

Recommended
#1 Mover in the United States
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
Of all the interstate movers we researched, Air Van northAmerican stood head and shoulders above the competition when it came to responsiveness, transparency with estimates, damage-free handling of possessions, and overall accountability. With over 1,800 trucks, 40,000 truck shipments per year, 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states, and a real focus on continuous improvement, this mover has the scale, resources and commitment to quality that enables them to provide an exceptionally smooth moving experience despite the complexities of long distance transportation.
Services include:
- Long distance moves
- Local moves
- Full-service moving
- Corporate relocation
- Vehicle transport
- Office moving
Contact: (877) 306-2585
10 Best Car Shippers in 2023
Moving across the country can be stressful enough without having to drive your car the whole way or buy a new one when you get there. The easiest option is to hire one of the many car shipping companies to transport your vehicle door-to-door. But how do you know which “10 best car shippers” to trust with your precious cargo?
As someone who has moved long-distance a few times, I know the struggle. The good news is that after extensive research, I’ve identified the top professional auto transport services that provide reliable coast-to-coast shipping.
In this guide packed with insider info, I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider, questions to ask, and pro tips to save money when selecting the best car shipping company for your needs from this list of the industry’s top contenders.
How to Choose the Right Car Shipper
With over 800 active car shipping companies in the US, it can feel overwhelming deciding which one to go with. Here are the main criteria you should evaluate:
Customer Reviews
There’s no substitute for first-hand experiences from past clients. I always check out verified reviews on the Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot, TransportReviews, and other third-party consumer sites. This provides insights on issues like hidden fees, damaged cars, poor communication or customer service, etc.
For example, AmeriFreight, my #1 pick, has over 450 overwhelmingly positive testimonials describing their exceptional service.
Services Offered
You’ll want to ensure the “10 best car shippers” on your shortlist provide the specific type of shipping your vehicle requires e.g. enclosed transport for exotic cars or door-to-door delivery to remote areas.
I break this all down later in describing why I chose NorthAmerican Van Lines, Montway Auto Transport and others.
Insurance & Liability
Imagine your shock if your precious cargo arrived heavily damaged only to discover inadequate liability coverage. Reputable providers carry substantial commercial auto insurance for such scenarios.
For extra peace-of-mind, some like Sherpa Auto Transport even offer comprehensive policies to reimburse you up to $20 for a post-shipping car wash!
Price
While crucial, remember that quality service is worth paying a little extra for. Be wary of unbelievably cheap quotes as it may signal potential issues.
To find an optimal balance of affordability and reliability, always ask about any potential hidden fees too!
Below I outline what to realistically budget based on factors like distance, car size, shipping method etc.
Once clear on these key criteria, you’ll be equipped to make the best match amongst the top 10 car shippers.
So let’s dive in and explore why I picked them as the cream-of-the-crop!
Top 10 Auto Transport Companies
1. NorthAmerican Van Lines
With over 74 years of experience spanning all 50 states, NorthAmerican Van Lines is among the most trusted names for long-distance moves. Their coast-to-coast enclosed car shipping services securely transport vehicles of every type faster than most competitors.
Services
- Enclosed auto-transport
- Door-to-door delivery
- All vehicle types
- Satellite tracking
Pros
- Speedy coast-to-coast delivery in under 5 days
- 1,800+ trucks for transport capacity
- Extensive agent network across America
Cons
- Quality depends on local partner
- Claims process needs improving
As an established industry leader, NorthAmerican Van Lines delivers exceptional enclosed shipping worth paying a little extra for.
2. Montway Auto Transport
Founded in 2006, Montway has rapidly emerged as a top car shipping broker leveraging its network of over 15,000 carriers. They simplify coordinating enclosed transport for all vehicle types at very affordable pricing.
Services
- Enclosed & open shipping
- Expedited delivery
- GPS tracking
- Motorcycle transport
Pros
- No deposit required
- Positive customer reviews
- Low quotes compared to competitors
Cons
- Quotes expire quickly
- $249 cancellation fee
For hassle-free enclosed car transport on a budget, Montway Auto Transport is a great choice.
3. Sherpa Auto Transport
Trusted by over 1.6 million clients, Sherpa utilizes advanced tracking and their “Price Lock Promise” to provide peace-of-mind from quote to delivery. They specialize in enclosed shipping for high-value vehicle types plus offer complimentary $20 car wash reimbursement.
Services
- Enclosed car transport
- Door-to-door delivery
- Classic & exotic vehicles
- Inoperable car shipping
Pros
- No payment until carrier secured
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Slightly higher quotes
For specialized enclosed transport needs with delivery assurance, Sherpa Auto Transport excels.
4. Easy Auto Ship
Despite being a newer player, Easy Auto Ship has quickly earned rave reviews for premium enclosed shipping of all vehicle types thanks to their knowledgeable staff and customizable delivery.
Services
- Enclosed car transport
- Exotic car shipping
- Door-to-door delivery
- Motorcycle transport
Pros
- Great customer service
- Expedited delivery options
- Comprehensive insurance
Cons
- Limited carrier partnerships
- Spotty pickup scheduling
If you want white-glove enclosed car delivery service, Easy Auto Ship delivers.
5. SGT Auto Transport
Boasting an A+ Better Business Bureau rating built on quality service since 1998, SGT Auto Transport offers customizable enclosed transport solutions to meet your exact specifications.
Services
- Enclosed car shipping
- Door-to-door delivery
- Specialty equipment shipping
- Binding quotes
Pros
- No deposit or cancellation fees
- Exceptional reviews
- Custom tailored delivery
Cons
- Unable to ship to Alaska
- No satellite tracking
For an enclosed car shipping experience catered to your needs with the utmost care, SGT Auto Transport excels.
6. Ship a Car Direct
In operation since 2008, Ship a Car Direct provides reliable coast-to-coast enclosed transport at affordable rates thanks to their extensive logistics network. They also offer free enclosed quotes online or by phone.
Services
- Enclosed car transport
- Door-to-door delivery
- Open carrier shipping
- Instant online quotes
Pros
- Great prices
- Damage-free guarantee
- Good customer service
Cons
- Phone follow-up required
- Slower delivery times
If you’re primarily cost-conscious yet want your vehicle fully protected, Ship a Car Direct delivers good value.
7. uShip
The world’s largest auto transport marketplace, uShip offers an efficient comparison shopping experience. Describe your enclosed shipping needs and receive binding quotes from multiple vetted local car haulers.
Services
- Enclosed & open car shipping
- Door-to-door delivery
- Boat & RV transport
- Exotic car transport
Pros
- Choice of reputable carriers
- Verified company reviews
- Damage insurance
Cons
- Quote & service variability
- Pickup/delivery delays
For an affordable enclosed car shipping quote backed by choice and free insurance, uShip is worth checking out.
8. eShip
Via their approved network of licensed carriers, eShip Transport can handle enclosed delivery of any vehicle type without requiring an upfront deposit. Their team will secure the optimal transport rate for when you need it.
Services
- Enclosed car transport
- Satellite tracking
- Motorcycle shipping
- Price lock guarantee
Pros
- Zero deposit requirement
- Strong customer service
- Quality insurance coverage
Cons
- No terminal-to-terminal
- Tight carrier capacity
If you prefer minimal upfront payment coupled with full visibility of your vehicle’s enclosed transport, eShip delivers.
9. Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto provides premium nationwide enclosed car shipping services with GPS tracking. To make costs affordable, they offer customers a choice of delivery options best matching their budget.
Services
- Enclosed car shipping
- Expedited transport
- Door-to-door delivery
- Motorcycle transport
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Positive reviews
- No deposit
Cons
- Newer company
- Quote fluctuations
For modern enclosed auto transport with the latest technology, Nexus Auto Transport is a strong contender.
10. AmeriFreight
With discounts for military personnel, students and seniors, AmerFreight leverages their Select Car Shipping network to negotiate affordable enclosed rates for all vehicle types minus any hidden fees.
Services
- Enclosed car transport
- Optional insurance
- Door-to-door delivery
- Coast-to-coast routes
Pros
- Multi-car discounts
- High customer satisfaction
- Quality guarantee
Cons
- Surcharges possible
- Limited career opportunities
Known for transparent enclosed quotes tailored to your situation, AmeriFreight makes shipping your vehicle a smooth experience.
Key Factors Impacting Car Shipping Costs
Wondering what to budget for your upcoming move? There are several variables that determine how much these top-tier companies will charge such as:
Transport Distance
Longer distances mean increased labor, fuel costs and potential hotel stays for truckers during transit. For example, expect to pay $900+ for coast-to-coast trips versus $300 for moves under 500 miles.
Vehicle Type
Larger or specialty vehicles like SUVs, RVs and luxury automobiles requiring enclosed transport range $1000-$2000+. Smaller sedans and economy cars shipped open air carrier transport often cost $500-$1000.
Shipping Method
Enclosed trailers protecting your car start around $1000 while open air carriers exposing vehicles to the elements are priced $500+. There’s less risk of damage with enclosed transport making it better for vintage, exotic or high-value vehicles.
Seasonal Demand
Like the moving industry, costs surge during peak summer relocation season. For more affordable rates, ship in fall/winter when demand drops. Some car shippers even offer winter discounts, so ask when getting quotes!
Add-Ons
Additional services like expedited delivery, door-to-door pickup/dropoff, GPS tracking etc can raise your quote sometimes by hundreds. Know what’s included upfront when comparing prices.
As you can see, rates vary widely based on exact specifications. I recommend gathering at least 3-4 quotes from reputable companies while clearly communicating your vehicle details, preferred dates, destinations and any custom requirements. This allows accurately contrasting your options.
Below I’ll share some insider tips to potentially lower your car shipping costs without sacrificing quality service.
How to Get the Best Price from Auto Transport Companies
Here are clever ways to secure an affordable quote from the industry’s top-rated “10 best car shippers”:
Compare Quotes
As shipping parameters can significantly influence rates, always get multiple free quotes for your specific shipment’s details. Whether enclosed or open air, asking reputable brokers to price match can lead to nice discounts!
Offer Flexible Dates
Informing companies you can accommodate a 1-2 week delivery window makes it easier for them to consolidate routes with other customers going the same direction, passing the fuel savings to you!
Ship During Off-Season
Avoid chaotic peak summer moving season if possible. Transporting your vehicle in fall/winter when demand declines makes it easier for car shippers to offer lower pricing.
Select Terminal Shipping
Choosing pickup/drop-off from centralized shipping terminals instead of door-to-door delivery can shave $100+ off costs. Just ensure the locations are convenient for you to access.
Inquire About Discounts
Many top-rated car shippers offer special savings for seniors, military staff, students or even multi-car shipments! Can’t hurt to ask what promotions may apply to you.
The right broker leverages their relationships and expertise to negotiate your optimal blend of service quality and affordability during quoting.
So be sure to communicate any wiggle room in dates, destinations or requirements to enable custom tailoring options best suiting your needs.
Closing Thoughts
As I’ve discovered firsthand, picking the right company to ship your vehicle can make all the difference for a smooth stress-free moving experience. Protect your investment by doing some diligence upfront to understand your options.
I’m confident that any of the reputable “10 Best Car Shippers” reviewed above will safely transport your precious cargo door-to-door with minimal hassle. Each offers excellent customer service in handling all paperwork, claims and tracking so you can focus on your upcoming adventures in your new destination!
Just be clear from the start on your exact specifications so they can customize a quote meeting both your shipping requirements and budget. Feel free to reference details on pricing ranges, vehicle types and delivery methods from this guide during conversations to help align on the optimal solution for your circumstances.
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