Best Car Shipping Companies

Key Points:

• Montway Auto Transport is our top car shipping company due to its affordable rates, service selection, and reliability.
• Mercury Auto Transport offers the cheapest car shipping rates of any company we reviewed.
• To get the best price, it’s best to compare quotes from multiple companies and book your shipment as far in advance as possible.

Whether you’re moving to another state, selling a car to a far-away buyer, or just heading south for the winter, choosing the right auto shipping company is important. We’ve researched more than 20 car shipping companies to help you make this decision. After examining each one’s reliability, pricing, shipping services, and customer experience, we’ve identified Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Easy Auto Ship, Mercury Auto Transport, and Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping companies in the industry.

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Best Car Shipping Companies

Here’s a quick comparison of our top five car shipping companies. For context, the average per-mile cost of open auto transport among all companies we reviewed is $0.88. This figure represents the average cost for shipping an operable 2019 Mazda CX-5 the following distances with door-to-door service: 470 miles, 1,640 miles, and 2,985 miles.

Provider	Our Overall Rating (Out of 5.0)	Reliability Rating	Pricing Rating	Services Rating	Customer Experience Rating	Average Cost Per Mile (Open Transport)
1. Montway Auto Transport	4.7	4.9	4.4	4.9	4.7	$0.85
2. AmeriFreight	4.6	5.0	4.2	4.9	4.6	$0.89
3. Easy Auto Ship	4.6	4.8	4.5	4.9	4.2	$0.83
4. Mercury Auto Transport	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.8	4.4	$0.64
5. Sherpa Auto Transport	4.4	4.8	4.3	4.4	4.6	$0.83

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#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Overall

Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
USDOT#: 2239816
MC#: 611862

Montway wins our Best Overall award due to its track record of successful shipments, wide range of auto transport options, and competitive pricing. The vehicle shipping broker offers guaranteed pickup dates and ships to all 50 states and international destinations. We also like the fact that Montway works with a network of more than 15,000 movers that go through extensive vetting.

The only real drawback with Montway is that it doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal service, which tends to be one of the most affordable shipping options. 

Montway Auto Transport Cost Estimates

Here are a few quotes we received from Montway Auto Transport:

Shipping Route	Approximate Shipping Distance	Transport Type	Total Cost	Cost per Mile
Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN	470 miles	Open	$649	$1.38
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Open	$1,129	$0.69
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Enclosed	$1,549	$0.95
Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA	2,985 miles	Open	$1,469	$0.49

Montway Auto Transport Customer Reviews

Montway receives largely positive reviews from customers online. On the BBB, the company has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 2,200 customer reviews. Customers frequently mention excellent communication from Montway representatives throughout their shipments.

Customers on Trustpilot also give Montway high marks. The company has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars on the platform. 

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#2 AmeriFreight: Great Industry Reputation

Founded: 2004
Headquarters: Peachtree City, Georgia
BBB rating: A+
USDOT#: 2238770
MC#: 490644

AmeriFreight has earned a strong industry reputation during its 20-year track record as an auto transport broker. The company offers vehicle shipping services to all 50 states and a host of discounts to make shipments more affordable. Members of the military, first responders, students, and senior citizens are among those who can save with AmeriFreight.

AmeriFreight stands out in the car shipping industry by offering a variety of insurance options that go beyond a carrier’s basic cargo insurance policy. You can purchase the company’s Allied Fidelity Total Assurance (AFTA) coverage, which helps pay the high deductibles that often come with a carrier’s insurance coverage.

AmeriFreight Cost Estimates

Here are some vehicle shipping quotes our team gathered from AmeriFreight:

Shipping Route	Approximate Shipping Distance	Transport Type	Total Cost	Cost per Mile
Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN	470 miles	Open	$764	$1.63
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Open	$1,073	$0.65
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Enclosed	$1,824	$1.11
Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA	2,985 miles	Open	$1,168	$0.39

AmeriFreight Customer Reviews

AmeriFreight has stellar customer reviews online. The company holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB and 4.9 out of 5.0 stars on Trustpilot. Strong communication and a no-hassle delivery experience are often mentioned in AmeriFreight reviews. Customers also cite transparent pricing in their online feedback.

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#3 Easy Auto Ship: Excellent Service Selection

Founded: 2013
Headquarters: Youngstown, Ohio
BBB rating: A+
USDOT#: 3149259
MC#: 103888

Easy Auto Ship takes our award for Excellent Service Selection because it ships just about any type of vehicle (including RVs, motorcycles, and heavy equipment) to all 50 states. The company also provides international car shipping options. Easy Auto Ship features both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping, as well as expedited auto transport services. 

As our third-ranked auto shipping broker, it also provides up to $100,000 of added coverage to complement your carrier’s cargo insurance. Easy Auto Ship provides customers with free rental cars if their shipment takes longer than 14 days, which is a unique benefit.

Easy Auto Ship Cost Estimates

Here are the car shipping quotes we received from Easy Auto Ship:

Shipping Route	Approximate Shipping Distance	Transport Type	Total Cost	Cost per Mile
Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN	470 miles	Open	$609	$1.30
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Open	$1,213	$0.74
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Enclosed	$1,713	$1.05
Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA	2,985 miles	Open	$1,371	$0.46

Easy Auto Ship Customer Reviews

Easy Auto Ship has mostly positive reviews from customers online. The car shipping broker holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars from more than 650 reviews on the BBB. Easy Auto Ship has the same 4.6-star rating from more than 4,000 Google reviews. Fast service and the responsiveness of customer support agents are frequent highlights.

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#4 Mercury Auto Transport: Most Affordable

Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Davie, Florida
BBB rating: A-
USDOT#: 2242305
MC#: 647319

Mercury Auto Transport takes our award for Most Affordable because of its consistently low auto shipping rates. We also like Mercury’s wide selection of auto transport services, which include both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery. The company ships to all 50 states and offers international transport. Mercury also features standby mode, which allows you to ship your vehicle for a lower price if you aren’t in a hurry.

One thing we don’t like about Mercury is the inability to get an instant quote online. You can still get a free quote by filling out a form and waiting for an email, but it’s not as convenient as the online quotes other auto moving companies offer.

Mercury Auto Transport Cost Estimates

Here are a few of the highly affordable shipping quotes we received from Mercury Auto Transport:

Shipping Route	Approximate Shipping Distance	Transport Type	Total Cost	Cost per Mile
Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN	470 miles	Open	$445	$0.95
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Open	$965	$0.59
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Enclosed	$1,305	$0.81
Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA	2,985 miles	Open	$1,175	$0.39

Mercury Auto Transport Customer Reviews

Mercury has an excellent 4.7-star rating from nearly 600 customer reviews on the BBB. Trustpilot offers an even rosier picture for the company, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars from more than 125 reviews. Affordability and helpful customer service representatives are common themes in these positive reviews.

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#5 Sherpa Auto Transport: Positive Customer Experience

Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
BBB rating: A+
USDOT#: 4085166
MC#: 1555035

Sherpa Auto Transport has built a strong reputation in its short time as an auto shipper. Founded in 2017, the company holds an A+ rating from the BBB and garners praise from customers online. 

Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, an especially attractive perk, provides up to $300 toward your shipment if the initial quote you receive isn’t enough to secure a carrier. We’re also fans of Sherpa’s clean car guarantee, which reimburses you for a car wash if your vehicle arrives dirty.

The car transport broker doesn’t have as many years of experience as the other companies listed here, but its excellent industry standing makes up for this.

Sherpa Auto Transport 

Here are a few auto shipping quotes we received from Sherpa:

Shipping Route	Approximate Shipping Distance	Transport Type	Total Cost	Cost per Mile
Chicago, IL, to Nashville, TN	470 miles	Open	$625	$1.33
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Open	$1,075	$0.66
Phoenix, AZ, to Minneapolis, MN	1,640 miles	Enclosed	$1,675	$1.02
Boston, MA, to Los Angeles, CA	2,985 miles	Open	$1,500	$0.50

Sherpa Auto Transport Customer Reviews

You’ll find positive reviews of Sherpa across the internet. About 1,800 Google reviews leave the company with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars. On the BBB, more than 500 reviewers give Sherpa an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. Timely updates and a smooth overall shipping experience often pop up in Sherpa’s online reviews.

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The Advantages Of Car Shipping

Whatever the reason for your auto shipment, there are a few good reasons why having it shipped is better than driving it to a new location. Safety is the most important of these reasons, as having a professional carrier do the job for you eliminates the risk of a long-distance drive.

You also avoid excess wear and tear on your vehicle when you have it shipped. This is especially important if you’ve sold a car to a buyer who lives far away. It’s also something to consider if you’re making a big move of hundreds or even thousands of miles. There are plenty of road hazards that can be mitigated or avoided altogether when you ship your car rather than drive it yourself.

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The Basics of Car Shipping

Shipping a car begins with exploring auto transport companies. There are three types of car shipping companies: third-party brokers, shipping marketplaces, and direct providers. Below are some basics on each of these vehicle transport company types.

• Auto shipping brokers: These companies work with large networks of vetted carriers to help you find the best deal on a vehicle shipment. All of the five recommended companies in this article are brokers.
• Car shipping marketplaces: A marketplace allows you to compare carriers and negotiate with them directly. While this approach can lead to a great price on your vehicle shipment, it also requires more legwork than going with a broker. You also don’t have the peace of mind that comes with knowing all carriers are thoroughly vetted by an experienced intermediary.
• Direct providers (carriers): This is the least convenient method for arranging your auto shipment. You may get a great deal, but the customer service you receive from a direct car shipper can be lacking or even non-existent.

Car Shipping Services

Once you find the right company to help you with your car shipment, you need to decide which transport services work best for you. Start with one of two basic auto transport methods:

• Open transport: With this method, your vehicle is shipped on an open-air trailer with several other cars. While this is the cheapest and most popular type of auto transport, an open carrier does leave your car exposed to the elements and various types of road debris.
• Enclosed transport: This involves having your vehicle shipped in an enclosed container with few other vehicles (you can even have your car shipped by itself for a fee). You’ll pay a premium for the extra security an enclosed trailer provides, but it’s the ideal method for transporting an exotic vehicle, sports car, classic car, or luxury vehicle.

There are car shipping alternatives that don’t involve trucks and trailers, like transport via train, plane, or ship. These methods offer much less in the way of flexibility but could be worth exploring for certain long-distance shipments.

Vehicle Delivery Methods

You can also choose between door-to-door vehicle transport or terminal-to-terminal delivery. As its name suggests, door-to-door service picks your vehicle up and drops it off as close to your home or desired address as possible. Terminal-to-terminal auto shipment makes use of centrally-located shipping terminals and involves some extra driving on the customer’s part.

Terminal-to-terminal delivery is the cheaper option, but not all brokers or carriers offer this service.

Our Tips For A Smooth Car Shipping Process

Once you’ve compared quotes and selected a car shipping company to facilitate your shipment, we suggest that you follow these simple steps:

1. Book in advance: Brokers post your auto shipment job and accept bids from carriers, so allowing some lead time helps your broker find the best match for your budget and timeline.
2. Prepare your vehicle: Before your driver arrives to pick up your vehicle, remove personal items and note any pre-existing scratches or dents. Shipping companies also recommend that you leave no more than a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle before pick-up.
3. Inspect your vehicle: When you meet your transport driver, you’ll do a quick inspection of your car together. It’s a good idea to take some pictures of any scratches or dents that are present before shipping.
4. Sign the bill of lading: After inspecting your vehicle with the driver, you’ll sign a bill of lading. This is basically your shipping receipt and notes any cosmetic or mechanical issues with the vehicle.
5. Stay updated on your shipment: Many shipping companies offer real-time updates via phone or email. Some companies have the ability to feature GPS tracking too.
6. Meet your driver at the destination: When you meet your transport driver for drop-off, you’ll again perform a quick inspection of your vehicle. If everything is in order, you’ll sign the bill of lading again and pay whatever balance remains on the shipment.

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Car Shipping Cost

The cost of auto transport can vary widely from one shipment to another. This is because car shipping costs depend on a host of factors, many of which are out of your control. In general, you can expect to pay between $1 and $2 per mile for shorter shipments (500 miles or less) and between $0.40 and $0.60 per mile for cross-country shipments.

Below are the average per-mile costs from 13 car shipping companies. All estimates are for shipping an operable 2019 Mazda CX-5.

Shipping Distance and Transport Type	Average Cost per Mile
470 miles with open transport	$1.63
1,640 miles with open transport	$0.73
1,640 miles with enclosed transport	$1.12
2,985 miles with open transport	$0.49

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

As mentioned above, car shipping prices are determined by many factors. Here are a few metrics that figure into the cost of every vehicle shipment:

• Shipping distance: While longer shipping routes come with lower per-mile rates, you can expect to pay a higher overall price than a shorter shipment.
• Transport type: As mentioned earlier, enclosed shipping costs are significantly more than open car transport. This is largely due to how common open trailers are and how tough it is to reserve an enclosed carrier on short notice.
• Vehicle type and size: Small sedans cost less to ship than heavier and longer SUVs and pickup trucks. Vehicles with roof racks and other accessories can also be more expensive to ship than stock automobiles.
• Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles cost more to ship than running cars because they require extra effort to load and unload.
• Time of year: Car shipping is a seasonal business. Rates are highest in January and the summer months. These times of the year see the most demand due to families moving and snowbirds heading south for the winter.
• Shipping timeline: The more flexible you are with pickup and delivery dates, the better chance you have of getting a good deal on your shipment.
• Pick-up and delivery locations: Door-to-door delivery might be prohibitively expensive if you live in a remote area. If your preferred broker doesn’t offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, you might consider meeting your driver in the closest urban area.

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Best Car Shipping Companies: Our Take

After reviewing more than 20 auto transport companies based on reliability, pricing, services, and customer experience, we chose Montway Auto Transport as the best overall option. The company offers competitive rates, a wide selection of car transport services, and customer-friendly tracking options.

Although Montway is our top pick for car shipping, we recommend comparing quotes from multiple companies to get the best possible deal on your vehicle shipment.

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Best Car Shipping Companies: FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about the best car shipping companies.

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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.

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