If you’re looking for an online marketplace to match you with reputable car shipping companies, American Auto Shipping (AAS) is a solid contender, with binding quotes, customer-friendly perks, and broad specialty shipping. The company has been around since 1999 and partners with carriers that ship nationwide.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
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American Auto Shipping Reviews at a Glance
We cross-checked third-party review platforms to see how customers rate American Auto Shipping (AAS). Ratings and counts can change over time, so click through to confirm the most current reviews.
| Platform | Rating | Reviews Commonly Mention |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.9 / 5 | Helpful staff and smooth delivery; communication or expectation gaps |
| BBB (Better Business Bureau) | A+ | Timely, professional service delivery; issues with communication, delays, unexpected changes, and challenges getting refunds |
| ConsumerAffairs | 1 / 5 | Ease of getting a binding quote; delivery problems, communication frustrations, reliability and service issues |
What Customers Say
★★★★★ (Trustpilot): “The customer service team is amazing. I had my car shipped to me with no hassle at all, very professional company. My experience with this service was great, and so was the price.”
– Jazzy
★★★★★ (Trustpilot): “American Auto Shipping made the whole process so easy and worry-free! Their team was incredibly professional and kept in constant contact, so I always knew what was happening. My vehicle arrived on time and in perfect condition.”
– Cody
★★★☆☆ (ConsumerAffairs): … “decent prices and their customer service was good. The driver did a really good job … However, they did not meet my timeframe as they couldn’t find a carrier for my vehicle. That was a little frustrating … ”
– Mckayla
How Much Does American Auto Shipping Cost?
American Auto Shipping provides instant online quotes and backs them up with binding pricing, which means the quote you accept is the amount you pay. You also won’t pay a deposit until AAS assigns a carrier.
Based on our analysis of American Auto Shipping’s quotes, your price will be competitive with national averages for open transport.
AAS may add value with a $20 car wash reimbursement after delivery, up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if the carrier’s policy doesn’t cover a valid claim, and a free rental car if your delivery is more than 14 days late. Those last two perks won’t apply to most shipments, but they’re useful safety nets if something goes wrong.
What Affects Your Price
These factors will drive the price of your auto shipment with any provider you choose:
- Distance and route: Longer hauls usually cost more in total but less per mile, while remote pickups and deliveries can add a surcharge
- Transport type: Enclosed shipping typically runs up to ~50% more than open, no matter which carrier ships your car
- Vehicle size and value: Expect higher rates for larger or high-value vehicles
- Timing: Priority or expedited pickups cost more than standard delivery windows
- Operability: Inoperable vehicles increase loading complexity and drive up the price
We gathered sample quotes from American Auto Shipping to give you an idea of their prices:
| Vehicle Type | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2,200 miles | $1,119–$1,279 | $2,179–$2,319 |
| Honda Civic | 1,200 miles | $929–$979 | $1,649–$1,739 |
| Ford F-150 | 1,500 miles | $949–$999 | $1,839–$1,949 |
American Auto Shipping Services
- Door-to-door shipping: Standard service from your pickup address to your delivery address
- Terminal-to-terminal option: Can reduce the cost if you’re flexible and live near terminals
- Open and enclosed carriers: Open carriers fit most daily drivers’ needs, while enclosed carriers suit luxury and classic vehicles
- Hawaii and Alaska shipments (plus U.S. territories): AAS uses RORO (roll-on/roll-off) or port logistics to ship to all 50 states and U.S. territories
- Specialty vehicles: Services for motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, and heavy equipment
- Tracking/status updates: Carriers provide online trackers on some routes and updates via a dispatcher on others
- Priority/expedited pickups: You can select faster pickup windows for added fees
- Customer perks: A $20 car wash reimbursement, rental car reimbursements for shipments that are 14+ days late, and a $500 deductible credit
American Auto Shipping: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Binding quote that won’t change after you book
- No upfront deposit at booking
- “Damage Free or We Help Pay” policy covers up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if your car is damaged
- Rental car and car wash reimbursements
- Ships cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, ATVs, and heavy equipment
Cons
- Enclosed-transport pricing tends to run higher than some competitors
- Some carriers may not offer GPS tracking
American Auto Shipping vs. the Competition
You’ll see similar core services across all reputable car shipping brokers. The differences that matter are the pricing model, add-on protections, service breadth, and coverage areas. Here’s how AAS stacks up.
American Auto Shipping vs. Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus scores high in our ratings and offers solid nationwide coverage with flexible options and strong reviews. If you value an all-around highly-rated company, Nexus is a safe pick, but if you need to ship heavy equipment or appreciate AAS’s other perks, AAS may be better suited to meet your needs.
American Auto Shipping vs. Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa is known for its Price Lock Promise and Clean Car Guarantee, plus strong customer service. However, while Sherpa focuses on cars, AAS handles a wider range of vehicle types, including heavy equipment and boats.
Sherpa delivers transparent pricing and top-tier support on standard car moves, but AAS is a good choice if you need to ship specialty vehicles.
American Auto Shipping vs. Montway Auto Transport
Montway and AAS both operate nationwide and deliver fast quotes. Montway stands out for its optional on-time/guaranteed add-ons and broader international capabilities, but it charges a fee if you cancel after dispatch.
AAS answers with binding quotes, no deposit, and customer perks. If you want an added on-time guarantee or international shipping, lean towards Montway, but AAS is a compelling pick if extras matter more.
AAS vs. the Competition at a Glance
| American Auto Shipping | Montway Auto Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport | Nexus Auto Transport | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Price certainty & extras | Long-distance & add-ons | Guarantees & service | Overall value |
| BBB Score | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| State availability | 50 states + U.S. territories | 50 states | 48 states (no AK/HI) | 50 states |
| International shipping? | No | Yes | No | No |
| Guaranteed pickup | Pickup windows; priority/expedited available | Guaranteed pickup (paid) | Windows; no firm guarantees | Windows; expedited available |
| Guaranteed delivery | No | Yes (extra fee) | No | No |
| Discounts | None advertised | Military + others | Military + others | Occasional discounts |
Is American Auto Shipping Right For You?
Pick AAS if you want a locked-in price, don’t want to pay a deposit, and like having backup perks if things run late or a claim gets messy.
AAS also makes sense if you’re shipping to Alaska or Hawaii, or you need to move a vehicle other than a car.
Look elsewhere if you need international shipping, a formal on-time guarantee, or consistently low pricing on enclosed trailers. In those cases, compare quotes from Nexus, Sherpa, and Montway.
Policies and “Fine Print”
- Service areas: Nationwide coverage across all 50 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and select U.S. territories using port and RoRo logistics where required
- Transport methods: Open and enclosed auto transport, plus options for motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, and heavy equipment
- Payment & deposits: No upfront deposit required, payment is due only after a carrier is assigned, typically via credit card
- Discounts: No standard discounts advertised, but occasional promotional offers may be available depending on route and timing
- Cancellation: Cancel without penalty before a carrier is assigned, but once dispatched, cancellation terms depend on carrier agreements
- Tracking options: GPS tracking available on some routes, updates are provided through a dispatcher or customer service when GPS isn’t supported
FAQ
Is American Auto Shipping legit?
Yes, American Auto Shipping is a legitimate auto transport company. They are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customer reviews are mostly positive, although customers have had negative experiences with some of their carrier partners.
Does American Auto Shipping guarantee pickup or delivery dates?
No. Like most brokers, AAS uses pickup and delivery windows. You can pay more for priority or expedited pickup, but delivery timing can vary with road conditions.
How do I track my vehicle during transport with American Auto Shipping?
American Auto Shipping offers GPS tracking for some cross-country shipments. When GPS tracking isn’t available, you’ll need to contact your dispatcher via phone or the company’s online form for updates.
Does American Auto Shipping ship to Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes. AAS handles Alaska and Hawaii moves (and other U.S. territories) using appropriate port logistics like RORO.
Do you pay a deposit with American Auto Shipping?
No. AAS doesn’t take an upfront deposit. You pay once a carrier is assigned, which helps you avoid early charges if plans change.
Is American Auto Shipping a broker or a carrier? What’s the difference?
American Auto Shipping is a broker, not a carrier. That means it doesn’t own trucks or employ drivers directly. Instead, it matches your shipment with a licensed carrier in its network. Brokers handle pricing, scheduling, and coordination, while carriers physically transport your vehicle.
When do you pay American Auto Shipping, at booking or after a carrier is assigned?
You don’t pay at booking, and American Auto Shipping does not require an upfront deposit. Payment is collected only after a carrier is assigned to your shipment.
Are American Auto Shipping quotes guaranteed, or can the price change after booking?
American Auto Shipping offers binding quotes, meaning the price you accept should not change as long as your shipment details stay the same.
What insurance coverage applies, and how do damage claims work?
Your vehicle is covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance during transport. If damage occurs, claims are filed directly with the carrier. American Auto Shipping also offers a customer perk that can cover up to $500 of your insurance deductible if the carrier’s policy doesn’t fully resolve a valid claim.
How long does American Auto Shipping usually take for pickup and delivery?
Pickup typically occurs within one to seven days of booking, depending on route demand and season. Cross-country deliveries usually take seven to 14 days after pickup, while shorter regional routes can be faster. Expedited pickup options are available for an added cost.
