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By Amy DeYoung, Roxanne Downer and Allaire Conte, CNN Underscored
9 minute read
Published 11:48 AM EDT, Mon April 29, 2024
What's in this guide
- Our picks at a glance
- How to choose a car shipping company
- How much does it cost to ship a car?
- Car shipping methods
- Enclosed vs. open-car shipping methods
- Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal
- Tips for shipping your car
- Methodology
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A quick Google search for car shipping companies leads to a seemingly endless number of results. Moving is stressful enough between packing all your belongings, coordinating moving plans and driving your car to your new home, even if you’re only moving one town over, much less across the country.
To help you, we’ve reviewed the top car shipping companies and narrowed it down to the seven best with the highest standards for insurance, customer service, licensing, services and much more.
We analyzed 36 companies based on their service options, pricing, discounts, customer support, availability, insurance, reputation and years of experience to determine the best vehicle shipping companies. We awarded points based on various factors in each category to determine the company’s impartial star rating. Read our full methodology below.
- 36 companies reviewed
- 3,276 data points analyzed
- 91 features we considered
- 110 primary data sources used
Our picks
Easy Auto Ship: Best car shipping company
We Will Transport It: Best for vehicle variety
American Auto Shipping: Best for customer support
A-1 Auto Transport: Best for international shipping
AmeriFreight: Best for customizable pricing
eShip Transport: Best for no upfront charges
SGT Auto Transport: Best for money-back guarantee
Star rating: 5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, golf carts, heavy equipment
Availability: All 50 states, international shipping
Price range: $400 - $1,440
Why we picked Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship has the best range of services — enclosed car shipping, open transport and even RV and golf cart shipping — along with wide availability and solid insurance choices. The provider adds up to $100,000 to your carrier’s insurance coverage to ensure you have peace of mind in the rare case that something goes wrong during transit.
Who should use Easy Auto Ship
If you’re a collector or have unique vehicles like a golf cart or RV to transport, Easy Auto Ship is an excellent choice because of its wide range of services that many providers don’t offer. Easy Auto Ship also has military and veteran discounts, making them an ideal option for reducing stress during a military move.
Pros
- Free rental car and car wash for delayed deliveries
- Up to $100,000 in added cargo insurance protection
- No down payment to schedule
- Discount of up to $150 for cash payments
Cons
- No pickup and delivery dates are fully guaranteed
Star rating: 4.8 out of 5
Vehicle types: Cars, boats, yachts, oversized loads, construction equipment, mobile homes, ambulances, RVs, buses, cargo vans
Availability: All 50 states, Puerto Rico, international
Price range: $500 - $2,000+
Why we picked We Will Transport It
This reputable provider has stellar customer service reviews and an “A+” Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, providing reassurance that your vehicle is in safe hands. With international and domestic shipping options and a massive number of vehicle shipping services, you won’t feel limited in any way going with this provider.
Who should use We Will Transport It
Above all else, We Will Transport It offers many unique vehicle shipping options, including mobile homes, shipping containers, yachts, boats, heavy equipment and other oversized loads, which you won’t find available from most car shippers. If you have a unique vehicle or considerable shipping needs, this provider is our top choice for handling a wide range of vehicles, even mobile offices and heavy machinery. We Will Transport It also provides shipping services for vehicles that no longer run. While slightly more expensive, many providers don’t offer this service.
Pros
- Transports a huge number of vehicles (running and non-running)
- Shorter estimated domestic transport times than many competitors
- Offers terminal-to-terminal shipping (often less expensive)
Cons
- Extra cost for selecting an exact pickup date and time
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Cars, trucks, SUVs, box trucks, vans
Availability: All 50 states
Price range: $500 - $1,600
Why we picked American Auto Shipping
American Auto Shipping provides a personal auto transport contact who will help you through the entire process, from providing a quote to discussing discounts and handling delivery details. If excellent customer service is a must-have for you, you can’t go wrong with this company’s 24/7 customer service phone line and the personal concierge.
Who should use American Auto Shipping
If you’re new to car shipping or have a lot of questions about the process, American Auto Shipping’s superior customer service options are a significant benefit. They also offer 24-hour and priority shipping if you have a tight pickup timeline you need to meet.
Pros
- 24/7 customer service phone number and personal concierge
- Locked-in pricing (no hidden fees)
- Rental car provided for delayed delivery
- Damage-free guarantee
Cons
- Only transports cars, trucks, SUVs, box trucks and vans
- No international shipping services
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Classic and luxury cars, motorcycles, SUVs, ATVs, RVs, motor homes, oversized vehicles, heavy equipment, yachts, boats, other watercraft
Availability: Global
Price range: $1,200 - $3,700
Why we picked A-1 Auto Transport
A-1 Auto Transport is unmatched with its international shipping options. Not only does this company ship nearly every vehicle type imaginable, but it works with 30 carriers to transport your vehicle to just about anywhere in the world.
Who should use A-1 Auto Transport
If you are in the military, take advantage of this provider’s military shipping program, which offers military discounts for active military and veterans shipping overseas.
Otherwise, anyone who needs international shipping services should consider this broker as they have a huge network of carriers and terminals they work with to get your vehicle from point A to point B worldwide.
Pros
- Ships nearly any vehicle type
- Multiple international shipping options to fit your budget and needs
- Door-to-door options available
Cons
- Difficult, tedious quote process (lots of follow-up calls)
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Cars, collectibles, boats, golf carts
Availability: All 50 states
Price range: $600 - $1,600
Why we picked AmeriFrieght
As a broker who arranges vehicle shipping with various carriers, AmeriFreight factors in current market conditions, gas prices, and your budget to match you with the best shipping company and rate for your needs.
We like that AmeriFreight offers several pricing options in a three-tier system. You can opt for a guaranteed price quote or choose from lower-cost plans to save money. We like that the company is upfront about fluctuations in price, such as higher shipping rates during busy and holiday seasons (which can cost several hundred dollars more than the off-season), so you know exactly what you’re getting into at the start.
Who should use AmeriFreight
This provider offers discounts for military members, students, seniors, first responders and medical personnel, so if you fall into any of these categories, take advantage of the reduced rates. AmeriFreight is also ideal for anyone concerned about hidden fees because of its guaranteed prices which are free from hidden fees and unexpected surprises.
Pros
- Extra insurance protection is available
- Large number of discounts
- Thoroughly vets carriers to ensure your vehicle is shipping with a reliable and insured company
Cons
- No international shipping
Star rating: 4.5 out of 5
Vehicle types: Cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles
Availability: All 50 states, Puerto Rico, international
Price range: $500 - $2,500
Why we picked eShip Transport
eShip’s business model doesn’t require a deposit until the company selects the driver for your shipment and schedules your pickup. This policy means you don’t need to make an upfront payment, which is uncommon in the car shipping industry.
Who should use eShip Transport
If you’re still figuring out your shipping date or other details, eShip is an excellent choice because you won’t lose out on any deposits if you need to shift your scheduled pickup.
Pros
- Ships to all 50 states and internationally
- Upfront pricing with no booking fee
- Provides household moving services
Cons
- Enclosed transport can cost up to $6,000 (more expensive than most)
Star rating: 4.4 out of 5
Vehicle Types: Cars, motorcycles
Availability: 49 states, international (excludes Alaska)
Price Range: $200 - $1,200
Why we picked SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport offers a standout 100% money-back guarantee if you request a cancellation before the assigned carrier picks up the vehicle.
Who should use SGT Auto Transport
Anyone with a tight pickup window who is worried about their carrier delaying their shipment can have peace of mind working with SGT Auto Transport as they offer a guaranteed pickup window. If you’re a part of the military or a student, you can also benefit from SGT Auto Transport’s special discounts.
Pros
- Price-match guarantee
- Instant online quote tool
- Guaranteed pickup service within a specified timeframe
Cons
- Doesn’t ship to Alaska
Our picks at a glance
| Our score (out of 5) | No. of states available | International shipping? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship | 5.0 | 50 | Yes |
| We Will Transport | 4.5 | 50 | Yes |
| American Auto Shipping | 4.5 | 50 | No |
| A-1 Auto Transport | 4.5 | 50 | Yes |
| AmeriFreight | 4.5 | 50 | No |
| eShip Transport | 4.5 | 50 | Yes |
| SGT Auto Transport | 4.4 | 49 (excludes Alaska) | Yes |
What didn’t make the cut
Companies that didn’t make the cut had poorer customer reviews than our selections, less transparent pricing, and challenging websites and pricing structures that made the booking process more difficult to manage.
For example, we didn’t include Elite Auto Shipping as it currently has an F BBB rating, indicating a poor customer service history. Another company that didn’t make the cut is US Auto Shipping, which also has a failing BBB rating and lacks customer service options with its unspecified customer support hours and lack of a live chat.
We prioritized convenience, pricing, high-quality service offerings, and company reputation above all else to make your move as hassle-free as possible.
How to choose a car shipping company
Before booking your car shipment, consider the following:
- Double-check that the company is licensed and insured. Start by looking up the provider’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number and Motor Carrier (MC) number, then run the MC number through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FMCSA system.
- Pick a company with plenty of positive reviews and a high BBB rating to ensure it’s reputable.
- Gather multiple quotes. If any quotes seem too good to be true, it likely is. You may be hit with hidden fees later.
- Determine your shipping needs. Does the company offer the right shipping services and specialize in transporting your vehicle type?
- Verify the company’s cargo insurance and ask how much damage it covers, especially if you have a luxury vehicle.
- Ask about tracking options. Many providers offer tracking services, which let you check where your car is so you aren’t surprised if it arrives early or late.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
On average, it costs between $500 and $1,000 to ship a car a shorter distance. However, this price range jumps to $600 to $1,100 for a slightly larger vehicle like a small van or SUV.
Other factors, like distance, shipping method, and the time of year, hugely impact overall costs and can lead to costs of $2,000 or more to ship your vehicle.
Factors that impact car shipping costs
- Distance
- Make and model
- Pickup date
- Route and traffic
- Time of year (summer and the holidays are the most expensive typically)
- Transport method
- Vehicle condition (a non-running car is pricier to ship)
Car shipping methods
Here’s a quick breakdown of each car shipping method.
Truck or trailer
A cost-effective way to transport your vehicle domestically is by truck or trailer. A professional pickup truck driver is responsible for unloading and loading your vehicle onto the truck or trailer and then dropping it off at your destination or a storage facility.
Open car transport
Open car transport means the provider moves your car in an open-air trailer. While more affordable, it does leave your vehicle vulnerable to damage from the elements and road debris.
Enclosed car transport
If you have a classic, luxury or custom car, enclosed car transport is ideal as it protects your vehicle during transit. Enclosed car transport comes in several forms, from enclosed trailers, containers, railcars and vans.
Freight train
Another cost-effective shipping option is freight. In most cases, you drop your car off at a local railroad yard or transfer station.
Ocean freight
Ocean freight, otherwise known as RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) shipping, is ideal for international transit or oversized items. Your car is rolled onto the boat, transported, and then rolled off at its destination.
Enclosed vs. open-car shipping methods
Enclosed shipping is any type of auto transport where the car is enclosed and protected from the elements. However, it’s usually more expensive and can take longer than open-car shipping methods, with expected prices 30% to 40% higher on average.
Open car shipping is less expensive, often faster, and usually easier to book since more open transport options are available. Still, if you have a luxury vehicle, go with enclosed shipping for the peace of mind and often better insurance options available.
Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal
If you opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping, you’ll drop your car off at a terminal location and then pick it up at its destination terminal. Storage fees may apply depending on the company.
In contrast, door-to-door shipping is where your vehicle is picked up at your home and then dropped off at your new home. The downside of door-to-door shipping is that someone must be available to accept the delivery.
Tips for shipping your car
Before shipping your car:
- Thoroughly clean it by washing the entire vehicle (tires included) to remove dirt to reduce your vehicle’s overall weight and shipping costs.
- Check for fluid leaks, low tire pressure and antifreeze levels, and ensure your battery is fully charged and secure before pickup to ensure it runs smoothly — inoperable vehicles require specialized equipment and will cost more to move.
- Remove or secure all accessories, like bike racks, removable antennas, or custom spoilers to prevent damage and added weight and height to your shipment, which can increase costs.
Methodology
The CNN Underscored editorial staff evaluated each vehicle shipping company based on weighted criteria, including:
We awarded vehicle shipping companies points for offering various transportation and delivery options and for shipping multiple vehicle types. Companies that offered the most options scored the highest.
We evaluated quotes for standard car and motorcycle shipping based on the lowest available option, with the least expensive quotes scoring the most points. We also weighted quote types, like online quotes, binding estimates, prepayment options and free cancellation, and available discounts, like military, multi-car and price matching.
We weighted companies’ BBB rating, the number of FMCSA complaints they received in 2022 and their years of experience to determine their trust score.
We measured customer support by evaluating companies that offer GPS tracking, rental cars, live online chats, phone representatives, help centers, blogs, community forums, and FAQ pages. Companies were awarded on point for each available service.
We evaluated companies’ availability based on the number of states and overseas territories they serve, as well as their international shipping options. Companies with the most options scored the highest points.
We awarded companies points based on their service guarantees and available insurance coverage.
Our expert editorial staff awarded vehicle shipping companies additional points based on unique or additional services that set a car shipping company apart.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Car shipping can take as little as a couple of days for in-state shipping or one to two weeks for long-distance shipping, especially if you’re shipping your car from the continental United States to Alaska. International shipping takes even longer, with shipping times sometimes taking up to one month.
All car shipping companies provide cargo insurance to protect your car during transit. We recommend verifying with each company what they offer to ensure you’re comfortable with the coverage provided, especially if you have a collectible or more expensive vehicle. In most cases, the auto insurance provided will be sufficient, especially if your car is transported in an enclosed carrier, which prevents damage from the elements.
Yes, some car shipping companies offer guarantees or warranties for their services, such as Sherpa Auto Transport with their Price Lock Promise, which guarantees transparent pricing, and a Clean Car Guarantee complete with a free car wash after delivery. Easy Auto Ship also offers a Price Guarantee and advertises no hidden fees.
If your vehicle is damaged during transit, take immediate action and reach out to the carrier. Most will want to settle things by paying a damage claim out of pocket to avoid making insurance claims. Always keep detailed notes and photograph damages to prove what occurred during transit.
Most car shipping companies recommend removing all personal belongings from your vehicle during shipping. This policy is because cargo insurance won’t cover damage to your personal belongings or damage caused to your car by these items. Your personal belongings can also affect the weight limit or increase your overall costs by increasing the weight of your vehicle.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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