Best Car Shipping Companies of 2024
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Sherpa Auto Transport is our top pick for the best car shipping company due to their positive customer reviews, and guaranteed pricing model.
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The average cost to transport a car is about $1,100 but you could spend as little as $500 or upwards of $2,400 depending on the type of vehicle you have and where you need it shipped. You’ll want to find a professional car shipper that can accommodate your specific needs at a price point that works for your budget.
Read on to decide if Sherpa Auto Transport is the right match for you or if you should go with one of our other recommended car shippers.
5 best car shipping companies
Based on in-depth research and analysis, we think the best car shippers are:
- Sherpa Auto Transport: Our overall pick
- Montway Auto Transport: Best if you’re moving cross-country
- AmeriFreight: If you’re looking for car shipping discounts
- SGT Auto Transport: Best for balance of services and price
- Easy Auto Ship: For those who need their car shipped quickly
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- No upfront payment
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Competitive pricing
- Door-to-door shipping
- Competitive pricing
- Last-minute car shipments
- Guaranteed & expedited shipments
- Gap insurance coverage
- Multiple discounts
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- No upfront deposit
- Expedited shipping
- No hidden fees
- Ships motorcycles & RVs
- Discount for cash payments
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Sherpa Auto Transport: Our overall pick
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
Sherpa Auto Transport prides itself on being very customer-focused — and its online reviews are proof of that focus. That reputation for quality — combined with accurate pricing and a variety of perks — puts Sherpa at the top of our list.
Car shipping costs vary based on a lot of variables, so it’s not uncommon for pricing to change from booking to your pickup date. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about that with Sherpa. It offers consistent costs from quote to delivery through guaranteed pricing, so you always know what you’ll pay and why. If the price needs to change for any reason, Sherpa contributes up to $300 to make sure the transport happens. Most shippers pass these price increases to you, so this is a big bonus.
More about Sherpa Auto Transport
Pros and cons
- Ships inoperable vehicles
- Price-Lock Promise
- Expedited car transport services (for an additional fee)
- Only ships standard passenger cars
- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates
Services
- Long-distance & cross-country shipping
- Expedited transport
- Open & enclosed carriers
- Door-to-door delivery
- Clean Car Guarantee
- Price Lock Promise
- Insurance options
Cost
Here’s what you can expect to pay when shipping your car with Sherpa Auto Transport:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $2.75 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1.55 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $1.23 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.84 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.74 |
Availability
Sherpa Auto Transport can ship vehicles to and from all U.S. states, with the exception of Alaska. The company does not provide any international shipping services.
Our rating
We gave Sherpa Auto Transport 4.5/5 stars. Although Sherpa is our pick for pricing accuracy, we did deduct some points because the company doesn’t have a price-matching policy.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Standard services & perks: 3.7/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.5/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 3.5/5
Montway Auto Transport: Best if you’re moving cross-country
- No upfront payment
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Competitive pricing
- Door-to-door shipping
What makes Montway Auto Transport different from competitors is their ability to seamlessly ship cars across the country. Montway’s network of carriers allows for efficient and flexible car shipping anywhere nationwide — including more complex cross-country moves. As expensive as cross-country moves can be, Montway offers a variety of service options to fit most budgets no matter how far you’re relocating.
Given their expert handling of cross-country moves, it is not surprising that Montway Auto Transport is a preferred shipper for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world. It is also the exclusive transport partner for Autotrader Classics.
More about Montway Auto Transport
Pros and cons
- Door-to-door service is standard
- Multiple discounts available
- Ships to Hawaii and Alaska
- Online quotes are non-binding
- Does not ship RVs
Services
- Long-distance & cross-country shipping
- International shipping
- Motorcycle transport
- Inoperable vehicle shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Door-to-door shipping
- Guaranteed pickup dates
- Add-on insurance
Cost
Here is a quick look at sample costs from Montway Auto:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $1.96 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.93 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.52 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 |
Availability
Montway Auto Transport is available in all 50 states and can handle international shipping.
Our rating
We rated Montway Auto Transport 4.4/5 stars. Take a look at how it scored on each of the following factors:
- Standard services & perks: 3.7/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.5/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 3.5/5
AmeriFreight: If you’re looking for car shipping discounts
- Competitive pricing
- Last-minute car shipments
- Guaranteed & expedited shipments
- Gap insurance coverage
- Multiple discounts
Not only does AmeriFreight have consistently affordable pricing on auto transport nationwide, the company also offers lots of discounts to help you get the best-possible deal.
If you’re an active service member, medical professional, or first responder, for example, you can get $35 off your order. AmeriFreight gives senior citizens and students a $25 discount. And the company also rewards returning customers and those who ship multiple vehicles with a $50-off promo.
AmeriFreight’s budget-conscious approach to car shipping means you won’t have to pay a deposit and they won’t charge you a fee if you need to cancel. And the company’s cost-friendly focus doesn’t mean you’ll lost out on service. AneriFreight is highly rated within the industry and can accommodate last-minute shipping requests.
More about AmeriFreight
Pros and cons
- Tiered insurance options that cover damage up to $2,000
- Early bird discount
- Expedited shipping (for an additional fee)
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- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates
- No international shipping
Services
- Long-distance & cross-country shipping
- Door-to-door delivery standard on most orders
- Open & enclosed transport
- Option to ship up to 100 pounds of belongings in your vehicle
- Multiple insurance plans
Cost
Here’s what you can expect to pay when working with AmeriFreight:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $1.1 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.80 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.59 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.57 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.38 |
Availability
AmeriFreight services all 50 states but cannot ship internationally.
Our rating
We scored AmeriFreight 4.3/5 stars. A top-notch car shipper overall, their score is based on upsides like nationwide availability, multiple discounts, reasonable rates, and expedited shipping. The company lost some points for not offering guaranteed pickup and delivery dates or pricing guarantees.
Check out how they did on each of our key ranking factors:
- Standard services & perks: 3.8/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.25/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 3.3/5
SGT Auto Transport: Our pick for services and price
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Founded in 2014, SGT Auto Transport is a car shipping company that has quickly become a favorite among movers for its variety of services at a reasonable cost. If you do find a lower price somewhere else, you won’t have to rule out SGT Auto because they offer a price-matching guarantee. SGT Auto provides open and enclosed car shipping throughout the U.S. and in some areas overseas, and you can get guaranteed pickup and delivery for an extra fee.
More about SGT Auto Transport
Pros and cons
- Easy-to-use website with free car shipping quotes
- Price matching
- Guaranteed pickup option
- No GPS tracking available
- Does not transport RVs or other larger vehicles
Services
- Long-distance & cross-country shipping
- International transport (limited)
- Open & enclosed carrier options
- Door-to-door pickup & delivery
- Guaranteed pickup dates
- Dealership vehicle delivery
- $100,000 in cargo insurance
Cost
Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay when choosing SGT Auto Transport:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.75 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.60 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 |
Availability
SGT Auto Transport is available in every state except Alaska. The company can ship cars overseas, but its international availability is limited so you will need to check with a customer service representative.
Our rating
We gave SGT Auto Transport a 4.9/5 stars overall. Here’s how the company scored in each of our major categories:
- Standard services & perks: 4.6/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 5/5
- State availability: 4.5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 5/5
Easy Auto Ship: For those who need their car shipped quickly
- No upfront deposit
- Expedited shipping
- No hidden fees
- Ships motorcycles & RVs
- Discount for cash payments
What really sets Easy Auto Ship apart from the competition is their ability to facilitate a smooth and easy pickup process. Like most auto transport companies, Easy Auto Ship is a third-party logistics provider (or broker). But their advanced logistics technology and wide network of carriers gives them the unique ability to streamline scheduling for faster pickups.
To ease the stress, you will always have a dedicated account rep from start to finish with Easy Auto Ship. For added peace of mind, the company will send you a text and email with the company’s name, truck driver’s name, and phone number before pickup and delivery.
More about Easy Auto Ship
Pros and cons
- Free rental cars for moves that take more than 14 days
- Discounts for paying in cash
- Clean car guarantee
- Enclosed shipping can be expensive
- No guaranteed drop-off dates
Services
- Long-distance & cross-country shipping
- Overseas shipping
- Open & enclosed transport
- RV, boat, motorcycle & heavy equipment shipping
- Expedited shipping
- Car rental reimbursement (for deliveries delayed more than 14 days)
- Add-on insurance
Cost
Here’s what you can expect to pay when shipping your vehicle with Easy Auto Ship:
| Distance | Average Per-Mile Cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $1.00 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.75 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $0.60 |
| 2,000–2,500 miles | $0.50 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 |
Availability
Easy Auto Ship is available nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii, and can ship vehicles internationally.
Our rating
Easy Auto Ship received 4.7/5 stars from us. Here’s a breakdown of that overall score:
- Standard services & perks: 4.6/5
- Customer feedback & reputation: 4.5/5
- State availability: 5/5
- Quote process & payment options: 5/5
Comparing car shippers
| Company | Best For | BBB Rating | State Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Accurate pricing | A+ | 48 (not in AK or HI) |
| Montway Auto Transport | Cross-country moves | A+ | 50 |
| AmeriFreight | Discounts | A+ | 50 |
| Easy Auto Ship | Quick pickup | A+ | 50 |
| SGT Auto Transport | Overall value | B | 49 (not in AK) |
Compare by discounts
Whether you’re shipping your car as part of a larger move or just getting your new car from the dealership to your house, auto transport can be costly. Some companies offer deals to offset costs — but car shipping discounts are certainly not the norm. Of the 2,400 car shippers we have evaluated, only 22 percent provide a military discount. Just five percent have a senior or student discount and discounts for teachers are even rarer (only one percent of companies offer them).
If you fall into one or more of those categories, promotions that can save you money may be the deciding factor between a car shipper that provides discounts and one that doesn’t.
| Company | Military | Senior | Teacher | Student | Multi-vehicle | Returning Customer | Cash Payment | Early Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Montway Auto Transport | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ |
| AmeriFreight | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ |
| SGT Auto Transport | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Easy Auto Ship | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
Compare by cost
How much it costs to ship your car will depend on multiple factors, such as the type of vehicle you have, whether you go with open vs. enclosed transport, and the distance of your shipment. However, below is a look at what you can expect to pay for each of our best car shippers. Estimates are based on transporting a standard sedan approximately 1,500 miles via an open carrier.
| Company | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,200 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $910 |
| AmeriFreight | $888 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,080 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $980 |
Compare by reputation
Here’s how our top picks stack up based on independent ratings and consumer reviews:
| Company | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Trustpilot Rating | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.5/5 | A+ (4.91/5) | 3.1/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.5/5 | A+ (4.54/5) | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| AmeriFreight | 4.3/5 | A+ (4.72/5) | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.7/5 | B (4.59/5) | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Easy Auto Ship | 4.9/5 | A+ (4.61/5) | 2.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
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Other considerations
We researched and analyzed thousands of car shipping companies to come up with our short list of the five best based on a variety of needs and situations. But the best fit for you will ultimately depend on your unique circumstances. If you haven’t found your perfect match based on the companies here, you may want to take a look at one or more of these highly-rated car shippers:
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs average about $1,100 but cost depends heavily on distance. The average range for shipping a car under 250 miles is $340–$750. Auto transport typically costs between $400 and $1,090 for 500–1,000 miles and $670–$1,320 for 1,000–1,500 miles. Shipping a vehicle more than 1,500 miles can run anywhere from $870 up to $2,400 or higher.
Helpful resources:
- Car Shipping Calculator
- Car Shipping Cost
- Ultimate Car Shipping Checklist
- Car Shipping Scams
- Car Shipping Discounts & Deals
FAQ
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
Prepare your car for shipping by doing the following:
- Gather important vehicle documents
- Check with your car insurance company to make sure they’ll cover your vehicle in transit
- Ensure your car is empty of all belongings (unless you are using a shipper that allows you to leave some items in your car during transport)
- Wash your car inside and out
- Take 360-degree photos of your car
- Perform maintenance
- Don’t fill up the gas tank (it will be on a carrier, not driven, so drive it until the tank is down to one-quarter full)
- Remove exterior accessories
- Lock the car and leave the keys with the transport company
- Sign the Bill of Lading
Do I need insurance to ship my car?
You do not need insurance to ship your car with a reputable car shipping company. However, you may opt to buy additional coverage if you want extra protection.
Dependable car shippers carry cargo insurance with enough value to cover your car at no extra charge. If you have a classic or specialty vehicle, double-check that your preferred shipper carries enough insurance for your car.
You may also want to look at purchasing additional insurance to cover your vehicle during transport if your car is antique or high-value. While cargo insurance will protect you against any major damage to your vehicle, it doesn’t usually cover things like vandalism, weather, or minor scratches.
Before booking, have a customer service agent walk you through their insurance policy and note what isn’t covered. Also, check with your current auto insurance provider to see if they will cover your car during transport or if additional service for your vehicle is needed.
Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
You typically cannot put stuff in your car when you ship it. However, some companies — like Easy Auto Ship and AmeriFreight — allow you to have up to 100 pounds of stuff in your car during transport. Always ask a customer service representative about this, so you don’t risk being charged extra for leaving items in your car.
How do I avoid car shipping scams?
You can avoid car shipping scams by ensuring the company you plan to use has a valid federal motor carrier number and is licensed through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can search a company to check for proper licensing and registration using the FMCSA’s company snapshot tool on its website.
Can I get car shipping discounts?
Yes, you can get car shipping discounts, depending on the company you choose to hire. AmeriFreight is our pick for best discounts, but many car shippers offer a variety of discounts for students, military, healthcare workers and other groups. They may also have discounts for returning customers, car shipments with multiple vehicles, or even for booking service in advance or during a short time frame after receiving a quote.
Some of these incentives can vary depending on where you are moving and time of year. To be sure you don’t miss out on any deals, always speak to a customer service representative before booking.
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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