AmeriFreight Auto Transport is a top-tier broker that connects you with vetted carriers across the United States. Did you know that nearly 95% of auto transport companies are actually brokers who never own a single truck? This makes choosing a reliable middleman the most critical decision you will make for your vehicle.
We researched every detail to bring you this honest AmeriFreight Auto Transport review, focusing on their unique gap protection and extensive discount programs. Whether you are moving a family SUV or a vintage motorcycle, getting the right price matters.
Get a custom estimate for your move by visiting our get a quote page to see how rates compare for your specific route.
How AmeriFreight's Broker Model Affects Your Shipping Experience
AmeriFreight Auto Transport operates as a licensed broker, not a direct carrier. This means you are hiring an expert middleman to navigate the massive logistics network on your behalf. Instead of owning a fleet, they connect you with a nationwide pool of over 11,000 independent carriers.
The biggest advantage for you is flexibility. While a single carrier only travels specific routes, a broker like AmeriFreight can find a driver for almost any location, including car shipping to Hawaii or Alaska.
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Vetting Power: They act as your shield by verifying every driver’s license, safety record, and insurance through FMCSA Company Data before booking.
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Gap Protection: If a carrier's insurance fails, AmeriFreight’s AFta plan covers up to $2,000 of your personal deductible.
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Problem Solving: If a truck breaks down, they can quickly reassign your vehicle to another vetted driver from their network.
Communication shifts slightly under this model. You will receive the driver’s contact info to coordinate the specific door-to-door car shipping details. While you talk to the driver for daily updates, AmeriFreight remains your advocate in the event of any disputes or delays.
What You'll Actually Pay: Breaking Down AmeriFreight's Pricing Structure
Understanding AmeriFreight Auto Transport costs requires a look at their tiered bidding system. Your initial quote is an estimate of what the current market will bear. You do not pay a deposit until a vetted carrier accepts the job at a price you approve. Once a driver is assigned, you pay a broker fee to AmeriFreight via credit card, while the remaining balance is usually paid in cash or certified funds directly to the driver upon delivery.
Several factors swing your final price tag. Distance is the most obvious, with cross-country hauls naturally costing more than short-state jumps. However, your vehicle type also matters; a heavy Ford F-150 takes up more trailer space than a Honda Civic, increasing your rate. You must also choose between open and enclosed transport.
Open shipping is the industry standard for daily drivers, while enclosed shipping—which typically costs 80% more—provides better protection for high-value assets from road debris and weather.
Seasonal demand and route popularity create the "lane" price. Shipping a car from New York to Florida during the "snowbird" season in late fall will cost significantly more than shipping it in the opposite direction. If you live in a rural area far from major interstates like I-95 or I-80, expect to pay a premium for the driver to detour.
AmeriFreight does offer a price-match guarantee against other reputable brokers with an A+ BBB rating, though it excludes "lowball" quotes from unvetted companies that often fail to secure a driver.
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Route Example |
Open Carrier Est. |
Enclosed Carrier Est. |
|
NY to FL (1,100 miles) |
$770 - $1,050 |
$1,300 - $1,750 |
|
CA to VA (2,800 miles) |
$1,050 - $1,800 |
$1,750 - $2,800 |
|
TX to NY (1,600 miles) |
$1,050 - $1,350 |
$1,750 - $2,100 |
Why Prices Change Between Quote and Pickup
Initial quotes for AmeriFreight Auto Transport can shift because the "Economy" rate is essentially an opening bid to the carrier community. If no driver accepts the price, AmeriFreight may suggest increasing the offer to attract a carrier. This market fluctuation is common across the broker industry.
You might pay more if your vehicle is inoperable or if you require "top-loading" to keep your car on the upper deck. Conversely, some customers pay less than the initial quote if a driver is looking to fill a final "empty spot" on their trailer last minute. AmeriFreight’s "First Class" rate avoids this by offering a locked-in, guaranteed price from the start.
Want to see how these rates compare to other top-rated providers? You should check our 10 best car shipping companies list to see who offers the most competitive pricing this year.
Before you commit to any price, always check DOT and an MC number to ensure the carrier assigned to your car has a clean safety record.
Ready to find the best rate for your specific route? Visit our get a quote page to compare current market prices and start your move with confidence.
Insurance Coverage: What's Protected and What's Your Responsibility
AmeriFreight Auto Transport ensures every carrier in their network carries the federal minimum cargo insurance required by the FMCSA. While the carrier is legally responsible for transit damage like collisions or equipment failure, AmeriFreight acts as your advocate during the claims process.
You must understand that standard carrier insurance often excludes "Acts of God," such as hail or road debris damage on open trailers. To bridge this gap, AmeriFreight offers the AFta Total Assurance plan, which provides up to $2,000 to cover your personal insurance deductible or minor repairs found within 48 hours.
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Your Task: Inspect your vehicle thoroughly at delivery before signing the Bill of Lading.
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Documentation: Take time-stamped photos and note every new scratch on the official inspection report.
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Claim Denial: Claims are almost always rejected if damage is not documented on-site or if it involves personal items left inside the car.
If a carrier's policy lapses or the carrier goes out of business mid-transit, you could be left vulnerable without gap protection. You can use the FMCSA Company Data portal to verify a carrier's current insurance status yourself for added peace of mind.
For a deeper dive into how these policies work, read our car shipping insurance guide to see what is typically covered.
Customer Support Reality: Response Times and Problem Resolution
AmeriFreight Auto Transport maintains a high 4.8/5 average customer service rating by providing dedicated agents who guide you through the logistics. Their team is available during extended U.S. business hours, including weekends, to address your concerns.
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Availability: Monday–Friday 8 am to 10 pm EST, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm.
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Responsiveness: Many customers report receiving calls or quotes within minutes of an initial inquiry.
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Proactive Updates: Agents typically call you immediately when a carrier makes an offer on your vehicle.
While they lack real-time GPS tracking, AmeriFreight fills the gap by facilitating direct communication between you and the driver. If a carrier no-shows or cancels last minute, the broker team works to re-list your job and find a replacement driver from their vetted network.
Dispute resolution is a core part of their service. If damage occurs, agents provide the carrier's FMCSA Company Data and insurance details to help you file a claim. They act as your advocate, though the carrier remains legally responsible for the final resolution.
Are you comfortable managing driver check-ins, or do you prefer having a dedicated agent handle the heavy lifting?
Check our AmeriFreight reviews to see how other customers resolved issues during their cross-country moves.
Ready to experience top-tier support? Contact us today to speak with a specialist and get the professional guidance you need for a stress-free vehicle shipment.
Common Curiosities About The Shipping Process
Moving a vehicle involves many small details that can feel confusing if you are new to the industry. Here are the specific answers to the most specialized inquiries from our customers.
How Does AmeriFreight Auto Transport Handle Personal Items Left Inside The Trunk?
Carriers legally cannot transport household goods due to weight and DOT regulations. You should remove all personal items, as carrier insurance will not cover theft or damage to belongings left inside your vehicle.
Does AmeriFreight Auto Transport Offer Guaranteed Pickup Dates For Urgent Moves?
Standard quotes provide a pickup window rather than a specific day. For a guaranteed date, you must book their First Class service, which prioritizes your vehicle to meet a tight schedule.
What Happens If My Car Is Damaged During An AmeriFreight Auto Transport Move?
You must document the damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery. AmeriFreight then helps you file a claim against the carrier’s insurance or utilizes their AFta gap protection for minor repairs.
Can I Ship An Inoperable Vehicle With AmeriFreight Auto Transport?
Yes, but the car must roll, steer, and brake. You will pay an extra fee because the driver needs a winch to load the vehicle onto the trailer safely.
How Do I Track My Vehicle's Progress During Transit?
AmeriFreight does not use a central GPS portal. Instead, you receive the driver's phone number to get direct updates as they move through your specific route.
Who AmeriFreight Auto Transport Is Best Suited For
AmeriFreight Car Shipping is an ideal choice if you prioritize a massive discount program and a rigorous carrier vetting process. This broker stands out for budget-conscious customers, especially students, seniors, and military families who can stack savings to lower their total costs. If you are moving a high-value asset, their AFta gap protection offers a necessary safety net that most other brokers simply do not provide.
While the lack of real-time GPS tracking might deter some, it is a perfect fit for those who value human-to-human support and transparent pricing tiers. You get a partner who advocates for you from the initial bid until your keys are back in your hand.
Get a custom estimate for your move by visiting our get a quote page to see how AmeriFreight Car Shipping rates compare for your specific route today.
