Best Car Shipping Companies in South Bend, IN (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in South Bend, IN, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Indiana car shipping page.
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Top car shipping companies in South Bend, IN
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Indiana, these are the best auto transport companies available in South Bend:
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
- 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 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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc (DOT: 681284) is a highly-rated car shipping company with a Google rating of 4.0 and an A+ rating from the BBB. The company excels in transporting inoperable vehicles, electric vehicles, and offers enclosed transport options to ensure the safety of classic cars.
The business also provides multi-car transport services and extends a military discount to its customers. Additionally, they are fully insured and do not require a deposit, which can be a significant advantage for many users. However, some customers might find it a downside that they do not offer guaranteed delivery or storage solutions.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
First Choice Auto Transport
First Choice Auto Transport (DOT: 2336634) offers a range of specialized car shipping services including enclosed transport, classic car shipping, and electric vehicle shipping. They also cater to vehicles that don’t run, ensuring a comprehensive service for various needs. Although they are fully insured and allow payments by credit card and money order, they do not offer expedited delivery or storage solutions, which could be a downside for some customers.
First Choice Auto Transport lacks noticeable ratings on platforms like Yelp, and has yet to establish a Better Business Bureau rating. However, they boast a Google rating of 4.4, indicating a generally positive reception from customers.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is an active car shipping company that offers a range of services including fully insured transport, enclosed transport, and multi-car transport. They also cater to the needs of electric vehicle owners and provide storage solutions.
One notable downside is that they do not transport inoperable cars, which could be a drawback for some customers. The business has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, and their BBB rating is currently not rated (NR).
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) offers a variety of car shipping services, including enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and the ability to handle ATV, trailer, RV, boat, motorcycle, and heavy equipment shipping. They also provide storage solutions and expedited delivery options.
The company ensures that all shipments are fully insured, and customers can track their shipments for added peace of mind. However, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some clients. Additionally, Bennett Motor Express has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
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
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Detailed Inspection Reports
In Transport Llc
In Transport Llc (DOT: 2290481) specializes in various car shipping services, making them a versatile choice for customers seeking reliable vehicle transport solutions.
They offer enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and trailer shipping, catering to varied customer needs. Additionally, they provide options for international shipping and accept payments via credit card. However, it’s important to note that they do not accommodate inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for some potential clients.
The company boasts a respectable Google rating of 4.0, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB. Despite this, their diverse service offerings make them a promising choice for vehicle transportation.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of South Bend
The cost to ship a car out of Indiana from South Bend typically starts around $1,200. Your exact price will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from South Bend, Indiana, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Indiana to Arizona | $1,275 – $1,850 |
| Indiana to Illinois | $452 – $586 |
| Indiana to California | $1,377 – $2,052 |
| Indiana to Texas | $912 – $1,415 |
| Indiana to North Carolina | $758 – $1,056 |
| Georgia to Indiana | $809 – $1,205 |
| New York to Indiana | $786 – $1,038 |
| Michigan to Indiana | $518 – $693 |
| Florida to Indiana | $850 – $1,387 |
| Ohio to Indiana | $433 – $546 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from South Bend
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within South Bend or to another city in Indiana 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 South Bend to a more suburban area.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from South Bend might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in South Bend: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on South Bend’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from South Bend comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Severe weather conditions like snow or heavy rain in South Bend, Indiana, could increase the cost of car shipping due to higher risks and potential delays. Adverse weather makes transportation more challenging and time-consuming.
Tips for choosing the right South Bend car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in South Bend with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Indiana.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose South Bend companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. It’s important to read reviews from South Bend customers. They share real experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Using this feedback can help you avoid scams and pick a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, make sure a South Bend company is legitimate and well-regarded to avoid scams or bad service. Verify this by checking the car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which includes USDOT licensing details, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in South Bend. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with South Bend car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. South Bend companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in South Bend who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
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
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in South Bend?
Yes, many car shipping companies in South Bend, Indiana, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves South Bend, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of South Bend?
The most efficient interstates for shipping a car out of South Bend include I-80, I-90, and I-94. I-80 and I-90 run east-west. I-94 provides regional connectivity.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any South Bend car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s FMCSA website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of South Bend?
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 South Bend. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Indiana, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Indiana regulations as an example. Indiana doesn’t require safety inspections for vehicles. But, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does need a VIN inspection for any vehicle not registered in the state before.
More Indiana car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Indiana, these resources should help:
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