- Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick overall based on pricing and services.
- Open car shipping costs less than enclosed car shipping.
- Think beyond bottom-dollar pricing and consider your big-picture factors, such as the shipping timeline and overall value of your desired services.
- Your transport costs will vary greatly based on your unique situation, so pay close attention to each provider’s per-mile fee.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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8 Cheap Car Shipping Companies
Here are our picks for the best car shipping companies with competitive pricing:
- Our Top Pick: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Most Affordable: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Price Matching: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Protection Plans: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for Motorcycles: American Auto Shipping
- Best for Cross-Country Shipping: Montway Auto Transport
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 and identify 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.
Our Top Pick: Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport takes our top spot for its blend of transparent pricing, fast booking, and customer-first flexibility.
Nexus offers an instant pricing calculator, making it quick and easy to compare rates. The company partners with a large network of vetted carriers and offers coast-to-coast coverage. You can also choose between economy, standard, and expedited delivery tiers.
Customers praise Nexus for its responsive communication and driver punctuality. Nexus requires a deposit at booking, but your final payment isn’t due until your car is delivered — that flexibility is rare in the auto shipping world.
Nexus Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.45 |
| Long-distance | $0.92 |
| Open trailer | $0.46 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.64 |
Nexus Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Instant online pricing with transparent rate estimates
- Flexible service tiers (economy, standard, expedited)
- Online shipment tracking available
Cons:
- Non-refundable deposit required at booking
- No international shipping options
Nexus Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Nexus Auto Transport may offer discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, military members, and seniors, along with occasional seasonal or dealer-specific promotions, such as a $100 discount through select partner programs.
Nexus typically requires a reservation fee (often around $75) to secure a booking, and any deposits may not be refundable once a carrier has been assigned or dispatched.
Best for Guarantees: Sherpa Auto Transport
If your quote isn’t binding, you’re at risk for a bait-and-switch later. Sherpa Auto Transport provides peace of mind with its Price-Lock Guarantee on every quote.
Sherpa also offers a Clean Car Guarantee, which will reimburse you for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty.
Sherpa Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.69 |
| Long-distance | $1.03 |
| Open trailer | $0.48 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.73 |
Sherpa Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Price-Lock Guarantee ensures all quotes are binding
- Clean Car Guarantee will reimburse you for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty
- Ships inoperable vehicles
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal services
- Requires final payment by cash or check
Sherpa Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Sherpa promotes a military discount, and may offer additional savings depending on your shipment and timing (for example, multi-vehicle shipments and occasional promotions).
If you cancel after Sherpa has already “dispatched and/or engaged” services for your order, you may be charged a $100 cancellation fee (described as a “dispatch fee”). If your dates shift, ask whether your shipment has been dispatched yet and what you’d owe if you cancel or reschedule.
Most Affordable: Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport is a strong budget pick thanks to upfront pricing, flexible scheduling, and solid customer support.
Navi offers door-to-door shipping and lets you compare options based on your timeline and budget.
Navi Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.38 |
| Long-distance | $0.88 |
| Open trailer | $0.45 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.62 |
Navi Pros & Cons
Pros:
- All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Discounts available
- No deposit required until a carrier is confirmed (in many cases)
Cons:
- No instant quotes (must wait for follow-up)
- No guaranteed pickup
Navi Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Navi Auto Transport advertises military discounts and multi-car savings.
Navi usually won’t collect a payment until a carrier is assigned. Yet once a carrier is confirmed or dispatch work has started, cancellation or rescheduling may trigger a fee or reduce your refund eligibility.
Best for Price Matching: SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport stands out for its price-match approach and straightforward quoting for door-to-door vehicle transport.
SGT is often a good fit if you want to compare quotes and negotiate for a better rate.
SGT Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.76 |
| Long-distance | $1.03 |
| Open trailer | $0.51 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.76 |
SGT Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Guaranteed delivery dates
- All services are door-to-door, except in Hawaii
- Pricing is all-inclusive/no hidden fees
Cons:
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t offer shipment tracking
SGT Discounts & Cancellation Policies
SGT promotes military and multi-vehicle discounts.
If you cancel before your shipment is dispatched, you may be charged a $149 cancellation fee. If you cancel after dispatch, the fee is $249. If SGT can’t secure a carrier for your shipment, you will not be charged a cancellation fee.
Best for Discounts: Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship is often a good fit for shoppers looking for deal opportunities.
Because discount eligibility can vary by route and season, ask for your discount to be applied directly to the written quote before you book.
Easy Auto Ship Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $3.29 |
| Long-distance | $0.92 |
| Open trailer | $0.55 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.84 |
Easy Auto Ship Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers discounts when you pay in cash
- Provides free car rental if your delivery is delayed
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- Quotes for enclosed transport are on the higher end
- Deliveries arrive during a two-day window, which can be inconvenient
Easy Auto Ship Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Easy Auto Ship offers cash-payment savings, but availability can vary by route demand and season.
Cancellation and refund rules vary depending on whether your dispatch work has started. Before you pay any deposit, ask whether a carrier has been assigned yet, what portion is refundable if you cancel, and whether any dispatch/service fees apply.
Best Protection Plans: Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct is known for its consumer protections, so it’s a solid option if you prioritize careful carrier selection and support.
If you’re shipping a higher-value vehicle or just want tighter safeguards, include Ship A Car Direct in your comparison set.
Ship A Car Direct Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.07 |
| Long-distance | $0.62 |
| Open trailer | $0.37 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.58 |
Ship A Car Direct Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Damage-Free Guarantee reimburses you up to $500
- Has specialized services for classic cars
Cons:
- Website user experience is lacking
- Quotes aren’t binding
Ship A Car Direct Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Ask about multi-vehicle savings or any current promotional pricing when you request your quote.
On payments and cancellations, Ship A Car Direct typically does not charge your card until a carrier is confirmed. Your service fee is refundable if you cancel before a driver is assigned.
Best for Motorcycles: American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping is a solid option if you want extra specialty coverage, including transport for motorcycles and other harder-to-ship vehicle types.
If your shipment is time-sensitive, ask about expedited availability and what it costs on your route.
American Auto Shipping Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.48 |
| Long-distance | $0.87 |
| Open trailer | $0.49 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.86 |
American Auto Shipping Pros & Cons
Pros:
- May reimburse up to $500 toward your insurance deductible if your vehicle arrives damaged
- Specialized shipping services for motorcycles
- Offers expedited shipping options, including to Hawaii
Cons:
- Short-distance car shipping prices tend to be higher than competitors
- Outdated website
American Auto Shipping Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Ask about military savings, multi-vehicle pricing, and other shipment-based promotions.
If you cancel after your order is placed, you may be charged a cancellation fee, and fees can vary based on how far the dispatch process has progressed.
Best for Cross-Country Shipping: Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is a popular national option for long routes, often chosen for broad availability and large carrier access.
Montway is great for coast-to-coast moves where timing and carrier availability can heavily influence the final price. If you want the best pricing odds, ask about flexibility windows and whether your quote is time-limited.
Montway Rate-Per-Mile Estimates
| Shipment Type | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Short-distance | $2.52 |
| Long-distance | $0.95 |
| Open trailer | $0.47 |
| Enclosed trailer | $0.65 |
Montway Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Competitive long-distance pricing for many routes
- Large carrier network improves availability
- Multi-car discounts may be available
Cons:
- Quote may expire after a limited window
- Service offerings can vary by route and carrier availability
Montway Discounts & Cancellation Policies
Shipment-based savings include multi-vehicle discounts.
You may be able to cancel before a carrier is booked, but fees and refundability can change once a carrier is assigned or dispatch is underway. Confirm whether a carrier has been assigned and what portion is refundable.
Comparing the Cheapest Car Shipping Companies
Check out our quick comparison of the top cheap car shipping companies’ reputations, state availability, and services.
| Company | Best For | Services | Open & Enclosed Transport | State Availability | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus | Overall | Short-distance, long-distance | ✔️ | All 50 | A+ |
| Sherpa | Guarantees | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping | ✔️ | All 50 | A+ |
| Navi | Affordability | Short, long-distance, and limited international vehicle shipping | ✔️ | All 50 | N/A (not accredited) |
| SGT | Price matching | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping | ✔️ | 49 (not in AK) | B |
| Easy Auto Ship | Discounts | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping | ✔️ | All 50 | A+ |
| Ship A Car Direct | Protection plans | Short, long-distance vehicle shipping | ✔️ | 47 (not in AK, ND, or SD) | A+ |
| American Auto Shipping | Motorcycles | Short and long-distance vehicle shipping | ✔️ | All 50 | A+ |
| Montway | Cross-country shipping | Short, long-distance, and international vehicle shipping | ✔️ | All 50 | A+ |
How We Chose the Best Car Shipping Companies
We requested quotes from dozens of car shipping companies, read thousands of customer reviews, evaluated service offerings, and more before we landed on the best car shipping companies with competitive pricing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we did:
- Vetted licenses: We evaluated each company to ensure they had valid USDOT numbers and all FMCSA licenses.
- Investigated customer satisfaction: We read customer reviews across several review sites and assessed Better Business Bureau ratings to more fully understand each company’s reputation.
- Compared shipping options: We looked at how many shipping services each company offered and how easy it was to customize your package.
- Analyzed pricing: We requested quotes, assessed each company’s price transparency, and compared it to other car shipping companies.
Cheapest Car Shipping Rates by Distance
Distance is one of the main factors affecting car shipping rates.
Short-Distance Car Shipping Rates
Driving is generally the cheaper method of transporting your car across a short distance, but car shipping may be the more convenient option.
Our quotes estimate car shipping prices are between $450 and $714 — or $2.07 and $3.29 per mile — for shorter distances. Ship A Car Direct gave us the cheapest estimate at $450.
Here’s a comparison of open trailer car shipping costs from Boston to New York City:
| Provider | Transport Rate* | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $532 | $2.45 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $584 | $2.69 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $516 | $2.38 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $599 | $2.76 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $714 | $3.29 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $450 | $2.07 |
| American Auto Shipping | $538 | $2.48 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $547 | $2.52 |
*Transport rate is estimated using each provider’s short-distance rate-per-mile figure multiplied by ~217 miles (Boston to New York City). Actual pricing can vary by vehicle size, season, and route demand. Transport rate is based on quotes for a 2016 Scion IM.
Long-Distance Car Shipping Rates
We requested quotes for a long-distance move from Miami to New York City (1,289 miles). At only $800, or $0.62 per mile, Ship A Car Direct offered us the cheapest quote.
| Provider | Transport Rate* | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1,186 | $0.92 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,328 | $1.03 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $1,134 | $0.88 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,328 | $1.03 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,186 | $0.92 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $800 | $0.62 |
| American Auto Shipping | $1,121 | $0.87 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,225 | $0.95 |
*Transport rates are estimated using each provider’s average long-distance rate-per-mile multiplied by ~1,289 miles (Miami to New York City). Actual prices may vary based on vehicle size, seasonality, pickup/drop-off flexibility, and carrier availability. Transport rate is based on quotes for a 2016 Scion IM.
Cheapest Car Shipping Rates by Transport Method
Open carriers are almost always cheaper than enclosed transport, but they’re not the right option for every situation. Below, we compare estimated costs for both open and enclosed car shipping so you can see how pricing differs by trailer type.
Open Transport Car Shipping Rates
Based on quotes from our eight recommended providers, open transport averages about $0.48 per mile. Ship A Car Direct and Navi Auto Transport offered some of the lowest rates, but pricing can shift based on season, route demand, and vehicle type.
| Provider | Transport Rate* | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1,288 | $0.46 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,344 | $0.48 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $1,260 | $0.45 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,428 | $0.51 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,540 | $0.55 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $1,036 | $0.37 |
| American Auto Shipping | $1,372 | $0.49 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,316 | $0.47 |
*Transport rates are estimated using each provider’s average open-carrier rate per mile multiplied by ~2,800 miles (New York City to Los Angeles). Prices vary by season, vehicle size, and carrier availability.
Enclosed Transport Car Shipping Rates
Enclosed transport costs more than open shipping, but it’s worth considering if you have a luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicle.
| Provider | Transport Rate* | Rate Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | $1,792 | $0.64 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $2,044 | $0.73 |
| Navi Auto Transport | $1,736 | $0.62 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $2,128 | $0.76 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $2,352 | $0.84 |
| Ship A Car Direct | $1,624 | $0.58 |
| American Auto Shipping | $2,408 | $0.86 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,820 | $0.65 |
*Transport rates are estimated using each provider’s average enclosed-carrier rate per mile multiplied by ~2,800 miles (New York City to Los Angeles). Enclosed pricing fluctuates more heavily based on demand, trailer availability, and vehicle value.
Car Shipping Discounts
We recommend talking to a customer service representative and asking about the promotions and discounts you are eligible for.
- Paying in cash: Car shipping companies don’t have to account for card transaction fees
- Student: For currently-enrolled college students
- Snowbird: If you’re shipping your car and escaping the snow, ask about exclusive pricing packages, as winter months tend to be slow in the auto transport industry
- Returning customer: You may receive loyalty benefits for being a returning customer
- First responders and medical personnel: Discounts based on your professional designation
- Early bird: Book at least three months in advance
- Senior citizen: See if you qualify for these demographic discounts
- Multiple vehicles: If you’re shipping more than one vehicle
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Car Shipping
- Ask for referrals. Lean on your local networks to find out which auto transport companies have offered the best price for the services they’ve used.
- Give yourself a long lead time. Car carriers tend to offer better prices if you’re willing to book far in advance.
- Request multiple quotes. Shop around! Some car transport companies will lower their prices if they find out one of their competitors is undercutting them. You can use a broker or a marketplace so car carriers have to bid against each other.
- Opt for flexible drop-off and pickup dates. You’ll get lower prices because your vehicle can be booked on a pre-planned shipment.
- Pick open carriers over enclosed car transport. Unless you have an antique or classic car, open carriers offer adequate protection at a much lower price than enclosed trailers.
- Review your existing insurance policies. Evaluate your existing insurance coverage before upgrading to a policy sold by your car shipping company.
- Compare terminal-to-terminal shipping costs to door-to-door. Keep in mind that some companies only offer door-to-door services, so this won’t always be an option.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive?
It’s generally cheaper to drive than ship a car, but you’ll want to consider the cost of maintenance, fuel, and wear and tear on your vehicle. Shipping a car is more convenient, and you won’t have to factor in lodging or meal costs if you’re moving long-distance.
How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to California?
It costs between $800 and $1,500 to ship a car from New York to California, but your car shipping costs can vary based on the time of year, delivery location, vehicle size, desired time frame, and selected transport type.
Is it worth it to ship my car?
It’s usually worth shipping your car if you’re moving more than 500 miles from your current location. Vehicle shipping prevents additional wear and tear and allows you to focus on other parts of the moving process. Driving is usually the cheapest way to relocate your vehicle for shorter distances.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country?
The cheapest way to ship a car cross-country is usually open car transport. Open carriers transport multiple vehicles at once, which helps spread costs and lower per-car pricing. While your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, open transport is safe for most standard vehicles and significantly cheaper than enclosed shipping.
In some cases, terminal-to-terminal shipping can also reduce your costs, since carriers don’t have to navigate residential pickups and drop-offs. However, availability is more limited than door-to-door service.
Is uShip cheaper than working with car shipping brokers?
uShip can sometimes be cheaper because it operates as a marketplace, allowing carriers to bid on your shipment. That said, it isn’t always less expensive than traditional brokers. Pricing depends heavily on your route, timing, and carrier availability.
Brokers often provide more hands-on support, carrier vetting, and price guarantees, while uShip may require more of your own efforts to evaluate bids and carrier reliability.
What days or months are cheapest to ship a car?
Car shipping is usually cheapest during off-peak seasons, particularly late winter and early spring (excluding major holidays). Prices often increase during summer months.
Shipping costs can also be lower if you book with flexible pickup and delivery windows and avoid last-minute requests.
How can I avoid bait-and-switch pricing when shipping a car?
To avoid bait-and-switch pricing, start by getting multiple quotes and be cautious of offers that seem significantly lower than the average. Always ask whether your quote is binding and request all fees in writing before paying any deposit.
Verifying a company’s USDOT registration, FMCSA licensing, and customer reviews can also help you spot unreliable providers before booking.
Is terminal-to-terminal shipping cheaper than door-to-door?
Yes — terminal-to-terminal shipping is usually cheaper than door-to-door service because it reduces time, labor, and fuel costs for the carrier. With this option, you drop your vehicle off at a designated terminal and pick it up at another terminal near your destination.
Door-to-door shipping costs more, but it’s far more convenient and is the most commonly-chosen option for long-distance shipping.
