With so many auto transport companies to choose from, you need one you can trust to ship your vehicle safely and in a timely manner. We highly recommend Sherpa Auto Transport, and Montway Auto Transport — both of which offer reliable service at affordable rates — but these are far from your only options.
The 8 Best Car Shipping Companies
Need help shipping a car? You can’t go wrong with any of these auto shipping companies:
- Best Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Long-Distance Shipments: Montway Auto Transport
- Most Affordable: AmeriFreight
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Extra Perks: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Fast Service: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for Online Self-Service: uShip
- Best for Locked-In Rates: American Auto Shipping
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.
Comparing the Best Car Shipping Companies
Here’s a closer look at how our top car shippers compare.
| Superlative | Services | BBB Rating | State Availability | International Shipping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Best Guarantees | Car shipping | A+ | 48 states (not available in AK or HI) | No |
| Montway Auto Transport | Best for Long-Distance Shipments | Car and motorcycle shipping | A+ | All 50 states | Yes |
| AmeriFreight | Most Affordable | Car and motorcycle shipping | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| SGT Auto Transport | Best Exact Pickup Dates | Car and motorcycle shipping | B | 49 states (not available in AK) | Yes |
| Easy Auto Ship | Best Extra Perks | Car, motorcycle, RV, heavy equipment, and boat shipping | A+ | All 50 states | Yes |
| Ship A Car Direct | Fastest Service | Car, motorcycle, ATV, RV, boat shipping | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| uShip | Best Online Self-Service | Car transportation, moving labor | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| American Auto Shipping | Best for Locked-In Rates | Car and motorcycle shipping | A+ | 49 states (not available in AK) | No |
Sherpa Auto Transport
While Sherpa Auto Transport has less experience in the industry compared to competitors, the company has swiftly built a strong industry reputation, thanks to competitive pricing and great communication throughout the transportation process.
One area that has helped build Sherpa’s credibility is its Price Lock Promise, which means you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or price changes after you get your initial quote. Its Clean Car Guarantee also includes a free car wash if your vehicle is dirty when it arrives at its destination.
However, Sherpa Auto Transport is only available in the contiguous United States. And while you can make your initial payment with a credit card, the final payment must be made via cash or a certified check, which can be inconvenient. The company is also lacking certain services offered by competitors, such as terminal-to-terminal shipment options, guaranteed pickup or delivery, and shipping for motorcycles and other vehicles.
- Price Lock Promise means your rate won’t change after you get a quote
- Reimbursement for a free car wash after shipping
- Can ship inoperable vehicles
- Expedited pickup options available
- No shipments to Alaska or Hawaii
- No international shipping
- Only ships standard cars, trucks, and SUVs
- No guaranteed delivery or pickup dates
Montway Auto Transport
Serving all 50 states and internationally, Montway Auto Transport has excellent customer satisfaction scores, with a reputation for providing high-quality service and safe deliveries.
That makes Montway a trusted name when ensuring safe long-distance shipments of your vehicle. In fact, it is the official transport partner for Auto Trader Classics. The company can ship standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and classic cars.
A personalized approach with professional advisors who are available 24/7 make it easy to get the support you need when you need it throughout the process. Many of Montway’s partners also provide real-time GPS tracking so you always know where your vehicle is.
They also offer several valuable options like expedited shipping and guaranteed delivery dates.
While Montway offers a good mix of value and quality service, it does not guarantee its quotes, which expire after a week. And while the company doesn’t charge a deposit, its $249 cancellation fee is worth noting if you think your plans might change.
- Offers GPS tracking on vehicle shipments
- Expedited shipping and guaranteed delivery available (at an additional cost)
- No deposit required
- Available in all 50 states and internationally
- Quotes are not binding
- $249 cancellation fee
AmeriFreight
If you’re looking for consistently affordable rates on reliable shipping, AmeriFreight is definitely worth checking out. In addition to offering competitive prices, the company is also known for its wide selection of discounts for groups like military members, first responders, students, senior citizens, and medical personnel.
Other budget-friendly aspects of AmeriFreight include no upfront deposit, available gap insurance coverage that covers up to a $2,000 deductible, and no cancellation fee.
AmeriFreight’s network of carriers offer service to all 50 states. Despite this large network, the company does not help with international shipments.
Shipments in some areas may not be as readily available, and the company does not offer guaranteed pickup or delivery dates.
- Competitive prices
- Wide range of available discounts
- Ships to all 50 states
- No deposit required and free cancellation
- Expedited shipping available (at an additional cost)
- No guaranteed pickup or delivery
- No international shipping
- Availability can vary by state or route
SGT Auto Transport
Scheduling exact pickup dates for car transportation can be surprisingly difficult, but not with SGT Auto Transport. Guaranteed pickup dates are available Monday through Friday, enabling you to schedule your vehicle pickup for the exact date you need to move — something few other transport companies offer.
SGT Auto Transport also has some noteworthy perks, like 24/7 support, full insurance coverage included in each quote, and numerous discounts, including for military, seniors, students, and multiple cars.
While SGT does not ship to Alaska, they do ship to Hawaii and some international destinations.
SGT only ships cars and motorcycles — no RVs or other large vehicles. The company also doesn’t offer any real-time tracking options or terminal-to-terminal shipping.
- Offers exact pickup dates
- Ships to Hawaii and some international locations
- Quotes are guaranteed for seven days
- Multiple discounts available
- No tracking options for vehicle shipments
- Doesn’t ship RVs or other large vehicles
- No terminal-to-terminal shipping
Easy Auto Ship
If you need more from a car transport company than simply getting your vehicle from Point A to Point B, Easy Auto Ship has plenty of noteworthy service options to help you out. The company offers expedited shipping and guaranteed pickup so you can get your vehicle to its destination quickly. Contingency cargo insurance is also included in Easy Auto Ship’s quotes.
Easy Auto Ship gives you a free car wash if your vehicle is dirty upon delivery, as well as coverage for your rental car payment if the delivery is delayed by more than 14 days. You can also ship up to 100 pounds of cargo in your trunk.
The company’s offerings go beyond passenger vehicles as well, with the ability to ship RVs, heavy equipment, boats, and more.
Easy Auto Ship services all 50 states and can also help with international shipments, though GPS tracking is not available. Enclosed transport rates tend to be higher than the competition, but their open transport services usually have competitive pricing.
- Ships to all 50 states and internationally
- Expedited shipping available (at an additional cost)
- Can ship up to 100 pounds of belongings in your trunk
- Free car washes
- Enclosed transport rates tend to be higher than the competition
- No guaranteed drop-off dates
- No GPS tracking
Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct is a great option for long-distance car shipping, thanks to their quick turnaround times for helping customers transport their vehicle. Ship A Car works with a wide range of carriers and matches you to the one that best fits your time frame and required route.
This widespread network of carriers also enables them to process requests at short notice. And it means Ship A Car Direct can ship almost any type of vehicle, from typical cars and trucks to ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and even boats.
The company doesn’t require upfront deposits for its reservations. You only pay after your vehicle has been dispatched.
While Ship A Car Direct services all 50 states, they do not provide international shipments. Another potential downside — the company’s pricing tends to be higher than some of its competitors, and they don’t advertise discounts. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask about discounts if you think Ship A Car Direct is a good fit for you.
- Ships motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and boats in addition to passenger vehicles
- Can handle last-minute requests
- Strong insurance coverage
- Ships to Alaska and Hawaii
- No international shipping
- Prices may be higher than competitors
- No advertised discounts
uShip
uShip operates a bit differently than most car shippers because it isn’t a transport broker. Instead, the company operates as an online marketplace, where customers can quickly get bids from multiple transportation companies in their area. With this straightforward, user-friendly platform, you can quickly and easily get multiple competitive quotes.
It’s important to note that uShip does not vet the drivers in its marketplace. As such, you’ll need to make your own judgment based on the customer reviews available within the platform.
While uShip is technically in all 50 states, actual availability can vary based on how many providers are signed up for the platform in your area.
Even with this setup, you can still obtain extra insurance through uShip itself. The company also offers discounts for military service members and facilitates secure payments for whichever carrier you choose.
- Allows you to get competitive pricing from multiple providers in one place
- Can get multiple quotes in one place
- Can also book your other moving services
- Offers extra insurance (at an additional cost)
- Drivers are not vetted by uShip, so quality can vary
- Car transport services might not be available for your area or route
- No guaranteed rates
American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping is an excellent option for those looking for guaranteed pricing that won’t change during the shipping process. If you book your shipment within 24 hours of requesting a quote online, that quote will be locked in, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or last-minute price changes.
American Auto Shipping also offers great financial perks like help with up to $500 of your insurance deductible if damage occurs while your car is in transit.
The company also has quick pickup times, with most pickups available within five days, and expedited service is available. But if your delivery is significantly delayed for some reason, they will provide you with a free rental car.
However, American Auto Shipping’s rates tend to be higher than the competition. And while the company offers shipments to and from Hawaii, it does not service Alaska or international destinations.
- Provides binding quotes
- Straightforward online quoting and booking process
- Pays deductible coverage up to $500 if your car is damaged during transit
- Quick pickup times, with expedited shipping available (at an additional cost)
- Does not service Hawaii
- No international shipments
- Tends to be pricier than other options
How We Chose the Best Car Shipping Companies
We requested quotes from dozens of car shipping companies, read thousands of customer reviews, evaluated service offerings, and more before we landed on the best car shipping companies to get your vehicle from Hawaii.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we did:
- Vetted licenses: We evaluated each company to ensure they had valid USDOT numbers and all FMCSA licenses.
- Investigated customer satisfaction: We read customer reviews across several review sites and assessed Better Business Bureau ratings to more fully understand each company’s reputation in the auto transport industry.
- Compared shipping options: We looked at how many shipping services each company offered and how easy it was to customize your package.
- Analyzed pricing: We requested quotes, assessed each company’s price transparency, and compared it to other Hawaii car shipping companies.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
Depending on the carrier you select, car shipping costs per mile could range from $0.70-$1.30 per mile. On average, most vehicle shipments cost between $700-$1,150.
Shipping prices are influenced by the following factors:
- Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: Most auto shippers provide both enclosed shipping and open transport options. An enclosed trailer offers greater protection against the elements, but can be as much as 50% more expensive than using an open trailer.
- Delivery option: Door-to-door delivery provides pickup at and delivery to your home, but this convenience tends to come with added costs. Some auto shippers offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you drop off and pick up your vehicle at a terminal hub. While less convenient, it is also less expensive.
- Location: Some pickup and delivery locations can be more expensive due to higher demand in that area. Remote areas are also usually pricier, since they can be harder to access.
- Time of year: Because more people move during the spring and summer, vehicle shipping prices tend to be higher than during the off-peak times of fall and winter.
- Distance: The farther you need to transport your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to ship it.
- The type of vehicle: Car shipping companies charge more for high-value and inoperable vehicles, as they both require extra care and handling.
- The size of your vehicle: Larger vehicles will typically be more expensive to transport due to the added weight and amount of space they take up on the trailer.
How To Get the Best Price on Car Shipping
Moving on a budget? If you want to save money on car transport services, the following tips can help:
- Get multiple quotes. With instant online quotes, it’s easy to compare price options. Get a free quote from at least three providers so you can find an affordable option from a company you trust.
- Use open transport. Using an enclosed carrier can increase your shipping costs by as much as 50%. An open carrier is still generally safe, and much more affordable. The only main drawback is that your car might get dirty.
- Make an early reservation. Trying to book car shipping at the last minute can be complicated and leave you dealing with higher prices for expedited service. Book your reservation as early as possible to secure lower prices and a pickup date that works with your schedule.
- Check your insurance policy. If your existing insurance policy covers damage that might occur during shipping, then you don’t have to worry about spending extra for the carrier’s insurance coverage.
- Use terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you live relatively close to a car shipper’s terminal, you can save by dropping off and picking up your vehicle there instead of getting door-to-door service.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies offer discounts to military service members, students, seniors, and other groups. Some also offer seasonal discounts. It never hurts to ask which discounts are currently available.
What To Consider When Choosing a Car Shipping Company
If you want the car shipping process to go smoothly, choosing the best company is an absolute must. The following factors should always play a role when deciding which company to use.
Cost
Car shipping quotes are top of mind for many customers, and for good reason. Keep in mind that a company with rates that seem too good to be true may not be legitimate. Make sure you get quotes from reputable companies.
To save money, ask about available discounts. Some companies also price match with their competitors, which can help you get the best rate with your preferred provider.
Customer Reviews
Even when a company has good overall reviews, it’s best to dig a little deeper to learn about the pros and cons of working with them so you can make an informed decision.
Customer ratings can help you identify if a car shipping company has something you want, like 24/7 support. Or they can reveal an issue with one of their services, like consistent problems with the bill of lading.
Transport Options
Always double check that a car shipping company offers the transport options you need. If you need enclosed transport to ship your classic car, it won’t do you much good to get a quote from a company that only offers open transport.
Similarly, while some companies also ship motorcycles, RVs, and other vehicles, others only transport cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Availability
You’ll want to confirm that a car transport company is available for your preferred pickup and delivery dates.
You should also make sure they provide service to the area you’re moving from and the place you’re moving to. Geographic coverage can vary, especially for places like Alaska and Hawaii.
Our Take
If you’re looking for the highest-quality shipping experience, we recommend Sherpa Auto Transport.
We also suggest checking out these auto transport companies:
Regardless of what your initial favorite company was, it’s always best to get quotes from at least three of these providers so you can see who offers the best rates and availability for your move. Services and availability can vary, so getting quotes from multiple companies will help you make a better apples-to-apples comparison based on services and ultimately find the right fit for your needs.
And if you want to see even more car shipping options, check out local auto transport companies near you.
FAQ
What are the benefits of shipping a car?
Using car shipping services can be a convenient and cost-effective solution when moving across the country. Using vehicle transport services will help you save time and can be safer than driving your car yourself. Shipping a car will also prevent added wear and tear (and extra mileage) from a lengthy cross-country drive.
Who is the most reliable car transport company?
While each of the companies on our list are reliable, Montway Auto Transport has a strong industry reputation, and their GPS tracking ensures you’ll always know where your vehicle is. Ship A Car Direct and Sherpa Auto Transport also have strong industry reputations.
Which company ships cars the cheapest?
Montway Auto Transport and SGT Auto Transport are among our top picks for cheapest car shipping companies. Both companies generally have low rates, while still offering reliable transportation services. Remember, though, that the cheapest price isn’t always the best option, as some budget companies offer lower-quality service.
What are the top-rated car shipping companies for cross-country moves?
Ship A Car Direct, Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, American Auto Shipping, AmeriFreight, and Easy Auto Ship all have an A+ rating with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), meaning you can have confidence in the quality of their services for a cross-country move.
Can I ship my car with stuff in it?
Most auto shippers don’t let you ship your cars with personal goods inside, as this increases the risk of theft and damage. However, companies like Easy Auto Ship allow for a limited weight of items to be stored in the trunk as part of your car shipment. Contact your transport company to confirm their policy.
