7 Best Car Shipping Companies of 2023

Moving is a big endeavor, and one of the things you may not consider right away is getting your vehicle to your new location. If you’re moving to another state or country, driving to your new home may not be feasible. Luckily, a car transport service can handle it for you.

Car shipping companies provide a valuable service by transporting your vehicle from one location to another, so you don’t have to. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which transporter is the best car shipping company for you.

We researched available options to help you find the right company for your needs. Much like our best moving companies, we evaluated car shipping companies on factors that are important to customers, including delivery options, cost, speed and customer service. Read on to compare the best options.

Our Top Picks for Best Car Shipping Companies

• Best Overall: Nexus
• Best for Customer Service: Sherpa Auto Transport
• Best for Businesses: Montway Auto Transport
• Best for Shipping Antique or Classic Cars: AmeriFreight
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Easy Auto Ship
• Best for Price Match Guarantee: SGT Auto Transport
• Best Car Shipping Marketplace: uShip

Best car shipping companies reviews

Why We Chose It: Nexus Auto Transport is our best overall pick because it offers a variety of options, whether you need to transport a family sedan to another state or a large RV. You can choose from an enclosed transport or open carrier. Accelerated delivery is available if you need your vehicle faster than normal shipping times.

Rather than being a car shipping company itself , Nexus is a broker that works with a network of more than 8,500 car movers across the country. It says it can ship just about any vehicle anywhere in the country, including classic cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, golf carts and even mobile homes. Nexus offers 24/7 online vehicle tracking for all of its shipments.

Nexus has several different types of services, including:

• Door-to-door service: With this option, Nexus sends a carrier to your home or business to pick up your vehicle and eventually drop it off at the location you designate.

• Open hauling: This is the cheapest way to ship a car. With an open hauling carrier, your car is shipped along with other vehicles on an open trailer.

• Enclosed hauling: If you’re worried about your car being damaged by road debris, Nexus offers enclosed hauling. It’s more expensive, but your car is shipped in a closed carrier. Owners of classic, antique, or other high-value cars often opt for enclosed hauling.

• Expedited service: You may be uncomfortable with standard shipping service, which provides a window of time for pickups and deliveries rather than a specific time. Nexus says its expedited service a provides a guaranteed delivery date — one that’s typically earlier than for standard service.

Nexus includes in its services up to $250,000 in coverage for open hauling and up to $750,000 for enclosed hauling shipments. However, its coverage doesn’t include insurance for damage to personal property that’s inside the vehicle.

There’s an online quote tool available, which you can use to estimate how much it will cost to transport your vehicle. However, you’re required to include your phone number and email address to get a quote — which could subsequently lead to frequent sales calls or emails unless you request removal from those lists. And while Nexus has strongly positive customer reviews, your shipping experience is largely dependent on which auto shipper is assigned your shipment, since Nexus works with so many different ones.

Why We Chose It: Sherpa Auto Transport has a strong reputation for customer service, with a range of 4.7 out of 5 based on more than 900 Google reviews. Plus, it offers perks like its Clean Car Guarantee and discount programs.

Like Nexus, Sherpa is an auto brokerage business, meaning it works with partner companies to offer vehicle transport services. It has a range of shipping options, including enclosed and open carriers.

To make shipping more affordable, Sherpa has several discount programs, including discounts for military service members, returning customers and multi-vehicle discounts.

Sherpa backs its services with the following:

• Price lock promise: If the given quote is insufficient to secure a reputable carrier, Sherpa will contribute up to $300 to make your booking happen.
• Clean car guarantee: With the clean car guarantee, Sherpa will cover the cost of a professional car wash — up to $20 — after delivery with proof of receipt.

Sherpa has a cancellation policy that is more flexible than those of some other car shippers. You can cancel your booking at any time prior to your vehicle being picked up, albeit with some charges. If you cancel your order before the order is assigned, there is a $50 fee. If you cancel after a carrier is assigned, your cancellation fee is equal to the initial payment.

However, Sherpa isn’t for everyone. It does not offer shipping services to or from Alaska, Hawaii or anywhere outside the U.S. And while most car shipping companies allow customers to track their vehicles online, Sherpa requires customers to call and request an update during business hours. Sherpa does have an online quote tool, but you must provide your phone number and email address to view quotes — which may result in unwanted pitches from the company, at least until you request removal from their list.

Why We Chose It: Montway Auto Transport works with businesses such as car dealerships or classic car brokers. It has a dealer portal specifically designed for businesses that need to transport vehicles, with detailed reporting and inventory tracking tools.

Montway is a shipping broker that provides car shipping services for individuals, through its partner shippers. It also caters to businesses that regularly transport vehicles, such as dealerships, rental car companies or auto auctioneers. It offers its business customers an enterprise portal with tools that allow for easier online booking, tracking, signing and transparency.

The company can also ship vehicles overseas, by tapping its network of international carriers.

One downside is that Montway doesn’t offer online tracking to individual customers. You can, however, chat online with a customer service representative in order to check on the status of your car. It does offer tracking for business customers.

Montway doesn’t offer guaranteed pickup or delivery dates, and it has a higher-than-typical cancellation fee of $199. If you are able to cancel the shipment before the carrier accepts it, there is no cancellation fee.

Why We Chose It: AmeriFreight specializes in shipping antique or classic cars through open or enclosed transport. It also offers door-to-door service for shipping in an enclosed or open transport.

Unlike many vehicle shipping companies that are limited to the contiguous 48 states, AmeriFreight ships nationwide, including to and from Alaska and Hawaii. According to its website, the cost of shipping can vary from about  $3.00 per mile for interstate deliveries to $0.50 per mile for further distances like from one coast to the other.

The company offers multiple cross-country shipping options, including enclosed carriers and door-to-door service, and it provides additional coverage for your car. Under standard carrier coverage, your car is covered for damages and losses that occur while it’s being transported. However, AmeriFreight also provides Allied Fidelity Total Assurance (AFta) gap protection. Gap protection for car shipping services will cover damages to your vehicles that occur during the process of parking, loading or storing your vehicle.

AmeriFreight is geared towards car enthusiasts who need to ship specialty classic or antique cars. It can ship inoperable vehicles, too, and so could accommodate transporting that classic fixer-upper vehicle you plan to restore. And AmeriFreight has several discount programs, including discounts for seniors and students.

AmeriFreight’s quotes aren’t guaranteed, but you can get an instant quote online by entering details about your car and your contact information. There are many variables that can affect your price, so your cost isn’t fixed until a carrier is assigned. The company also doesn’t provide online tracking, but you can contact customer service via phone for updates.

Why We Chose It: We requested quotes for multiple routes from all our carriers, and Easy Auto Ship was consistently the cheapest option. Easy Auto Ship also offers several discounts, such as a discount for paying cash and for military veterans.

Offering low rates is important, but Easy Auto Ship has other great features, too. It has a simple process to get quotes, and it has a live chat feature that allows you to talk to a customer representative agent.

Multiple short- and long-distance shipping options are available, including enclosed shipping and open car carriers. If you’d like to have a guaranteed pickup and delivery time, you can request that for an additional fee.

If your car is dirty upon arrival, Easy Auto Ship will cover the cost of a car wash. And if the shipment is delayed and will take longer than 14 days after pickup, Easy Auto Ship will pay for the cost of a rental car.

On the down side, Easy Auto Ship has a higher cancellation fee than many shippers, of $195, and it doesn’t offer online tracking.

Another factor to keep in mind is Easy Auto Ship’s terms and conditions. On its site, it says customers that have negative experiences with carriers are prohibited from leaving negative reviews about Easy Auto Ship, saying the company is not responsible for the actions of the carriers. This is not something we saw outlined in other companies’ terms and conditions.

Why We Chose It: SGT Auto Transport offers a price match guarantee, so if you find a cheaper quote elsewhere, the company promises to do its best to match it or beat it.

SGT Auto Transport offers a wide range of services, from door-to-door shipping to express and last-minute pick-up. The company will ship SUVs, trucks, cars and motorcycles. With its guaranteed pickup window, you can have peace of mind knowing when your vehicle will be picked up and delivered.

One of the best features SGT Auto Transport offers is its price match guarantee. If you find a cheaper quote from a direct competitor and present a written copy, SGT claims it will match it or even beat it. SGT Auto Transport also provides an online quote system to quickly and easily get a cost estimate.

Unfortunately, the company only offers door-to-door shipping. Customers looking for the more cost-effective terminal-to-terminal shipping option will have to look for a different company. Additionally, SGT doesn’t provide an online real-time GPS tracking feature. However, customers can call the customer service department for updates on the status of their vehicle. SGT’s customer service is available 24 hours daily from Monday through Friday. On the weekends, it is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.

Why We Chose It: With uShip’s car shipping marketplace, you can compare prices and services from multiple providers and check customer reviews and ratings.

uShip is a shipping marketplace for transporting all kinds of things, including cars. Through its marketplace, uShip allows customers to compare prices and services from multiple providers in one place. You can also read customer reviews and ratings to make a more informed decision.

The company provides a complimentary online tracking service — you can check the status of your shipment at any time. It offers shipping services to and from all 50 states.

One thing to keep in mind is that uShip doesn’t offer a guaranteed pickup date. Additionally, your experience can vary based on your carrier, so you must vet your options to ensure your chosen company has a good reputation. Finally, uShip doesn’t provide a price guarantee for any of the instant quotes you receive, so your final price could be higher than the original quote.

Other Companies We Considered

When comparing options, we evaluated multiple auto transport services. The following ones aren’t our top choices based on our analysis, but they may be worth looking into.

American Auto Shipping

American Auto Shipping offers a range of shipping services, including open or enclosed carrier and shipping via rail. However, its website was the most difficult to use out of all the auto shipping companies we looked at.

RoadRunner Auto Transport

RoadRunner Auto Transport boasts affordable rates, and it allows you to book your service without an upfront deposit. However, it has poor customer reviews and isn’t accredited by the BBB.

Car Shipping Companies Guide

Whether you’re looking to ship a car across the country or just another state nearby, there are many different factors to consider when selecting a shipping company. The following guide outlines everything you need to know, from how to compare car shipping costs to what questions you should ask a car shipping service before making your decision.

Main things to look up before choosing a car shipping company

When choosing a company, consider the following variables:

• Cost: Comparing prices from different companies is crucial to finding the best deal.

• Type of carrier you need: Open carriers may work for most cars, while enclosed carriers help ensure your vehicle is protected from the elements.

• Timing: Many car shipping companies offer expedited service if you need your vehicle shipped quickly.

• Included insurance coverage: Review the insurance costs and determine if the policy covers any damages that may occur during transport. Consider the deductible as well.

• Customer reviews: Before selecting a service, read customer reviews to understand what working with the company is like.

• Customer service and tracking: Check the company’s customer service options and online tracking capabilities.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

Your car shipping cost may vary based on several different factors, including the type of vehicle and the distance it will travel. You can get estimates from car shipping companies, but be aware that your final cost could differ slightly.

Comparison of car shipping quotes

	Nexus Auto	Sherpa Auto	Montway Auto	AmeriFreight	Easy Auto Ship
Orlando, FL to Seattle, WA	$1,695	$1,600	$1,549	$1,498	$1,494
Washington, D.C. to Tampa, FL	$845	$1,000	$859	Quote not available	$847
Austin, TX to Salt Lake City, UT	$1,035	$1,075	$999	$1,214	$997

Quotes are for transporting a mid-size sedan with an open carrier and standard shipping times.

Factors that affect a car shipping cost

Some of the most common factors that may affect the cost of shipping a car include the following:

• Distance and route: The further you need to ship your vehicle, the higher your car shipping cost will be.

• Type of carrier: Open carriers are cheaper than enclosed carriers because the latter provides more protection for your vehicle.

• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles require more fuel and take up more space, so they’re more expensive to ship than smaller vehicles. The cost of shipping a motorcycle may be lower than a car.

• Weight of the vehicle: Heavier vehicles require more fuel and may take up more space, so they tend to be more expensive to ship than lighter vehicles.

• Shipping speed: Expedited shipping is more expensive than standard shipping since it requires the carrier to complete the transport quicker.

• Additional services: Some auto shipping companies offer additional services at extra costs, such as vehicle storage or pick-up and drop-off services.

How does a car shipping company work?

Car shipping companies provide door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal transport services. With door-to-door service, the car shipping company will pick up your vehicle at a designated location and deliver it to another designated location. With terminal-to-terminal service, you’ll drop off your vehicle at a designated shipping terminal and pick it up at another terminal.

The car shipping company will typically transport your vehicle using an open or enclosed trailer, depending on your selected service type. Some companies also offer additional services, such as extended car storage.

Once your vehicle is picked up, the car shipping service may update you on its status during transit if they offer this technology. When your vehicle arrives at its destination, the company will inspect and deliver it.

Requirements to ship a car

Before shipping your vehicle, you’ll need to ensure it’s ready for transit. This typically includes ensuring there aren’t any hazardous materials in the car and that the vehicle is in good condition (meaning there are no dangerous leaks, fluids or malfunctions). You may also need to provide proof of ownership.

You may need to complete a vehicle condition report before shipping. This report will help document any damages that may occur during transport. It protects both the customer and the company in case of a dispute.

What are the different types of auto transport?

Auto transport is typically offered in two main types: open and enclosed. Open carriers are the most widely used car shipping service and are a more economical option for shipping your vehicle. However, they do not provide the same level of protection as enclosed carriers, which are more expensive but safeguard your vehicle from weather conditions during transportation. Closed carriers may be more suitable for expensive or classic cars that would benefit from the extra protection.

Some companies that provide auto transport services offer specialized options like international shipping or long-distance moving, apart from open and enclosed carriers. You can even opt to ship a car by train.

How to know if an auto transport company is legit?

To ensure you pick a dependable car shipping company, research online customer reviews and validate the company’s license and insurance details. Additionally, determine if the company is listed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to confirm that they legally hold the necessary permits and coverage to transport vehicles. The company’s FMCSA page will also provide information on the number of complaints filed against the company.

How We Found the Best Car Shipping Companies

We evaluated several criteria to find the best car shipping companies, including customer reviews, BBB accreditation and services offered. The following factors were considered when assessing each company:

• Customer reviews: We reviewed customer feedback from both the BBB and third-party review sites.

• Insurance coverage: We looked for companies that offer both basic insurance coverage and additional declared value coverage.

• Price: We looked at price quotes for both standard and express shipping.

• BBB accreditation: We looked for companies with a good rating from the BBB.

• Tracking: We looked for companies that offer tracking systems so customers can monitor the progress of their vehicle shipment in transit.

• Services offered: We considered the services provided by each company and the features they have to make car shipping easier.

• Customer service: We reviewed each company’s customer service options and how helpful they are at answering questions.

Summary of the Best Car Shipping Companies of 2023

If you’re relocating to another state or purchasing a vehicle from a dealer located across the country, you may be overwhelmed by your car shipping options. When considering which car shipping broker or direct shipping company is best for you, be sure to think about transport costs, insurance coverage and timing.

Of our seven top picks, Nexus Auto Transport is the overall best car shipping company based on its shipping options and excellent customer service. But those with more specialized needs — such as classic car owners — may be better off with a company like AmeriFreight.

The best company for you ultimately depends on your individual car shipment needs. Be sure to do your research and compare quotes before making a decision.