Shipping a car involves real money, a real asset, and a handoff to strangers you’ve never met. The industry is crowded with brokers that quote low, adjust at pickup, and go quiet during transit. The companies on this list were evaluated for the things that actually determine whether a shipment goes well: pricing transparency, carrier vetting, communication during transport, and what happens when something doesn’t go according to plan.
Six companies made the cut. The list is not a directory of every option on the market; it’s a short list of companies worth trusting with a vehicle.
1. RoadRunner Auto Transport — Best Overall
RoadRunner Auto Transport has been in the car shipping business for 30 years, longer than most of its competitors have existed. The company works with more than 14,000 vetted, FMCSA and DOT-compliant carriers across a nationwide network and manages shipments through its own in-house dispatch team rather than relying entirely on external load boards. An AI-powered proprietary load board handles carrier matching internally, which cuts down on the delays and miscommunications that show up when multiple middlemen are involved.
Pricing is all-inclusive from the start: the quote covers door-to-door pickup and delivery, carrier insurance, and applicable fees. There’s no deposit at booking; payment happens once a carrier is confirmed and pickup is scheduled. That structure removes a common friction point and protects customers in cases where plans change before a carrier is assigned.
The service area covers all 50 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with Caribbean destinations also available. RoadRunner Auto Transport handles standard vehicles, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, classics, exotics, lifted trucks, dually trucks, oversized vehicles, and inoperable vehicles. Both open and enclosed transport are available. During transit, customers have access to a 24/7 online tracking portal with text and email updates at key milestones.
The company has more than 20,000 five-star Google ratings and is veteran-owned, with military discounts for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. It operates under USDOT #3124544 out of Bethpage, New York, and holds an accident-free FMCSA safety record for the trailing two years.
For anyone who wants a straightforward quote, no deposit games, and a company with the infrastructure to back up what it promises, RoadRunner Auto Transport is the first call to make. Get a quote at their car shipping calculator.
2. Mercury Auto Transport
Mercury Auto Transport is a Florida-based broker with a solid reputation for fast carrier matching, particularly on high-demand routes like the Florida-to-Northeast corridor. The company offers open and enclosed transport, a price-matching feature for competing quotes, and an online tracking tool. Mercury doesn’t require a deposit upfront and works with a large carrier network. Customer reviews skew positive on communication and pickup timing; the company is a reasonable choice for straightforward moves on well-trafficked routes.
3. SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport positions itself around price transparency and a price-lock guarantee, meaning the quoted rate is the delivered rate. The company is a broker that focuses on standard residential shipments across the continental US. It offers open and enclosed options, publishes customer reviews prominently, and has a strong record on BBB. SGT is worth considering for budget-conscious shippers on common interstate routes who want a fixed price in writing before committing.
4. Safeeds Auto Transport
Safeeds Auto Transport is a Columbus, Ohio-based broker with a growing national footprint. The company offers open and enclosed transport, door-to-door service, and a 7-day price lock with no upfront payment required. Safeeds has shipped over 10,000 cars and is BBB accredited. The company handles standard vehicles, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles including those purchased at auction. Safeeds is a practical option for customers who want transparent pricing, no deposit, and responsive support throughout the process.
5. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight is one of the more established brokers in the car shipping space, with a history of competitive pricing and a supplemental insurance add-on that provides additional coverage beyond what carriers’ base cargo insurance covers. The company works with a large carrier network across all 48 contiguous states, with Alaska and Hawaii available through specialist partners. AmeriFreight is frequently cited for its discount structure, including reductions for military, students, and early bookers. A solid mid-range choice for customers who want extra insurance options baked into the process.
6. Montway Auto Transport
Montway is one of the largest auto transport brokers by volume in the United States, handling hundreds of thousands of shipments annually. The company offers real-time tracking, open and enclosed transport, and service to all 50 states. Its scale gives it access to a deep carrier pool, which tends to keep pickup windows tighter than smaller operations can manage. Montway is a reliable choice for standard shipments, particularly for customers who prioritize a well-documented track record and broad availability over a more hands-on customer experience.
What to Look for When Choosing a Car Shipping Company
- Deposit structure. Companies that require a large deposit before assigning a carrier have less incentive to perform. Look for no-deposit or pay-on-pickup structures.
- All-in quotes vs. teaser rates. Some companies quote a base rate that excludes carrier insurance and fees, then adjust at pickup. A quote should cover everything.
- Carrier vetting. A broker is only as good as the carriers it dispatches. Ask how carriers are screened; FMCSA and DOT compliance should be the floor.
- Communication during transit. Knowing where your vehicle is during a multi-day shipment matters. Tracking portals and proactive updates are worth prioritizing over companies that go quiet once the truck leaves.
- FMCSA registration. Any broker or carrier moving vehicles across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA. Verify it before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Most domestic shipments run between $500 and $1,500 for open transport. Coast-to-coast moves land at the top of that range or above it. Enclosed transport runs roughly 30 to 50% higher. Distance, vehicle size, route demand, and season all affect the final price; get an all-inclusive quote that covers insurance and fees before comparing numbers across companies.
How long does car shipping take?
Short regional hauls can deliver in one to three days after pickup. Cross-country shipments typically take seven to ten days. Build in a pickup window of two to five days on the front end; carriers consolidate loads along a route before heading out.
Is my car insured during transport?
Licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, and that coverage travels with your vehicle during transport. Coverage levels vary by carrier. Some brokers, including AmeriFreight, offer supplemental insurance for additional protection. Review what’s included before assuming coverage is comprehensive.
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
You or a designated representative needs to be available at both ends to sign the Bill of Lading, which documents the vehicle’s condition before and after transport. This paperwork is important if any damage needs to be claimed.
What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport is the standard option; vehicles ride on an exposed multi-car carrier and the vast majority of shipments use it without incident. Enclosed transport puts the vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting against weather and road debris. The price difference is real; enclosed typically costs 30 to 50% more. The upgrade makes sense for classics, exotics, or any vehicle whose condition justifies the extra cost.
Disclaimer: This article contains sponsored marketing content. It is intended for promotional purposes and should not be considered as an endorsement or recommendation by our website. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
