When you find yourself in need of auto transport services, a reliable shipping partner is essential. American Auto Shipping is a popular car shipping company that has been in business since 1999 and offers services to all 50 states.
With an easy online process for obtaining a car shipping quote and stellar overall reviews, this auto transport broker is definitely worth considering if you need help transporting a vehicle across the country.
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Key Takeaways
- American Auto Shipping has been in business since 1999.
- The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB.
- American Auto has shipped 137,000+ vehicles to date.
- The company is available nationwide and in all U.S. territories.
- They service all types of passenger vehicles, as well as motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, boats, and heavy equipment.
- American Auto offers several value-added services, including a free car wash, insurance deductible stipends, and a free rental car if your shipment experiences a significant delay.
Table of Contents
American Auto Shipping: Pros and Cons
Considering American Auto Shipping for your vehicle shipping needs? Here are some noteworthy pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- Damage-free guarantee of up to $500 toward your insurance deductible in case of damage
- Free instant quotes with binding estimates
- Available in all 50 states and U.S. territories
- Ships motorcycles, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment
- Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal pickup and delivery options
Cons
- Does not handle international shipments
- GPS tracking often unavailable
- Above-average prices for enclosed transport
How Much Does American Auto Shipping Cost?
One of the best aspects of American Auto Shipping is how easy it is to get a price quote. You can quickly obtain a free quote through the company’s website by submitting your pickup and drop-off locations, some basic information about your vehicle, and whether you wish to use open vs. enclosed car shipping.
After receiving your quote, you’ll be given two payment options to reserve your shipment. You can either pay the entire cost of the shipment upfront using your credit card and receive a discount or make a smaller down payment and pay the rest of the shipping fee upon delivery.
The quote that American Auto Shipping provides is good for 24 hours. For more complex shipments — such as multiple vehicles, oversize vehicles, or shipments to an overseas U.S. territory — you’ll need to either call the company or fill out an additional online form.
There are several factors that will influence the cost of your American Auto Shipping quote, including:
- Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles like SUVs will cost more to ship than a smaller car due to their added weight and the amount of space they take up on the trailer. Higher-value cars like exotic or foreign cars and inoperable vehicles will also cost more.
- Type of transportation: Enclosed transport offers extra protection against road hazards, but at a premium price that is usually several hundred dollars more than standard open transport.
- Distance: The greater the distance of your car shipment, the more expensive it will be.
- Location: Your pickup and drop-off locations will also affect shipping costs. Rural areas tend to be more costly since they are off the main transportation routes. However, you can also save by opting for terminal-to-terminal delivery instead of door-to-door service.
Here are some sample quotes from American Auto Shipping to give you an idea of their prices:
| Vehicle Type | Distance | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2,200 miles | $1,119–$1,279 | $2,179–$2,319 |
| Honda Civic | 1,200 miles | $929–$979 | $1,649–$1,739 |
| Ford F-150 | 1,500 miles | $949–$999 | $1,839–$1,949 |
American Auto Shipping Services
American Auto Shipping provides a wide range of car shipping services to help you get your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Here’s a closer look at their transport services:
- Door-to-door service: American Auto Shipping can pick up and drop off your vehicle at your specified locations for more convenient service.
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery: You can potentially save on your car shipping costs by dropping your vehicle off at a nearby terminal and picking it up at a terminal near your destination.
- Transport options: American Auto Shipping offers open and enclosed carriers for standard vehicle shipments, as well as RORO (roll-on roll-off) transportation for shipments to Hawaii and overseas U.S. territories.
- Shipment service tiers: American Auto Shipping’s standard service tier sets a pickup date within one to five weekdays of when your vehicle is available. For an extra $200, you can select priority shipping, which guarantees vehicle pickup within one to two weekdays. Expedited shipping ensures pickup within 24 hours for a $500 fee.
- Free car wash: American Auto Shipping reimburses all customers for a car wash after shipping their vehicle. If you send a receipt for your car wash, the company will send a check for up to $20.
- Motorcycle and other vehicle shipments: American Auto Shipping can also transport motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, heavy equipment, and more.
- Damage-free guarantee: If your vehicle is damaged during transport and the carrier’s insurance doesn’t cover the damages, American Auto Shipping will pay up to $500 toward the deductible for your own insurance coverage.
- Rental car: In the rare chance that a shipment is delayed 14 days past its scheduled delivery date, American Auto Shipping will provide a free rental car.
American Auto Shipping vs. the Competition
American Auto Shipping certainly stands out as one of the best car shipping companies in the business, but how does it stack up against other shippers like Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport?
Montway Auto Transport
Like American Auto Shipping, Montway Auto Transport services all 50 states and has a strong reputation in the industry. They also offer instant online quotes for their vehicle transport services, making it easy to compare costs between the two companies.
We’ve found that American Auto Shipping tends to be less expensive for open transport, but significantly more expensive for enclosed shipping. It’s also worth noting that Montway charges a $249 cancellation fee, which could be a problem if you think your plans might change.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is a relative newcomer to the industry, but it has quickly built a great overall reputation thanks to its Price Lock Promise and Clean Car Guarantee (two services similar to what American Auto Shipping offers).
Despite its transparent pricing and great reputation, Sherpa lacks certain services that American Auto Shipping offers, such as transportation to Hawaii and Alaska, terminal-to-terminal shipping, or transportation for motorcycles, boats, and other specialty vehicles.
Each of these auto shipping companies is ultimately a good option depending on your needs. Consider getting a quote from all three to find what works best.
| Company | BBB Score | Availability | Vehicle Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Auto Shipping | A+ | All 50 states and overseas U.S. territories | Car, motorcycle, RV, ATV, boat, and heavy equipment shipping |
| Montway Auto Transport | A+ | All 50 states | Car and motorcycle shipping |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | A+ | 48 states (not available in AK or HI) | Car shipping only |
Is American Auto Shipping Right For You?
Overall, American Auto Shipping provides reliable car transport services, with a wide range of service options that you won’t find with other companies. In addition to its straightforward shipping process, value-added features like binding quotes, a free car wash, and a damage-free guarantee make them well worth considering for just about any vehicle shipment.
With that being said, American Auto Shipping may not be the best option if you want to do an enclosed shipment. As we’ve compared quotes, we’ve found that their enclosed shipping rates tend to be much higher than the competition. In this case, you’d likely be better off using a lower-priced alternative like Montway Auto Transport or Sherpa Auto Transport.
Remember, it’s always best to get quotes from at least three reputable auto transport carriers before making a decision. Pricing and availability can vary, even for the same vehicle and the same route. By comparing your options, you’ll be able to find the best pricing and service.
FAQ
Is American Auto Shipping legit?
Yes, American Auto Shipping is a legitimate auto transport company. They are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customer reviews are quite positive overall, though a few customers have negative experiences with some of their carrier partners.
How do I track my vehicle during transport with American Auto Shipping?
American Auto Shipping offers GPS tracking for some cross-country shipments. When GPS tracking isn’t available, you’ll need to contact your dispatcher via phone or the company’s online form for updates.
Regardless of whether you’re shipping from California to Florida or doing a shorter shipment, the company will provide periodic updates so you can know when your vehicle will be delivered.
When is American Auto Shipping open?
American Auto Shipping provides vehicle pickups and drop-offs on weekdays only. However, you can call their phone number, 1-800-930-7417, or use their online form to request a quote or speak to customer service 24/7.
