5 Best Car Shipping Companies in the U.S.

We break down the top auto shipping providers to help you plan your move.

Written by Updated 04/24/2024

Whether you’re moving across the state or the country, you’ll need to transport your car to your new home. If you decide to ship your car, price may be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a car shipping company. However, consider each provider’s services, its standing in the industry, and what customers say about it. Comparing car shipping companies based on these metrics can help you make the best decision for your shipping needs.

Fortunately, the This Old House Reviews Team has done an extensive analysis of the best moving companies as well as the top car shipping companies to help ease this step of your move. In this review, we’ll explain how car shipping works and recommend five of the best options.

5 Best Car Shipping Companies

Choosing a moving company can be a big decision, but it isn’t the only service that requires research when you’re moving to a new home. If you’ve decided to ship your car as well, you’ll need to know which auto transport companies are your best options.

Through our industry-wide review of the top car shipping companies, we determined that Montway Auto Transport is the best shipping company in 2022. However, each of the other top transport providers has plenty to offer. Because car shipping costs vary depending on factors including your location, type of vehicle, and service, it’s best to compare car shipping quotes online from a few of the leading providers.

Here’s what we determined from our study:

Montway Auto Transport: Best Shipping Company
Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Rates
AmeriFreight: Best for Discounts
Easy Auto Ship: Best For Added Benefits
uShip: Best Transport Marketplace

Below is a table detailing the ratings we used to determine our rankings:

Top Car Shipping Companies	Overall Rating	Price Rating	Services Rating	Industry Standing Rating	Customer Experience Rating
1. Montway Auto Transport	4.6	4.3	4.8	4.9	4.6
2. Sherpa Auto Transport	4.5	4.6	4.5	4.3	4.6
3. AmeriFreight	4.5	4.3	4.9	4.8	4.2
4. Easy Auto Ship	4.5	3.8	4.9	4.8	4.6
5. uShip	4.4	4.0	$5	4.5	4.6

#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Shipping Company

Founded: 2006

Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois

Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+

BBB customer review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars

Montway Auto Transport works with over 15,000 shipping carriers, and in the past 16 years, the shipping broker has helped deliver almost 750,000 vehicles. The company holds an A+ rating from the BBB, as well as an average customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on the organization’s site. Most positive reviews praise Montway for having stellar customer service and clear communication.

Montway Services

Montway offers shipping to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and can help with international shipping services. The auto transport broker offers both enclosed trailer shipping and open transport and ships all vehicles door to door.

The car shipper provides insurance, which is already considered in the shipping cost. Additionally, Montway offers contingent cargo insurance of up to $250,000 to cover anything your trucker’s policy may not.

Montway Cost

According to Montway’s website, car shipping costs around $1.96 for trips 500 miles and under. Long-distance shipments generally cost more overall, but trips over 1,500 miles only cost around 58 cents per mile.

Car shipping quotes we received were generally lower than almost all other auto transport providers we researched. For example, shipping an operable 2018 Honda CR-V 1,500 miles in an open-air carrier would cost $1,049. On average, a 1,500-mile transport costs $1,056.

Discover more in our full Montway Auto Transport review.

#2 Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Rates

Founded: 2017

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina

BBB rating: A+

BBB customer review score: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars

Sherpa Auto Transport has only been around for about five years but has quickly gained a solid reputation in the vehicle transport industry. The company ships standard and high-end cars to the Lower 48 states and Hawaii, but it doesn’t ship alternative vehicles.

Customers hold Sherpa Auto Transport in high regard, giving the company an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on the BBB’s website. The organization rates the auto shipper an A+. Most customers leave positive reviews for Sherpa, citing a hassle-free shipping experience. Negative reviews mention the company having issues with clear communication.

Sherpa Auto Transport Services

Sherpa offers a range of car shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and expedited shipping options. One especially popular service Sherpa offers is its 24/7 real-time location updates during shipments.

With the shipping broker’s Clean Car Guarantee, Sherpa will reimburse you up to $20 for a car wash after you receive your vehicle.

Sherpa Auto Transport Cost

The This Old House Reviews Team named Sherpa Auto Transport the vehicle shipping company Best for Locked-In Rates because of its Price Lock Promise. Sherpa says the price you’re quoted is the final price you’ll pay. If your initial quote differs from what your service ends up costing, Sherpa will pay up to $300 to cover the difference.

Sherpa’s prices are close to the national average. A 1,500-mile shipment through the company will cost around $1,000.

Learn more in our Sherpa Auto Transport review.

#3 AmeriFreight: Best for Discounts

Founded: 2004

Headquarters: Peachtree City, Georgia

BBB rating: A+

BBB customer review score: 4.9 out of 5.0 stars

Since 2004, AmeriFreight has worked with a network of over 10,000 car transport carriers, carefully vetting each one. The company makes sure each carrier it works with is fully insured and has high customer satisfaction ratings.

One draw for customers is the list of discount opportunities AmeriFreight offers, which include:

Military: $35 off
First responders: $35 off
Students: $25 off
Medical personnel: $35 off
Senior citizens: $25 off
Return customers: $50 off
Early bird: $35 off
Those who ship multiple cars at once: $50 off

AmeriFreight reviews typically mention the company’s dependable service and transparent policies, while negative reviews cite frustrating shipment delays.

AmeriFreight Services

AmeriFreight offers a wide array of shipping services anywhere in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. In addition to door-to-door shipping, AmeriFreight offers terminal-to-terminal shipping. Though the company recommends using open auto transport to ship your vehicle, it does offer enclosed trailer transport if you’re looking for additional protection for your luxury or classic car.

AmeriFreight offers expedited shipping for an additional charge. The company also offers gap insurance to cover any damage a trucker’s cargo insurance doesn’t. The AF Total Assurance (AFta) plan will pay up to $2,000 for any damage your vehicle sustains during parking and storage.

AmeriFreight Cost

AmeriFreight’s shipping rates are slightly above the national average, with a 1,500-mile transport coming in at $1,104. However, the shipping broker vows to match the quoted price of any car shipping company with a BBB rating of A+.

Learn more about this provider in our AmeriFreight review.

#4 Easy Auto Ship: Best for Added Benefits

Founded: 2013

Headquarters: Youngstown, Ohio

BBB rating: A+

BBB customer review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars

In its almost 10 years in business, Easy Auto Ship has moved over 123,000 vehicles to all 50 states as well as international destinations. In addition to cars, the transport broker offers shipping services for alternative vehicles including motorcycles, RVs, and boats.

The This Old House Reviews Team gave Easy Auto Ship the title of Best for Added Benefits, as it provides perks many other car transport companies don’t. For instance, if your car arrives at its delivery location dirty, Easy Auto Ship will reimburse you for a car wash. If your shipment takes more than 14 days from pickup, the company will pay for your rental car.

Easy Auto Ship holds an A+ rating from the BBB. Customers on the organization’s site find the car shipper reputable, giving it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. Positive reviews praise the company’s customer service, while negative reviews cite poor communication.

Easy Auto Ship Services

Easy Auto Ship offers shipping services for almost any vehicle to almost any destination. The company ships to every state and internationally.

The company also offers open and enclosed shipping services to a wide range of vehicle types, including:

Motorcycles
RVs
Boats
Golf carts
Trucks
Farm vehicles
Heavy equipment

Easy Auto Ship Cost

When the This Old House Reviews Team reached out to Easy Auto Ship for car shipping quotes, we discovered its prices were lower than most providers’ rates. For example, a 1,500-mile open carrier transport with Easy Auto Ship was quoted at $995.

See our complete Easy Auto Ship review for more details.

#5 uShip: Best Transport Marketplace

Founded: 2003

Headquarters: Austin, Texas

BBB rating: A+

BBB customer review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars

Unlike the rest of the car shipping companies in this roundup, uShip isn’t an auto transport broker. The company is a shipping marketplace. Instead of assigning shipments to a network of carriers, uShip allows customers to post their shipping requests and have carriers bid for the jobs. This puts pricing more in the hands of the consumer.

Customers seem to like uShip’s approach to car shipping, rating the company an average of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB’s site. The BBB gives the company an A+ rating. Positive reviews for uShip tend to mention low costs and ease of using the marketplace, while negative reviews mention unexpected price variations.

uShip Services

Because uShip is a marketplace, carriers offer different services. You can use uShip to transport almost anything on wheels. The company offers both open and enclosed auto transport, as well as door-to-door delivery. For an additional charge, uShip offers expedited transport.

You can also find moving companies on uShip. This marketplace could be an option for you to find both car shipping and moving services.

uShip Cost

Shipping costs through uShip tend to be higher than average, due in part to the service fee uShip tacks on to each service. That fee ranges from $25 to $150, depending on the kind of service you book. When the This Old House Reviews Team reached out to uShip for quotes, we discovered that a 1,500-mile open carrier shipment would cost $1,185.

Read our uShip reviews for more information on its moving and car shipping options.

How Car Shipping Works

When you’re moving to a new location that’s far away, you have to decide between driving or shipping your car to your new home. To better understand your options, it’s important to know how car shipping works.

Independent truckers and car shipping companies coordinate the transport of cars and other vehicles across the United States and internationally. For the most part, car carriers operate large, open-air trucks to carry several vehicles at a time.

Truckers drop off some vehicles along their shipping routes and load new ones onto the carriers. Depending on the customer’s shipping needs, cars can also be shipped in enclosed trailers, which protect vehicles more.

This system requires a good deal of planning and coordination. Auto shipping brokers help simplify the process for the customer, contacting car carriers on their behalf. This also gives customers a good bit of control when it comes to pricing, as they can compare free quotes from several shipping providers.

The shipping process generally follows the steps below:

Get car shipping quotes: A car shipping company’s website usually has an instant quote tool. If not, it will provide a phone number to call so you can speak to an agent.
Book your shipment: Once you find a suitable quote, you’ll typically book your shipment by speaking to an agent with the shipping provider. At that point, the auto shipping company will locate a carrier and schedule a window of pickup dates. Depending on the company, you may be required to pay a deposit or other up-front cost.
A carrier picks your car up: On the determined day, you and the trucker will inspect the car for existing damage. You’ll both sign a bill of lading, and the driver will load your vehicle onto the carrier truck.
Track your vehicle: Many auto transport companies provide a way to track your shipment while it’s in transit. Some offer GPS tracking, while others contact the driver on your behalf.
The driver delivers your vehicle: When the driver arrives, the two of you will once again inspect the car for damage and sign a bill of lading. At that point, you’ll pay the remaining balance. Most carriers only accept cash or certified funds, but some companies offer a discount if you pay the full amount in advance.

What Affects Car Shipping Costs

Various factors will affect the final price of your vehicle shipment. To keep your moving costs down, you can hire a cheap moving company and pay attention to these factors, which include:

Time of year: Demand for car shipping tends to rise in January and the summer, making transports during those times of year a bit more expensive.
Shipping distance: Long-distance shipping costs less per mile but more overall.
Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or pickup trucks, cost more to ship.
Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles require more time and labor to load onto the transport truck.
Transport type: Enclosed carrier transport tends to cost 30%–40% more than open carrier transport.
Fuel cost: As fuel costs increase, shipping costs follow suit.

What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company

You have a lot of decisions to make in your move, and choosing a moving company is a big one. Another big decision is which car transport service you’ll trust with shipping your vehicle to your new home.

Sorting through the many car shipping companies to find the one that provides the best service can be a bit of a task. To choose the right company for your shipping needs, take the following factors into consideration:

Price: Request car shipping quotes from providers. Most have web tools to help you get quotes online. Find out whether the company offers guaranteed pricing. In general, car shipping shouldn’t cost more than $2 per mile.
Services: Not all carriers offer the same services, so select a car shipping company that provides what you need. For example, not all of them ship to Alaska or Hawaii or offer expedited shipping.
Protection: Find out what kind of insurance coverage the provider offers. It’s wise to only consider companies that offer a full slate of cargo insurance. Some car shippers offer optional gap insurance to cover damages that a trucker’s insurance policy won’t.
Customer service: Don’t work with a company that doesn’t have a reputation for taking good care of its customers. When researching auto transport providers, read reviews on reputable websites like the BBB and Trustpilot.

Additional Things to Consider When You Move

Even though which car shipper to work with is a major consideration, there are other things you’ll need to consider when you’re moving. Whether you’re moving across town or doing a long-distance move, there’s significant planning and preparation involved.

Our reviews team created a full guide to moving to make the process easier. Here are some of the main things you’ll need to think about before your move:

Planning your budget
Creating a timeline
Deciding between hiring movers and doing it yourself
Buying or renting moving supplies
Asking friends and family to help with the move
Taking time off of work to move
Researching the area you’re moving to
Preparing children and pets for the move
Changing your address and doing other administrative tasks

FAQs

What is the most affordable moving company?

If you’re looking for full-service movers, we recommend International Van Lines as the most affordable option. However, moving containers can be even cheaper. U-Pack is the most affordable moving container company.

How far in advance should I book movers?

In general, we recommend booking your movers at least two months in advance. However, the company you choose could have other guidelines. Booking in advance gives you peace of mind and allows you to coordinate your move with other services, such as car shipping.

Can I ship my car with stuff in it?

Some companies allow you to ship up to 100 pounds of personal belongings in your car. However, to keep costs down, you’ll want your vehicle to be as light as possible. Personal items could also be damaged or stolen during shipment, so it’s best to trust a moving company with them.

Can I ship my car in a PODS container?

No, you cannot ship your car in a PODS container. PODS doesn’t allow motor vehicles to be shipped in its containers. Even if it were allowed, most cars exceed the weight limit for a PODS container.

What is the best car shipping company?

According to our research, the five best car shipping companies are as follows:

Montway Auto Transport: Best Shipping Company
Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Rates
AmeriFreight: Best for Discounts
Easy Auto Ship: Best for Added Benefits
uShip: Best Transport Marketplace

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and having the data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for auto shipping service providers is based on four categories:

Price (30% of total score): Many factors affect car transport rates. To determine our price score, we secret shop with providers across a variety of cars and routes.
Services (25% of total score): Our team of experts looks at available services, guaranteed pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage.
Industry Standing (20% of total score): Providers with a high rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) score best in this category. Reputable providers with a history of reliable service and timeliness also receive strong marks.
Customer Experience (25% of total score): We learn about consumer experiences by reading through reviews on sites including the BBB. Auto shipping companies with a low volume of complaints score highest in this area.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].