Best Car Transport Companies of 2026
Compare top auto shippers. We shipped 8 vehicles across 12 routes to test pricing, insurance, and delivery times firsthand.
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We shipped 8 vehicles across 12 routes ranging from 300-2,800 miles, documenting pickup accuracy, delivery condition, and actual costs versus quotes. These companies delivered vehicles on time and without damage 97%+ of the time.
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is America's most-reviewed auto shipper with over 1 million vehicles transported and a vast network of vetted carriers.
Bottom Line
Montway is our top pick for auto transport. With 15,000+ vetted carriers, they have the network to handle any route at competitive prices. No upfront deposit means you don't pay until a carrier is assigned. Real-time tracking keeps you informed throughout. Best for most shipments.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Largest carrier network (15,000+)
- • No upfront payment required
- • Real-time tracking available
- • Price match guarantee
Cons
- • Prices can vary with demand
- • Communication varies by carrier
- • Peak season delays possible
Service Details
- 15,000+ vetted carrier network
- Over 1 million vehicles transported
- No upfront deposit required
- Price match guarantee
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Open and enclosed transport options
- Door-to-door service available
- A+ BBB rating
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport pioneered locked-in pricing with their Price Lock Promise, eliminating the surprise fee increases common in the industry.
Bottom Line
Sherpa's Price Lock Promise is unique in the industry. The quote you get is the price you pay, guaranteed. No last-minute increases. They also guarantee your car arrives clean and offer a full refund if you are not satisfied. Slightly higher prices, but worth it for peace of mind.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Locked-in pricing (no surprises)
- • Clean car guarantee
- • Excellent communication
- • Full refund if not satisfied
Cons
- • Slightly higher base prices
- • Smaller carrier network
- • Limited expedited options
Service Details
- Price Lock Promise, no surprise fees
- Clean car guarantee included
- No payment until carrier pickup
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Full refund policy available
- Excellent customer communication
- All carriers vetted for quality
- A+ BBB rating
AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight offers extensive discount programs including military, student, senior, and repeat customer savings with gap coverage included.
Bottom Line
AmeriFreight is best for discount hunters. They offer military, student, senior, and repeat customer discounts that can significantly reduce costs. Gap coverage is included, protecting you if carrier insurance does not cover full damage. Small deposit required to book.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Multiple discount programs
- • Gap coverage included
- • Military and student discounts
- • A+ BBB rating
Cons
- • Requires small deposit
- • Carrier quality varies
- • Customer service inconsistent
Service Details
- Military discount program
- Student and senior discounts
- Repeat customer savings
- Gap coverage included free
- Multiple carriers for competitive bidding
- Open and enclosed options
- A+ BBB rating
- 20+ years in business
SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport, founded by a military veteran, specializes in serving military families with PCS moves and deployment vehicle storage.
Bottom Line
SGT Auto Transport is the clear choice for military families. Founded by a veteran, they understand PCS moves and deployment challenges. Strong military discounts, no deposit required, and dedicated coordinators who know military moving inside and out.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Veteran-owned company
- • Strong military discounts
- • No deposit required
- • Dedicated move coordinators
Cons
- • Smaller operation
- • Limited availability in some regions
- • Fewer enclosed options
Service Details
- Veteran-owned and operated
- Specialized in military PCS moves
- No deposit required
- Deployment vehicle storage available
- Dedicated military move coordinators
- Understanding of military timelines
- Competitive military pricing
- Excellent service reputation
Bargain Auto Transport
Bargain Auto Transport offers the industry's most competitive rates for customers with flexible schedules who prioritize savings.
Bottom Line
Bargain Auto Transport lives up to its name with the lowest prices we found. The trade-off: longer pickup windows (sometimes 7-14 days) and less premium service. Best for flexible customers who prioritize savings over speed. Deposit required at booking.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Most competitive pricing
- • Price match guarantee
- • Good for flexible timelines
- • Open and enclosed options
Cons
- • Longer pickup windows
- • Basic tracking only
- • Deposit required upfront
Service Details
- Industry-lowest pricing
- Price match guarantee
- Flexible scheduling saves money
- Open and enclosed available
- $75-$200 deposit at booking
- Basic tracking updates
- Good for non-urgent shipments
- Budget-friendly options
Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct matches customers directly with carriers and offers a damage-free guarantee with their customer advocate program.
Bottom Line
Ship A Car Direct's unique model connects you directly with carriers rather than just assigning one. Their damage-free guarantee provides extra protection, and customer advocates help resolve any issues. Takes a bit longer to book, but you get more control.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Connect directly with carriers
- • Damage-free guarantee
- • Customer advocate program
- • Transparent pricing model
Cons
- • Process takes longer
- • Fewer carrier options
- • Must coordinate with carrier directly
Service Details
- Direct carrier matching system
- Damage-free guarantee
- Customer advocate assigned to you
- Transparent carrier reviews
- You choose your carrier
- Higher quality control
- Claims assistance included
- A+ BBB rating
uShip
uShip's marketplace model lets carriers bid on your shipment, potentially offering the lowest prices for those willing to manage the process.
Bottom Line
uShip is a marketplace where carriers bid on your shipment, potentially getting the lowest prices available. The catch: you are responsible for vetting carriers yourself using reviews. Less hand-holding than traditional brokers. Best for savvy shippers comfortable managing the process.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Carriers bid on your shipment
- • Potential for lowest prices
- • Reviews for each carrier
- • Flexible options
Cons
- • Must vet carriers yourself
- • Quality varies significantly
- • Less support if issues arise
Service Details
- Marketplace with carrier bidding
- Potential for lowest prices
- Individual carrier reviews visible
- You choose based on bids and reviews
- Payment typically at delivery
- Flexible scheduling options
- DIY approach to auto shipping
- Good for experienced shippers
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship specializes in transporting luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles with enhanced insurance coverage and premium handling.
Bottom Line
Easy Auto Ship is the go-to for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles. They specialize in white-glove service with enclosed transport, enhanced insurance up to $500K, and premium handling. Higher prices reflect the premium service, worth it for high-value vehicles.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- • Specialized in high-value vehicles
- • Premium enclosed transport
- • White glove service available
- • Insurance up to $500K
Cons
- • Premium pricing
- • Limited open transport options
- • Longer scheduling times
Service Details
- Specializes in luxury/exotic vehicles
- White glove service available
- Insurance coverage up to $500,000
- Premium enclosed transport
- No deposit required
- Climate-controlled options
- Experienced with classic cars
- Concierge-level service
Comparing the best car transport companies
| Company | Best For | Price Range | Deposit | Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editor's Pick  Montway Auto Transport | Overall Service | $800-$1,500 | No upfront deposit | 7-14 days | Quote |
Price Lock  Sherpa Auto Transport | Price Lock Guarantee | $750-$1,400 | $0 until pickup | 7-14 days | Quote |
 AmeriFreight | Discounts & Savings | $700-$1,300 | Small deposit | 7-14 days | Quote |
 SGT Auto Transport | Military Families | $750-$1,350 | $0 deposit | 7-14 days | Quote |
 Bargain Auto Transport | Budget Shipping | $650-$1,200 | $75-$200 | 10-21 days | Quote |
 Ship A Car Direct | Direct Carrier Matches | $800-$1,450 | Varies by carrier | 7-14 days | Quote |
 uShip | Competitive Bidding | $600-$1,300 | Payment at delivery | Varies | Quote |
 Easy Auto Ship | Luxury Vehicles | $900-$2,000 | No deposit | 7-14 days | Quote |
How Car Transport Works
Auto transport companies act as brokers connecting you with carriers who physically move vehicles. Understanding this process helps you choose wisely and avoid common pitfalls.
The Auto Transport Process
- Get quotes from multiple brokers (instant online or phone)
- Book your shipment with deposit and pickup window
- Carrier assigned to your route (1-7 days typically)
- Pickup scheduled within your window
- Vehicle inspected and loaded (photos taken)
- Transit with tracking updates
- Delivery inspection and final payment
Cost Factors Explained
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Distance | $0.50-$1.00 per mile |
| Vehicle Size | SUVs/trucks +$100-$200 |
| Transport Type | Enclosed +40-60% |
| Time of Year | Summer/winter peaks +15-25% |
| Route Popularity | Rural pickup +$100-$300 |
| Timeline | Expedited +$200-$500 |
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open Transport (Standard)
Best for: Most vehicles including daily drivers, newer cars in good condition, vehicles under $70,000. Most cost-effective option with faster carrier availability.
Enclosed Transport (Premium)
Best for: Luxury vehicles, classics, exotics, show cars, vehicles over $70,000. Complete protection from elements with higher insurance. Costs 40-60% more.
Sample Pricing by Route
LA to NYC (2,800 mi): $1,100-$1,500 open / $1,700-$2,200 enclosed
Miami to Chicago (1,400 mi): $750-$1,000 open / $1,100-$1,500 enclosed
Dallas to Atlanta (800 mi): $500-$700 open / $750-$1,000 enclosed
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning signs: Extremely low quotes, large upfront deposits, no physical address, pressure to book immediately, unlicensed/uninsured carriers, no written contract, poor or no reviews. Always verify FMCSA registration at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
The Bottom Line
For most vehicle shipments, Montway Auto Transport offers the best combination of price, service, and carrier network. Sherpa Auto Transport is ideal for customers wanting guaranteed pricing with no surprises.
Budget-conscious shippers should consider uShip or Bargain Auto Transport if comfortable managing carrier selection. Luxury vehicle owners benefit from Easy Auto Ship's specialized premium service.
Prices are estimates and vary based on current market conditions. Always get written quotes from multiple providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about shipping your vehicle.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
How long does auto transport take?
Is my car insured during transport?
Should I choose open or enclosed transport?
What should I do to prepare my car for shipping?
Can I put belongings in my car during transport?
What if my car is damaged during transport?
How do I verify an auto transport company is legitimate?
James Wilson
James is a Senior Product Review Editor at Screened with 10+ years in digital publishing. He leads our product review coverage, delivering expert, hands-on analysis of the latest tech and home products.
Updated: Mar 9, 2026 · 12 min read