Article
Top 4 Best Car Shipping Companies in 2026
Need to ship your vehicle across the country? Our experts reviewed the top car transport companies for pricing, reliability, and customer service. Compare quotes and find the best auto shipping solution.
Shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, or sending a car to a family member, professional auto transport companies make the process seamless and affordable.
Our team researched over 25 car shipping companies, comparing pricing, insurance coverage, customer reviews, and carrier networks. We analyzed quote accuracy, delivery timeframes, and claims handling to identify the best options in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Company | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Montway Auto Transport | Best Overall Car Shipping | $894-$1,262 | ★4.7/5 |
| 2. AmeriFreight | Best for Transparent Pricing | $900-$1,500 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. uShip | Best Marketplace for Budget Shipping | $500-$2,000 | ★4.5/5 |
| 4. Easy Auto Ship | Best for Customer Protection | $600-$2,200 | ★4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport earns top ratings for customer service and competitive pricing. With nearly two decades of experience and a vast carrier network, they offer reliable coast-to-coast shipping with comprehensive insurance coverage up to $100,000.
Services Offered
- •Open carrier transport
- •Enclosed carrier transport
- •Door-to-door shipping
- •Terminal-to-terminal options
- •Expedited shipping
- •International auto transport
Pros
- ✓Competitive below-average pricing
- ✓15,000+ carrier network
- ✓Extended 365-day customer service
- ✓30-day price lock guarantee
- ✓Military and multi-vehicle discounts
Cons
- ✗Recent delivery estimate accuracy issues
- ✗Price varies significantly by route
- ✗Higher volume of recent complaints
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight stands out for pricing transparency with instant online quotes and guaranteed pricing. Their three-tier system (Economy, Priority, First Class) lets you choose the right balance of price and speed for your shipment.
Services Offered
- •Economy Saver Rate (5-day window)
- •Priority Preferred Rate (1-3 days)
- •First Class Rate (guaranteed date)
- •Open and enclosed transport
- •Motorcycle and RV shipping
- •Door-to-door delivery
Pros
- ✓A+ BBB rating and accreditation
- ✓Price-lock and price-match guarantees
- ✓Multiple discount options
- ✓Three flexible pricing tiers
- ✓Over 37,000 positive reviews
Cons
- ✗No online GPS tracking
- ✗No exact pickup/delivery dates
- ✗Some reports of price increases
uShip
uShip revolutionizes car shipping with a marketplace where carriers bid on your job. This eBay-style model can yield great deals for flexible customers, though service quality depends entirely on which carrier you select.
Services Offered
- •Marketplace bidding platform
- •Open and enclosed options
- •Multiple carrier quotes
- •Real-time tracking (most transports)
- •Mobile app for communication
- •Damage claim assistance ($500 max)
Pros
- ✓Unique bidding marketplace model
- ✓Potentially lower prices
- ✓Real-time tracking available
- ✓Ship With Confidence Guarantee
- ✓41,000+ transportation providers
Cons
- ✗Service quality varies by carrier
- ✗Service fees up to 17% of total cost
- ✗Limited customer support after booking
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship prioritizes customer protection with unique benefits like rental car coverage for delays and a free $100,000 contingency insurance policy. Their no-upfront-payment model eliminates bait-and-switch pricing risks.
Services Offered
- •Open and enclosed transport
- •Expedited shipping available
- •Door-to-door and terminal options
- •RV, motorcycle, and boat transport
- •Heavy equipment shipping
- •International port services
Pros
- ✓30-day price guarantee
- ✓Rental car coverage if delayed (14+ days)
- ✓$100,000 contingency cargo policy
- ✓No upfront fees until driver assigned
- ✓Multiple discounts available
Cons
- ✗Above-average cross-country pricing
- ✗No guaranteed delivery dates
- ✗Some reports of price increases despite guarantee
How We Evaluate Car Shipping Companies
Our comprehensive evaluation examines every aspect of the auto transport experience:
Pricing and Transparency
We analyze cost structures and quote accuracy:
- Quote accuracy: How well estimates match final charges
- Price guarantees: Price-lock and price-match policies
- Hidden fees: Service charges, fuel surcharges, extra costs
- Deposit requirements: Upfront payment expectations
- Payment timing: When payment is due (booking vs. delivery)
Insurance and Protection
We evaluate coverage and claims handling:
- Coverage amounts: Insurance limits and deductibles
- Claim process: Ease of filing damage claims
- Carrier liability: Required vs. supplemental coverage
- Damage rates: Frequency of transport damage
- Resolution satisfaction: How claims are handled
Carrier Network
We assess the quality and size of carrier fleets:
- Network size: Number of available carriers
- Carrier vetting: Background checks and licensing
- Equipment quality: Age and condition of transport trucks
- Route coverage: Availability on popular and remote routes
- Capacity: Ability to handle demand during peak seasons
Customer Experience
We review real customer feedback and service:
- Communication: Updates and responsiveness
- Delivery accuracy: On-time pickup and delivery rates
- Professionalism: Driver and support staff quality
- Problem resolution: How issues are addressed
- Overall satisfaction: Would customers use again?
Services and Flexibility
We examine shipping options and customization:
- Transport types: Open vs. enclosed carriers
- Timing options: Economy, standard, expedited
- Pickup/delivery: Door-to-door vs. terminal options
- Vehicle types: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs
- Special handling: Classic cars, non-running vehicles
Understanding Car Shipping Costs
Pricing Factors
Several variables affect your car shipping quote:
- Distance: Longer routes cost more per mile
- Route popularity: Common routes (LA to NYC) cost less
- Transport type: Enclosed costs 30-40% more than open
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles cost more to ship
- Season: Summer (peak) costs more than winter
- Timeframe: Flexible dates reduce costs
Average Costs by Distance
Based on standard sedan shipping:
- Under 500 miles: $400-$600 (open), $700-$1,100 (enclosed)
- 500-1,000 miles: $600-$900
- 1,000-2,000 miles: $800-$1,200
- 2,000+ miles (coast-to-coast): $1,200-$2,200
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open Transport:
- 30-40% cheaper than enclosed
- Vehicle exposed to weather and road debris
- Standard for most vehicles
- Faster availability and pickup
Enclosed Transport:
- Premium protection from elements
- Recommended for luxury, classic, or exotic cars
- Limited carrier availability
- Higher cost but maximum protection
Types of Car Shipping Services
Door-to-Door
- Most convenient option
- Pickup and delivery at your locations
- May require accessible street parking
- Slight premium over terminal service
Terminal-to-Terminal
- Drop off and pick up at company terminals
- Lower cost than door-to-door
- Less convenient, requires travel to terminals
- Good for remote areas with access issues
Expedited Shipping
- Guaranteed faster pickup and delivery
- Premium pricing (50-100% more)
- Best for time-sensitive moves
- Limited to major routes with high carrier availability
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before Pickup
- Clean the car: Makes inspection easier
- Document condition: Photos of all sides, existing damage
- Remove personal items: Not covered by insurance
- Check for leaks: Fix any fluid leaks beforehand
- Disable alarms: Prevent battery drain during transport
- Leave quarter tank: Reduces weight, meets safety requirements
Required Actions
- Provide keys: Driver needs keys for loading/unloading
- Be present: Someone must be there for pickup and delivery
- Sign inspection report: Document vehicle condition
- Get contact info: Carrier’s phone and insurance details
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping typically costs $500-$2,000 depending on distance and transport type. Short distances (under 500 miles) average $400-$600, while cross-country shipping runs $1,200-$2,200. Enclosed transport costs 30-40% more than open carriers.
How long does car shipping take?
Shipping times vary by distance: 100-500 miles takes 1-3 days, 500-1,500 miles takes 3-5 days, and cross-country (2,500+ miles) takes 7-10 days. Flexible pickup dates may extend the timeline but reduce costs.
Is my car insured during transport?
All licensed carriers must carry cargo insurance, typically covering $100,000+ in damage. However, review the coverage details carefully and consider purchasing supplemental insurance for high-value vehicles.
Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
Open transport is fine for most vehicles—it’s how dealerships ship new cars. Choose enclosed transport for luxury, classic, or exotic cars worth protecting from weather and road debris despite the 30-40% price premium.
Can I put personal items in my car during shipping?
Most carriers prohibit personal items as they’re not covered by cargo insurance and add weight. If allowed, items must be in the trunk, under 100 lbs, and below window level. Ship valuables separately.
What if my car is damaged during shipping?
Document damage immediately with photos and note it on the delivery inspection report. File a claim with the carrier’s insurance within the specified timeframe (usually 9 days). Your shipping company can assist with the claims process.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Book 1-2 weeks ahead for most routes, or 2-4 weeks during peak season (May-September). More notice gives carriers time to find cost-effective routing and provides better scheduling options.
Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?
Yes, but non-running vehicles require special equipment (winch) for loading and typically cost 30-50% more. Inform the shipping company upfront as not all carriers can accommodate non-running vehicles.
What’s the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and physically transports your vehicle. A broker connects you with carriers in their network. Both can provide quality service—brokers often offer better pricing by shopping multiple carriers.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
Common additional fees include: fuel surcharges, oversized vehicle fees, expedited service, guaranteed pickup dates, and payment method fees (credit cards). Always get a detailed written quote listing all potential charges.