Best Buffalo Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, SGT Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Buffalo, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the New York car shipping page.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Buffalo
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of New York, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Buffalo.
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Vision Transportation
- Global Auto Transportation
- Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc.
- Jack Cooper Transport
- Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Vision Transportation
Vision Transportation (DOT: 2257988) is an active car shipping business that offers several key services. Customers can choose from enclosed and open transport options, and the company accommodates interstate car shipping. Vision Transportation allows payment by credit card, adding convenience for its clientele.
Unfortunately, they do not provide services for cars that don’t run, which may be a downside for some customers. They also lack a damage-free guarantee and do not offer shipment tracking. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers a range of car shipping services including open and enclosed transport, motorcycle and RV shipping, and trailer and boat transport. They are fully insured and accept payment by credit card and cash, providing added convenience and security for their customers. However, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee or the ability to transport cars that don’t run, which may be a disadvantage for some clients.
Despite the lack of certain discounts and services, Global Auto Transportation has a solid presence with a Google rating of 4.0 and a Yelp rating of 3.3. They are yet to establish a rating on the BBB. Their active status and extensive service offerings make them a reliable choice for car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc.
Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc. (DOT: 878835) is a reputable car shipping company known for its comprehensive services and stellar reputation.
While the company does not offer ATVs, motorcycles, or RVs shipments, it excels in providing enclosed and open transport options. Their full insurance coverage offers peace of mind for customers concerned about the safety of their vehicles. Although they do not provide services for inoperable cars, they do support multi-car transport and storage solutions, which can be a significant convenience for many.
Their services are well-regarded, with a remarkably high Google rating of 4.6 and an excellent BBB rating of A+. However, they have room for improvement on Yelp, where they hold a rating of 2.4. Despite the mixed ratings, Erin and Bill’s remains dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient transport solutions.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services tailored to various customer needs. The company ensures the safety and security of vehicles through their damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage. They also provide enclosed transport options and expedite delivery for customers looking for faster service.
Despite its many offerings, Jack Cooper Transport does not provide services for inoperable cars or electric vehicles, which might be a drawback for some customers. The company boasts a Google rating of 4.0, but it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group (DOT: 514146) is a car shipping company that offers open transport services, making it a viable option for standard vehicle shipping. They support interstate transport, providing a breadth of service across state lines. Another convenience they offer is shipment tracking, allowing customers to keep tabs on their vehicles during transit.
Potential customers should note that Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group does not offer enclosed transport or special discounts for groups like military personnel, students, or seniors, which could be a downside for some. Additionally, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, leaving new clients little guidance on their service quality from previous customers.
Services Offered
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average car shipping costs in Buffalo
The average cost to ship a car from Buffalo to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Buffalo, New York, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| New York to California | $1,842 – $2,954 |
| New York to Texas | $1,582 – $2,273 |
| New York to Florida | $1,165 – $1,737 |
| New York to Illinois | $1,079 – $1,673 |
| New York to Pennsylvania | $526 – $719 |
| North Carolina to New York | $807 – $1,121 |
| Michigan to New York | $1,062 – $1,500 |
| Ohio to New York | $848 – $1,207 |
| Arizona to New York | $1,680 – $2,674 |
| Georgia to New York | $1,048 – $1,593 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Buffalo
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Buffalo or to another city in New York can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Buffalo to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Buffalo might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Buffalo: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Buffalo’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Buffalo’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Buffalo come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Extreme winter weather in Buffalo, New York increases the cost of car shipping due to potential delays and additional measures required for vehicle protection. Winter conditions can also affect road safety, potentially raising insurance rates for transport services.
Tips for choosing the right Buffalo, NY, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Buffalo, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in New York.
- Review insurance and safety in Buffalo. Choose Buffalo companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews ensures you select a reliable Buffalo car shipping company by verifying their service quality and dependability through past customer experiences. This minimizes risks and potential issues.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Buffalo is vital for selecting a reliable car shipping company because it helps spot fraudulent practices and ensures compliance with local regulations. Avoiding scams protects your vehicle and finances.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Buffalo, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Buffalo. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Buffalo. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Buffalo should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Buffalo that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Buffalo who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Buffalo?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Buffalo, New York, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Buffalo, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Buffalo?
Interstate 90 connects Buffalo to major east-west routes. Interstate 190 provides access to Niagara Falls and Canada. Interstate 290 links to other interstates.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Buffalo car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Buffalo?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Buffalo. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of New York, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take New York regulations as an example. If your vehicle has an out-of-state inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State inspection. If the previous inspection was from a place that doesn’t give out inspection stickers, you need to get a New York State inspection right away.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in New York, these resources should help:
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