Moving Guide
6 Best Auto Shipping Companies for Reliable Car Transport
Shipping a car long-distance can save a lot of wear, mileage, and stress when moving—but it's important to find a car shipping company you can trust that will provide reliable transport for your vehicle. Check out this guide comparing the top car shipping companies in 2026, plus costs and tips, to help make the process easy. To get you started, here are the most common types of auto transport companies:
Brokers: Vehicle shipping companies that don't own trucks and instead handle the logistics, coordinate the paperwork, and connect you with a vetted carrier from their network.
Carriers: The vehicle shipping company whose driver actually picks up and hauls your vehicle—they bid on jobs posted by brokers through a system called a load board.
Marketplaces: Carriers bid directly on your job, and you choose based on price and reviews.
Best Car Shipping Companies
Most car shipping companies you'll come across are brokers—they coordinate the move and connect you with an independent carrier, rather than operating their own trucks. Below are the best car transport companies for reliability and fair pricing in the industry.
Company | Best For | Avg. Cost* | Price Guarantee | All 50 States |
Overall reliability | $824–$1,271 | Yes (First Class tier) | Yes | |
Concierge service | $910–$1,780 | Yes (30-day) | Yes | |
Guaranteed pickup date | $971 avg. | Yes (7-day) | 49 states | |
Price transparency | $1,025–$1,206 | Yes (Price Lock) | Yes | |
Affordable enclosed | $600-$1,400 | No | Yes | |
Comparing carrier bids | $600-$1,500 | No | Yes |
*Estimates based on industry quote data as of early 2026 for a standard sedan, open air transport, and moving more than 300 miles. Actual quotes vary by route, vehicle size, season, and lead time.
AmeriFreight
Get a Quote | Average Cost: $824–$1,271 | Best For: Overall reliability
Ratings:
BBB: A
TrustPilot: 4.8/5 from 630+ Reviews
Services Offered:
Open auto transport
Enclosed auto transport
Expedited car shipping
State-to-state car shipping
Boat transport
Classic car shipping
Luxury auto transport
Golf cart transport
Motorcycle shipping
From AmeriFreight: "The auto shipping industry can be complicated, and we strive to simplify it for our customers. Although we have shipped thousands of cars over the past two decades, we always consider the fact that many customers have never shipped a car before and deserve to know the entire process. AmeriFreight continues to bring honesty, accountability, and transparency into the complexities of the auto transport industry."
Montway Auto Transport
Get a Quote | Average Cost: $910–$1,780 | Best For: Concierge service
Ratings:
BBB: A+
TrustPilot: 4/5 from 1,800+ reviews
Services offered:
Open car transport
Enclosed auto transport
Expedited auto transport
State-to-state auto transport
Hawaii car transport
Motorcycle shipping
Luxury car shipping
International car shipping
From Montway Auto Transport: "We strive to deliver a 5-star vehicle-shipping experience to every customer by blending innovative logistics solutions with service excellence. This commitment to service excellence extends to our employees and partners, fostering a collaborative environment where new ideas and unique perspectives are valued."
SGT Auto Transport
Get a Quote | Average Cost: ~$971 | Best For: Guaranteed pickup date
Ratings:
BBB: B+
TrustPilot: 4.5/5 from 1,400+ reviews
Services offered:
Open car transport
Enclosed auto transport
Expedited auto transport
State-to-state auto transport
Hawaii car transport
Luxury car shipping
From SGT Auto Transport: "At SGT Auto Transport, service is the cornerstone of everything we do. We want every customer’s experience to be an exceptional one, and we go above and beyond to answer customer needs. That includes being proactive about handling problems before they can arise, adapting to changes in the industry, recognizing customer needs and devising the best solutions for them, and ensuring that everyone our customers deal with is a professional, from our drivers in the field to admin staff to our customer support team."
Sherpa Auto Transport
Get a Quote | Average Cost: $1,025–$1,206 | Best For: Price transparency
Ratings:
BBB: B+
TrustPilot: 4.3/5 from 17+ reviews
Services offered:
Open car transport
Enclosed auto transport
Expedited auto transport
Door-to-door car transport
Alaska auto transport
Hawaii car transport
Motorcycle shipping
Luxury car shipping
From Sherpa Auto Transport: "Sherpa is driven to provide what every car shipping customer deserves: a transparent and stress-free auto transport experience. We are the auto transport company you can count on for every season of life."
Ship a Car Direct
Get a Quote | Average Cost: $600-$1,400 | Best For: Affordable enclosed transport
Ratings:
BBB: A+
TrustPilot: 4.9/5 from 800+ reviews
Services offered:
Open car transport
Enclosed auto transport
State-to-state auto transport
Cross-country car shipping
Door-to-door car transport
Express auto transport
Classic car transport
From Ship A Car Direct: "At Ship a Car Direct, we understand the challenges of selecting a reliable carrier. With our industry expertise and hands-on experience, we go beyond online reviews to vet our car carriers thoroughly. We prioritize your peace of mind, knowing that we have carefully chosen car carriers based on their track record and professionalism. Our commitment to transparency extends to every aspect of our service, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision."
uShip
Get a Quote | Average Cost: $600-$1,500 | Best For: Comparing carrier bids
Ratings:
BBB: A+
TrustPilot: 4.4/5 from 12,000+ reviews
Services offered:
Vehicle shipping marketplace
Car transport
Motorcycle transport
Boat transport
RV transport
From uShip: "Our shipping marketplace helps you connect with trusted, feedback-rated service providers of all kinds—large companies, small fleets, single-truck owners and even roadtrippers—that compete for your business and offer extra cargo space at a discount."
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping costs vary depending on open or enclosed auto transportation. For open transport—the most common and affordable option—most vehicle shipments cost between $500 and $1,500. Cross-country car shipping routes typically run $1,000 to $1,500, while shorter regional hauls under 500 miles usually start around $500.
Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Notes |
Under 500 miles | $500–$750 | $800–$1,100 | Higher cost per mile on short hauls |
500–1,500 miles | $700–$1,100 | $1,100–$1,600 | Most common shipping distance |
1,500+ miles (cross-country) | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,400 | Best per-mile value |
Per-mile average | $0.70–$1.10/mile | $1.40–$2.20+/mile | Enclosed runs 30–50% more |
*Estimates based on industry quote data as of early 2026 for a standard sedan. Actual quotes will vary.
What Affects the Price of Shipping a Car?
Because carriers bid dynamically on jobs based on their current routes and trailer space, vehicle shipping quotes can vary quite a bit even for similar routes. Here are the factors that have the biggest impact on your final vehicle shipping cost:
Distance: Longer routes cost more overall but less per mile. Cross-country vehicle shipping is more expensive than a regional haul in total, but you're getting better per-mile value the farther you go.
Transport Type: Open carriers are the most affordable option. Enclosed transport offers full protection from weather and debris, but costs 30 to 50% more.
Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and full-size vans take up more trailer space and are priced accordingly.
Season: Demand peaks May through August, which drives rates up and can extend pickup windows. Fall and spring typically offer the most competitive pricing.
Lead Time: Booking one to two weeks ahead gives more carriers time to bid on your route, which brings your price down. Same-day or rush bookings cost a significant premium.
Route & Location: Shipments along major interstate corridors attract more bids. Rural pickup or delivery locations can limit availability and raise costs.
Vehicle Condition: Non-running vehicles require a winch to load and always cost more to ship. Always disclose this at the time of booking.
How to Find a Reliable Car Shipping Company
It's important to carefully research car shipping companies to avoid unlicensed operators, bait-and-switch pricing, or poor customer service. Keep these factors in mind when looking for auto transport services.
Verify FMCSA Registration: Reliable car shipping companies are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up any vehicle shipping company by name or USDOT number at the FMCSA's Company Snapshot tool. If a company can't provide a USDOT number, or if their registration shows as inactive, that's a meaningful warning sign.
Check the BBB Profile & Reviews: A Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile tells you more than a letter grade. You can read through common customer complaints as well as car shipping company response times to those complaints in addition to general ratings. Some common red flags include a pattern of price changes at pickup, no-show drivers after a deposit was collected, and unresponsive claims handling after damage.
Ask About Insurance Coverage: Auto transport carriers are required by FMCSA to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance—higher than the standard minimum for general freight carriers. Before your car is loaded, it's worth asking the carrier for their certificate of insurance. Some brokers, like AmeriFreight, also offer optional gap coverage to help cover out-of-pocket expenses if a damage claim isn't fully paid by the carrier's insurance.
Understand the Deposit Structure: Reputable car shipping brokers tend to collect little or nothing upfront before a carrier is assigned. If a company requires a large deposit before you've even been matched with a driver, that's generally considered one of the more telling warning signs in the industry.
Get Everything in Writing: Before booking with any auto shipping company, make sure you have a written confirmation that includes your quoted price, pickup window, and route. Having it in writing protects you if a driver tries to negotiate a higher price at pickup—a practice known as "load holding."
What to Expect When Shipping a Vehicle
If you're new to shipping a vehicle, the process can feel a bit opaque—particularly the gap between when you book and when your car actually gets picked up. Here's how to ship your car and what to expect at each stage.
Get Multiple Vehicle Shipping Quotes: Request quotes from two or three brokers. You'll share basic information—pickup and delivery locations, your vehicle's year, make, and model, whether it runs, and your ideal pickup window. Vehicle shipping quotes at this stage are estimates—the final price is confirmed when a carrier accepts the job.
Book Car Shipping with Enough Lead Time: Booking one to two weeks before your desired pickup date tends to be the sweet spot for most cross-country vehicle shipping routes. If you're moving during peak summer months, booking three to four weeks ahead may be worth considering, as demand is highest then and availability can tighten.
Get Your Carrier Assignment & Pickup Window: Your broker posts the job to a load board where carriers can accept it. You'll be given a pickup window—typically one to seven days—during which the assigned driver will arrive. Plan to be flexible on the actual pickup day, as this is a window rather than a specific time.
Calculate Car Shipping Transit Time: Transit times will depend on how far the haul is. Regional hauls under 500 miles often arrive in one to three days, while cross-country vehicle shipping typically takes seven to 10 days. Keep in mind that carriers run fixed routes with multiple stops—your car is one of several on the trailer, so transit time reflects the full route rather than a direct drive to your door.
Receive & Inspect Your Vehicle: Have someone present when your vehicle arrives. Before signing anything, walk around the car with the driver to inspect its condition. If there's any new damage that wasn't documented at pickup on the Bill of Lading, note it before you sign the delivery paperwork—that documentation is what you'll need if you have to file an insurance claim.
Need Vehicle Storage During Your Move?
If you're shipping your car as part of a bigger relocation, there's often a gap in timing—between lease end dates, closing timelines, or just the logistics of getting everything to the right place at the right moment. A secure storage unit for your vehicle and extra belongings can take a lot of pressure off that transition. If you need storage space during your transition, Extra Space Storage has locations throughout the U.S. with plenty of secure storage options, plus moving supplies available on-site. Find vehicle storage near you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Companies
What is the best car shipping company?
AmeriFreight and Montway Auto Transport are consistently rated among the top brokers based on customer satisfaction, carrier vetting, and pricing reliability. The best choice for your specific move depends on your route, vehicle type, and whether you want features like a price guarantee or guaranteed pickup date.
Do car shipping companies offer military discounts?
Several vehicle shipping brokers specialize in military PCS moves and offer dedicated military vehicle shipping discounts, including AmeriFreight and SGT Auto Transport. Discounts typically range from $35 to $100 or more, depending on the broker and route.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading is the condition report you sign with the driver at both pickup and delivery when shipping your car, documenting the vehicle's existing condition at loading and its condition at delivery. Never sign the delivery Bill of Lading without first inspecting the vehicle—this document is required to file a damage claim.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Booking with vehicle shipping companies one to two weeks before your target pickup date is ideal for most routes. For summer moves (May–August), book three to four weeks out—peak demand makes availability much tighter during those months.
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Planning a move? Find helpful relocation tools on our moving hub. And if you need storage throughout your transition, we have storage facilities across the U.S. to help make your transition easier. Find a storage unit near you!
Author Profile
Quinn Johnson
Quinn Johnson is a moving expert and author for Extra Space Storage. He's moved over 15 times, including internationally, and helped countless others between their own homes. He's happy to lift some boxes for a friend as long as he's paid in pizza. As a writer and content creator for Extra Space Storage since 2019, Quinn shares helpful moving tips and info to alleviate the common stresses of moving.
