TrustScore methodology team · Reviewed 9 September 2026
Independent
The short answer
Of the 16 companies reviewed on this page, drawn from the brokers and carriers we track, Royal Auto Ship LLC scores highest, with a TrustScore of 93. Customer experience drives that number: it’s the one pillar where Royal takes full marks, and reviewers rate its communication and vehicle condition near-perfect. For a standard vehicle on a common route, that makes it the safe default.
It won't fit every shipment. If you're moving an enclosed or high-value vehicle, handling a military PCS move, or working against a tight deadline, the right pick changes. Check Best for specific needs below. And if your route runs through a less common lane, the company that actually works that lane matters more than any overall number.
One thing worth saying plainly. A high score is not a guarantee. It means today's data points in a good direction. Verify authority and insurance yourself before paying any deposit. We show you how below.
How the ranking works
Methodology
Every company is scored by the same formula. No exceptions, no overrides.
TrustScore is a 0–100 composite built from six weighted pillars. It is calculated, never awarded — no member of our team can raise or lower a company's score, and no billing event can write to it. Sponsored placements exist elsewhere on Transportvibe; they are always labeled and they never enter this ranking.
Which companies appear here is an editorial decision: our team picks the ones worth a full write-up, and that shortlist is the same for every reader. Where each one appears is not a decision anybody makes — the order is generated directly from the TrustScore database, and no placement on this page is for sale. What our writers add is the reasoning around each company; the numbers come from the formula.
30%
Reputation
25%
Performance
15%
Pricing
15%
Customer experience
10%
Compliance
5%
Internal signals
We do not review a company here on fewer than 100 reviews. A small sample can look excellent for reasons that have nothing to do with quality. Read the full TrustScore methodology.
Top-rated companies
1
Royal Auto Ship LLC
Philadelphia, PA
Highly Trusted
93
TrustScore
Customer experience is the standout, the only pillar where Royal takes full marks, backed by near-perfect review scores for communication and vehicle condition. Pricing accuracy backs that up, landing well above average for the group. Its main limits are a smaller review base and 3 years in business, not shipment quality. A newer or smaller operation with numbers like these is worth a serious look, not a second thought.
Communication and delivery timing are the standouts, with reviewers also praising driver professionalism and vehicle condition. Complaints about pickup timing and issue resolution exist but are a small share of its reviews. Its standard quote holds for 5 calendar days, which gives more price certainty than most brokers. A strong choice for shippers who want a quote that won’t move.
Pickup and delivery timing are the strongest parts of this profile, backed by one of the largest review bases on the list. Issue resolution draws more mixed feedback, and its Trustpilot rating is lower than its other platforms. It has been licensed since 2023, so its track record is shorter than its review count suggests. A good fit for long-distance moves where timing matters most.
Communication and vehicle condition stand out as the strongest parts of this profile, both landing near the top of the dataset. Pricing accuracy trails behind, the one spot where quotes may shift more than expected. National reach paired with steady delivery outcomes drives the overall score, not quote precision. For anyone who values clear communication and careful handling over the tightest quote, this is a solid fit.
Communication and on-time pickup and delivery lead this profile, with consistent praise for driver professionalism. A smaller share of reviews raise pricing and issue-resolution concerns. Most of its reviews come from Google, so cross-check other platforms before booking. A dependable option for standard moves on busy routes.
Communication, delivery timing and vehicle condition all score well, with an average rating of 4.9. Issue resolution is its softer spot, and a minority of reviews mention pricing or pickup timing. Almost all of its reviews are on Google, and it has been licensed only since 2024. Worth a look, but check recent reviews before booking.
This is the most balanced scorecard in the group, with pricing accuracy, communication, and vehicle condition all landing close together near the top. Pricing accuracy stands out as the strongest in this set, a real edge rather than a small difference. The review count trails the larger, established brokers above it, which likely explains the gap in overall score. If you prioritize an accurate quote, this is worth a look.
Strong marks across pricing accuracy, communication, and vehicle condition, with no single weak point. The overall score reflects a comparatively small review base rather than any real gap in how shipments are handled. For shippers open to working with a smaller, less established name in exchange for consistently strong per-shipment performance, this is worth serious consideration, especially on routes where network size matters less.
Communication sits among the highest marks tracked anywhere in this directory, a genuine strength here. Pricing accuracy and vehicle condition both come in strong, with no real weak point across the three core metrics. A smaller review base is what keeps the composite score lower, not any issue with service quality. For shippers who want to stay in the loop at every step, this is a strong option.
Communication is the clear standout here, among the highest marks tracked anywhere in the directory. Vehicle condition follows close behind, and pricing accuracy rounds out a profile with no obvious weak point. The review base is smaller than the largest brokers above it, which likely keeps the overall score from climbing further despite strong per-shipment performance. For shippers who want frequent, clear updates throughout the move, this is a dependable choice.
Communication, delivery timing and driver professionalism are its strengths, and it has more than a decade in business. Some reviews mention issue-resolution friction and gaps in transit updates. Nearly all of its reviews come from Google, which limits how far the score can climb. A solid choice for shippers who value a long track record.
All three core metrics, pricing accuracy, communication, and vehicle condition, land close together here, one of the more consistent spreads in the whole dataset. The overall score sits below the top few mainly because of review volume, not any gap in per-shipment quality. That makes this a company worth watching, since a smaller sample size today doesn't rule out a stronger position once more reviews come in.
One of the longest-running brokers on this list, with communication, delivery timing and issue resolution all rated well. A smaller share of reviews raise pricing concerns or occasional timing and update issues. Its review base is concentrated on Google, which keeps the score from rising higher. A steady option for shippers who want an established company.
Reviews on Trustpilot and BBB are broadly positive, with communication and delivery timing the most praised. Issue resolution scores lower than the rest of the profile, and some reviewers mention timing or tracking concerns. It has 14 years in business, but it has no Google reviews counted yet. A reasonable pick for standard moves; confirm tracking options when you book.
Review volume is among the largest in the entire dataset, a sign of real scale and a long operating history. Per-shipment metrics run lower than peers at this score level, though, with pricing accuracy the softest spot and communication and vehicle condition both trailing the leaders as well. That combination suggests a company that handles a high volume of moves but with more shipment-to-shipment variability.
This listing is scored by the identical formula applied to every company in the directory. It is held to the same threshold as any other entry. Vehicle condition and communication are its strongest metrics, while pricing accuracy is its relative soft spot. The same verification steps apply here as with any other company on this page, regardless of the ownership tie.
Typical price bands are not published yet — the quote sample that would support them is still being collected. Nothing in this column is estimated.
Best for specific needs
An overall score answers "who is generally reliable". It doesn't answer "who is right for my shipment." These picks weigh the pillars differently, depending on what matters most in each situation.
Takes non-running cars when you tell them at booking and sends a carrier with loading gear. Expect a surcharge, which Fisher says up front.
Best Auto Transport Companies for Cross-Country Moves
A cross-country move needs a broker that can find a truck for a long, one-way haul and keep the car on schedule for 7 to 10 days. These companies score well on pickup and delivery timing and have handled thousands of shipments.
Sherpa Auto Transport LLC(87, Highly Trusted): reviewers praise its pickup and delivery timing across more than 9,800 reviews. It has been licensed since 2023, so its track record is shorter than some.
AmeriFreight Inc.(86, Highly Trusted): it has 14 years in business and one of the largest review bases on this list. That gives it a long record on national routes, though its quotes can shift more than others.
United Freeway Transportation LLC(85, Highly Trusted): reviewers praise communication and on-time pickup and delivery across more than 4,000 reviews.
Coast-to-coast prices typically run $1,300 to $1,850 on an open carrier. See our California to New York route for city-by-city prices.
Best Car Transport Companies for Enclosed Shipping
Enclosed transport protects classic, luxury, and low-clearance cars from weather and road debris, but it typically costs 40% to 60% more than open. Because fewer enclosed trucks are on the road, a broker with consistent vehicle-condition scores matters more here.
Exclusive Auto Shipping LLC(84, Trusted): strong, consistent scores for vehicle condition and communication make it our pick for high-value vehicles.
Royal Auto Ship LLC(93, Highly Trusted): reviewers rate its vehicle condition near the top of the dataset. If you need a fixed price and pickup day, book its guaranteed First Class Rate.
Reliability means your car is picked up and delivered when promised, with clear updates in between. On that measure, Royal Auto Ship LLC leads this list, with the highest TrustScore (93) and top marks for communication and on-time pickup and delivery.
Its one weak spot is price, not service. Royal’s default Saver Rate can rise if no carrier accepts it, so ask for the guaranteed First Class Rate if your dates are fixed. If you’d rather have a quote that holds without paying extra, Tempus Logix (91) is the closest alternative. Its standard quote holds for 5 days. Read our Royal Auto Ship vs Tempus Logix comparison for the full breakdown.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Shipping a standard sedan on an open carrier costs about $750 to $1,200 for a 1,000 to 1,500-mile move, and about $1,300 to $1,850 coast to coast, based on Transportvibe’s route data. Enclosed transport typically adds 40% to 60%, and a car that doesn’t run usually adds $150 to $300 for winch loading. Prices also rise in summer and on snowbird routes in fall and spring. For full price ranges by distance and vehicle type, see our guide to car shipping costs.
What to Expect Step by Step
Shipping a car follows the same five stages, whichever company you choose. Knowing them in advance makes it easier to spot when something isn’t right.
1
Quote: request quotes from 3 to 5 companies and compare them against the market range. A quote far below the others often rises after booking or never gets a truck.
2
Booking: confirm the price, pickup window, deposit and cancellation terms in writing before you pay anything. Check the company’s USDOT or MC number on FMCSA SAFER.
3
Pickup: walk around the car with the driver and make sure every existing mark is written on the Bill of Lading before you sign. Take dated photos of every side.
4
Transit: most cross-country shipments take 7 to 10 days after pickup, and shorter routes take 2 to 5. Keep the driver’s number handy for updates.
5
Delivery: inspect the car in good light before the driver leaves, and write any new damage on the Bill of Lading. Then pay the balance, usually in cash or certified funds.
You should not have to take our word for it, and the checks below take about ten minutes. Do them before you pay any deposit, on any company — including the ones ranked highest here.
1
Look up the MC and DOT numbers
Search the FMCSA SAFER database. Confirm the authority is active, and confirm the company name on file matches the name on the website. A mismatch is the single most common sign of a problem.
2
Check the insurance is on file and current
FMCSA lists active insurance filings. An expired or missing filing means your vehicle may not be covered. Brokers and carriers carry different types — make sure you know which one you are hiring.
3
Read the complaint history, not just the star rating
Patterns matter more than volume. Ten complaints about delivery windows tell you something specific; ten scattered complaints across unrelated issues usually tells you less.
Ask specifically what happens if no carrier is assigned within the pickup window, and whether the deposit is refundable at that point. A company that will not answer this in writing has told you something.
Frequently asked questions
A carrier owns the trucks and physically moves your vehicle. A broker doesn't own trucks; it matches your shipment with a vetted carrier from its network and manages the booking, pricing, and communication. Most companies on this page operate as brokers, which isn't a red flag on its own, but it does mean your actual experience depends partly on which carrier gets assigned.
It means the company's MC and DOT numbers are active and on file with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the time of our last check. It doesn't mean we've reviewed every detail of their insurance or complaint history, that's still worth checking yourself in the FMCSA SAFER database before booking.
Yes. TrustScore recalculates continuously as new reviews, FMCSA records, and compliance data come in, so a score isn't locked in once it's published. A pattern of new complaints, an insurance lapse, or a compliance issue can all pull a score down between our quarterly reviews, not just push it up.
Review volume affects the confidence weight and the 5-point Internal pillar, but it's only one input among six weighted categories. A company with a smaller review base can still score higher overall if its per-shipment metrics, pricing accuracy, communication, and vehicle condition are stronger across the board. Scale and consistency are measured separately, and a bigger operation doesn't automatically win on both.
Not always. Some companies on this page ship to all 50 states plus these locations, others stick to the contiguous 48. Port-dependent routes also usually involve different logistics, timelines, and pricing than a standard state-to-state move, so confirm directly with any company whether your specific origin or destination is actually covered before booking.
This varies by company and should be spelled out in writing before you book, not assumed. Some offer a refundable deposit if no carrier is found in time, others don't. Ask this question directly and get the answer in writing. A company that won't commit to an answer here has told you something about how they'll handle a delay.
Not for every vehicle. Enclosed transport protects against weather, road debris, and theft, which matters most for high-value, exotic, or classic vehicles where a scratch or paint chip carries real financial cost. For a standard daily driver, open transport is usually the more practical choice, and the price difference doesn't buy much additional protection you'd actually notice.
You typically need to ask and confirm eligibility directly; discounts aren't always applied automatically at quote time. Active duty, veteran, and retired status usually qualify, but the exact discount amount and stacking rules vary by company. Confirm this in writing alongside your other booking terms rather than assuming it's baked into the quote you see online.
A vehicle that can't be driven onto the trailer under its own power needs a winch, forklift, or other specialized loading equipment, along with extra time and a driver trained to use it safely. That's a real cost difference, not padding, and it's also why not every carrier can take a non-running shipment. Confirm winch capability specifically before booking if your vehicle doesn't roll, steer, or brake on its own.
Document it before you sign anything. Walk around the vehicle, compare it against the condition noted on the Bill of Lading at pickup, and photograph any new damage before signing the delivery receipt. Signing without noting damage typically releases the carrier from responsibility for it, so this step matters more than almost anything else in the process.
