To ship your vehicle safely and efficiently, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, and Navi Auto Transport, which all offer reliable service at affordable rates. We’ll name our top eight choices, cover cost considerations, and share pro tips to get the best price.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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The 8 Best Car Shipping Companies
You can’t go wrong with one of these auto shipping companies:
- Best Overall Value: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Customer Service: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Long-Distance Shipments: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Fast Service: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for Online Self-Service: uShip
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
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, while identifing recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
Comparing the Best Car Shipping Companies
| Best For | Services | BBB Rating | State Availability | International Shipping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | Overall value | Cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, golf carts | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Guarantees | Cars | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| Navi Auto Transport | Customer service | Cars, motorcycles, heavy equipment | N/A (not accredited) | All 50 states | Limited |
| SGT Auto Transport | Exact pickup dates | Cars, motorcycles | B | 49 states (not available in AK) | Yes |
| Montway Auto Transport | Long-distance shipments | Cars, motorcycles | A+ | All 50 states | Yes |
| Ship A Car Direct | Fast service | Cars, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, boats | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| uShip | Online self-service | Cars | A+ | All 50 states | No |
| AmeriFreight | Discounts | Cars, motorcycles, RVs, commercial fleet vehicles, inoperable vehicles, golf carts | A | All 50 states | No |
Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is our top choice for overall value due to its balance of affordability, reliability, and full-service coverage.
With shipping options that include open, enclosed, and expedited transport, Nexus offers broad reach across the continental U.S. Whether you’re shipping a standard vehicle, luxury car, motorcycle, or even an RV, Nexus provides flexible solutions with transparent, upfront pricing.
What sets Nexus apart is how much it offers at a mid-range price point. You’ll get real-time GPS tracking, instant online quotes, and a choice of service tiers to match your budget and timeline. The company supports both individual and commercial customers, including dealerships and military families, while maintaining A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Nexus Pros & Cons
Pros:- Real-time GPS tracking
- Economy and expedited service options
- Ships RVs and boats
- Ongoing discounts
- 25% deposit required when you book
- No international shipping
Sherpa Auto Transport
While Sherpa Auto Transport is newer to the industry compared with competitors, the company has swiftly built a strong industry reputation thanks to competitive pricing and great communication throughout the transportation process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise means you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees or price changes after you get your initial quote. Its Clean Car Guarantee ensues a free car wash if your vehicle is dirty when it arrives.
While you can make your initial payment with a credit card, the final payment to Sherpa Auto Transport must be made via cash or a certified check, which can be inconvenient. The company also lacks certain services offered by competitors, such as terminal-to-terminal shipment options, guaranteed pickup or delivery, and shipping for motorcycles.
Sherpa Pros & Cons
Pros:- Price Lock Promise: your rate won’t change after you get a quote
- Reimbursement for a free car wash after shipping
- Can ship inoperable vehicles
- Expedited pickup options available
- Doesn’t ship boats, RVs, or trailers
- Lack of guaranteed pickup/delivery dates
- No international shipping
Navi Auto Transport
For those seeking a smooth, low-stress transport experience backed by responsive human support, Navi Auto Transport is a standout pick. From quote to drop-off, customers frequently highlight the company’s responsive communication, easy booking process, and attentive support staff.
While Navi doesn’t operate at the scale of some larger competitors, that’s exactly what helps it maintain a more personalized touch. The company ships standard vehicles via open and enclosed trailers, and also accommodates motorcycles and some heavy equipment.
Pricing is competitive, and Navi earns trust with its ability to resolve issues quickly and keep customers informed throughout the shipment.
Navi Pros & Cons
Pros:- Quick booking process
- Dedicated dispatch coordinators
- No upfront deposit
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- No guaranteed pickup dates
- Limited international availability
SGT Auto Transport
Scheduling exact pickup dates for car transportation can be surprisingly difficult, but not with SGT Auto Transport. Guaranteed pickup dates are available Monday through Friday, enabling you to schedule your vehicle pickup for the exact date you need to move, which is something few other transport companies offer.
SGT Auto Transport has other noteworthy perks like 24/7 support, full insurance coverage included in each quote, and discounts that include military, seniors, students, and multiple cars.
While SGT does not ship to Alaska, it does ship to Hawaii and some international destinations. SGT only ships cars and motorcycles, not RVs or other large vehicles. The company also doesn’t offer any real-time tracking options or terminal-to-terminal shipping.
SGT Pros & Cons
Pros:- Offers exact pickup dates
- Ships to Hawaii and some international locations
- Quotes are guaranteed for seven days
- Multiple discounts available
- No tracking options for vehicle shipments
- Doesn’t ship RVs or other large vehicles
- No terminal-to-terminal shipping
Montway Auto Transport
Serving all 50 states and internationally, Montway Auto Transport has excellent customer satisfaction scores, with a reputation for providing high-quality service and safe deliveries. The company can ship standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and classic cars.
Professional advisors are available 24/, and many of Montway’s partners provide real-time GPS tracking. It also offers expedited shipping and guaranteed delivery dates.
While Montway offers a good mix of value and quality service, its quotes expire after a week. The company doesn’t charge a deposit, but its $249 cancellation fee is worth noting if you think your plans might change.
Montway Pros & Cons
Pros:- Offers GPS tracking on vehicle shipments
- Expedited shipping and guaranteed delivery available (at an additional cost)
- No deposit required
- Available in all 50 states and internationally
- Quotes are not binding
- $249 cancellation fee
Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct is a great option if you need a quick turnaround time on long-distance car shipping.
A widespread network of carriers means quick request processing and the ability to ship almost any type of vehicle, from cars and trucks to ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and boats.
The company doesn’t require upfront deposits for its reservations. You only pay after your vehicle has been dispatched.
While Ship A Car Direct services all 50 states, it does not provide international shipments. Another potential downside is that the company’s pricing tends to be higher than some of its competitors.
Ship A Car Direct Pros & Cons
Pros:- Ships motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and boats in addition to passenger vehicles
- Can handle last-minute requests
- Strong insurance coverage
- Ships to Alaska and Hawaii
- No international shipping
- Prices may be higher than competitors
- No advertised discounts
uShip
uShip operates a bit differently than most car shippers because it isn’t a transport broker. Instead, the company operates as an online marketplace, where customers can quickly get bids from multiple transportation companies in their area. With this straightforward, user-friendly platform, you can quickly and easily get multiple competitive quotes.
It’s important to note that uShip does not vet the drivers in its marketplace. As such, you’ll need to make choices based on the customer reviews available within the platform.
While uShip is technically in all 50 states, actual availability can vary based on how many providers are signed up for the platform in your area.
The company offers discounts for military service members and facilitates secure payments for whichever carrier you choose. You can obtain extra insurance through uShip itself.
uShip Pros & Cons
Pros:- Allows you to get competitive pricing from multiple providers in one place
- Can also book your other moving services
- Offers extra insurance (at an additional cost)
- Drivers are not vetted by uShip, so quality can vary
- Car transport services might not be available for your area or route
- No guaranteed rates
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight stands out for offering one of the most comprehensive discount and protection programs in the auto transport industry. The company’s range of cost-saving options, including military, student, senior, return-customer, and early bird discounts, makes it a standout for budget-conscious shippers.
But what really elevates AmeriFreight is its robust set of protections. Customers can opt into gap coverage through the AFta Total Assurance Plan, which supplements carrier liability insurance for added peace of mind.
As one of the largest brokers in the U.S., AmeriFreight connects customers with thousands of carriers licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has over a decade of experience facilitating reliable open and enclosed vehicle transport.
AmeriFreight Pros & Cons
Pros:- Multiple discounts
- Optional AFta Total Assurance protection plan
- Multiple pricing tiers
- No international shipping
- No mobile app
How We Choose the Best Car Shipping Companies
We request quotes from dozens of car shipping companies, read thousands of customer reviews, evaluate service offerings, and more before landing on the best car shipping companies.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we do:
- Vet licenses: We evaluate each company to ensure it has valid USDOT numbers and all FMCSA licenses.
- Investigate customer satisfaction: We read customer reviews across several review sites and assess BBB ratings to more fully understand each company’s reputation in the auto transport industry.
- Compare shipping options: We look at how many shipping services each company offers and how easy it is to customize your package.
- Analyze pricing: We request quotes, assess each company’s price transparency, and compare it to other car shipping companies.
Best Car Shipping Companies by State
Browse our state-by-state guides to find a top-rated car shipper near you:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car?
Depending on the carrier you select, car shipping costs per mile could range from $0.70-$1.30 per mile. On average, most vehicle shipments cost between $700-$1,150.
Shipping prices are influenced by the following factors:
- Open vs. enclosed car shipping: Most auto shippers provide both enclosed shipping and open transport options. Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option. Your vehicle is shipped on an open trailer, which means it’s exposed to weather and road debris. An enclosed trailer offers greater protection, but can be as much as 50% more expensive. It’s a popular choice for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles.
- Delivery option: Door-to-door shipping means the carrier picks up and delivers your car as close to your requested address as safely and legally possible, but this convenience tends to come with added costs. Large transport trucks can’t always access narrow streets, low bridges, tight turns, or certain residential areas, so you may meet the driver at a nearby parking lot or open area. Some auto shippers offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you drop off and pick up your vehicle at a terminal hub. While less convenient, this is also less expensive.
- Location: Some pickup and delivery locations can be more expensive due to higher demand in the area or difficult access in remote spots.
- Time of year: Because more people move during the spring and summer, vehicle shipping prices tend to be higher during these peak times than during the fall and winter.
- Distance: The farther you need to transport your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to ship it.
- The type of vehicle: Car shipping companies charge more for high-value and inoperable vehicles, as they both require extra care and handling.
- The size of your vehicle: Larger vehicles will typically be more expensive to transport due to the added weight and amount of space they take up on the trailer.
How To Get the Best Price on Car Shipping
Moving on a budget? Follow these tips to save money on car transport services:
- Get multiple quotes. With instant online quotes, it’s easy to compare price options. Get a free quote from at least three providers.
- Use open transport. Using an enclosed carrier can increase your shipping costs by as much as 50%. An open carrier is still generally safe, although your car might get dirty.
- Make an early reservation. Trying to book car shipping at the last minute can be complicated and leave you dealing with higher prices for expedited service. Book your reservation as early as possible to secure lower prices and an ideal pickup date.
- Check your insurance policy. If your existing insurance policy covers damage that might occur during shipping, then you don’t have to worry about spending extra for the carrier’s insurance coverage.
- Use terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you live relatively close to a car shipper’s terminal, you can save by dropping off and picking up your vehicle there instead of getting door-to-door service.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies offer discounts to military service members, students, seniors, and other groups. Some also offer seasonal discounts. It never hurts to ask which discounts are currently available.
What To Consider When Choosing a Car Shipping Company
The following factors should always play a role when deciding which company to use.
Cost & Deposit
Keep in mind that a company with rates that seem “too good to be true” may not be legitimate. Make sure you get quotes from reputable companies.
To save money, ask about available discounts. Some companies also price-match with their competitors, which can help you get the best rate with your preferred provider.
Many car shipping companies require a deposit to reserve your shipment. Always confirm when the deposit is due, whether it’s refundable, and what happens if you cancel or change your dates.
Customer Reviews
Even when a company has good overall reviews, it’s best to dig a little deeper to learn about the pros and cons of working with them.
Customer ratings can help you identify if a car shipping company has something you want, like 24/7 support. Or they can reveal an issue with one of their services, like consistent problems with the bill of lading.
Transport Options
Always double check that a car shipping company offers the transport options you need. If you need enclosed transport to ship your classic car, it won’t do you much good to get a quote from a company that only offers open transport.
Similarly, while some companies also ship motorcycles, RVs, and other vehicles, others only transport cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Timeline & Availability
Transit time depends on distance, route demand, weather, and carrier availability. While short moves can take a few days, cross-country shipments often take around a week or more once your car is picked up. Same-day pickup isn’t usually available.
Geographic coverage can vary, especially for places like Alaska and Hawaii.
Our Take
If you’re looking for the best overall value, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport.
However, the right car shipper for you depends on your needs and budget, so any of the other companies on our list are great options.
Regardless of your initial favorite company, get quotes from at least three of these providers so you can see who offers the best rates and availability for your move. This will help you make a better “apples-to-apples” comparison based on services, and ultimately find the right fit for your needs.
And if you want to see even more car shipping options, check out local auto transport companies near you.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Booking at least one to two weeks ahead is usually a good baseline, and longer is better during peak moving seasons (spring and summer) or for remote pickup/delivery locations. Early booking typically gives you more carrier options, more flexible pickup windows, and a better chance at competitive pricing.
What’s the difference between a car shipping broker and a carrier?
A broker arranges your shipment by matching you with a licensed carrier from its network, while a carrier owns and operates the truck and trailer that physically transports your vehicle. Brokers can offer more scheduling flexibility and broader coverage because they work with many carriers, while carriers may have more direct control over routes and equipment. In many cases, you’ll book through a broker and the actual transport is completed by a carrier.
Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?
Yes, many companies can ship inoperable (non-running) vehicles, but it usually costs more. Non-running cars often require special equipment like a winch, liftgate, or forklift access to load and unload safely. Be upfront about the vehicle’s condition when requesting quotes so the carrier arrives prepared and you avoid delays or price changes.
Which company ships cars the cheapest?
Montway Auto Transport and SGT Auto Transport are among our top picks for cheapest car shipping companies. Both companies generally have low rates, while still offering reliable transportation services. Remember, though, that the cheapest price isn’t always the best option, as some budget companies offer lower-quality service.
Is my car insured during transport, and what does insurance cover?
Most licensed carriers maintain cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it’s on the truck, but coverage limits and exclusions can vary. In general, it’s designed to cover damage caused during transport (for example, from an accident or loading/unloading incident). Ask for proof of insurance, the coverage limits, the deductible (if any), and what is excluded. Check with your personal auto insurer to see whether your policy provides any additional coverage during shipping.
Do car shipping companies require a deposit?
Often, yes, but it depends on whether you book with a broker or directly with a carrier. Many brokers collect a deposit or reservation fee to schedule your shipment, then you pay the remaining balance (often in cash/certified funds) when your vehicle is delivered. Some carriers may not require a deposit and instead collect payment closer to pickup or delivery.
What is a bill of lading and why is it important?
The bill of lading is a key shipping document you’ll review and sign at pickup and delivery. It typically includes shipment details, the carrier information, and a vehicle condition report noting any existing damage. When your car is delivered, compare the vehicle to the pickup inspection and note any new damage on the bill of lading before signing. This documentation is important if you need to file a claim.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Car shipping timelines usually have two parts, the pickup window (how long it takes to assign a driver and load your car) and transit time (how long the truck is on the road).
Long-distance routes are commonly planned in “daily-mileage” chunks of a few hundred miles per day, so cross-country shipments are often about a week or more once the car is picked up. Shorter, regional routes can arrive in just a few days. Longer lead time can help reduce price and improve scheduling options.
How can I verify a car shipping company is legitimate?
Use federal databases and confirm the company’s authority before you pay:
- Ask whether they are a broker, a carrier, or both: The contract should match what they claim
- Get their USDOT number (and MC number, if applicable): Verify their status using the FMCSA/SAFER “Company Snapshot” and operating authority resources
- Confirm insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify coverage limits and exclusions
- Get everything in writing: The total price (or how it can change), pickup window, cancellation terms, and payment method due at delivery
Can I ship my car with stuff in it?
Most auto shippers don’t let you ship your cars with personal goods inside, as this increases the risk of theft and damage. However, companies like Nexus Auto Transport and Navi Auto Transport allow for a limited weight of items to be stored in the trunk as part of your car shipment. Contact your transport company to confirm their policy.