Montway Auto Transport: Reviews, Costs, and Services (2022)
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Whether you're moving across the country or planning to have a new vehicle delivered to your door, you've probably come across Montway Auto Transport. Our team researched the provider and Montway Auto Transport reviews to help you decide whether the car shipping company is right for you.
Transporting your vehicle can be expensive and time-consuming, so it's worth taking the time to find the right auto transporter for your needs. It's also a good idea to reach out to a few of the cheapest car shipping companies, Montway included, to ensure you're getting the lowest price.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On This Page
About Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport Pros and Cons
Montway Auto Transport Cost
Montway Auto Transport Services
How Does Montway Auto Transport Shipping Work?
Montway Auto Transport Reviews
Final Thoughts on Montway Auto Transport: 4.6 Stars
Top Recommendations for Car Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
About Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is a reputable auto shipping broker that was established in 2007. The company negotiates shipping deals between customers and a network of motor carriers.
Here's an overview of what makes Montway Auto Transport stand out from competitors:
Vetted carrier network: Montway Auto Transport works with over 15,000 auto carriers nationwide, which it individually vets and checks for proper insurance credentials.
Variety of car shipping services: The company offers open and enclosed trailer shipping, door-to-door delivery, expedited shipping, Hawaii shipping, international auto shipping, and privately owned vehicle (POV) shipping.
Positive customer reviews: Montway Auto Transport holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 4.5-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot. Most customers have a positive car shipping experience, and Montway Auto Transport reviews mention the broker's timeliness, prompt communication, affordability, and hassle-free delivery
Montway Auto Transport Pros and Cons
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using Montway Auto Transport to ship your car:
Montway Auto Transport Pros:
Affordable pricing
Positive customer satisfaction and industry ratings
Free vehicle shipping insurance
Guaranteed pickup dates
15 years of experience in the shipping industry
Montway Auto Transport Cons:
No real-time tracking or mobile app
No shipping services for recreational vehicles or personal watercraft
Montway Auto Transport Cost
Based on car shipping quotes we received, Montway Auto Transport costs an average of $1,097 per transport. Montway offers affordable pricing for most of its shipping services and regularly gives lower quotes than competitors. In our October 2021 car shipping survey that polled 1,000 people, 41% of respondents said they paid between $1,000 and $2,000 for vehicle transport.
Here are a few examples of prices 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
We also reached out for a quote for an operable 2018 Lexus ES 350 using door-to-door delivery service. Shipping this luxury vehicle came out to $1,159 for enclosed transport across 1,489 miles.
Montway gives discounts to military members, returning customers, and car owners who pay in cash.
What Affects the Cost of Auto Shipping?
According to Montway Auto Transport, mileage is one of the biggest factors that affects how much you'll pay for car shipping. The company breaks down the cost per mile as follows:
$1.96 per mile for distances under 500 miles
$0.93 per mile for distances between 500 and 1,500 miles
$0.58 per mile for distances longer than 1,500 miles
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on your shipping preferences. There are several other factors that also impact car shipping costs, including:
Distance traveled: Cross-country shipments will have better rates per mile than shipments traveling a few hundred miles, but the total car shipping cost will be higher.
Transport type: Enclosed auto shipments are more costly than open shipments.
Price of fuel: Depending on gas prices, car shipping companies will charge more to compensate for carriers' fuel costs.
Shipping seasonality: It is more expensive to ship vehicles during the summer and in January due to higher demand.
Carrier competition: The higher the competition between carrier bids, the lower the auto shipping costs.
Vehicle operability: It is more costly to ship an inoperable vehicle than an operable one.
Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, cost more to ship than standard sedans.
Montway Auto Transport Services
Montway Auto Transport provides standard auto shipping services—open or enclosed transport and door-to-door delivery—as well as a few add-on services. The company also offers guaranteed pickup dates and international shipping at an additional cost.
Here's an overview of Montway Auto Transport's auto shipping services:
Open transport: This is the most cost-effective auto shipping option, as your car is shipped with other vehicles. However, your vehicle will be exposed to the elements throughout the drive.
Enclosed transport: This shipping service is more expensive than open car transport. It protects vehicles from inclement weather and road debris, making it great for luxury and classic cars.
Door-to-door shipping: Rather than meeting a trucker at a terminal for delivery, you have your vehicle shipped directly to your home.
Expedited transport: Car owners can choose prioritized shipping options with shorter wait times for an additional fee.
Long-distance shipping: You can have your vehicle shipped to Alaska or Hawaii. The company offers port-to-port and port-to-door shipping options.
Montway Auto Transport does not ship RVs or personal watercraft, but it does offer motorcycle shipping services. With any vehicle transport, Montway Auto Transport allows one suitcase or box of personal items (weighing less than 100 pounds) to be stored in the trunk during transport at no additional cost. However, this is not available for any over-water shipments.
Montway Auto Transport does not have a mobile app for delivery tracking, but you can monitor your vehicle via email or phone call.
How Does Montway Auto Transport Shipping Work?
To get an instant quote from Montway Auto Transport, you'll need to provide the broker with a few key details, including:
Your starting location and destination
Your preference for open or enclosed shipping
Your vehicle's make, model, year, and operability
Your contact information
Using these details, Montway Auto Transport connects you with an available carrier. You can then decide on pickup and drop-off dates with the car carrier and, depending on the delivery option chosen, meet the carrier at or near your home to receive your shipment. Once the vehicle is delivered, you will be asked to sign a bill of lading to verify delivery.
You can pay either online using a credit card or in cash at the time of delivery. Montway Auto Transport charges a $199 cancellation fee for any shipments that have been accepted by a carrier. Any cancellations before that point are free of charge.
Related: How to Ship a Car in 2021
Does Montway Auto Transport Provide Shipping Insurance?
For on-land shipments, your vehicle is covered under "an Inland Marine Cargo Insurance policy of up to $100,000," according to Montway Auto Transport. This coverage is provided by the motor carrier, comes at no additional cost, and protects you from any damages or losses that may occur during shipping. Personal items are not covered.
However, it's a good idea to check with your insurance company about your existing auto insurance coverages before shipping your vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage, you should be covered against potential damages.
Montway Auto Transport Reviews
Montway Auto Transport reviews are largely positive. With over 2,000 customer reviews on the BBB's website, the company holds a 4.5 out of 5.0-star consumer rating as well as an A+ rating from the BBB itself. The auto transport company also has a 4.5-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot from more than 950 reviews.
Our 2021 shipping survey polling 1,000 people found that 236 respondents used Montway to transport their vehicles. Out of that number, 78% said they would recommend the company to someone else. Positive Montway Auto Transport reviews show that the company offers timely communication, an easy shipping process, and delivery date flexibility.
On the other hand, our survey found some common issues among customers who used the company, including vehicle damage, price increases, and problems with the carrier's insurance not covering damages. This matches the few negative Montway Auto Transport reviews our team saw on the BBB and Trustpilot.
Here are a few examples of Montway Auto Transport reviews:
Positive Montway Auto Transport Reviews
"Montway did everything they said they would for a great price! They picked up the car within three business days and delivered it across the country four days later."
—Jonathan via Trustpilot
"Montway exceeded my expectations, from the excellent communication throughout the process to the timely delivery of my car (even though it was just a few days before Christmas). A reliable, professional, reasonably priced service."
—Laurel via Trustpilot
Negative Montway Auto Transport Reviews
"Poor excuse for customer service. Getting to speak with a human after a deal is brokered is impossible. I had to cancel because they did not respond to repeated inquiries about picking up my vehicle. I waited two weeks. Their only offer was to get it within two hours from me."
—Chris M. via BBB
"Very poor customer service. Took over a month to ship my vehicle from California to New York, during which time my highly customized Jeep sat, not being driven, and exposed to the elements."
—Charles via Trustpilot
Our team reached out to Montway Auto Transport for comment on its negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Final Thoughts on Montway Auto Transport: 4.6 Stars
We give Montway Auto Transport a 4.6 out of 5.0-star rating as well as the award for Best Availability. The auto shipping company offers low-cost rates to most customers and holds decent customer satisfaction ratings thanks to its timely communication and easy-to-use shipping process.
We also like its add-on coverage options for expedited and Hawaii shipping. However, we wish the company offered GPS tracking with its services.
Montway Auto Transport Ratings
Reputation: 4.9
Cost: 4.3
Services: 4.8
Customer Experience: 4.6
Overall Rating: 4.6
Top Recommendations for Car Shipping
As mentioned, it's a good idea to get quotes from several car shippers before deciding which company to use, especially if it's your first time. While Montway Auto Transport is a reputable auto shipping company, we also recommend reaching out to uShip and Sherpa Auto Transport to help you find the best price.
uShip: Best Auto Transport Marketplace
Unlike other auto shipping companies, uShip acts as a marketplace for customers and carriers to connect. It is neither a traditional broker nor a carrier. After providing information about their shipping needs, customers are connected with several carriers that bid on customers' business. uShip holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.6 out of 5.0-star consumer rating on the site.
Learn more about the company in our uShip review.
Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Prices
Established in 2018, Sherpa Auto Transport is a licensed auto broker with positive customer service reviews and a wide range of auto shipping services. The company holds a 4.9 out of 5.0-star customer rating on the BBB as well as high ratings across other customer review sites. We like Sherpa Auto Transport's Price Lock Promise, which guarantees that the quote you're offered will be the final price you pay.
Read more in our complete Sherpa Auto Transport review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montway Auto Transport legitimate?
Yes, Montway Auto Transport is a legitimate company that provides car shipping services nationwide. It was established in 2007 and has thousands of customer reviews across sites such as Trustpilot and the BBB.
Is Montway Auto Transport a broker?
Yes, Montway is a registered and licensed auto transportation broker. The company works with carriers nationwide to ensure safe, timely auto shipments for its customers.
How much does Montway Auto Transport cost?
Montway Auto Transport costs an average of $1,097 per transport. However, if you choose specialty transport services such as expedited shipping, where your car ships the next day or within a few business days, you will pay more.
What is the best auto transport company to use?
In our 2022 review of the best car shipping companies, we gave Montway Auto Transport the award for Best Availability based on its affordability, high customer service ratings, array of services, and guaranteed pickup dates. It earned 4.6 out of 5.0 stars overall.
How can I contact Montway Auto Transport customer service?
If you want to contact Montway Auto Transport, you can call its customer service phone number at 888-497-9792. The company operates on Central Time (CT) and can be reached seven days a week.
Where can Montway Auto Transport ship my car?
With Montway Auto Transport, you can ship your car to all 50 states and internationally. Keep in mind that cross-country shipments, such as from California to Florida, will cost more than shorter-distance shipments.
Where is Montway Auto Transport located?
Montway Auto Transport is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Who owns Montway Auto Transport?
Montway Auto Transport is owned by Mihail Mihailov.
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.
