auto shipping services with a tailored approach, specialised advisers, zero-upfront payment, complete insurance coverage, GPS tracking solutions, extended hours, and collaboration with more than 20k carriers. We have over 15 years of industry experience. All 50 states are covered by our national vehicle shipping services, which include expedited car shipment, enclosed auto shipping, open auto shipping, and door-to-door auto delivery. You can depend on Montway Auto Transport to provide a safe, quick, and trustworthy countrywide vehicle shipping service. The industry pioneer in vehicle transport is regarded as Montway Auto Transport. Order today!
PROS |
CONS |
• Strong reputation, customer satisfaction, and industry ratings |
• No real-time tracking or mobile-app; must contact company for tracking info |
• Carrier vetting |
• No guaranteed pricing |
• Large network of 15,000+ carriers |
• $199 cancellation fee |
• Offers expedited delivery |
• No specialty shipping services for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, trailers, or other watercraft |
• Competitive pricing |
• Intrusive Pop-up Ads |
Montway offers one of the industry's most thorough carrier verification processes. While most rivals employ a service known as Central Dispatch, Montway has a large staff of individuals devoted to carrier verification.
SGT Auto Transport
SGT Car Shipping is a 5-star rated auto shipping company that provides vehicle shipping services throughout the United States. Contact us immediately for any of your vehicle shipping requirements. We provide various automobile transportation services, including enclosed auto transport, open car shipping, assured pick-ups, and door-to-door car transport service. We are a family-owned vehicle shipping company that prioritises customer service. More than 10,000 satisfied customers will attest to the high quality of our service. Your automobiles are secure with us because we are a US DOT and FMCSA-approved service. Call us at (864) 546-5038 or utilise Live Chat the next time you need to transport an automobile. Contact us for a guaranteed all-inclusive cost with no hidden fees. We are available around the clock.
PROS |
CONS |
• $0 upfront payment |
• No terminal-to-terminal shipping |
• $0 upfront payment |
• No service to Alaska |
• 24/7 customer support |
• Scheduled pickup window is missed occasionally |
• Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 on the BBB |
|
• Price matching |
|
SGT Auto Transport provides open and enclosed shipments to the 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. In addition, it offers door-to-door service for all packages, albeit if your area has limited streets, you may need to meet a carrier at a nearby spot.
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight is one of the nation's leading vehicle shipping companies. The organisation, which has many years of industry experience, provides a wide range of vehicle transport services and has a good customer service record.
PROS |
CONS |
• Affordable rates and several discount opportunities availablet |
• No real-time GPS tracking or mobile app |
• Thorough carrier vetting process |
• Pricing can be confusing |
• Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation |
• Quote tool has limited functionality |
• Offers a guaranteed price option |
• Charges extra for insurance |
• Delivers coast to coast |
• Slow quote process online |
AmeriFreight, a reputable automobile shipping broker, collaborates with over 10,000 car carriers to provide a comprehensive range of vehicle transport services. In addition, the business collaborates with governmental organisations, automakers, and merchants to provide extensive outsourced logistics services and shipping.
American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping has been in the auto shipping company industry since 1999; thus, they are experts. Beyond that, the company's team makes every automobile shipping experience as positive as possible. A broad selection of shipping options is available from American Auto Shipping at reasonable prices
PROS |
CONS |
• Instant online quotes |
• No Alaska service |
• 24/7 customer service |
• No terminal-to-terminal shipping |
• Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation |
• No GPS tracking |
• Standard, priority, and expedited service |
|
• Over 137,000 vehicles shipped |
|
The cost of American Car Shipping may be as low as $659 for a 500-mile delivery and as much as $1,800 for cross-country deliveries. If you require enclosed shipping for a cross-country relocation, you can pay more than $2,000 for it. These are a few price ranges:
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is one of the best auto transport companies in the US, specialising in transporting privately owned automobiles, motorbikes, and heavy equipment to and from all fifty states and internationally. We work incredibly hard to establish strong carrier connections to provide our clients with a high-quality shipping experience at a reasonable price. Historic Cars, Hemmings, and several other well-known organisations use our fast quote system. We are a competent collection of professionals that like logistics and dealing with clients who require our assistance. Call us immediately or visit our website for a free quotation. Thank you for considering Easy Auto Ship for your vehicle transport requirements.
PROS |
CONS |
• Provides relatively affordable prices |
• Higher than average prices for enclosed shipping |
• Ships non-standard vehicles like RVs |
• More customer complaints than other top providers |
• Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation |
• Doesn't ship boats and heavy equiptment |
• Offers shipping services in all 50 states and internationally |
• Not in business as long as some competitors |
• Offers expedited shipping |
• No real-time tracking or mobile app or 24/7 customer service |
Easy Auto Ship ships to all 50 states as well as abroad. Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipments, open and enclosed shipping options, and expedited shipping are all available. Simple Auto Shipping transfers heavy equipment, vintage automobiles, motorbikes, household items, and autos.
uShip
Being one of the leading online shipping marketplaces, uShip uses an easy-to-navigate website supported by an enormous vehicle transport database to link clients directly with carriers and streamline the process of choosing a shipper.
PROS |
CONS |
• Offers complimentary vehicle tracking |
• No carrier or broker vetting process |
• Affordable rates and pricing control |
• Customer service review below average |
|
• Instant quotes may be more pricy than final rate (no guaranteed quotes). Some customers complain about price fluctuations |
• Provides a “Ship with Confidence” guarantee |
• Response time to customer inquiries can be slow |
• Extra insurance |
• Not a direct shipping provider |
You may connect with shippers using uShip by establishing a marketplace listing or obtaining a quick estimate. Provide basic information and shipping specifics to develop a marketplace listing, and transporters will bid on your request. uShip will then provide you with a list of possible carriers and pricing, allowing consumers to pick the best shipper for their needs and obtain the best price.
Nexus Auto Transport
To ensure that your automobile arrives at its destination safely, Nexus Auto Transport is the company to call. We understand vehicle shipping, and our services are extensive, assisting you with all of your auto transport services needs: Personal Car Shipping, Historic Car Shipping, Seasonal Vehicle Shipping, Priority Expedited Car Shipping, and Enclosed Auto Transport are some of the services we offer.
PROS |
CONS |
• Easy, quick quote process |
• No carrier or broker vetting process |
• Reasonable prices |
• Customer service review below average |
• Offers door-to-door pickup and delivery |
• Website can be a little confusing |
• Provides a “Ship with Confidence” guarantee |
• Response time to customer inquiries can be slow |
• Extra insurance |
|
Nexus Auto Transport was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 2016. This vast national automobile transportation firm charges fair rates and provides door-to-door service. In addition, nexus Car Transport service provides a very straightforward online estimate procedure, and beginning of this year, there is no longer a reservation fee required to begin the process.
The organisation also provides a variety of delivery alternatives, allowing them to provide the best rate based on your budget. Quality closed-container, dependable budget open-container, and the quickest expedited choices are all available, and the buyer may select the best option for their budget.
Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct has been the highest-rated Vehicle Shipping Business on several review sites since 2008. Ship A Car Direct is the only auto transportation company that offers Damage-Free Assurance on our pre-screened carriers. Watch our informative online films, and utilise our online auto shipping quote calculator to receive a free ballpark estimate anonymously. Call us when ready to see why our customer service is unrivalled.
PROS |
CONS |
• No upfront deposit |
• No guaranteed prices |
• Reasonable prices |
• Customer service review below average |
• Excellent carrier vetting |
• Mediocre website |
• Positive customer reviews |
• Response time to customer inquiries can be slow |
• Extra insurance |
|
Apart from a thorough carrier certification procedure (to ensure you always get the finest drivers), Ship A Car Direct now has some of the lowest auto shipping company fees in the industry. How low can you go? Its pricing is around 11% cheaper than the industry average, which equates to a savings of approximately $130 for the average consumer. And the price is much lower for customers shipping with covered transport, which protects your vehicle from harm in transit. So don't worry; ship A Vehicle Direct also offers a $500 damage-free guarantee. That's not awful at all.
Car Shipping Guide
When someone has to transfer their car a greater distance than they could drive it alone, like when relocating across the nation, car shipping is generally done. Car transportation services are also helpful for corporate relocations and those moving exotic and vintage vehicles for auto exhibitions.
While moving firms and automobile transport services often overlap, auto shippers specialise in moving cars.
You may also browse our list of the top movers for a complete selection of services if you intend to relocate your automobile as part of a relocation to a new residence.
How does car shipping work?
In order to avoid having to drive your vehicle personally, there are a variety of options to move an automobile, including trailer trucks, cargo boats, railroads, and aeroplanes (and add to its wear and tear)
Companies that transport cars may act as brokers or carriers. Although brokers speak with many carriers to negotiate the best price, vehicle carriers conduct the transportation directly on your behalf.
Working with vehicle transport brokers is typically preferable as they handle the shipping for you. If you are a skilled negotiator, you can obtain a favourable bargain directly from a carrier. Also, if you're relocating to Hawaii or Alaska, check that the firm you pick has a variety of shipping alternatives, such as boat transfer.
International car shipping
The general procedure is the same with international automobile exports, although there is more documentation. You'll often be requested to supply the following documentation because you'll be exporting to a nation with different laws:
- Minimum of two forms of identification provided by the government, such as a passport or driver's licence.
- Name, phone number, address, and email of the sender and the recipient are examples of personal data.
- The year, make, and model of your car, as well as its VIN (vehicle identification number).
- A bill of sale, a notarized lien authorization, copies of the title, the original title, or any other document proving ownership is acceptable.
- Various payment details, such as banking or credit card information.
Also, you should be aware of extra expenses and factors that might not be relevant for domestic shipment. For instance, international shipping might take anywhere from 20 to 40 days, but domestic delivery may take up to 14 days.
Furthermore, destination port fees are effectively the expenses for clearing customs once your vehicle has arrived. These fees sometimes cost an additional $500 and generally include hiring an agent to handle your paperwork.
Types of auto transport
The auto transport company provides various automobile shipping options, including domestic shipping with trailer trucks and international shipment using cargo ships or aeroplanes. Nonetheless, using a trailer truck is the most typical method of vehicle shipping in the US. Open transport and enclosed transport are the two categories of land-based vehicle transportation.
Open auto transport: The least expensive alternative is open motor transport, often known as open carrier shipping. If you've ever seen a trailer filled with several automobiles on the highway, you've seen how to open auto transporters operate. Car dealerships employ this method of transport to send their new vehicles.
The most significant advantage of open car transport service is its affordable price. It's a fantastic alternative for the long-distance auto shipment because the carrier can afford to charge you less because your automobile will be packed with other vehicles.
Open carrier shipping has the drawback of exposing your automobile to the weather. This may not be the greatest choice for you if you'd prefer to keep your car clean or from being exposed to debris while on the road.
Enclosed auto transport: With enclosed auto transport, your vehicle will be transported in a trailer that is shielded from the elements and any potential roadside debris. Even so, you'll still be sharing space with other vehicles as an enclosed trailer can only hold a maximum of seven vehicles.
This option may increase your transport fees by up to $400, but it will also provide you additional piece of mind while your automobile is being transported. Exotic, opulent, or collector cars are more frequently employed in enclosed transport.
How to Ship a Car
The most frequent method for shipping an automobile is using a truck and trailer. But, there are other methods for resolving the issue. Investigating other processes could make sense in some circumstances.
Freight Train: While it is technically conceivable to carry one automobile on a freight train, doing so would be relatively inexpensive. Yet, shipping by rail becomes a viable choice if you're in charge of transporting a fleet of vehicles.
Ocean Freight: For automobile fleets or individual vehicles, shipping your car internationally or up and down a coastline is a viable alternative with costs comparable to trailer transportation.
Airplane: An automobile may be shipped through air freight, which is uncommon because of the excessive expense. A car usually is only transported by air during exceptional situations, and the cost might easily exceed the value of the transported vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The average cost of transporting a vehicle across the country is $1,650. Nonetheless, cross-country movements represent a tiny demographic. Shipping your automobile might cost as low as $0.58 per mile or as much as $2 per mile. The amount you pay is determined by several variables over which you may or may not have total control.
What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs?
Location: The distance between the pick-up and drop-off sites will obviously affect the price. Moreover, such destinations' popularity or difficulty is a consideration. In contrast to remote places that may be difficult or time-consuming to reach, popular cities for automobile moving will see more competition for your business and cost less to move into or out of.
Vehicle size and details: The fact that relocating a little automobile is less expensive than transferring a huge truck probably comes as no surprise. However, shipping charges depend on the car's worth and other amenities. A vehicle will cost more to freight the more particular attention it requires.
Options for shipment: The cheapest option is to have your car sent on an open trailer; however, additional options might raise or lower the shipping cost. Your vehicle is protected during transportation with an enclosed trailer; however, there is an extra charge. You won't need to pick up your car from a shipping facility across town if you choose door-to-door shipment, but the convenience will increase the cost of your shipping bill.
Shipping time: You can save money by letting the shipping firm operate at a comfortable pace if you're not in a rush. To keep prices as low as possible, the technology enables them to combine your vehicle with others travelling in the same direction.
Season: Supply and demand principles affect the cost of delivering cars to consumers, as they are in numerous businesses. Moving your automobile when there is a high demand, as when many people are returning home in the spring or moving to southern states during the winter, will be more expensive than shipping it when it is less busy.
Car shipping FAQs
What is the best company to ship a car?
We discovered that Sherpa Auto Transport is the finest business to transfer a car with after a thorough analysis of the auto shipping company sector. The vehicle shipper distinguishes out for the breadth of its shipping options and the excellence of its customer support.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
Because there is no single lowest automobile shipping firm in the United States, comparing estimates from various auto carriers is prudent. For example, Rapid Auto Shipping company and Easy Auto Ship have some of the industry's lowest rates.
Another point is that many automobile shipping rates rise before the actual shipment is scheduled due to unanticipated extra fees. Sherpa Car Transport's Price Lock Guarantee assures that your charges will remain the same as what you were quoted, which might provide added peace of mind.
To obtain the best deal on auto shipping, request free quotations from various companies simultaneously. Searching around might assist you in comparing possibilities and locating the most affordable shipping provider for your automobile.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
While moving your belongings in your vehicle is not unlawful, most transport firms advise against it. In addition, if the things inside the automobile cause damage, it is doubtful that you would be compensated. You may also pay additional fees since your car will be heavier.
What is auto transport?
Auto transportation, sometimes known as "car shipping" or "vehicle shipping," is a service offered by auto transport businesses that assist consumers in moving their cars from one location to another aboard a carrier made specifically for moving cars.
How much does car shipping usually cost?
Vehicle freight typically ranges from 40 cents to $2.00 per mile. Compared to long-distance and cross-country shipping, short-distance moves utilising open transit have lower total costs but higher average expenses per mile. You might obtain lower charges if you are more flexible with your drop-off and pickup dates.
What should you look for in a car shipping company?
Good customer service, affordable costs, additional insurance, years in operation, and GPS tracking are all things to look for in a car shipping firm.
Is enclosed transport or open transport cheaper?
While open carrier shipping is less expensive, enclosed shipment protects your vehicle from road debris and inclement weather.
How long does it take to ship a car?
The typical time to ship an automobile inside the continental United States is one to two weeks. However, shipping a car to Hawaii or Alaska may take up to eight weeks or more. In comparison, these are broad ranges; factors like transport truck bandwidth, traffic, weather, and other factors will influence your specific timings.
Can I ship my vehicle overseas?
Yes, you may send your autos internationally. Before a shipping firm would move your vehicle overseas, you must usually provide evidence of ownership, a photo ID, and vehicle registration.
How do I choose a shipping company for my car?
When selecting a car shipping firm, there are several aspects to consider. First, examine each company's costs, services, insurance coverage, and customer service ratings.
What does it cost to ship a car across the country?
On average, long-distance shipping from California to East Coast locations like New York or Florida should cost roughly $1,300 to $1,400; however, rates will vary significantly based on various factors.
How should you prepare to ship your vehicle?
Ensure your petrol tank is at most one-quarter full and that you have removed any personal things from the car before shipping it. Along with averting costly damages, this can help you save money because heavier automobiles are less expensive to freight.
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 technique to transfer a car is primarily determined by your goals. If you want to relocate your personal or family car for a low cost, your moving company may be an excellent solution. The most cost-effective approach to move a vehicle is to use a professional auto shipping company business and request that your vehicle be shipped on a trailer shared with other vehicles. People sometimes transport collector automobiles or other items that require special care. In many cases, excellent service may be more essential than cost savings.
Does shipping an inoperable vehicle cost more?
Indeed, it is more expensive to send an inoperable item than an operating one. While the fees vary, you may expect to spend an additional $100-$150 if your car does not start.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
The most cost-effective method of transporting a vehicle is to send it on a trailer capable of hauling many vehicles. When it comes to trailers, uncovered trailers are the most affordable. You may also save money by selecting a flexible delivery location and timing.
Can you ship a car to another state?
Shipping an automobile to another state is straightforward when you choose one of the best car shipping firms. By acquiring vehicle transport estimates from leading services, you can find out how much the procedure will cost. Because auto transport companies specialise in transferring vehicles from one state to another, they have a streamlined method.
Why Trust Our Review Team?
Our review team has spent hundreds of hours studying auto shipping firms to assist clients in finding the finest suppliers for transferring their vehicles. To keep readers informed, writers and editors analyse each brand based on industry data and genuine customer experiences according to strict editorial standards.