Established in 2014, SGT Auto Transport is a relatively new but highly rated auto transport company available in every U.S. state but Alaska, and one of our top recommendations for best car shipping companies.
They only offer door-to-door carshipping, which usually costs around $800 for open shipping or $1,500+ for enclosed shipping. Every car shipment is different, though, so it’s best to request a free online quote from SGT to get pricing for your unique situation.
SGT Auto Transport provides white-glove service at competitive rates through $0 down bookings, a price-match guarantee, 24/7 customer service, and helpful upgrades like expedited shipping.
However, like every car transport company, SGT has its pros and cons. Check out this guide to decide whether SGT Auto Transport is the right shipper for your move.
Why You Can 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.
Key Takeaways:
- SGT Auto Transport offers competitive rates with a price-match guarantee. Customers also like their simple free quotes with no hidden fees, although these quotes expire within seven days, so take action quickly.
- SGT differentiates itself by only offering door-to-door shipping, saving you the hassle of traveling to a vehicle shipping terminal.
- Upgrade to express delivery or guaranteed pickup dates for more predictability.
Table of Contents
SGT Auto Transport: Pros & Cons
Customer reviews rate SGT highly for their quality service, but like any car shipping service provider, they have their pros and cons.
Pros:
- Guaranteed pickup available Monday through Friday
- Price-match guarantee
- All car shipping services are door-to-door
- $0 upfront deposit
- Ships to Hawaii
Cons:
- Quotes are only valid for seven days
- Does not ship to Alaska
How Much Does SGT Auto Transport Cost?
Every auto shipping company’s pricing depends on several factors. Generally speaking, a long-distance open carrier shipment costs around $800, while an enclosed trailer costs around $1,500.
Many factors influence SGT Auto Transport costs, including:
- Distance: The further you ship a vehicle, the higher the cost. Shipping to far-off destinations, like Hawaii, that require ocean freight will be more expensive.
- Vehicle type and size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks typically cost more to transport than smaller cars because they take up more space.
- Transport type: Opting for open or enclosed shipping will affect the price. If you’re looking for a bargain, open transport is cheaper but exposes your car to the elements. Enclosed shipping offers more protection but at a higher cost with less scheduling flexibility.
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Remote locations cost more because of the extra mileage and time required.
- Expedited shipping: If you need your car moved quickly, express auto transport services will get it there within 24 or 48 hours after booking. However, this comes at an additional cost.
Here’s a sample pricing table to give you an idea of SGT’s average shipping costs.
| Distance | Vehicle Type | Transport Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida to New York (1,100 miles) | Sedan | Open | $700–$900 |
| California to Texas (1,400 miles) | SUV | Open | $800–$1,000 |
| New York to California (2,900 miles) | Sedan | Enclosed | $1,200–$1,500 |
| South Carolina to Hawaii (4,600 miles, including over-water shipping) | Truck | Enclosed | $2,500–$3,000 |
This pricing is just an estimate, though, and costs will vary by move. It’s always best to get an instant quote from SGT Auto Transport for the most accurate, up-to-date pricing.
SGT Auto Transport Services
Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car from abroad, SGT’s specialized auto shipping services will get your vehicle from point A to point B:
- Long-distance and international shipping: SGT Auto Transport offers open or enclosed long-distance shipping in the contiguous United States and roll-on roll-off (RoRo) shipping to select international locations and Hawaii.
- Open transport: This is the most common and cost-effective way to ship your car. With this option, SGT transports your car on an open trailer, which is generally safe but does expose it to weather and road conditions.
- Enclosed transport: This shipping method provides extra protection for your vehicle against weather, road debris, and theft. However, it’s expensive, so it’s best for luxury or high-value vehicles.
- Door-to-door service: Many car shippers offer terminal-to-terminal shipping by default, and door-to-door pickup and delivery costs extra. But SGT only offers door-to-door service, giving you more peace of mind and saving you the hassle of traveling to a shipping terminal.
- Guaranteed pickup: For an additional fee, you can get a guaranteed 24-hour pickup window. This offer is only available for car shipments on business days (Monday through Friday).
- Express shipping: Ship your car as quickly as 24 hours after making a reservation. This option is pricey but will get your car to its new destination within 48 hours.
- Heavy hauling: SGT has shipped well over 50,000 vehicles since opening in 2014, although they also specialize in shipping other vehicles. Specialized equipment allows them to accommodate larger vehicles like trucks and RVs.
SGT Auto Transport vs. the Competition
The best way to get a good deal on car shipping is to collect quotes from multiple shippers. While SGT has a good overall rating and verified reviews mentioning positive experiences, they might not be the right fit for your move, so it’s critical to compare them against the competition.
Montway Auto Transport
Fellow car shipper Montway Auto Transport also allows $0 reservations and offers door-to-door shipping as an add-on. SGT’s network of 25,000 carriers is larger than Montway’s network of 15,000, although Montway has SGT beat with their tiered insurance options.
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is another popular alternative to SGT Auto Transport. While they can’t offer exact pickup or drop-off dates, they’re well-known for their affordable car shipping pricing. Easy Auto Ship will even provide a rental car if your vehicle doesn’t arrive within 14 days of its arrival date. They’re available in all 50 states, while SGT is only available in 49.
| Car Shipping Company | BBB Score | State Availability | Guaranteed pickup or delivery dates? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGT Auto Transport | B | 49 (not in AK) | Yes |
| Easy Auto Ship | A+ | 50 | No |
| Montway Auto Transport | A+ | 50 | Yes |
Is SGT Auto Transport Right for You?
SGT Auto Transport could be a good option if you want a mix of quality service, transparency, and add-ons like enclosed transport or guaranteed pickup.
They specialize in cross-country shipping, although they don’t service Alaska. Easy Auto Ship and Montway Auto Transport do service Alaska, so they could be a better option if you’re worried about coverage.
Still, SGT offers quite a lot. They have 24/7 customer service, zero upfront fees, and a price-match guarantee to give their customers a world-class experience. This is a good option if you’re in a hurry, since their quotes are only valid for seven days and they offer expedited shipping.
Since they offer a price matching, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least three auto shipping companies to get a fair idea of pricing for your move — and potentially secure a bargaining chip to lower your auto shipment quote from SGT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s SGT Auto Transport’s shipping process?
SGT Auto Transport’s shipping process includes getting a quote and booking your shipment, then vehicle pickup and delivery. You can easily get a quote on the SGT website by entering pickup and delivery ZIP codes and basic vehicle information.
Once you book the shipment, SGT will assign a carrier to pick up your vehicle and deliver it to its destination.
Is real-time GPS tracking available for shipments with SGT Auto Transport?
Real-time GPS tracking is not available for SGT Auto Transport shipments. You’ll need to call SGT customer support for updates on your car’s location. Their toll-free phone number is (866)-774-6570. If you want to track your vehicle in real-time, place an Apple AirTag inside the vehicle.
Is SGT Auto Transport legit?
Yes, SGT Auto Transport is a legitimate company and one of our top picks for best car shippers. Although they’re newer than some shippers in the industry, SGT Auto Transport has already moved 50,000 vehicles for 36,000 customers since their founding in 2014.
