12
Companies Evaluated
2026 Reviews & Rankings
Best Auto Transport Companies
Compare the best auto transport companies in the U.S. by pricing, service quality, and verified customer feedback. Refreshed monthly with current industry data.
Last updated: July 2026
5,000+
Data Points Analyzed
Independent
Review Methodology
2026 Rankings
Top Rated Auto Transport Companies
Picking the best auto transport company comes down to pricing, service quality, and customer satisfaction. Below is our current ranking of the top car shipping providers in the United States, based on verified reviews, service reliability, and industry reputation.
| Rank | Company | Best For | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RoadRunner Auto TransportTop Pick | Best Overall | 4.9 |
| 2 | AmeriFreight | Best Budget | 4.6 |
| 3 | Easy Auto Ship | Best for Military PCS | 4.5 |
| 4 | Sherpa Auto Transport | Best Price Lock | 4.4 |
| 5 | SGT Auto Transport | Best for Fast Pickup | 4.4 |
| 6 | Montway Auto Transport | Best for Nationwide Coverage | 4.2 |
| 7 | Nexus Auto Transport | Best for Short-Notice | 4.0 |
2AmeriFreight
4.63Easy Auto Ship
4.54Sherpa Auto Transport
4.45SGT Auto Transport
4.46Montway Auto Transport
4.27Nexus Auto Transport
4.0Why RoadRunner Auto Transport Ranks #1
RoadRunner Auto Transport earns the top spot on 30 years in business and a track record few brokers can match. It holds 20,000+ 5-star Google ratings, asks for $0 deposit (you pay only once pickup is confirmed), and runs an AI-powered proprietary load board that matches your vehicle with a vetted nationwide carrier rather than posting it to an open marketplace and waiting. Coverage reaches all 50 states plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with door-to-door service and both open and enclosed transport. It also takes on the vehicles many brokers turn away, including lifted, oversized, dually, inoperable, and exotic.
Before You Book
Understanding Auto Transport Before You Book
Shipping a vehicle saves time, spares your car the wear of a long drive, and takes the stress out of a relocation. Choosing between auto transport companies is the harder part. Pricing models differ, service levels vary, and some providers work as brokers while others run their own trucks as carriers.
Nearly every vehicle in the United States moves on a professional multi-car trailer built for safe long-distance hauling. Car shipping itself is well established; the harder part is finding the company that gives you the right balance of price, reliability, communication, and coverage.
That is why we compare the leading providers, break down how the process works, and lay out the factors that matter most before you request a quote. Here is what to understand before you book.
Pricing
How Much Does Auto Transport Cost?
Auto transport pricing hinges on a handful of factors: distance, vehicle type, transport method, route demand, and time of year. Prices differ from company to company, but most shipments land in a predictable range.
As a rule, shipping a car within the U.S. runs $600 to $2,000, depending on mileage and vehicle size. Shorter routes cost more per mile; long cross-country hauls get cheaper per mile as the distance grows.
- Short distance (0–500 miles) $1.40 – $2.00 / mile
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles) $0.85 – $1.20 / mile
- Cross-country (1,500+ miles) $0.60 – $0.85 / mile
Other factors that affect the price: vehicle size and weight, open vs enclosed transport, pickup and delivery locations, seasonal demand, and expedited requests.
As an example, enclosed transport usually costs 30–60% more than open transport, because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles and add a layer of protection. Knowing these variables helps you spot when a quote is realistic and when it looks too good to be true. To see how pricing shifts between providers, check our comparison of the best auto transport companies above.
Transport Methods
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport
One of the bigger decisions when shipping a vehicle is choosing between open and enclosed transport. Both deliver your car safely across the country, but they differ in cost, availability, and protection. Open carriers handle the majority of everyday vehicles; enclosed transport adds protection from weather, debris, and road conditions, which makes it the go-to for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
A mobile garage for your car
Enclosed trailers shield vehicles from weather, dust, debris, and outside exposure in transit.
Advantages- Maximum protection during transport
- Higher insurance coverage
- Ideal for classic, exotic, or luxury cars
- Fewer trucks available
- Higher cost than open carriers, typically 30–60% more
- Classic cars and collector vehicles
- Luxury vehicles and high-value EVs
Open Transport
The industry standard
Open transport uses the multi-level trailers you see delivering new cars to dealerships. It moves the majority of everyday vehicles and costs significantly less than enclosed shipping.
Advantages- Most affordable shipping option
- Widely available nationwide
- Faster pickup scheduling
- Vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris
- Not ideal for rare or luxury vehicles
- Everyday passenger vehicles, SUVs, and trucks
- Auction vehicles and dealership deliveries
Know the Difference
Broker vs Carrier Explained
Another key concept in auto transport is the difference between a broker and a carrier. Many customers assume they are booking directly with the company that owns the truck; often they are working with a broker who coordinates the shipment. Knowing the difference helps you read quotes, communication, and pricing more accurately when comparing companies.
Auto Transport Carrier
Owns the trucks
A carrier owns the trucks and employs the drivers who physically move vehicles. Carriers run routes across the country, hauling cars between cities on specialized multi-car trailers.
Advantages- Direct communication with the truck operator
- Sometimes lower pricing
- Fewer middle steps
- Limited route coverage
- May not have trucks available for every location
Auto Transport Broker
Coordinates the shipment
A broker is a logistics coordinator that connects customers with available carriers through nationwide dispatch networks and load boards. Rather than owning trucks, brokers manage the shipment and arrange transport with vetted carriers.
Advantages- Access to thousands of carriers
- Easier scheduling across long distances
- Competitive carrier bidding
- An added service layer
- Quality varies by broker
Some companies operate as both broker and carrier, hauling vehicles directly when their trucks are available and brokering shipments when they need extra coverage. This hybrid model can offer the most flexible scheduling.
FAQ
Most Asked Questions Before Shipping a Vehicle
01 How can I avoid auto transport scams?
Confirm the company is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and has a valid USDOT or MC number. Read recent reviews, check insurance coverage, and steer clear of any company that demands a large upfront deposit or gives vague pricing. A trustworthy provider offers clear communication, transparent quotes, and a written agreement before pickup.
02 How should I prepare my car before shipping?
Take out all personal belongings, wash the car so existing damage is visible, and photograph its condition. Leave the fuel tank about a quarter full, switch off alarms, and make sure the car runs unless you have arranged non-running transport. These steps let the carrier inspect and load the vehicle safely.
03 How do I choose a reliable transport company?
Favor companies with strong reviews, verified licensing, insurance coverage, and transparent pricing. Reliable providers spell out pickup windows, delivery expectations, and cancellation terms clearly. Comparing several quotes and checking each company's reputation helps you land on a dependable service.
04 Can I put personal items in my car?
Most companies discourage it. Federal rules limit carriers from moving household goods, and extra weight can cause delays or added charges. Some carriers allow small items in the trunk, often under 100 lbs, but always confirm this before pickup.
05 Can I get a quote online before booking?
Yes. Many companies provide instant online quotes based on pickup location, destination, vehicle type, and transport method. Online quotes let you compare pricing quickly before you commit.
06 Can I track my vehicle during shipping?
Some companies offer tracking updates or direct contact with the driver during transit. Real-time GPS is not always available, but most carriers give regular status updates so you know where your car is.
07 Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?
Once you factor in fuel, hotels, meals, and vehicle wear, shipping is often comparable to or cheaper than driving a long distance. It also saves time and keeps the miles off your car, which matters on a long relocation.
08 What is the safest way to ship a car?
Enclosed transport is generally the safest, since it protects the vehicle from weather, debris, and outside damage. That said, open transport is the most common and reliable method for the majority of vehicles and usually costs less.
09 Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance that covers damage in transit. Coverage limits vary, so ask for proof of insurance and understand the policy before you ship.
10 What vehicles can be shipped?
Nearly any vehicle, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, classic cars, luxury vehicles, and EVs. Oversized or non-running vehicles may need a specialized trailer.
11 How long does it take to ship a car?
It depends on distance and route. Short trips can take 1 to 3 days; cross-country shipments usually take 7 to 10 days. Pickup scheduling can add time depending on carrier availability.
12 What time of year is best to ship my car?
Spring and fall are often best, with steadier demand and weather. Summer is the busiest season thanks to relocations, and winter weather can cause occasional delays in some regions.
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