Founded in 2006 in Schaumburg, Illinois, Montway Auto Transport offers auto transport services throughout all 50 states and internationally. This car shipping broker's network of more than 15,000 carriers makes them a go-to provider for long-distance moves. In fact, their proficiency with long-distance shipments is what earned them a spot on our list of best car shipping companies.
Customers highly rate Montways extended customer service hours — which are available 365 days a year —as well as high-value add-on services like on-time delivery guarantees and door-to-door shipping.
While they aren't known for being a budget auto transport company, Montway offers reasonably-priced services and a slew of discounts for military, seniors, students, and returning customers. We recommend comparing Montways pricing to at least two other car shipping services to find the best option for your move.
Check out this guide to learn the pros and cons of using Montway and whether they're a fit for your situation.
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Key Takeaways
- Montway Auto Transport offers an additional $250,000 in cargo insurance coverage if your shippers policy doesnt cover a valid claim. They offer add-on services like door-to-door shipping, guaranteed on-time delivery, and expedited next-day service.
- They charge a $249 cancellation fee if you cancel after they dispatch a motor carrier for the job. Instant quotes expire within seven days, so you need to be willing to move quickly.
- Montway allows you to ship up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk of your car.
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Montway Auto Transport: Pros & Cons
Shipping a car requires a lot of logistics. With decades of experience, Montway has the expertise to get your car from point A to point B, but like any car shipper, this company has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Extended customer service hours 365 days a year
- GPS vehicle tracking available
- Ship 100 pounds or less of personal items at no additional charge
- Discounts available for military, seniors, students, first time movers, and returning customers
- Offers $250,000 in additional insurance
Cons:
- $249 cancellation fee
- Quotes expire after seven days
- Doesnt offer binding online quotes
How Much Does Montway Auto Transport Cost?
Montway offers competitive pricing and transparent shipping costs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $800 and more than $1,500 with Montway. Even so, every customers vehicle shipping quote will be different. Since every car shipment differs, the quotes will, too.
Car shipping costs vary based on:
- Location: Pricing is usually lower for urban areas because they're easier to access. Rural or remote areas may incur additional fees.
- Time of year: Because of demand, summer costs are usually higher, although harsh winter weather could also increase them. However, you can secure lower car shipping rates if you opt to ship in the spring or fall instead.
- Distance: The further the car travels, the higher the cost. Cross-country shipments, like from New York to California, will be more expensive than shorter trips, like from Chicago to Springfield, Illinois.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles like SUVs and RVs or high-value vehicles like classic cars often cost more to transport because they need extra space or special care.
- Transport option: Enclosed trailers generally cost more than open transport, but offer more protection from weather conditions. Opting for door-to-door shipping will save you time and hassle, but its more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
- Add-ons: Montway Auto Transport offers helpful add-on options like on-time delivery guarantees and door-to-door shipping. These can be incredibly convenient but will increase your car shipping costs.
Cost of Open Car Shipping
| From - To | Vehicle Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IL - FL | Standard car | $800–$1,200 |
| HI - CA | Standard car | $1,200–$1,600 |
Cost of Enclosed Car Shipping
| From - To | Vehicle Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NY - CA | SUV | $1,500–$2,000 |
| TX - IL | Classic car | $1,000–$1,400 |
Montway Auto Transport Services
Montway's on-time guarantee, additional insurance coverage, and door-to-door shipping options make them a solid vehicle transport company.
Choose Montways services to safely transport your car to its destination:
- Cross-country shipping: Montway specializes in long-distance transport. They can ship vehicles across states, from coast to coast, or even internationally.
- Open transport: This cost-effective option is ideal for standard vehicles like sedans. With open transport, car carriers move your car on an open truck, similar to what you might see at a car dealership.
- Enclosed transport: This shipping method provides additional protection from weather and road elements. Its more expensive, though, so its generally best for luxury, exotic, or classic cars.
- Door-to-door service: For ultimate convenience, Montway will pick up and deliver the vehicle as close to your location as possible.
- Expedited shipping: It can be expensive, but Montway offers expedited service if you need delivery ASAP. Keep in mind that expedited options might not be available during the busy summer months when demand is high.
Montway Auto Transport vs. the Competition
Montway has served thousands of customers since their founding in 2006. Many customers rate their service highly, but even then, Montway might not be the best option for your move. Other companies in the auto shipping industry, like Easy Auto Ship, and SGT Auto Transport might be a better choice depending on your needs.
Nexus Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport and Nexus Auto Transport are two of the most well-known names in the car shipping industry, but they serve customers in slightly different ways.
Montway is one of the largest auto transport brokers in the country, with access to over 15,000 carriers and full availability in all 50 states. They excel at long-distance shipping and offer convenient perks like extended customer service hours and expedited shipping options. However, Montway does not offer binding quotes, so prices often increase after booking. Because they rely heavily on third-party carriers, the customer experience can be inconsistent depending on which carrier is assigned.
Nexus Auto Transport offers a more streamlined and consistent experience. While they may not have quite the same volume of carriers as Montway, they excel in service quality, fast communication, and customer support. Nexus works with a high-quality network of vetted carriers and has a strong reputation for keeping final costs close to the quoted price, even though quotes aren’t officially binding.
Montway is a great choice if you need fast, flexible shipping across long distances. But if you want a more dependable and customer-first experience with fewer surprises, Nexus is the better option overall.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport both provide nationwide car shipping services, but they take different approaches when it comes to pricing and customer experience.
Montway has a large network of carriers, full 50-state coverage, and flexible delivery options, which makes it a strong choice for long-distance and time-sensitive moves. However, Montway’s quotes are not guaranteed, and the final price often changes after booking. Customer satisfaction also varies, especially when third-party carriers are involved in the move.
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a more transparent and predictable experience. With its Price Lock Promise, Sherpa guarantees that the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay. They also include a complimentary car wash and carefully screen their carrier partners. While Sherpa isn’t quite as large as Montway and doesn’t serve Alaska, they more than make up for it with reliable service and strong customer support.
Montway is a solid option for customers who prioritize speed and availability. But if you want a smoother, more predictable process and peace of mind on pricing, Sherpa comes out ahead.
| Company | BBB Rating | State Availability | On-Time Delivery Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | A+ rating | All 50 states | Yes |
| SGT Auto Transport | B rating | 49 states (not in AK) | Yes |
| Easy Auto Ship | A+ rating | All 50 states | No |
Is Montway Auto Transport Right for You?
Montway Auto Transport is a well-rated car shipping company with plenty of helpful features. However, theyre better suited for certain types of moves. If youre moving with a tight time frame, for example, Montway is a solid option thanks to their on-time delivery guarantee and expedited shipping options. Just remember that availability isnt guaranteed, so its best to call a Montway representative for a quote if you need to ship a car ASAP.
Montways 365-day customer service, lack of an upfront deposit, and GPS tracking make them a good match for customers who need a little extra reassurance. If youre moving long-distance, Montway allows you to pack up to 100 pounds of belongings in the car for free, which could lower your moving costs.
However, Montway doesnt offer binding quotes, so if you need reassurance that you wont be charged a dime over your estimate, go with a different shipping company. Montways $249 cancellation fee could also be a no-go for any customers who need flexible car shipping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Montway Auto Transport guarantee a pick-up or delivery date and time?
Montway can provide guaranteed pickup dates for an additional cost. You can also upgrade to receive a guaranteed on-time delivery window.
Is Montway a broker or a carrier?
Like most nationally recognized auto shipping companies, Montway is an auto transport broker. They have a vetted network of more than 15,000 international truckers to fulfill your shipment at the best price possible. While customer experiences vary from carrier to carrier, Montway goes to great lengths to ensure the quality of your vehicle shipment.
What days are Montway Auto Transport open?
Montways customer service team is available 365 days a year. However, they arent available 24/7 or may have limited availability on holidays, so its best to check the Montway website, www.montway.com, for daily customer service hours.
