Best Buffalo 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 Buffalo, 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 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 Buffalo
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of New York, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Buffalo.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Global Auto Transportation
- Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc.
- Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
- Jack Cooper Transport
- Vision Transportation
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
Global Auto Transportation
Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of transport services including ATV shipping, enclosed transport, multi-car transport, and trailer shipping. They are fully insured and provide shipment tracking for added customer peace of mind.
While they are rated 3.3 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google, the company has yet to establish a rating on BBB. One potential downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which might be a consideration for some customers. Despite this, their active status and range of services make them a viable option for various car shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc.
Erin and Bill’s Automotive & Transport Inc. (DOT: 878835) is an active car shipping company known for its comprehensive insurance coverage and the availability of both enclosed and open transport options. They proudly hold a strong online reputation with a 4.6 rating on Google and an A+ rating from the BBB, although their Yelp rating stands at 2.4.
Despite these strengths, the company does not provide transport for inoperable cars, which may be a drawback for some customers. Additionally, Erin and Bill’s offers storage solutions and accepts credit card payments but lacks certain discounts and expedited delivery services.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group (DOT: 514146) is a car shipping company noted for its reliable service offerings. While they have established a solid reputation with a Google rating of 4.5, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Shank Brothers Trnsprtn Group provides open transport options and shipment tracking, making it easier for customers to monitor the status of their car deliveries. Although deposits are required and they accept payments in cash, a significant downside is the lack of enclosed transport options, which may be important for those shipping luxury or classic cars.
Services Offered
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
Jack Cooper Transport
Jack Cooper Transport (DOT: 64161) offers a variety of specialized car shipping services, including enclosed transport, motorcycle shipping, and RV shipping. The company is fully insured and provides a damage-free guarantee to ensure peace of mind for its customers. Additionally, they offer expedited delivery services, accommodating urgent shipping needs.
The company has a commendable Google rating of 4.0, reflecting their reliable service. However, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). One potential downside for some customers is that Jack Cooper Transport does not offer shipping for cars that don’t run.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
Vision Transportation
Vision Transportation (DOT: 2257988) is an active car shipping company that provides a variety of transport solutions. They offer both enclosed and open transport options, catering to different customer needs and preferences.
Additionally, Vision Transportation supports multi-car transport services, making it convenient for customers with multiple vehicles. The company is rated 4.0 on Google, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
While they do not provide transport for inoperable cars or offer a damage-free guarantee, their service includes the flexibility to pay by credit card, which may appeal to some customers.
Services Offered
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
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 Buffalo
The average cost to ship a car from Buffalo to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Buffalo, New York, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| New York to Illinois | $904 – $1,322 |
| New York to Georgia | $843 – $1,348 |
| New York to California | $1,544 – $2,450 |
| New York to Arizona | $1,380 – $2,152 |
| New York to Pennsylvania | $498 – $622 |
| North Carolina to New York | $711 – $930 |
| Florida to New York | $949 – $1,529 |
| Ohio to New York | $675 – $982 |
| Texas to New York | $1,287 – $1,811 |
| Michigan to New York | $881 – $1,333 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Buffalo
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Buffalo: 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 Buffalo’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Buffalo’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Buffalo come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Buffalo’s extreme winter weather may lead to higher car shipping costs due to increased demand and challenging driving conditions. Harsh weather can also necessitate special equipment and additional precautions, further raising expenses.
Tips for choosing the right Buffalo, NY, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Buffalo, 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 Buffalo. Choose Buffalo 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 Buffalo, New York is critical for choosing the right car shipping company because they provide firsthand experiences and insights into the company’s reliability and service quality. Reviews help identify potential red flags, ensuring a smooth and secure shipment.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research ensures you select reputable Buffalo car shipping companies, which prevents scams and guarantees your vehicle’s safety. Without proper vetting, you risk damaged or lost vehicles.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Buffalo, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Buffalo. 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 Buffalo. 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 Buffalo should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Buffalo?
Interstate 90 runs east-west. Interstate 190 connects Buffalo to Niagara Falls. Interstate 290 serves as a bypass route. Interstate 990 extends northeast.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Buffalo 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 Buffalo?
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 Buffalo. 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:
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