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Audited & Verified: Apr 30, 2025, 4:47pm
Reviewed By
| Staff EditorWhether you’re looking to ship a car for a long-distance move or bring home a collectible automotive treasure, you’ll want to pick a car shipping company you can trust to get your vehicle to its destination safely and affordably. To help you get started, we’ve done deep research on dozens of data points and thousands of consumer opinions to find the best auto transport companies to ship your beloved four-wheeled friend.
Our Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) analysis comprised of over 18,000 consumer insights found that several companies stood out for areas like exceptional service, ease of booking and the ability to pull off complex cross-country car-shipping moves without issues. One of these is our top choice, Easy Auto Ship, which excels in the areas listed above along with several notable pricing perks and policies. However, you can also find several other options worth considering in our list below.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform all of our content, including the pros and cons of the top car-shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
SGT Auto Transport
BBB Score
B
States Serviced
49
International Shipping
No
3
Easy Auto Ship
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
Key Takeaways
| COMPANY | OUR RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | Best Overall | $851 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7  | Best Discounts | $665 | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best Value | $649 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.3 | Best Transparency | $875 | On Sherpa's Website | |
| 4.1  | Best Service | $869 | On Montway's Website | |
| 4.0 | Best Guarantee | $752 | On SGT Auto Transport's Website |
Best Overall
Best Overall
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship stands out as the best car shipping company overall, scoring 4.8 out of 5 for its various affordable shipping options. Founded in 2013, the company has expanded to cover all 50 states and ships internationally. While it serves as a broker instead of a carrier, Easy Auto Ship fully vets its partners before allowing them to ship vehicles.
Learn more: Easy Auto Ship review
We picked Easy Auto Ship due partly to its customer-first approach to many of its offerings, like its 30-day pricing guarantee, GPS tracking and free car wash upon delivery.
Why We Like It
Besides the perks above, we appreciate that Easy Auto Ship claims to have no hidden fees and provides an extra $100,000 in contingent auto insurance. A $150 cash discount is another bonus worth mentioning. Additionally, it offers free cancellation, price matching and a service guarantee.
What We Don’t Like
Easy Auto Ship requires a $250 deposit, which isn’t ideal. However, it does offer a pretty generous cancellation policy. We’d also like additional features like a 24/7 customer service line and a mobile app.
Who It’s Best For
Easy Auto Ship can be a good option for many customers. It offers both long- and short-distance moving, and open and enclosed shipping. While prices tend to skew a little higher, the value is still there.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Easy Auto Ship experiences tend to be mixed. While some users report satisfying results with prompt service, professional staff and decent prices, others say they have issues with poor communication, unresolved damage claims and a lack of support post-payment.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $700 | $1.40 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,250 | $0.83 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,300 | $0.52 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,050 | $2.10 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,550 | $1.03 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,650 | $0.66 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $700 | $1.40 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,250 | $0.83 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,300 | $0.52 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,050 | $2.10 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,550 | $1.03 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,650 | $0.66 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $850 | $1.70 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,400 | $0.93 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,450 | $0.58 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,250 | $2.50 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,700 | $1.13 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,750 | $0.70 |
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
If you want to save some cash, you should consider AmeriFreight, our top pick for discounts, scoring 4.7 out of 5. The 20-year-old company offers discounts for several groups, including first responders, like police, firefighters and medical personnel. There are also discounts for repeat clients, military personnel, older adults, students, early birds and those shipping multiple vehicles.
Learn more: AmeriFreight review
In addition to its list of discounts, we chose AmeriFreight for several other reasons, including its competitive pricing and various shipping options.
Why We Like It
Not all vehicle shipping companies will transport any vehicle, but AmeriFreight offers services for some of the most diverse vehicles on this list. In addition to standard car and motorcycle shipping, the company offers shipping options for RVs, boats, vans, trucks and antique or classic cars. This variety and its nationwide availability ensure AmeriFreight can handle just about any request.
What We Don’t Like
AmeriFreight lacks some features that other companies on this list provide, including binding quotes, service guarantees and terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Who It’s Best For
If you have a nontraditional vehicle, consider AmeriFreight, as it offers shipping for just about any type of vehicle. Due to its expansive list of deals, those looking for a discount will also likely find one at AmeriFreight.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
In general, AmeriFreight’s users expressed positive sentiments. In particular, they highlighted staff who were reliable, friendly and professional and maintained great communication. Others mentioned that their vehicles were delivered on time and in good condition, with the process being relatively easy and stress-free. However, some negatives were mentioned, like the initial quotes being lower than the end prices. However, the majority didn’t have a problem with the prices and found them to be reasonable and competitive.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $643 | $1.29 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $875 | $0.58 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,068 | $0.43 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,093 | $2.19 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,488 | $0.99 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,816 | $0.73 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $643 | $1.29 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $875 | $0.58 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,068 | $0.43 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,093 | $2.19 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,488 | $0.99 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,816 | $0.73 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $768 | $1.54 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,000 | $0.67 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,193 | $0.48 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,306 | $2.61 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,700 | $1.13 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,029 | $0.81 |
Best Value
Best Value
American Auto Shipping
With 25 years in the business, American Auto Shipping ranks in our list of the top car shipping companies for several reasons, including its $0 deposit, competitive pricing and binding quotes, making it one of the best companies in terms of value.
Learn more: American Auto Shipping review
We picked American Auto Shipping for its strong value among competitors. It offers some of the lowest prices, plus you can expect helpful features like a personal concierge service, an extra $500 insurance reimbursement to help cover deductibles and a free car wash upon delivery.
Why We Like It
We particularly liked American Auto Shipping because it doesn’t require a deposit to secure a shipping date. We also liked its tiered pricing structure, which allows customers to control the overall price by selecting their delivery speed.
What We Don’t Like
We would like to see American Auto offer a live chat feature, as it’s a good alternative to the phone, especially if you multitask on your computer. Another thing to consider is the lack of international shipping.
Who It’s Best For
American Auto Shipping is best for customers looking to ship their vehicle domestically at a decent price without sacrificing the quality or quantity of services.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Users often report a positive experience with American Auto Shipping. Highlights include strong customer service and clear communication throughout the process. However, some reviewers did mention concerns about unexpected charges and difficulty reaching customer service.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $419 | $0.84 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $839 | $0.56 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $959 | $0.38 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $999 | $2.00 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,409 | $0.94 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,779 | $0.71 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $439 | $0.88 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $849 | $0.57 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $979 | $0.39 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,059 | $2.12 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,499 | $1.00 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,869 | $0.75 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $459 | $0.92 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $999 | $0.67 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,289 | $0.52 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,119 | $2.24 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,649 | $1.10 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,149 | $0.86 |
Best for Transparency
Best for Transparency
Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport offers service to 50 states while guaranteeing customers a price lock promise, which states that the quote you receive is what you pay. Additionally, Sherpa puts $300 of its own money on the line if extra funds are needed to complete the service.
Learn more: Sherpa Auto Transport review
We chose Sherpa primarily for its pricing perks mentioned above; however, other factors helped it rank well, including discounts and no required deposit. It provides service to every U.S. state as well, so a matter of availability is not a concern with Sherpa.
Why We Like It
As mentioned, Sherpa’s price lock promise stood out. However, we also appreciated its stated transparency regarding vetting: It says it looks at accident report histories, maintenance conditions, traffic violations and customer feedback before working with a new carrier.
What We Don’t Like
Sherpa lacks a few features that other companies on this list have, such as GPS tracking, expedited shipping and international transport.
Who It’s Best For
Sherpa Auto Transport is best for those who value pricing transparency and stability. Its price lock promise guarantees that the company’s competitive quotes will not change due to minor expense shifts.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Most reviewers noted a positive experience with Sherpa Auto Transport. Common themes included smooth booking processes, on-time delivery and outstanding communication. Other users highlighted the company’s transparent pricing and noted no unexpected costs. The few negative reviews mentioned issues with pricing and logistics.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $950 | $1.90 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,025 | $0.68 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,500 | $0.60 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,250 | $2.50 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,650 | $1.10 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,350 | $0.94 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $950 | $1.90 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,025 | $0.68 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,500 | $0.60 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,250 | $2.50 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,650 | $1.10 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,350 | $0.94 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $1,075 | $2.15 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,375 | $0.92 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $2,025 | $0.81 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,550 | $3.10 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $2,150 | $1.43 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $3,325 | $1.33 |
Best Service
Best Service
Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport has served the vehicle shipping industry for nearly 20 years. In that time, it has established itself as one of the best with a network of more than 30,000 carriers across all 50 states.
Learn more: Montway Auto Transport review
Several good qualities helped Montway make this list, including competitive pricing, extra insurance coverage and discounts.
Why We Like It
Montway Auto Transport offers various services including international transport, motorcycle shipping and military transport. While all its carriers are required to have insurance to join Montway’s network, Montway includes an extra $250,000 of cargo insurance should your claim be denied by the carrier. While claim denials are rare, it’s nice to know Montway has your back.
What We Don’t Like
Montway does not offer price matching, which can be helpful when shopping for quotes. Additionally, a deposit is required to book a service.
Who It’s Best For
We recommend Montway Auto Transport to consumers searching for a high-value provider with various service offerings. If you are a military personnel, have multiple vehicles to ship or are willing to pay cash, you should also consider Montway as it offers discounts to these groups
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Montway Auto Transport generally does well with reviewers who report with on-time delivery, affordable pricing and good communication. Users have noted the professionalism of the drivers and that their vehicles come back in perfect condition and sometimes ahead of schedule. Negative reviews mention some communication issues, problems with pick-up times and unanticipated charges. Overall, Montway is consistent with delivery and customer support.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $649 | $1.30 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $989 | $0.66 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,129 | $0.45 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $999 | $2.00 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,439 | $0.96 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,759 | $0.70 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $669 | $1.34 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $999 | $0.67 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,123 | $0.45 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,019 | $2.04 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,449 | $0.97 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,769 | $0.71 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $799 | $1.60 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,379 | $0.92 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,619 | $0.65 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,189 | $2.38 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,869 | $1.25 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,249 | $0.90 |
Best Guarantee
Best Guarantee
SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport is a relatively new company with only 10 years in the industry. However, in that time, it has grown to be one of the biggest car-shipping brokers with services in all 50 states. Pricing is competitive, whether you choose open or enclosed carrier options.
Learn more: SGT Auto Transport review
We chose SGT Auto Transport as one of our top-ranking car shipping companies partly due to its widespread availability, price-matching policy and service guarantee.
Why We Like It
We like that SGT offers a variety of discounts for students and military personnel. You can also save money by booking your move on a Sunday, something unique to this company. However, it’s worth noting that cash is required to get any of these discounts. Besides discounts, it has 24/7 customer support, something not all shippers offer.
What We Don’t Like
SGT Auto Transport has a $149 cancellation fee and lacks some helpful features like GPS tracking and terminal-to-terminal shipment, which may be necessary for some consumers.
Who It’s Best For
We recommend SGT Auto Transport for those planning a shorter-distance, door-to-door vehicle transport as the company had the lowest quote for a move of less than 500 miles out of any of the competitors on this list.
We gather and analyze consumer sentiment from a range of sources to create the Consumer Sentiment Index to determine customer satisfaction levels for each feature outlined below. This data is designed to give you an idea of real consumer experience of the services and product we review. This data is currently separate from our overall rating out of 5
Many of SGT Auto Transport’s customers note its professional and efficient service. Users also mention positive interactions with the company’s customer service representatives and delivery team while also noting SGT’s competitive rates. While the majority seem satisfied with SGT’s service, a minority mentioned issues such as delays in pickup and delivery, and concerns with transparency and communication about pricing and carriers.
To help us get a better idea of pricing, we obtained several quotes covering various cost variables, such as the type of vehicle, the total distance and whether the shipment was open or enclosed. Remember, these are just estimates for a handful of specific scenarios, so it’s important to contact the company to get prices that reflect your situation.
| VEHICLE TYPE | TO/FROM | APPROXIMATE DISTANCE | SHIPPING OPTION | TOTAL COST | COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $739 | $1.48 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $969 | $0.65 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,199 | $0.48 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $899 | $1.80 |
Toyota Camry | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,389 | $0.93 |
Toyota Camry | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,799 | $0.72 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $739 | $1.48 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $969 | $0.65 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,199 | $0.48 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $899 | $1.80 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,389 | $0.93 |
Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $1,799 | $0.72 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Open | $720 | $1.44 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Open | $1,250 | $0.83 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Open | $1,500 | $0.60 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Oklahoma City | 500 | Enclosed | $1,000 | $2.00 |
Ford F-150 | St. Louis / Phoenix | 1,500 | Enclosed | $1,750 | $1.17 |
Ford F-150 | Pittsburgh / Los Angeles | 2,500 | Enclosed | $2,200 | $0.88 |
Car shipping can be quite expensive. In fact, according to a recent Forbes Home survey, nearly 30% of people chose to drive their car instead of shipping it specifically to save money. That being said, the cost to ship a car will depend on several factors, including the method of transportation, the type of delivery, the distance of the journey and more.
The national average cost to ship a car is $1,150, but based on our research, we’ve found that prices can range from as low as $550 to as high as $2,450. That breaks down to 60 cents to $1.70 per mile. Note that per-mile costs may decrease as you get into a longer trip. Because of these and other factors, we recommend reaching out to several companies for customized estimates.
| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
| Open | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
If you’ve never shipped a car before, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. To help get you started, here’s a brief overview of how to ship a car from start to finish.
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Here’s a quick breakdown using the factors we discussed above to help you get a better idea of how our top six companies compare.
| COMPANY | YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | PRICE ESTIMATE* | COMPANY TYPE | OPEN OR ENCLOSED TRANSPORT | CUSTOMER SUPPORT OPTIONS | REPUTATION AND CUSTOMER REVIEWS** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship | 12 years | $851 | Broker | Both |
| 87% positive |
| AmeriFreight | 20 years | $665 | Broker | Both |
| 88% positive |
| American Auto Shipping | 25 years | $649 | Broker
| Enclosed |
| 72% positive |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | 7 years | $875 | Broker
| Both
|
| 94% positive |
| Montway Auto Transport | 18 years | $869 | Broker
| Both |
| 67% positive |
| SGT Auto Transport | 10 years | $752 | Broker
| Both |
| 73% positive |
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Receive a custom quote from a Car Moving Company today that's designed to meet your needs and budget.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
Check to make sure it has a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number or a motor carrier (MC) number. You can then look these numbers up in databases like the FMCSA’s SAFER database. If the company doesn’t have a number, it probably isn’t legitimate.
In some cases, towing can be cheaper, especially if you already own all the needed supplies. However, for most people, we still recommend shipping. Truck and trailer rentals can have many restrictions, and even the most experienced drivers can run into safety issues while hauling a large trailer or dolly.
While driving your car will almost always be cheaper, for long-distance moves, we recommend hiring a car shipping company. That way, you won’t put any additional miles on your car or add any wear to it. It’s also easier, more convenient and a lot safer to entrust your vehicle to a professional.
Cassidy was an updates editor whose main responsibility is to write and edit articles on a range of home improvement topics. Her passion for lifestyle writing began with her editorial apprenticeship at Travel + Leisure magazine. Moving from travel to home, Cassidy now specializes in writing DIY and interior design content.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
