How to Pick the Best Car Transport Company {Top 20}

Top 20 Auto Transport Reviews
Rank Company Website Phone Location Rating Compare
1

Ship a Car Direct

866-221-1664

Los Angeles, CA

2

A-1 Auto Transport

800-452-2880

Aptos, CA

3

uShip

800-698-7447

Austin, TX

4

Acertus

855-223-7887

St. Louis, MO

5

Montway

888-666-8929

Schaumburg, IL

6

Sherpa Auto Transport

877-850-1231

Charlotte, NC

7

Reindeer

800-428-0589

Zionsville, IN

8

Easy Auto Shipping

330-222-6160

Youngstown, OH

9

American Auto Transport

866-327-7863

Weston, FL

10

Stateway Auto Transport

224-223-8303

Buffalo Grove, IL

11

RoadRunner Auto Transport

888-777-2123

Bethpage, NY

12

Direct Express Auto Transport

800-600-3750

San Anselmo, CA

13

Auto Transport 123

888-885-9123

Baldwin, NY

14

Amerifreight

770-486-1010

Peachtree City, GA

15

Auto Shipping Group

888-588-1269

Tempe, AZ

16

Autostar

888-802-8250

Miami, FL

17

Fox Auto Transport

866-560-2436

Easthampton, MA

18

Mercury Auto Transport

800-553-1828

Davie, FL

19

Nexus Auto Transport

224-218-2949

Chicago, IL

20

Reliable Carriers Inc

800-521-6393

Canton, MI

Ship a Car Direct

Our overall top pick; offering great customer service, a damage-free guarantee, and BBB A+ rated auto transport services.

A-1 Auto Transport

Shipping cars, trucks, motorcycles, freight, heavy equipment, household goods and more.

uShip

Make shipping big stuff cheap and easy by helping customers directly connect with providers.

Acertus

An automotive logistics and services company focused on solving complex problems.

Montway

With auto transport from Montway, you get top-notch service and convenience.

Sherpa Auto Transport

We are passionate about providing a better experience, and this begins with transparent pricing.

Reindeer

Reindeer Auto Relocation offers quality transportation services for cars, trucks, or freight.

Easy Auto Shipping

Save time and money with easy auto ship. Get a free auto transport quote online today.

American Auto Transport

Transport company in USA for all your vehicle transportation, shipping and hauling.

Stateway Auto Transport

Leverage our national network of fully licensed, insured and bonded auto transport carriers.

RoadRunner Auto Transport

RoadRunner Auto Transport is a leading provider of nationwide door-to-door auto shipping.

Direct Express Auto Transport

Top rated Direct Express Auto Transport originated the car shipping quote calculator.

Auto Transport 123

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 with our friendly agents, devoted drivers, and 24 hour service.

Amerifreight

Top Rated BBB accredit automotive transport company. Discounted shipping rates.

Auto Shipping Group

Providing state of the art transportation using skilled staff and equipment.

Autostar

AutoStar provides professional, quality-driven and affordable car shipping.

Fox Auto Transport

Shipping your car can seem daunting. Let Fox Auto Transport make your experience positive.

Mercury Auto Transport

Provide same-day quotes for car shipping and all kinds of vehicle shipping & transport.

Nexus Auto Transport

At Nexus Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on professional and punctual car shipping services.

Reliable Carriers Inc

Largest enclosed auto transport company, providing vehicle transport & car carrier services.

How to Pick a Car Transport Company

It was easy to find a car transport company in the past because they were all in your local phone book. Nowadays, with so many online companies, selecting the right one for you can be challenging. Read on to understand some things you should look for when picking a car transport service and how these factors will impact your experience.

Things You Should Look for in an Auto Company

  • Low Prices: When you get your quote, make sure that you get one from a provider with competitive prices. Auto transport companies vary in price (some more expensive than others), and it is essential to compare rates offered after getting quotes. Remember, the cheapest quote is not always the best. There could be a reason why they have lower prices than their competitors.
  • Binding Quotes: Getting a quote should be simple, but some companies worry about being too forthcoming with their information. This can be confusing because auto transport companies out there have low prices but don’t provide binding quotes or disclose the calculation method for figuring up your rate. Please stay away from companies that don’t list their rates, and instead go with a provider that gives you a quote in writing.
  • Years of Experience: Look for an auto transport company with the necessary experience to get your car safely and on time. The longer a company has been in business can be an indicator of they are reliable. Professionalism is essential, so make sure to go with a company that values customer service.
  • Extra Insurance: There are companies out there that offer extra insurance for the value of your vehicle getting transported if something were to happen. This option can get purchased, but is not necessary or mandatory by any means. If you get concerned about your car getting damaged during transport, talk to the company about what they offer in terms of the insurance.
  • Customer Reviews: Customer reviews can be helpful when searching for an auto transport company to move your vehicle. Make sure to read online reviews and customer testimonials on the provider’s website and Google+. This information can help you ask questions and get a feel for the company.

How Car Shipping Works

Simply put, car shipping is the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another. Some people ship their cars to avoid driving long distances when they move out of state, while others choose it, so they can get a new lease on life for their old clunker by selling it at auction. No matter why you’re looking into car shipping services, there are some things you should know before going through the process.

First and foremost, if your car isn’t running or drivable because of an accident or mechanical problems, you’re not eligible for any motorized transport service. If that’s the case, then you’ll have no choice but to rely on good ol’ fashioned tow trucks and other heavy-duty methods.

Secondly, if you need your car shipped in a hurry, the only way to ensure it’s going to arrive on time is through a company with a lot of available equipment and people. There are reliable car shipping companies with the systems to get your vehicle where it needs to be, but don’t just take their word for anything. Please make sure they’re credible by checking them out online with the Better Business Bureau or asking any other questions that could help you make a well-informed decision.

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Cost

Many factors affect car shipping costs. The type of vehicle, the destination, and the carrier all play a role in determining the final price. However, some things can’t get controlled by these three elements. For example, time of year may also determine pricing due to demand for services during certain times.

Additionally, if you have an oversized vehicle or need more than one truck, it will increase your cost as well. If you plan on having your pet ride along with you on your trip, this will also factor into how much it costs for a car shipping service (Pet Shipping). Knowing these factors before making any decisions is essential because they could make a big difference in how much it costs to ship your car.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

  • Drain the gas tank and put it in a container with a sealable lid, or pour it into your vehicle’s fuel tank before sending off the vehicle.
  • Make sure the car’s battery is securely attached to posts or plates inside the engine compartment. Remove any loose items that could come into contact with an engine part and cause electrical shorts.
  • Check tire pressure and make sure they are properly inflated before you ship your vehicle.
  • Remove all valuables from your cars, such as stereos, car video displays, and CD players. You may also want to remove the back seat or rear armrest if you have a luxury sedan to make it easier for movers to load and unload your vehicle.
  • Remove windshield wipers, as they can come loose during transit.

Car Shipping FAQs

Does it cost extra for a car shipper to transport an inoperable vehicle?

It costs more to transport inoperable vehicles because they require special handling. The cost of transporting inoperative vehicles is usually higher than the cost of shipping a functioning vehicle. For example, carriers charge extra fees for loading and unloading an inoperative vehicle and transferring it between terminals within its network. These charges are familiar with full-service carriers, which also charge a fee to transport an inoperable vehicle on the open deck.

Can I ship my car overseas?

You could ship your car overseas, but it’s not something you should consider lightly. Shipping a car overseas is expensive and requires time, money, and patience to carry out. It also involves a lot of paperwork, as well as complying with both national and international regulations.

Will I be given an exact delivery date?

The customer service agent may give you an approximate date, but it is not a guarantee. If you cannot get a specific date from the agent, you can ask when the subsequent delivery has any open slots.

In some cases, the customer service agent must consult with the person delivering the car and get back to you shortly after. It is essential that if the customer service agent does not get back to you by your specified deadline of 48 hours, then it would be appropriate for you to contact them again.

How long does it take to ship a car?

Shipping a car can take anywhere from one day to three weeks, depending on the type of service. If you are shipping your vehicle by truck or van, it could arrive in just 1-2 days. If you are shipping your vehicle by rail or barge, it may take up to 3 weeks for delivery. The only way to know precisely how long it will take is to call and speak with an agent at the company handling your shipment.

Do I need to purchase insurance?

Yes, you do. Shipping carriers often recommend that an owner purchase both liability and collision insurance for protection against car damage. Auto owners should also observe their gaps to avoid paying the initial $1,000 deductible if there is a collision with another vehicle or object. Ensure that your recovery payment after an accident includes damages to the vehicle other than just the safety of drivers and passengers inside.

Can my car be picked up or left anywhere?

Yes, your car can be picked up or left anywhere. You have to call a shipping company and tell them when to pick up or drop off your car. However, different shipping companies have different guidelines for dropping off and picking up cars. When you call the shipping company to schedule the pickup of your vehicle, they will talk to you about their specific guidelines.

You should also inquire about their policies regarding payment for storage if you do not want to pick up your car right away. The shipping company will talk to you about their specific guidelines when scheduling the pickup of your vehicle. You should also inquire about their policies regarding payment for storage if you do not pick up your car right away.

Why would I use enclosed vs. open transport?

Some people think that using enclosed transport for shipping a car is more expensive than open transport. That is not true because the only difference between these two types of services is how they protect your vehicle. Open transport means no protection, while enclosed transport means protection, which Montway Auto Transport can do in many ways.

For example, the vehicle may get placed on a truck or flatbed trailer and covered by tarps or shrink-wrap plastic to keep out dirt and moisture, so it arrives at its destination clean and dry. This makes it more affordable than open transport because you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after your car gets dirty.

Can I store suitcases or moving boxes in my car?

Yes, you can store suitcases or moving boxes in your car during shipping. However, make sure all items are securely tied down and do not exceed the weight of the cargo load. These items should also be properly packaged to avoid any damage to other vehicles on the road.

Our Selection Criteria:

Experience

We look at how long a company has been in business and the types of shipments they do.

Professionalism

We contact each company to learn about pricing, responsiveness, and to gauge the friendliness of their representatives.

Sentiment

We read company reviews to gauge their overall customer sentiment towards their experience.

Availability

We contact each company regularly to identify shipment availability & timeframes.

Qualifications

We analyze a companies certifications and unique qualities.

Reputation

We review their online public reputation on the primary review sites.

We did the homework so you don’t have to

Find the Best Car Shippers To Fit Your Needs