5 Best Car Shipping Companies of 2022
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Car shipping companies make most long-distance moves easier. Whether you need to ship a car cross country, to your new university, or to a military base, choosing the right auto transport company can make the process simple and hassle-free.
Our experts at the Home Service Research Team conducted extensive research on nearly two dozen providers, which included speaking with industry experts and collecting quotes to identify the five best car shipping companies available. We found that Montway Auto Transport is the best car shipper based on price, reputation, services, and customer reviews. This guide will explain our top five picks and provide you with the information you need to choose the right car shipping company for your vehicle.
Best Availability
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Best for Locked-In Prices
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Best for a Quick Pickup
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Best Discounts
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Best Auto Transport Marketplace
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
On This Page
What You Should Look For In a Car Shipping Company
Top 5 Car Shipping Companies
Montway Auto Transport: Best Availability
Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Prices
AmeriFreight: Best Discounts
Easy Auto Ship: Best for a Quick Pickup
uShip: Best Auto Transport Marketplace
How Much Does Auto Shipping Cost?
Consumer Experience with Car Shipping Companies
Types of Auto Shipping Services
What to Know When Shipping Your Car
Recap: The Best Car Shipping Companies
FAQ: Best Car Shipping Companies
Methodology
What You Should Look For In a Car Shipping Company
Picking the best car shipping company isn't just about price. There are several things you should look for in an auto transporter:
Customer reviews: Reviews from actual customers can help you get a feel for the experience of working with a car shipper. But experiences vary between customers so be sure to read more than just a few.
Ample insurance: Most car shipping companies package some form of insurance with each shipment. However, the best companies offer more than enough to ensure that you're fully covered. Check coverage amounts before signing anything.
Years in business: A company that's been in business for a long time is likely to have treated its customers fairly and offered quality service.
Accurate quotes: Rates do change for car shipping services, but they shouldn't change too much. Look for companies that give quotes that come close to matching their final rates. Some companies even offer guaranteed quotes.
Carrier vetting: Not all individual carriers give the same level of quality in their service. A good car shipping company carefully vets its drivers to make sure they are professional and carry adequate insurance.
Top 5 Car Shipping Companies
To narrow down a list of the best car shipping companies, we reviewed every major provider in the auto transport industry, paying attention to reputation, cost, available services, and customer reviews. Based on our research, the top five auto shipping companies are:
#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Availability
#2 Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Prices
#3 AmeriFreight: Best Discounts
#4 Easy Auto Ship: Best for a Quick Pickup
#5 uShip: Best Auto Transport Marketplace
Keep reading to learn more about each provider, including average car shipping costs based on our secret shopper analysis.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Availability
Type of Company: Broker
Services: Open, enclosed, door-to-door, expedited, and international shipping
State Availability: 50
Additional Cargo Insurance Coverage: Yes
Average Cost: $1,097
Why We Like Montway
Montway Auto Transport is one of the most popular auto transport brokers in the car shipping industry. The company provides standard shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, as well as optional services such as door-to-door transport, guaranteed pickup dates, expedited shipping, Hawaii car shipping, and Alaska shipping for an additional cost. The car shipper does not offer terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Every on-land shipment includes insurance coverage up to $100,000 through Inland Marine Cargo. This protection comes at no additional cost.
How Much Does Montway Auto Transport Cost?
Based on car shipping quotes we received, Montway Auto Transport charges an average of $1,097 per transport. The company works with over 15,000 vetted carriers to provide affordable shipping services, which are regularly less expensive than competitors' offerings.
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Montway Auto Transport for shipping an operable 2018 Honda CR-V using door-to-door delivery service:
Open transport, 520 miles: $689
Open transport, 1,489 miles: $959
Enclosed transport, 1,489 miles: $1,289
Open transport, 2,445 miles: $1,389
The company does not charge any listing fees, but it does charge a $200 cancellation fee if a shipment has already been accepted by a carrier. Any cancellations before then are free of charge.
Montway Auto Transport Reviews
Montway Auto Transport has above-average customer service ratings, holding an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a 4.5 out of 5.0-star BBB customer rating, and a 4.5-star rating out of 5.0 from customers on Trustpilot. The auto shipping broker has closed 115 customer complaints on the BBB in the last three years.
Positive Montway Auto Transport reviews show that the company offers timely communication and upfront pricing. Most complaints center on vehicle damage during transport and problems with the carrier's insurance not covering damages.
Our team reached out to Montway Auto Transport for a comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Montway Auto Transport Pros and Cons
While Montway Auto Transport is our top choice to ship a car, there are pros and cons to using its services. These include:
Montway Auto Transport Pros:
Affordable pricing
Strong customer satisfaction and industry ratings
Free vehicle shipping insurance
Guaranteed pickup dates
Montway Auto Transport Cons:
No real-time tracking or mobile app
No shipping services for recreational vehicles or personal watercraft
You can read more in our complete Montway Auto Transport review.
Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Prices
Type of Company: Broker
Services: Open, enclosed, and door-to-door
State Availability: 48
Additional Cargo Insurance Coverage: Yes
Average Cost: $1,720
Why We Like Sherpa
Unlike most other car transport companies, Sherpa Auto Transport offers a Price Lock Promise with all its car shipping services. If you receive a quote from Sherpa, it will be the final price you pay. This means you don't need to worry about hidden fees.
Sherpa Auto Transport ships standard sedans as well as SUVs, classic cars, pickup trucks, and vans. It offers door-to-door shipping but not terminal-to-terminal transport. Sherpa also includes a Clean Car Guarantee with all auto shipments, which reimburses customers up to $20 for a car wash upon delivery.
Carriers working with Sherpa Auto Transport must carry a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage.
How Much Does Sherpa Auto Transport Cost?
Based on car shipping prices we received, Sherpa Auto Transport costs about $1,300 for a 1,500-mile trip. Here are a few examples of shipping estimates for an operable 2018 Honda CR-V:
Open transport, 1,489 miles: $975
Enclosed transport, 1,489 miles: $1,650
Open transport, 2,445 miles: $1,650
Enclosed transport, 2,445 miles: $2,775
You can cancel your vehicle shipment with Sherpa anytime before a carrier is assigned to transport your vehicle, but you will be charged a $25 dispatch fee. If you cancel after a carrier has been assigned, you will lose your shipping deposit.
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Sherpa Auto Transport holds a 4.9 out of 5.0-star customer score on the BBB as well as an A+ rating from the organization itself. The shipping company has had only six customer complaints in the past three years.
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport reviews praise the company's Price Lock Promise, hassle-free shipping process, and excellent customer service. The few complaints about Sherpa mention issues with damage reimbursement from the company and poor communication from the carriers.
Sherpa Auto Transport Official Response
Our team reached out to Sherpa about its negative reviews and received the following response:
"We at Sherpa pride ourselves on top-notch customer service, which is reflected in our thousands of five-star reviews and industry-leading total review score. Almost all of our customers are very thankful they chose us to handle their transport. There are extremely rare transports that do not go as expected. In those situations, we stand by our customers and work toward the best possible outcome given the circumstances. We value customer feedback because we use it to improve our internal processes and determine which carriers to retain in our Preferred Network and partner with for future shipments.
"We perform our in-depth carrier vetting process for every shipment, which includes ensuring that even if we have used a carrier in the past, they must continue to live up to our high standards to secure future shipments. We also suspend or ban carriers who do not live up to our expectations."
Sherpa Auto Transport Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of shipping your vehicle with Sherpa Auto Transport:
Sherpa Auto Transport Pros:
Locked-in pricing through the Price Lock Promise
Vets all auto carriers in its preferred network
Many positive Sherpa Auto Transport reviews
Car wash reimbursement
Instant free quotes online
Sherpa Auto Transport Cons:
No motorcycle or ATV shipping
You can find out more in our complete Sherpa Auto Transport review.
AmeriFreight: Best Discounts
Type of Company: Broker
Services: Open, enclosed, door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, alternative vehicle, and expedited
State Availability: 50
Additional Cargo Insurance Coverage: Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage available at an additional cost
Average Cost: $1,300
What We Like About AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight provides several discounts to auto shipping customers, including military personnel, students, senior citizens, and first responders. The vehicle transport company ships cars to all 50 states and provides auto transport services for alternative vehicles such as ATVs and RVs.
AmeriFreight vets all of its car carriers. The company checks not only that its auto transporters have full coverage insurance, but also that they've received high satisfaction ratings from customers. The broker offers add-on coverage called AF Total (AFta), which covers any gaps in protection that the carrier's policies won't cover. These plans come in several customizable tiers.
How Much Does AmeriFreight Cost?
According to our research, AmeriFreight charges about $1,300 for a 1,500-mile shipment. AmeriFreight's car shipping quotes are average compared to competitors' prices.
Here are a few sample estimates we received from AmeriFreight for shipping a 2018 Honda CR-V:
Open, Economy transport, 1,489 miles: $929
Enclosed, First Class transport, 1,489 miles: $1,671
Your cost will depend on which shipping services you choose: Economy, Priority, or First Class. Economy takes one to seven days to deliver your vehicle, Priority takes one to four, and First Class takes one to two.
AmeriFreight Reviews
AmeriFreight holds an A+ rating from the BBB alongside a 4.9 out of 5.0-star customer rating. It also has a 4.7-star rating out of 5.0 based on more than 3,000 Google reviews. The company has fielded fewer than 10 complaints in the past three years.
Customers praise the company's timeliness, competitive pricing, and friendly customer service representatives. Negative AmeriFreight reviews mention issues with the carrier's insurance not covering damages and prices increasing after booking.
Our team reached out to AmeriFreight for a comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
AmeriFreight Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of using AmeriFreight's shipping services:
AmeriFreight Pros:
Variety of discounts available
Positive AmeriFreight customer reviews
Available in 50 states
Provides transport services for ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles
AmeriFreight Cons:
No real-time tracking or mobile app
You can learn more in our in-depth AmeriFreight review.
Easy Auto Ship: Best for a Quick Pickup
Type of Company: Broker
Services: Open, enclosed, international, door-to-door, alternative vehicle, and expedited
State Availability: 50
Additional Cargo Insurance Coverage: No
Average Cost: $1,168
What We Like About Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is an affordable car shipping provider that offers some uncommon benefits. If your vehicle arrives dirty, Easy Auto Ship will pay for a car wash and detail. If the shipment takes over 14 days to arrive because of unforeseen circumstances, the auto shipper will pay for a rental car.
Easy Auto Ship provides open and enclosed shipping for standard and alternative vehicles. It can also arrange international auto shipping. Easy Auto Ship ensures each of its carriers has full cargo insurance coverage and also provides another layer of insurance on its own. To book a shipment, drivers can go through a quick online quote process or work with transport specialists for personalized service.
How Much Does Easy Auto Ship Cost?
According to our research, Easy Auto Ship charges about $950 for a 1,500-mile shipment. Reviewers frequently mention finding cheap car shipping rates when booking through the company. Below are a few sample quotes we received for Easy Auto Ship's open transport services for a 2018 Honda CR-V:
Open transport, 520 miles: $718
Open transport, 1,489 miles: $947
Open transport, 2,445 miles: $1,362
The company offers discounts for active-duty military members and their families.
Easy Auto Ship Reviews
Like many of the top car shipping companies on our list, Easy Auto Ship has high customer service ratings and many positive reviews. The auto transport company holds an A+ rating from the BBB and has a 4.6-star rating from over 750 customers on the site. The company has closed 27 complaints in the last three years.
Positive Easy Auto Ship reviews mention excellent customer service, affordable shipping prices, and quick service. Most dissatisfied customers report experiencing price increases after booking and vehicle damage during transport.
Our team reached out to Easy Auto Ship for a comment on its negative reviews and did not receive a response.
Easy Auto Ship Pros and Cons
There are several pros and cons to shipping your vehicle with Easy Auto Ship, including:
Easy Auto Ship Pros:
Affordable rates
Service in all 50 states and internationally
Positive customer reviews across a variety of sites
Ships non-standard vehicles such as RVs
Easy Auto Ship Cons:
Must pay a fee to secure a guaranteed pickup or delivery date
No real-time tracking or mobile app
You can learn more about the company in our Easy Auto Ship review.
uShip: Best Auto Transport Marketplace
Type of Company: Marketplace
Services: Open, enclosed, door-to-door, expedited, international, and single-car shipping
State Availability: 50
Additional Cargo Insurance Coverage: At an additional cost
Average Cost: $1,472
What We Like About uShip
uShip is neither a motor carrier nor an auto broker. Instead, the company acts as an auto shipping marketplace for carriers to bid on customer shipment requests. uShip is a great option for drivers looking to reduce research time, as you're offered multiple quotes at once.
It's important to be aware of uShip's relationship with auto transport carriers. Unlike standard car shipping brokers, uShip does not vet carriers' insurance information or licensing before connecting them with customers.
How Much Does uShip Cost?
uShip prices tend to be higher than the industry average if you opt for instant quotes. However, increased carrier bidding through the uShip marketplace may provide lower-cost options to many car owners.
Here are a few examples of vehicle shipping prices we received using the company's instant quote feature for an operable 2018 Honda CR-V using door-to-door, open transport delivery services:
Open transport, 520 miles: $924
Open transport, 1,489 miles: $1,428
Open transport, 2,445 miles: $2,064
In addition to shipping costs, uShip charges a fee that ranges from $60 to $125 per shipment.
uShip Reviews
For the most part, uShip reviews are positive. The company has a 4.6-star rating out of 5.0 from the BBB along with an A+ rating. Reviewers also gave the company an Excellent rating on Trustpilot. uShip has very few complaints across both consumer sites.
Positive uShip reviews praise the company's ease of use, hassle-free customer service, and convenient mobile tracking app. Most negative reviews address the carriers rather than uShip itself. Common complaints include communication issues with drivers and guaranteed pickup dates not being fulfilled.
Our team reached out to uShip for a comment on its negative reviews and did not receive a response.
uShip Pros and Cons
Because uShip is an auto transport marketplace, there are pros and cons to using the company's services:
uShip Pros:
Complimentary vehicle tracking
Reduced research time and potential savings by listing your shipment on the marketplace
"Ship with Confidence" guarantee
Military moving discounts
uShip Cons:
No carrier or broker vetting process
Instant quotes may be more expensive than quotes from a traditional auto shipping company
You can read more in our full uShip review.
How Much Does Auto Shipping Cost?
According to the data we received when we reached out for car shipping quotes from top auto transport providers, the average car shipping cost is about $1,200. However, many factors may affect the cost of auto transportation services. To give you a better idea of what your shipment might cost, we've broken each of these factors down.
Miles traveled: Cross-country shipments have better rates per mile than shorter-distance shipments, but they cost more overall. Based on quotes we received from car shipping companies, transporting a vehicle 520 miles costs an average of $734, while a 1,489-mile trip costs an average of $1,307.
Transport type: Enclosed auto carrier transport service is more expensive than open carrier car transport service, but it may be worth the additional cost for luxury and classic cars. Door-to-door shipping is also more costly than terminal-to-terminal shipping since the service is personalized (more on this below).
Time of year: More people tend to move in January and the summer, making auto transport services more expensive.
Carrier competition: With a marketplace-style service, higher competition between car carrier bids means lower auto shipping costs.
Price of fuel: When fuel prices rise, car shipping companies charge more to compensate for this increased expense.
Vehicle operability: Inoperable vehicles take more effort and resources to move, making them more expensive to ship.
Vehicle size: The type of vehicle affects how much you pay to ship it. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, generally cost more to ship than a standard sedan. This also applies to specialty vehicles like RVs and ATVs.
Insurance and service fees also play a role in determining your auto transport costs. Depending on the car transport company, you may need to pay for additional insurance to protect against any losses or damages, as well as a $50 to $100 service fee per transport. Some auto transporters set fees according to the shipment, but others charge flat rates.
Related: How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car in 2022?
Consumer Experience with Car Shipping Companies
In October 2021, our team of experts surveyed 1,000 people who had used a car shipping company during a move. Most participants used one of the top car shipping companies in this article, while some used other auto transport companies.
Common Car Shipping Issues
According to the survey, the majority of customers experienced issues during the car shipping process. Those issues ranged from the driver not being able to meet at the agreed-upon address to insurance claim issues. This underscores the fact that the car shipping industry is unpredictable. Here are the most common issues with auto shippers from our survey:
The vehicle had some type of damage upon delivery.
The carrier's insurance wouldn't cover damage.
The price increased after booking.
The shipment extended a week or more beyond the delivery date.
Car Shipping Satisfaction
Even though many people who were surveyed experienced issues, 69% of customers were satisfied with the car shipping process overall. Here's how our recommended providers scored for customer satisfaction in the survey (not including people who were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied):
84% of Montway Auto Transport customers were satisfied.
60% of Sherpa Auto Transport customers were satisfied.
67% of AmeriFreight customers were satisfied.
65% of Easy Auto Ship customers were satisfied.
59% of uShip customers were satisfied.
Types of Auto Shipping Services
Certain types of auto shipping cost more than others. Additionally, certain car shipment services are better suited to specific types of vehicles.
Here are the auto shipping options and services you will likely come across in your research:
Open vehicle transport: The most common transport service, open auto transport leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements. This shipping process is best for budget-conscious drivers.
Enclosed vehicle transport: Your vehicle is transported in an enclosed trailer or shipping container to prevent damage. This usually costs more than open transport and is a good option for luxury and classic car owners who want peace of mind.
Door-to-door shipping: Car owners moving from one home to another may prefer door-to-door transport, in which the vehicle is picked up and dropped off as close to the customer's home as possible.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping: Terminal-to-terminal transport means your vehicle pickup and drop-off occur at predetermined locations along with other auto shipments. Budget-conscious drivers with some flexibility may choose this type of transport, but keep in mind that not all major providers offer it.
Expedited shipping: Rather than waiting one to two weeks for carrier availability, car owners with time constraints might choose expedited shipping for an additional cost. Delivery time is usually within a few business days.
Single-car shipping: If you don't want your luxury or classic car shipped with other vehicles, you can have it shipped by itself, often in a closed container. This is an expensive option for car shipping.
What to Know When Shipping Your Car
Whether you ship your car a short distance or cross country, there are a few things you should know about for peace of mind.
Prices Can Fluctuate
Most car shipping companies (except Sherpa) will not give you a final price up front. Instead, you will be given a ballpark range of what you can expect to pay to ship your vehicle. Once the auto transport broker secures a carrier, you will be given your final quote, which will include all service fees and surcharges associated with your vehicle transport.
Quotes can fluctuate by a few hundred dollars. It all depends on seasonality, how soon you need to ship your vehicle, and the type of transport you select.
Be Ready to Adapt
When transporting your vehicle, it's important to be flexible. Shipping timelines can easily change due to weather, traffic, or accidents along the route.
If you are unable to meet the carrier, you can have a friend or family member meet them for pickup or drop-off since most companies offer door-to-door delivery. If you want your vehicle delivered by a certain date, consider paying for expedited shipping. It will cost you more, but your vehicle is more likely to be delivered by the time and date that is agreed upon.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before Departure
Before your vehicle is picked up by the carrier, you need to make sure it's ready for transport. One of the most important things you can do is remove your personal belongings from your vehicle. Some auto transport carriers may allow you to transport luggage in the trunk, but they won't be held responsible if something happens to it.
You should also note the exact condition of your car when it is picked up and dropped off at its delivery location. Consider taking photos before and after you sign the original bill of lading to have documentation should the need arise.
Recap: The Best Car Shipping Companies
Montway Auto Transport scored highest overall in our study, but the others on this list weren't far behind. The review team recommends any of the auto transporters on this list:
#1 Montway Auto Transport - Best Availability
#2 Sherpa Auto Transport - Best for Locked-In Prices
#3 AmeriFreight - Best Discounts
#4 Easy Auto Ship - Best For a Quick Pickup
#5 uShip - Best Auto Transport Marketplace
To make sure you choose the best car shipping company for your situation, get quotes from several car transporters. As mentioned, there are many factors that can affect your total shipping cost, so it's a good idea to seek out multiple options and compare prices.
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Best for a Quick Pickup
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Best Discounts
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Best Auto Transport Marketplace
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FAQ: Best Car Shipping Companies
What is the best company to ship a car?
Based on our research, Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip are the best car shipping companies. Each scored high in our reputation, cost, car shipping service, and customer experience rating categories.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
The cheapest way to ship a car is by train, although this method is not widely available. You can also save money shipping your vehicle through open transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping.
What is the cheapest car shipping company?
Based on the car shipping quotes we received, Montway Auto Transport is the cheapest car shipping provider for most drivers. On average, the company charges about $1,100 per shipment. However, your car shipping quote from the auto transport broker may vary.
How do you ship a car?
The first step to shipping your car is selecting an auto transport company and providing your information for a free quote. The car transport company will then provide you with transport prices and explain its insurance policy. It's recommended that you don't place any personal items in your vehicle before transport. Once your vehicle is delivered, you will be required to sign a bill of lading stating that there was no damage done to your car during transport.
Does AAA offer car shipping?
AAA Discount Auto & Truck Transporters works with vetted carriers and offers open transport and enclosed shipping services nationwide. However, this car shipping broker is not affiliated with the AAA that's known for roadside assistance.
How much does it cost to ship your car cross country?
Our research shows that it typically costs between $1,350 and $2,800 to ship a car cross country. Costs vary based on the type of car transport you choose and the miles traveled. For example, car transport from Los Angeles to New York costs $1,389 for open transport, but enclosed transport can cost as much as $2,775. Since each car shipping company differs, consider getting a car shipping estimate from multiple providers.
Are there discounts for auto transport?
Yes, some providers offer discounts for car transport. Our expert review team researched every major shipping broker and carrier in the auto transport industry and found that AmeriFreight has the most comprehensive list of discounts. You can save by booking early, shipping multiple vehicles, or being a member of the military, among other things.
Can you ship a car to another state?
Yes, most companies can ship your car to any state. Long-distance shipments, such as from California to Florida, are more expensive due to mileage and the price of fuel.
Which companies have an international car shipping cost calculator?
AmeriFreight, Easy Auto Transport, and uShip are the top car shipping companies that offer international shipping. You can visit each company's website and use the car shipping calculator to get an estimate.
What's the best moving company?
If you're going to ship a car, you may also be wondering how to choose a moving company that's right for your needs. Read our review of the industry's best long-distance moving companies to learn more about top movers, pricing, and services.
Methodology
Auto shipping ratings are based on a comprehensive comparison between every major car transport company in the industry. We rate providers based on cost, available services, company reputation, and the customer experience. Each auto transporter receives scores in these individual categories and an overall score out of 5.0 stars.
To formulate rankings, our review team considers a company's offerings compared to competitors, ratings from experts like the BBB, and customer reviews. We also collect sample quotes across a variety of shipping routes, distances, and transport types to measure pricing against the industry average.
