Advisor

Content on Quartz Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Quartz Editorial and Advertising. Quartz Advisor content is free to consumers and always will be, however we and our partners may be compensated if you purchase a product or service through the links on this website.

American Connection Auto Transport Reviews

In our American Connection Auto Transport review we rate the company 3.3 out of 5.0 because it lacks transparency and has low customer review scores.

Invalid Zip Code

From our #1 rated provider,

844-601-0286

Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
02/07/2024 09:19 PM

Key Points:

  • American Connection Auto Transport reviews from customers are few and far between but most are negative.
  • American Connection doesn’t offer an instant quote tool on their website, so customers have to call the company directly for quotes.
  • In addition to cars, the company can ship oversized loads and heavy machinery.

Our team took a deep dive into the leading providers in the auto transport industry to determine the best car shipping companies. In this review, you’ll see how American Connection Auto Transport stacks up against the competition. We’ll cover its services, customer reviews, and more.


American Connection Auto Transport Review

Overall, we rate American Auto Transport 3.3 out of 5.0. The company offers very little information to prospective customers online and it doesn’t have a great reputation on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Below, you can see how we rated the company in four different categories.

Rating CategoryOur Score
Reliability2.8
Pricing3.5
Services3.7
Customer Experience2.8
Overall Score3.3

And here are a few pros and cons of American Connection Auto Transport:

Pros Ships heavy equipment and alternative vehicles Has been in business since 2011
Cons No online quote tool F rating from the BBB Low customer ratings Little information on services or insurance

American Connection Auto Transport Overview

Based in San Francisco, American Connection Auto Transport has been in business since 2011. The company is an auto transport broker that works with a network of carriers to ship vehicles, oversize loads, and heavy machinery.

According to A1 Auto Transport, American Connection Auto Transport services all 50 states. However, American Connection’s own website doesn’t provide details on the service area.


American Connection Auto Transport Shipping Services

As a shipping broker, American Connection Auto Transport offers the standard services of open or enclosed transport. Here are a few details on its services:

  • Open shipping: Open transport is a cost-effective way to ship your vehicle, but keep in mind that it leaves your car exposed to road debris and weather hazards.
  • Enclosed car shipping: If you’re willing to pay a little extra, shipping your car in an enclosed trailer ensures it’s protected from the elements.
  • Heavy machinery shipping: The company offers shipping options for construction equipment and other heavy machinery.
  • Wide and oversized loads: American Connection can move tractors, trailers, and other large or oversized loads.

American Connection Auto Transport Customer Reviews

Unfortunately, American Connection Auto Transport doesn’t have a positive reputation within the vehicle shipping industry. The BBB gives the company an F rating due to its failure to respond to customer complaints.

Customers on the BBB website seem to agree, giving the shipping broker an average overall rating of 1.0 out of 5.0 stars. Even though there weren’t any customers who gave the company above a one star rating, it’s important to keep in mind that there are only three customer reviews total on the BBB site. Such a low sample size may not be completely indicative of the company’s abilities, but the fact that all of the reviews are negative is a red flag.

The customer complaints mention poor customer service, and some even accuse the company of running a scam–taking their money and then ceasing all communication.

American Connection Auto Transport Complaints

“[A]fter you pay the deposit they stop communicating.”

– Jeromy via BBB

“After 30 days with no communication, and after I pushed back the move because I was concerned about their company eating costs, I received a hostile email … The company refused to refund me and even wanted to charge a higher ‘cancellation fee.’”

– Julianne via BBB


American Connection Auto Transport Cost

Like most vehicle transport brokers, American Connection Auto Transport doesn’t list its prices on its website. But unlike most shipping companies, ACAT doesn’t have an instant quote tool or car shipping calculator to help you get a shipping quote online. The only way to get a quote is to call the company directly.

According to our car shipping quote research, here are the average costs to ship a car different distances with major providers:

  • $664 for a 407-mile open transport shipment
  • $1,192 for a 1,640-mile open transport shipment
  • $1,476 for a 2,985-mile open transport shipment

You can use these averages to compare rates from American Connection if you reach out for quotes from the company.

What Affects Car Shipping Costs

Auto shipping companies consider a number of variables when calculating the cost of car shipping. Some factors include:

  • Type of delivery: Door-to-door car shipping is more convenient than terminal-to-terminal shipping, but it’s typically more expensive.
  • Vehicle size and weight: The larger and heavier the vehicle, the more it costs to ship.
  • Vehicle operability: An inoperable car requires more labor to load onto the carrier, so it’s more expensive to ship.
  • Shipping distance: The farther the shipping distance, the more you’ll pay.
  • Type of transport: Open carrier transport is the best option for cheap car shipping while enclosed transport provides more protection for your vehicle.
  • Cost of fuel: As gasoline and diesel prices rise, so will the cost of shipping.
  • Season: Demand increases in January and the summer, so shipping during those times is more expensive.

American Connection Auto Transport: Our Take

American Connection Auto Transport does not have the best ratings from our team. Although there are a few bright spots such as the variety of shipping services offered and availability, there are not enough highlights to truly say this is one of the best providers in the shipping industry.

American Connection Auto Transport Competitors

While American Connection Auto Transport may not be the best choice for your auto shipping needs, there are plenty of other shipping companies to choose from. It’s always a good idea to compare free quotes from different auto transport brokers. You can start your search with two highly reputable companies: Easy Auto Ship and Sherpa Auto Transport.

Easy Auto Ship: 4.6 Stars

Easy Auto Ship offers guaranteed pricing and full insurance coverage on every shipment. It provides open and enclosed carrier transport, expedited shipping, door-to-door delivery, and more services nationwide. The company holds an A+ rating from the BBB and an average consumer rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on the organization’s website, making Easy Auto Ship a reliable choice for automotive transport.

Check out our complete Easy Auto Ship review to learn more.

Sherpa Auto Transport: 4.4 Stars

Sherpa Auto Transport guarantees its pricing, meaning it will pay the difference if a carrier’s final price is above the original quote. The auto transport company offers service across the lower 48 states. Customers consider Sherpa to be highly reputable, giving the company an average of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars across more than 450 reviews on the BBB’s website. The BBB itself gives Sherpa an A+ rating.

Read more in our full Sherpa Auto Transport review.


American Connection Auto Transport Review: FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about American Connection Auto Transport:

Is American Connection Auto Transport legit?

Yes. American Connection Auto Transport is a licensed broker registered with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

How far in advance should I book my transport?

Most shipping companies recommend booking your transport at least two weeks in advance. The more lead time you give when booking a car transport, the lower the price will be.

Can I put personal items in my car to ship?

Some transport providers allow you to ship personal items in your car. Most companies that allow this let you keep up to 100 pounds of belongings packed below the window line. Keep in mind that the heavier your car is, the more it will cost to ship.

How do auto transports work?

Auto transport brokers coordinate between auto carriers and car owners looking to ship their vehicles. The broker schedules the shipment, and the carrier picks the vehicle up and delivers it to its destination. The vehicle owner and the carrier inspect the car before and after the transport, signing a bill of lading to document any existing or new damage.


How We Rate Auto Shipping Companies

Our review team extensively researches car shipping providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

  • Reliability: Providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a long history in the auto transport industry score well in this category.
  • Services: We take a look at what types of transport services are available through each company, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and more. Those with wider service selections are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
  • Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis to get quotes for a variety of shipping routes and services. We compare each company’s costs to industry average prices to see how it stands up to the competition.
  • Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to better understand the consumer experience. Car shipping companies with convenient quote processes also perform well in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.