Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
Fact Checked by: Here’s the bottom line: If you need specialty auto shipping, few companies compare to Nationwide United Auto Transport. While the company’s prices can be higher than other shippers, they offer several distinctive services that are harder to come by.
Although they didn’t make our list of the best car shipping companies, we still think Nationwide is well worth considering for trickier vehicle shipping jobs, especially since the company can easily transport RVs, boats, food trucks, and even tiny homes.
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To help you decide if Nationwide United Auto Transport is right for you, here’s a closer look at what the company has to offer.
Pros & cons of shipping your car with Nationwide United
- Services all U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska
- Expedited transport available
- Can ship boats, RVs, tiny homes, food trucks, buses, and other vehicles
- No hidden fees, with insurance included in every quote
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Prices tend to be higher than the competition
- No instant quotes available
- Can only use credit cards for deposits (must pay with cash or certified check upon delivery)
- No guaranteed pickup or delivery dates
Key takeaways
- Nationwide United Auto Transport (USDOT#2423753) is an auto broker based in Los Angeles with more than 20 years of industry experience. As a broker, the company partners with auto shippers to provide a nationwide carrier network for practically every type of vehicle.
- In addition to shipping standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, Nationwide United Auto Transport offers specialty transport services for RVs, boats, and even tiny homes. The company also ships a variety of oversized and heavy vehicles, including food trucks, buses, and tractors.
- While the company receives high praise for the quality of its service and vast range of offerings, its prices are typically higher than the industry average. Combined with the requirement to make the final payment via cash or certified check, payments can be harder to manage than with other companies. They also do not guarantee pickup or delivery dates or times.
Jump to the Nationwide United info you’re looking for:
- Nationwide United Auto Transport pricing: How much it costs for car shipping
- Nationwide United Auto Transport offers a wide variety of services
- How Nationwide United stacks up against the competition
- How shipping with Nationwide United Auto Transport works
- Should you use Nationwide United to ship your car?
- FAQ
Nationwide United Auto Transport pricing: How much it costs for car shipping
Like many auto transport companies, you can’t get an instant online shipping quote from Nationwide United Auto Transport. You can fill out a form online, after which one of their representatives will contact you via email, or you can call their phone number.
Pricing varies based on several factors, such as the size of the vehicle you need to ship, the distance of your move, and whether you use an open carrier or enclosed transport. Extra fees may apply for expedited shipping or inoperable vehicles.
In general, Nationwide United Auto Transport’s rates are higher than the competition — sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, their quote is all-inclusive, with no hidden fees. The quote includes pickup and delivery fees, insurance, and taxes.
A deposit is also required at booking, which can be paid by credit card. The remainder of your payment is due when your vehicle is delivered. However, the final payment must be made using cash or a certified check.
Nationwide United Auto Transport offers a wide variety of services
Nationwide United Auto Transport offers the broadest range of car transport services we’ve seen. Here’s a breakdown of how they can help:
- Open transport: The cheapest shipping option is to send your vehicle on an open trailer. This shipment option is used by the vast majority of customers due to lower prices and faster delivery times.
- Enclosed auto transport: If you need to ship a classic car or high-value vehicle, an enclosed carrier is usually recommended. Vehicles are transported in hard-side enclosed carriers to offer maximum protection against weather and road hazards. Keep in mind that enclosed transport costs more than an open carrier.
- Door-to-door service: Nationwide United Auto Transport offers door-to-door shipping, in which your vehicle can be picked up and dropped off at your home for even easier service. If your neighborhood is not accessible for the truck, an alternate location will need to be arranged.
- RVs and trailers: Nationwide United Auto Transport can ship larger personal vehicles like RVs, boats, and even tiny houses. The company will generally require a more thorough assessment to determine whether towing, hauling, or other transportation methods will work best for these vehicles.
- Expedited shipping: If you’re short on time, Nationwide United also offers expedited shipping services at an additional cost to get your vehicle on the road quickly. Your shipment becomes top priority to minimize wait times. The company does not offer guaranteed pickup or delivery dates.
- Oversized vehicle transport: Nationwide United Auto Transport can also ship a variety of oversize and heavy vehicles, such as food trucks, buses, tractors, and heavy-duty trucks (including semi tractors and utility trucks).
- Insurance coverage: Nationwide United offers insurance coverage up to $75,000 for open transport shipments and $250,000 for enclosed transport shipments. This coverage is included in your quote.
How Nationwide United stacks up against the competition
Nationwide United is one of many car shipping companies you could choose from — but is it the best option? It’s always a good idea to get transport quotes from multiple providers like SGT Auto Transport or Easy Auto Ship — two of our picks for best car shippers. Here’s a closer look at how Nationwide United Auto Transport compares to some of its top competitors.
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Nationwide United Auto Transport vs. SGT Auto Transport
With more than 25,000 carriers, SGT Auto Transport has built a strong reputation and a wide-reaching network, with very positive customer reviews, transparent pricing, and no hidden fees. The ability to get instant online quotes or a binding over-the-phone estimate are definite perks of this company. However, they do not accept credit card payments.
Unlike Nationwide United, SGT Auto Transport lets customers book exact pickup dates, which can make it easier to coordinate their door-to-door services. Full insurance coverage can also provide much-needed peace of mind.
SGT Auto Transport does not provide service to Alaska. In addition, they do not ship RVs, heavy farming equipment, or other oversize vehicles. So, while their prices may often be cheaper than Nationwide United, they may not provide all the services you need.
Nationwide United Auto Transport vs. Easy Auto Ship
Like Nationwide United Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship can ship a variety of vehicles besides cars, including RVs, motorcycles and heavy farming equipment. They also service all 50 states, and even provide instant online quotes.
Similar to Nationwide United, Easy Auto Ship does not provide guaranteed pickup or delivery dates. Instead, customers are given two- five-day windows. It’s also worth noting that according to online reviews, Easy Auto Ship customers sometimes complain of difficulty tracking their vehicles while in transit, and customer service doesn’t always meet expectations.
However, with straightforward pricing, discounts for cash payments, and an easy to use online booking system, Easy Auto Ship is still one of the top car shippers in the industry.
| Company | BBB score | State availability | RV and farm equipment shipments? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide United | A+ | All 50 states | Yes |
| SGT Auto Transport | B | 49 states (not in AK) | No |
| Easy Auto Ship | A+ | All 50 states | Yes |
How shipping with Nationwide United Auto Transport works
Nationwide United Auto Transport’s vehicle shipping services are fairly comparable to the rest of the auto transport industry. When you book your shipment, you’ll need to pay an initial deposit with your credit card.
Nationwide United will work with you to schedule the vehicle pickup, typically with a one- to three-day window. Prior to pickup, you will also need to fill out the bill of lading to report any existing damage to your vehicle. Because of this (and to ensure availability), the company recommends that you schedule your pickup at least one week in advance.
After pickup, the entire process of shipping your vehicle will typically take one to two weeks. Severe weather, traffic conditions, and using enclosed transport will generally result in a longer delivery timeframe. You can contact Nationwide United via phone or email to get a shipping status update, though some of their contracted carriers also provide GPS tracking.
When your car is delivered to an agreed-upon location, either you or someone you’ve assigned to pick up your vehicle will need to be present. At drop-off, you and the driver will inspect your car for damage prior to signing any paperwork and making your final payment. Contact Nationwide United via phone before signing papers if your car has been damaged. Otherwise, you can sign your papers and be good to go!
Should you use Nationwide United to ship your car?
So, is Nationwide United a good vehicle transport option for you? It all comes down to your specific shipping needs.
Use Nationwide United Auto Transport if:
- You need to ship a vehicle to Alaska or Hawaii. Many car shipping companies only service the continental United States. The fact that Nationwide United services all 50 states makes them a good option if you need to get a vehicle to one of these less-serviced areas.
- You’re transporting an RV or boat. Many auto shippers only transport standard cars. Nationwide United stands out with its ability to ship RVs, boats, and tiny homes. No matter what type of personal vehicle you need to ship, they have you covered.
- You need to ship heavy equipment. Nationwide United can also help with heavy equipment used for business or farming needs, such as utility trucks or tractors.
Don’t use Nationwide United Auto Transport if:
- You’re trying to save money. Nationwide United’s prices tend to be much higher than the competition, even for shipping standard vehicles on open transport. If money is a concern, you should probably look elsewhere.
- You need guaranteed pickup and delivery dates. While Nationwide United offers expedited shipping, they do not provide guaranteed pickup or delivery — just a range of dates for when your vehicle could be picked up.
FAQ
Is Nationwide United Auto Transport a good company?
Nationwide United Auto Transport has provided auto transport services for more than 20 years, building a strong industry reputation and even gaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Does Nationwide United Auto Transport have hidden fees?
No, Nationwide United Auto Transport does not have hidden fees. The company includes all charges associated with its car shipping services —including fees, taxes, and insurance — in its quotes.
Are Nationwide United Auto Transport’s deposits refundable?
You can get a refund for your deposit if you cancel your order before a truck has been assigned to pick up your vehicle. The deposit will not be refunded if you cancel your order after a truck assignment has been made.
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