Best Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, 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 Pennsylvania car shipping page.
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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 Philadelphia
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Pennsylvania, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Philadelphia.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Moverjet Logistics LLC
- Transit Systems Inc
- Royal Auto Ship
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC
- Philadelphia Car Transport
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
Moverjet Logistics LLC
Moverjet Logistics LLC (DOT: 2989759) is a car shipping company providing a variety of services including ATV, inoperable car, enclosed, multi-car, and classic car transport, as well as international shipping. Notably, they offer shipment tracking and are fully insured, enhancing customer confidence in their services. Their BBB rating stands at A-, but they have a low Yelp rating of 1.8 and have yet to establish ratings on Google.
However, one downside is that they do not offer some discounts such as military, senior, or law enforcement discounts, which might be seen as inconvenient for certain customers. Despite this, they remain a viable option for transporting a wide range of vehicle types and heavy equipment.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Transit Systems Inc
Transit Systems Inc (DOT: 517872) is an active car shipping company offering a wide range of services. They provide specialized transport for inoperable cars, classic cars, motorcycles, and heavy equipment, along with options for enclosed transport and guaranteed delivery. This business is noted for its damage-free guarantee and offers storage solutions and shipment tracking for added customer convenience.
While Transit Systems Inc has earned an A+ rating from the BBB, their customer reviews are mixed, with a Yelp rating of 1.0 and a Google rating of 3.3. One potential downside for some customers is the lack of insurance coverage, as the company is not fully insured. Additionally, they do not offer military or senior discounts, which may be a consideration for some prospective clients.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
Royal Auto Ship
Royal Auto Ship (DOT: 4094097) offers a variety of comprehensive car shipping services and maintains a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A+, though they currently hold a Yelp rating of 2.8. The company provides specialized services including enclosed transport, transport for inoperable cars, and heavy equipment shipping, ensuring flexibility for diverse customer needs.
Customers can also benefit from fully insured transport, shipment tracking, and the convenience of paying by credit card or money order. However, it’s important to note that Royal Auto Ship does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers.
Although Royal Auto Ship offers an array of services, the company has yet to establish ratings on Google. This business remains an active player in the car shipping industry, continuously updating its service offerings.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
Safe Auto Trucking LLC (DOT: 3829832) offers a variety of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and electric vehicle shipping. They are fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for their customers. Additionally, they provide options such as motorcycle and classic car shipping.
However, some customers may find it limiting that the company does not offer services like RV or boat shipping. While they have a low Yelp rating of 1.0 and a BBB rating of C+, Safe Auto Trucking LLC has yet to establish ratings on Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Philadelphia Car Transport
Philadelphia Car Transport (DOT: 2542752) is a highly-rated car shipping company, boasting a 4.3 rating on both Yelp and Google. They specialize in a wide range of services, including ATVs, electric vehicles, and motorcycles with options for both enclosed and open transport. For customers with non-operational vehicles, they offer inoperable car transport, and heavy equipment shipping is also within their expertise.
While the company provides significant perks like military discounts and expedited delivery, some customers might find the lack of guaranteed delivery and shipment tracking a potential downside. Overall, Philadelphia Car Transport is fully insured and does not require a deposit, making it a reliable option for various vehicle shipping needs.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- 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 Philadelphia
The average cost to ship a car from Philadelphia to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania to Arizona | $1,339 – $2,213 |
| Pennsylvania to Michigan | $821 – $1,050 |
| Pennsylvania to California | $1,529 – $2,351 |
| Pennsylvania to Texas | $1,231 – $1,808 |
| Pennsylvania to New York | $455 – $580 |
| Illinois to Pennsylvania | $807 – $1,219 |
| Ohio to Pennsylvania | $562 – $793 |
| North Carolina to Pennsylvania | $711 – $958 |
| Georgia to Pennsylvania | $822 – $1,279 |
| Florida to Pennsylvania | $977 – $1,441 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Philadelphia
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Philadelphia or to another city in Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Philadelphia: 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 Philadelphia’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Philadelphia’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Philadelphia come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Cold winters and hot, humid summers in Philadelphia can lead to increased car shipping costs due to weather-related delays and potential vehicle damage risks. Additionally, heavier snowfall can disrupt logistics, further raising expenses.
Tips for choosing the right Philadelphia, PA, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Philadelphia, 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 Pennsylvania.
- Review insurance and safety in Philadelphia. Choose Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is critical because it provides insight into the company’s reliability and service quality, ensuring informed decisions. Customer feedback highlights strengths and weaknesses only actual experiences reveal.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research helps identify reputable Philadelphia car shipping companies, ensuring cost transparency and service reliability. Avoiding scams safeguards your vehicle and finances.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Philadelphia, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Philadelphia?
Interstates 76, 95, and 476 are the most efficient for shipping a car out of Philadelphia. Interstate 676 and Interstate 276 also offer convenient routes. Typically, these interstates connect Philadelphia to major hubs, facilitating smooth and efficient transport.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Pennsylvania, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Pennsylvania regulations as an example. If you’re moving to Pennsylvania with a vehicle, you must get it inspected within 10 days of becoming a resident. This includes safety and emission tests. You can find inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching “vehicle inspection near me.” Schedule an appointment ahead of time and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
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 Pennsylvania, these resources should help:
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