Best Columbus 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 Columbus, 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 Georgia 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 Columbus
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Georgia, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Columbus.
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Amerifreight
- Exclusive Auto Shipping
- Bennett Motor Express Llc
- Sakaem Logistics Llc
- Cheap Auto Trans
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
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
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
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
Amerifreight
Amerifreight (DOT: 2238770) is a reputable car shipping company offering a variety of services, including transportation for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Customers have confidence in their fully insured offerings and damage-free guarantee, with an impressive Google rating of 4.7 and a Yelp rating of 3.3. Additionally, Amerifreight holds an A+ rating from the BBB, underscoring their commitment to quality service.
Customers seeking discounts will be pleased with their military, senior, and student discounts, among others listed on their website. However, it should be noted that Amerifreight does not offer international shipping, which may be a drawback for some. Overall, Amerifreight’s extensive services and high ratings make it a reliable choice for car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Exclusive Auto Shipping
Exclusive Auto Shipping (DOT: 2968838) offers a diverse range of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, and even heavy equipment. They excel in providing fully insured services and enclosed transport options, ensuring your vehicle is secure during transit. The company has a strong industry reputation, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.4 and a BBB rating of A+.
Exclusive Auto Shipping also caters to specific groups with discounts, such as military and senior citizens, and offers international shipping services. However, for some customers, the lack of a damage-free guarantee might be a downside. While they offer multiple payment options, including credit card and cash, they do require a deposit for services rendered.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- 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
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Senior Discount
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Bennett Motor Express Llc
Bennett Motor Express Llc (DOT: 92693) is a versatile car shipping company offering a range of services including electric vehicle shipping, ATV shipping, and international shipping. They also provide enclosed transport for added vehicle protection and boast an A+ rating from the BBB, complemented by a 3.5-star rating on Google.
Customers can expect fully insured shipments and the convenience of shipment tracking and pay-by-credit-card options. However, the company does not cater to the transport of inoperable cars, which might be a consideration for some customers. Despite the lack of military and other common discounts, Bennett Motor Express Llc remains an active player in the car shipping industry.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Sakaem Logistics Llc
Sakaem Logistics Llc (DOT: DOT# 2985098) is a reputable car shipping company known for its wide range of services. Customers can benefit from specialized options like inoperable car transport, ATV, motorcycle, RV, and heavy equipment shipping. They also offer both enclosed and open transport as well as expedited and guaranteed delivery services. Notably, the company enjoys a high Google rating of 4.8, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
While Sakaem Logistics provides discounts for military personnel, they do not offer discounts for seniors, AAA members, or students, which could be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not provide terminal-to-terminal delivery or storage solutions, which some clients may find less convenient. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Cheap Auto Trans
Cheap Auto Trans (DOT: 3648529) offers a variety of car shipping services such as ATV shipping, enclosed transport, international shipping, and inoperable car transport. Despite being fully insured and providing damage-free guarantees, their Yelp rating is 1.4, and their BBB rating is an F.
Unfortunately, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Customers may find the lack of shipment tracking and storage solutions as a downside to their service offerings.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
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 Columbus
The average cost to ship a car from Columbus to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Columbus, Georgia, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Georgia to Pennsylvania | $980 – $1,526 |
| Georgia to Florida | $671 – $946 |
| Georgia to Illinois | $996 – $1,521 |
| Georgia to North Carolina | $726 – $1,033 |
| Georgia to Texas | $1,177 – $1,790 |
| New York to Georgia | $985 – $1,593 |
| Ohio to Georgia | $993 – $1,540 |
| Arizona to Georgia | $1,631 – $2,418 |
| Michigan to Georgia | $1,060 – $1,597 |
| California to Georgia | $1,646 – $2,773 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Columbus
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Columbus or to another city in Georgia 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 Columbus 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 Columbus might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Columbus: 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 Columbus’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Columbus’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Columbus come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Hot summers and icy winter roads in Columbus, Georgia could increase car shipping costs due to higher demand for vehicle transport services.
Tips for choosing the right Columbus, GA, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Columbus, 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 Georgia.
- Review insurance and safety in Columbus. Choose Columbus 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 in Columbus, Georgia gives insight into the experiences and satisfaction levels of past customers, helping to identify reputable and reliable car shipping companies. Reviews highlight potential issues and positive aspects, assisting in making informed decisions.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures you choose a reputable Columbus car shipping company and avoid scams. It helps verify credentials, track records, and customer reviews.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Columbus, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Columbus, Georgia, 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 Columbus, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Columbus?
Efficient interstates for shipping a car out of Columbus, Georgia include I-185, I-85, and I-75. These routes connect to major cities and highways, facilitating easy transport. Routes like I-20 and I-285 also provide regional connectivity. These interstates support efficient and effective shipping logistics.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Columbus 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 Columbus?
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 Columbus. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Georgia, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Georgia regulations as an example. New Georgia residents need to register their vehicles at the County Tag Office in their area. They must have a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID from the Georgia Department of Driver Services first. Depending on the rules, they might need to go to the office in person.
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.
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