Stressed about finding the best car shipping company for your next move? You're not alone. Choosing a reliable auto transport provider is a significant decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide to the best car shipping companies in 2025 is designed to help you navigate your options with ease. We'll explore what makes a car shipping service trustworthy, from transparent pricing to verified car shipping reviews.
Whether you need standard auto transport or a specialized roadrunner car shipping solution, our goal is to empower you to make a confident choice. Discover how different car shipping companies near you compare and what to look for in a dependable partner.
Want to ship your vehicle with confidence? Get a free, instant quote from Transportvibe that offers best-in-class service from top-rated auto transport companies around the United States!
How to Choose the Best Car Shipping Company in 2025
Choosing a trustworthy car shipping company is a crucial step in ensuring your vehicle's safe journey. With countless car shipping companies available, a little research goes a long way. This guide will walk you through the key steps to find the right auto transport partner, ensuring a stress-free experience for your best car shipping needs.
Vetting Car Shipping Companies
To avoid scams and find a reputable provider, it's vital to do your homework. Follow these steps to ensure you're working with a legitimate and reliable car shipping company.
- Verify Credentials: Always check for a valid USDOT number and MC (Motor Carrier) number. This confirms the company is licensed and authorized by the FMCSA to transport vehicles across state lines.
- Read Car Shipping Reviews: Don't just look at a company's website. Scour independent review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Transportvibe. Look for consistent feedback, both positive and negative, to get a complete picture of their service.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Ask for proof of insurance. A reputable car shipping company will provide a Certificate of Insurance, detailing its cargo liability coverage. It’s important to understand what is covered and what is not.
- Examine the Quote: Be wary of quotes that are too good to be true. A solid quote should be detailed and transparent, without hidden fees or unexpected charges.
Understanding the Different Types of Car Shipping Services
Your choice of car shipping service will depend on your budget, vehicle type, and protection needs. It’s a key factor in finding the perfect fit.
- Open Transport: Open car shipping is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. It's ideal for standard daily drivers and budget-conscious customers.
- Enclosed Transport: Enclosed vehicle shipping is a premium service that offers a fully covered trailer, providing maximum protection from weather, road debris, and theft. It is the perfect choice for luxury, classic, or exotic cars.
- Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal: Door-to-door is the most convenient option, with the carrier picking up and dropping off your vehicle as close to your specified locations as possible. Terminal-to-terminal can be cheaper, but requires you to drop off and pick up your car at a designated hub.
- Expedited Shipping: If you're on a tight schedule, some providers, like roadrunner car shipping, offer expedited services for faster delivery, but at a higher cost.
Crucial Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Understanding the variables that influence your quote is key to getting the best price and avoiding surprises.
- Distance & Location: The longer the distance, the higher the total cost, but the lower the price per mile. Shipping to and from major metropolitan areas is typically cheaper due to higher carrier availability.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the trailer and require more fuel, leading to a higher price.
- Season & Demand: Prices often rise in peak seasons like summer and winter (for "snowbird" routes), while off-season months may offer better deals.
- Vehicle Condition: A non-running vehicle will cost more to ship, as it requires special equipment to load and unload.
For a detailed breakdown of costs and tips on saving money, check out our in-depth guide. Read our complete guide to auto transport costs to plan your budget perfectly.
Detailed Reviews of Featured Car Shipping Companies
Finding the right company to ship your car can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, keyword-focused reviews of leading car shipping companies, covering their unique features, benefits, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Montway Auto Transport
As one of the best car shipping companies, Montway Auto Transport has earned its reputation as a highly reliable car shipping company in countless car shipping reviews. They are widely considered a top choice for a high-quality, long-distance car shipping experience.
Best Features/Benefits
Montway stands out for its extensive carrier network and reliable service. It offers a variety of car shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door service, and expedited shipping. A key benefit is the company's strong focus on customer support, with extended hours and a tracking system to keep you informed.
Why Hire Them
You should hire Montway when you need a reputable broker for a long-distance or cross-country move. They are an excellent choice if peace of mind and strong communication are your top priorities, and you are willing to pay a competitive price for a quality experience.
AmeriFreight Car Shipping
AmeriFreight car shipping is a trusted car shipping company known for offering a great value. Their positive car shipping reviews often highlight their competitive pricing and extra protection, making them a popular car shipping service.
Best Features/Benefits
AmeriFreight is known for providing a high-value car shipping service with competitive pricing. A standout feature is their optional GAP coverage, which offers up to $2,000 toward your deductible if the carrier's insurance doesn't cover a claim. They have a thorough vetting process for their carrier partners and offer various discounts for students, seniors, and military members.
Why Hire Them
Choose AmeriFreight when your primary goal is to find a balance between affordable pricing and reliable, vetted service. Their GAP insurance is a significant advantage for anyone concerned about potential damage, making them a good fit for those seeking extra protection at a reasonable cost.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping company in many car shipping reviews, earning praise for its commitment to transparent pricing. They are often mentioned as the best car shipping choice for customers who prioritize price honesty and a guarantee against unexpected fees.
Best Features/Benefits
Sherpa’s "Price Lock Promise" is its defining feature. It guarantees that the price you are quoted is the final price you will pay, protecting you from unexpected fees. This commitment to transparent pricing has earned them a reputation for high customer satisfaction and minimal surprise charges. They also offer a free car wash rebate after delivery.
Why Hire Them
Sherpa is the ideal choice if you are a customer who values a firm, non-negotiable price and wants to avoid the common industry issue of "bait-and-switch" pricing. While they may not be the cheapest option upfront, their price guarantee ensures you stay within your budget.
Nexus Car Shipping
Nexus car shipping is a premier choice among car shipping companies for specialty and high-value transport. They offer comprehensive car shipping services and are well-equipped to handle unique vehicles, making them a strong competitor to other International car shipping companies.
Best Features/Benefits
Nexus provides real-time GPS tracking for your vehicle, offering transparency and peace of mind. They have a vast network of over 16,000 partners, making them a strong choice for both standard and specialty shipping needs. Their services are particularly well-suited for dealers and customers shipping high-value or unique vehicles, such as RVs, boats, and motorcycles.
Why Hire Them
Consider Nexus when you have a specialty or high-value vehicle that requires extra care and tracking. Their large network and ability to handle diverse vehicle types make them a versatile option for anyone with a unique shipping requirement.
Matson Car Shipping
Matson car shipping is a direct carrier, distinguishing it from other shipping car companies and brokers. They are a go-to choice among International car shipping companies for transport to and from U.S. islands.
Best Features/Benefits
Matson is a direct carrier specializing in shipping to and from U.S. islands. Their key benefit is their extensive experience and dedicated service for routes to Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. They offer reliable port-to-port service and have specialized equipment to safely transport a variety of large vehicles, including boats and RVs.
Why Hire Them
Matson is the top choice if you are shipping a vehicle to or from Hawaii, Alaska, or Guam. Their direct carrier model and long history in the Pacific makes them an expert for these specific, demanding routes.
Acertus Car Shipping
Acertus car shipping is a specialized and premium car shipping service that stands out from typical car shipping companies. Their "white-glove" approach to logistics makes them a unique player in the field of shipping car companies.
Best Features/Benefits
Acertus excels in providing premium, "white-glove" logistics services for high-value and exotic cars, as well as fleet management for businesses. They boast an impressive 99.54% damage-free delivery rate, and their proprietary technology offers real-time visibility.
Why Hire Them
Acertus is the best option for businesses, dealerships, or individuals with luxury vehicles who require a premium, highly-secure transport service. Their focus is on high-level, damage-free logistics and a personalized, expert-driven experience, which is reflected in their pricing.
uShip Car Shipping
uShip car shipping is a unique car shipping company and online marketplace. According to car shipping reviews, it's an excellent platform for finding competitive bids, making it a strong contender for the best car shipping for those who prioritize cost savings.
Best Features/Benefits
uShip is an online marketplace where you can list your vehicle transport job and receive bids from multiple carriers. This competitive bidding system allows you to potentially find the lowest possible price. You can also view carrier ratings and reviews, giving you the power to vet and choose the best carrier for your needs.
Why Hire Them
Use uShip if you have the time to manage the shipping process and want to prioritize finding the most affordable rate. It is a great option for budget-conscious individuals who are comfortable with doing their own research and communicating directly with different carriers.
Roadrunner Auto Transport
Roadrunner car shipping is a major broker often mentioned among the best car shipping companies. The company is well-known for its competitive rates, making it a frequent subject of positive car shipping reviews.
Best Features/Benefits
Roadrunner is a major broker known for its competitive pricing and a vast carrier network. They offer convenient nationwide door-to-door service and, notably, do not require an upfront deposit. You only pay when a carrier is scheduled for pickup. They also provide 24/7 online shipment tracking.
Why Hire Them
Roadrunner is a solid choice if you are looking for a no-deposit option with competitive rates. They are a good starting point for a quote comparison, especially if you need a common, long-distance route.
Mercury Auto Transport
According to mercury auto transport car shipping experts reviews, this broker is known for its excellent customer service and ability to handle urgent requests. They are a well-regarded choice among car shipping companies and a great option if you are searching for car shipping companies near me that can accommodate a fast turnaround.
Best Features/Benefits
Mercury Auto Transport is often praised for its excellent customer service and is known for its ability to handle last-minute shipping requests. They operate on a large carrier network and have a policy of no cancellation fees before a carrier is assigned, which provides flexibility.
Why Hire Them
Choose Mercury if you are in a time crunch and need to arrange a shipment on short notice. Their focus on customer communication and a flexible cancellation policy make them a reliable partner for urgent transport needs.
Pride Car Shipping
Pride car shipping is a highly personalized car shipping service that aims to simplify the process. This car shipping company provides a dedicated personal shipping manager, which sets it apart from many other car shipping companies.
Best Features/Benefits
Pride Car Shipping differentiates itself by assigning a dedicated personal shipping manager to each customer. This provides a single point of contact throughout the entire process. They work with a large database of carriers and offer full-coverage insurance on all shipments, including a higher policy for enclosed transport.
Why Hire Them
Pride is a good fit for individuals who value personalized service and want a single point of contact to guide them through the shipping process. Their commitment to having a dedicated agent makes them a strong choice if you prefer a hands-on, guided experience.
Looking for more in-depth analysis on a specific provider? Check out our dedicated company reviews page for detailed insights and ratings from real customers.
Best Car Shipping Companies In USA At A Glance
Finding the best car shipping company can feel like a tall order, but by looking at reputable providers and their specific strengths, the choice becomes clear.
Here are a brief overview of top-rated car shipping companies, categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your car shipping needs. Our analysis is based on thousands of real-world car shipping reviews and a deep understanding of the auto transport industry.
| Company | Category & Best Features | Pros | Cons |
| Montway Auto Transport | Known for consistent reliability and a broad carrier network. |
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| AmeriFreight Car Shipping | An excellent option for those seeking value without compromising on service. |
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| Sherpa Auto Transport | Stands out for its commitment to honest pricing and no-surprise quotes. |
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| Nexus Car Shipping | A well-established broker that handles specialized requests for high-value vehicles and dealers. |
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| Matson Car Shipping | A direct carrier specializing in shipping to and from Hawaii. |
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| Acertus Car Shipping | Provides comprehensive logistics and white-glove service for high-value and exotic cars. |
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| uShip Car Shipping | Operates as a large online marketplace where carriers bid on your job. |
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| Roadrunner Auto Transport | A major player in the broker space, known for competitive rates and a vast network. |
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| Mercury Auto Transport | A broker well-known for its excellent customer service and ability to handle last-minute requests. |
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| Pride Car Shipping | Another broker that connects customers with a wide network of carriers. |
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FAQs On Car Shipping Companies In USA
What do Mercury Auto Transport car shipping experts' reviews say about their service?
According to many reviews and expert opinions, Mercury Auto Transport is highly regarded for its exceptional customer service and its ability to handle last-minute or urgent car shipping requests efficiently. This makes them a strong choice if you need a quick and reliable booking.
Is "Roadrunner car shipping" the same as "Road Runner car shipping"?
Yes, "Roadrunner car shipping" and "road runner car shipping" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same company, Roadrunner Auto Transport. They are a well-known car shipping company that operates as a broker, connecting customers with a vast network of carriers.
What is the process for international shipping with a company like Matson?
Matson Car Shipping specializes in shipping to and from U.S. islands like Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. Their process typically involves a port-to-port service, where you drop off your vehicle at a designated port and it is picked up at another. It's best to check their specific requirements for your route.
Can I get a guaranteed price with a company like AmeriFreight?
While AmeriFreight Car Shipping is known for competitive pricing, like many brokers, their initial quotes are often not guaranteed. Companies like Sherpa Auto Transport, on the other hand, offer a "Price Lock Promise" that ensures the final price will match the quote.
How does uShip car shipping work, and is it reliable?
uShip is an online marketplace where you can list your car shipping needs and receive bids from various carriers. It is generally reliable, but since you are selecting your own carrier, you must vet their ratings and reviews carefully to ensure a trustworthy experience.
Is Acertus a good choice for shipping a high-value or exotic vehicle?
Acertus Car Shipping is an excellent choice for luxury, classic, or exotic cars. They are known for providing "white-glove" service and have a very high damage-free delivery rate. While they may be more expensive than other companies, their specialty is in premium, secure transport.
Does Pride Car Shipping provide a dedicated point of contact throughout the process?
Yes, Pride Car Shipping differentiates itself by assigning a dedicated personal shipping manager to each customer. This means you will have a single point of contact who can guide you through the entire process, making the experience more personalized and straightforward.
Making Your Final Decision with Confidence
Choosing the right provider from the many car shipping companies can be a simple, transparent process when you know what to look for. By focusing on licenses, insurance, customer feedback, and the specific car shipping service you need, you're well-equipped to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re shipping a standard sedan or a classic car, finding a reliable car shipping company is within reach. Use our platform to compare and choose with confidence.
Ready to move your vehicle effortlessly and with peace of mind? Get instant quotes from Transportvibe’s network of vetted transport providers. Start your free quote on Transportvibe now!
