Best Albany Car Shipping Companies (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 Albany, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
|
|
|
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 Albany
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of New York, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Albany.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Plycon Transportation Group
- Intercity Lines Inc
- Fox Auto Transport
- Quickship LLC
- Loyal Transportation Inc
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
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
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
Plycon Transportation Group
Plycon Transportation Group (DOT: 331582) offers a range of specialized car shipping services, including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and shipping for motorcycles and classic cars. They also provide international shipping and have guaranteed delivery options, and they ensure shipments are fully insured, giving customers peace of mind about their vehicles’ safety.
Customers can take advantage of discounts such as a military discount and an AAA discount. However, it should be noted that Plycon Transportation Group does not offer ATV shipping, which might be a downside for some customers.
The company has a mixed reputation with a Yelp rating of 2.2, a Google rating of 4.3, and a BBB rating of A+.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- AAA Discount
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Intercity Lines Inc
Intercity Lines Inc (DOT: 223672) is a reputable car shipping company offering a wide range of services, including enclosed transport, inoperable car transport, and classic car shipping. They are known for their fully insured and damage-free guarantee services, ensuring peace of mind for customers. Intercity Lines Inc boasts excellent ratings with a Yelp rating of 4.6, a perfect Google rating of 5.0, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
While they provide attractive discounts for military personnel, they do not offer discounts for teachers, seniors, students, or AAA members, which may be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not provide expedited delivery or storage solutions, limiting options for those needing faster or temporary transport services.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Fox Auto Transport
Fox Auto Transport (DOT: 2237933) is a reliable and fully insured car shipping company offering dependable transportation for multiple vehicles across state lines. They have achieved impressive customer satisfaction, boasting a 4.1 rating on Yelp, a 4.7 rating on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
One of their strong points is that they do not require a deposit, making the process easier for many customers. However, they do not provide services for transporting inoperable cars, which might be a downside for some potential clients.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Quickship LLC
Quickship LLC (DOT: 3785111) is a dynamic car shipping company known for a range of services and competitive advantages. This firm specializes in transporting inoperable cars, offering customers the option of enclosed transport for added protection, and is fully insured for peace of mind. Additionally, they provide international shipping and boat shipping services for those with diverse transport needs.
Despite these strengths, Quickship LLC has a modest Yelp rating of 2.1 and has yet to establish ratings on both Google and BBB, which might concern potential customers. Furthermore, the company does not offer certain discounts like military or student discounts, which could be seen as a downside for some clients.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Loyal Transportation Inc
Loyal Transportation Inc (DOT: 2242233) offers a range of car shipping services, including transport for classic cars, enclosed transport, and the capability to handle inoperable cars. The company is fully insured and accepts payment by credit card, adding a layer of convenience for its customers.
While they boast a strong Google rating of 4.6, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, some potential customers may find it disappointing that Loyal Transportation Inc does not offer storage solutions or expedited delivery options.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
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 Albany
The average cost to ship a car from Albany to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Albany, New York, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| New York to North Carolina | $711 – $977 |
| New York to Texas | $1,248 – $1,867 |
| New York to Florida | $986 – $1,426 |
| New York to Arizona | $1,380 – $2,152 |
| New York to Colorado | $1,273 – $2,047 |
| Ohio to New York | $675 – $982 |
| California to New York | $1,654 – $2,526 |
| Illinois to New York | $913 – $1,402 |
| Georgia to New York | $869 – $1,322 |
| Michigan to New York | $881 – $1,333 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Albany
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Albany: 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 Albany’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Albany’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Albany come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: The cold winters and frequent snowfall in Albany could increase the cost of car shipping due to potential road hazards and delays. High temperatures in summer could require additional measures for vehicle protection.
Tips for choosing the right Albany, NY, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Albany, 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 Albany. Choose Albany 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 Albany is critical for choosing the right car shipping company because they provide insights into service reliability and customer satisfaction. Reviews help potential clients avoid scams and subpar service providers.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Albany is critical for choosing the right car shipping company because it ensures the company meets state regulations and has a reliable track record, protecting you from scams. Without research, you risk encountering fraudulent services that may exploit you.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Albany, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Albany. 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 Albany. 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 Albany should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Albany, 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 Albany, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Albany?
I-87 South leads to New York City, connecting Albany to other interstates. I-90 East heads towards Boston. I-90 West moves towards Buffalo and Chicago. I-787 connects Albany downtown to major highways.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Albany 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 Albany?
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 Albany. 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 was registered in another state that gives inspection stickers, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker runs out to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was done in a place that does not give inspection stickers, you must 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:
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
