Based on our research, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company serving Connecticut with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in key areas like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. While there are several factors that influence the cost to ship your car out of Connecticut, the total average cost is $763 – $1,206.
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Why Trust FreightWaves?
Our mission at FreightWaves is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in Connecticut
Car shipping companies that have a national presence have more availability, more services, and are usually more affordable. Here are our reviews of the most trusted car shipping companies serving Connecticut.
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a top-rated car shipper that offers some of the most affordable rates in the industry. The company consistently offers deals and discounts to military members, senior citizens, students, and emergency responders. They provide open and enclosed transport and door-to-door service for a wide variety of vehicles, including RVs, boats, and even golf carts. AmeriFreight maintains an excellent score with the BBB and in online reviews and can ship to anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Discounts available
- Free cancellation
- RV and boat shipping
Cons
- No guaranteed pickup
- No GPS tracking
- Doesn’t ship internationally
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in Connecticut
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in Connecticut, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC
A-AAA Auto Transport, LLC (DOT: 2223911) is a well-rated car shipping company with a notable presence in the transport industry. The company boasts a strong Google rating of 4.8 and a solid BBB rating of A+, although it has a slightly lower Yelp rating of 3.4.
This company ensures peace of mind with fully insured and damage-free guarantee services, and it caters to various transport needs, including enclosed transport and international shipping. Additionally, they handle trailer, boat, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping.
However, A-AAA Auto Transport does not offer shipment tracking, which may be a drawback for customers who prefer real-time updates on their shipments. Their dedication to quality services makes them a reliable choice, notwithstanding a few service limitations.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Vehicle Transport Services
Vehicle Transport Services (DOT: 2249744) provides a range of specialized shipping options, including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, RV shipping, motorcycle shipping, and classic car shipping, making them a versatile choice for various vehicle types.
While they offer the convenience of international shipping and expedited delivery, along with allowing payments by credit card and not requiring a deposit, some potential customers may find the lack of support for inoperable car transport and storage solutions to be a downside. Additionally, they do not provide certain discounts such as military or senior discounts.
The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, so potential customers might want to inquire directly about satisfaction and reliability from previous clients.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Scott Transportation Inc
Scott Transportation Inc (DOT: 1021621) offers a range of car shipping services. Known for its reliability and high customer satisfaction, Scott Transportation Inc boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.8.
The company specializes in enclosed and open transport services, catering to both single and multiple car shipments. A notable downside is that Scott Transportation Inc does not offer services for inoperable cars, which might be a limitation for some customers.
While the company provides interstate shipping, it does not currently offer expedited delivery or shipment tracking, which may be a consideration for those needing more urgent or closely monitored shipments. Additionally, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Interstate
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in Connecticut
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Connecticut:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Connecticut to Texas | 1528 | 1986 |
| From Connecticut to California | 1977 | 2570 |
| From Connecticut to Michigan | 1022 | 1329 |
| From Connecticut to Illinois | 1021 | 1327 |
| From Connecticut to North Carolina | 891 | 1158 |
| From New York to Connecticut | 378 | 491 |
| From Georgia to Connecticut | 1055 | 1372 |
| From Ohio to Connecticut | 845 | 1099 |
| From Florida to Connecticut | 1225 | 1593 |
| From Arizona to Connecticut | 1729 | 2248 |
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Connecticut:
- Distance and Location: Shipping costs depend on distance and destination, with long distances and remote locations increasing the price.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Larger vehicles or those requiring special handling, such as classic cars, may cost more to ship out of Connecticut. Additionally, non-operational vehicles might increase the price due to the extra equipment needed for loading and unloading.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, exposing your vehicle to Connecticut’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs roughly 30% more, but it safeguards your car in a covered trailer, which is better for high-end or classic cars. Approximately 90% of people opt for open transport due to the cost savings.
- Seasonality: Connecticut’s cold winters and hot, humid summers can raise car shipping costs due to harsh weather conditions and high demand in peak seasons. Extreme weather may also cause delays and increase the need for enclosed transport.
- Additional Services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping will increase the cost of shipping a car. Faster delivery and convenience mean higher fees.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of Connecticut. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple Connecticut auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
How to Cut Car Shipping Costs
Car shipping can get pricey, particularly if you need to transport your vehicle long-distance or cross-country. However, there are a few things you can do to save money on your car shipping costs in Connecticut:
- Shop around. Don’t choose the first car shipping company you find. Many companies offer instant online quotes, making it easy to compare prices. Look at both the costs and the services to make sure you’re comparing similar options. Some may seem cheaper but might be offering less.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies offer discounts for military personnel, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When searching for the right car shipper, check if they have deals or promotions that could lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies may not mention some charges until after you accept their quote. It’s crucial to ask about potential extra costs, like gas, tolls, and terminal handling fees, beforehand. Always get a clear list of these fees in writing to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. The longer you wait to book car shipping close to your pickup date, the more you’ll pay, especially if you need fast service. Once you choose a car shipping company, book early to get the best price.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car is more expensive in spring and early summer due to high demand and limited availability. The same applies to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the best price and more scheduling options, choose a less busy time of year.
- Opt for open transport. Choosing open shipping over enclosed shipping can reduce your auto transport costs by up to 50%. While enclosed carriers offer more protection, they are significantly more expensive. Although open carriers expose your vehicle to weather and road debris, they are generally safe and much more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up and deliver your car to your new home is convenient but usually more costly than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you can drive to the terminals, this option will save you money.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in Connecticut:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shippers provide fixed rates, ensuring your quote remains the same upon delivery. However, not all companies offer this. Unexpected events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill.
- Delivery dates aren’t guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and strive to meet the set date. However, without this option, the delivery date the company offers is an estimate, not a promise. Remember that bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with guaranteed deliveries, which are beyond the car shipper’s control.
- It’s important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company’s insurance plan covers, and more importantly, what it doesn’t, in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this information with your current auto insurance policy, as it might also cover your car while it’s being shipped.
- Don’t just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading before signing it at delivery. This document details the services you received and confirms your car’s condition upon arrival. It’s more than just a receipt. Verify that all services are listed and any vehicle damage is documented. If not, you can’t file a claim later.
How We Chose the Best Connecticut Auto Transport Companies
Our methodology for selecting the top car shipping companies in Connecticut is centered around a comprehensive analysis of five critical factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet Connecticut and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through Connecticut.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company’s commitment to excellence and transparency.
Local Car Shippers In Connecticut
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About Connecticut Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a Connecticut car shipping company?
Car shipping is a practical alternative to driving long distances, dealing with Connecticut’s road network, and adjusting to different weather conditions. It saves time and effort, especially given Connecticut’s diverse auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
Thorough research is crucial to avoid scams, focusing on companies experienced with Connecticut’s logistics. Verifying that insurance coverage meets local standards and following vehicle preparation tips are also key steps.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in Connecticut?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and how quickly you need it. Enclosed shipping protects better against Connecticut’s weather, but open shipping is cheaper.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
Understand the basic coverage offered and the limits of their liability. Also, check if additional insurance options are available for better protection.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of Connecticut?
Clean the car inside and out to remove dirt and personal items. Take detailed photos of the car’s current condition to have a record for any potential insurance claims. Ensure it has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection if not already done. Check with your insurance provider about coverage during transport.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in Connecticut?
Seek out positive reviews, proper licensing, and clear pricing. An ideal company will understand Connecticut’s logistics and weather challenges.
