Based on our research, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company serving North Carolina 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 North Carolina, the total average cost is $770 – $1,263.
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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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina.
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 North Carolina
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in North Carolina, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a comprehensive range of services including ATV shipping, enclosed transport, and shipping for inoperable cars. The company is known for its military discounts and guarantees damage-free delivery, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. It is fully insured and provides detailed inspection reports for each shipment.
Although they offer numerous convenient payment options, paying by money order or cash is not supported, which may be a downside for some customers. The company has an A+ rating from the BBB but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
48 States Auto Shipping
48 States Auto Shipping (DOT: 2246104) provides specialized car shipping services with commendable ratings, holding a Google rating of 4.4 and a BBB rating of A+. They cater to a wide array of needs, including electric vehicle shipping, inoperable car transport, motorcycle shipping, and boat shipping. Additionally, they offer both open and enclosed transport options to suit different customer preferences.
Customers can benefit from their flexible payment options, such as paying by credit card, and the convenience of shipment tracking. However, it is worth noting that 48 States Auto Shipping does not offer guaranteed delivery or expedited delivery, which might be a concern for those requiring faster shipping services. Overall, with a robust set of features and a strong reputation, they are a reliable choice for car transport across the United States.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Ship A Car ASAP
Ship A Car ASAP (DOT: 1628739) is a highly-rated car shipping company known for its exceptional service, holding a 5.0 rating on Yelp, a 4.9 rating on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
They offer a variety of services including shipping for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and heavy equipment. Customers can also take advantage of services like fully insured transport, open and enclosed transport options, and expedited delivery.
However, it’s worth noting that they do not provide storage solutions, which might be a downside for some customers. Despite this, Ship A Car ASAP remains a reliable choice for car shipping with a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
US Global Shipping Inc.
US Global Shipping Inc. (DOT: 2973911) offers a variety of specialized transportation services, including transporting inoperable cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and heavy equipment. Their services also extend to international shipping, which showcases their capability to handle a broad range of shipments across borders. Additionally, they provide detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking for better customer assurance and transparency.
However, the company does not offer fully enclosed transport, multi-car transport, or some very specific discounts such as for military personnel or seniors. Unfortunately, US Global Shipping Inc. has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Inoperable Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Speedy Car Shipping
Speedy Car Shipping (DOT: 2297446) is a versatile car shipping company with a Google rating of 4.9. While the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, it excels in offering specialized services such as enclosed and electric vehicle transport, and provides international shipping solutions.
Customers can take advantage of various discounts, including military and senior discounts. However, a potential downside for some clients is the lack of damage-free guarantees and expedited delivery options. Despite this, Speedy Car Shipping stands out with its commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in North Carolina
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of North Carolina:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From North Carolina to California | 1830 | 2379 |
| From North Carolina to Arizona | 1680 | 2184 |
| From North Carolina to Ohio | 757 | 984 |
| From North Carolina to Colorado | 1547 | 2011 |
| From North Carolina to Michigan | 1031 | 1340 |
| From Illinois to North Carolina | 992 | 1290 |
| From Florida to North Carolina | 899 | 1169 |
| From Texas to North Carolina | 1292 | 1680 |
| From Georgia to North Carolina | 735 | 956 |
| From New York to North Carolina | 757 | 984 |
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of North Carolina:
- Distance and Location: Distance and location directly affect car shipping costs from North Carolina. Longer distances and remote locations increase transport fees due to higher fuel and time expenses.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: Larger vehicles or those requiring special handling, such as classic cars, may cost more to ship out of North Carolina. 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 car to North Carolina’s weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs roughly 30% more but keeps your car in a covered trailer, ideal for high-end or classic cars. Due to the cost benefits, around 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: North Carolina’s mild weather year-round generally keeps car shipping costs stable, but occasional winter snow can cause slight price increases. The possibility of hurricanes may also impact scheduling and costs.
- Additional Services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping increase the cost of shipping a car. These conveniences require more resources and coordination from the shipping company, hence the higher price.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of North Carolina. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple North Carolina 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 North Carolina:
- 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 North Carolina:
- 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 North Carolina Auto Transport Companies
Our methodology for selecting the top car shipping companies in North Carolina is centered around a comprehensive analysis of five critical factors: licensing, customer satisfaction, service range, pricing, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
- 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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a North Carolina car shipping company?
Shipping your car is a practical option compared to driving long distances through North Carolina. It helps you navigate the state’s vast roadways and changing weather with ease. This approach saves you time and energy, which is useful given North Carolina’s diverse auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
To avoid scams, do thorough research on companies experienced with North Carolina logistics. Also, ensure insurance coverage meets local standards and follow vehicle preparation tips.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in North Carolina?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and urgency. Enclosed shipping gives better protection from North Carolina’s weather, but open shipping is cheaper.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
Understand if the company has insurance that covers any damage during transport. Check that their coverage is enough to protect the full value of your car. Confirm the insurance details in writing before hiring.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of North Carolina?
Start by washing and vacuuming the car. Take clear photos of the car from all angles to document its current condition. Empty the gas tank to about a quarter full for safety. In North Carolina, ensure the vehicle has passed safety inspection per DMV rules before shipping.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in North Carolina?
Seek out positive reviews, proper licensing, and clear pricing. It’s best to choose a company familiar with North Carolina’s logistics and weather challenges.
