Best Car Shipping Companies In 2024: Services And Costs

*The average overall rating for all 21 shipping companies we reviewed was 4.3 out of 5.0.

Car Shipping Company Reviews

After performing an in-depth industry review, our research team named Mercury Auto Transport the best car shipping company in 2024. While the provider tops this year’s list for the best provider overall, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best auto transport company for everyone. 

Because rates can vary with any provider based on your location, service preferences, and discount eligibility, we recommend researching a few leading companies and comparing quotes. To that end, the sections below contain in-depth reviews of the top auto transport companies on our list.

How Car Shipping Works

If this is your first time shipping a car, take a few minutes to read the information below to familiarize yourself with the process and gain more peace of mind. 

Car Shipping Companies: Brokers Vs. Carriers

Shipping a car involves three components: the customer, a car shipping broker, and a carrier. In a nutshell, a customer gets a quote from a broker to ship their car. The broker then posts the job to its network of carriers. Once a carrier is dispatched to pick up the car, the broker has rendered its services.

Most of the time, a carrier picks up the job for the agreed price. In some cases, the quote is not high enough to secure a carrier. This may happen if there is high demand for car shipping at the time the customer requests a quote. The broker may go back to the customer and ask to raise the quote to secure a carrier.

You might wonder, why not just book directly with a carrier over a broker? Well, carriers rarely advertise to customers. Most prefer to work with brokers to keep their schedules full and to avoid worrying about marketing costs.

Car Shipping Services

If you’re considering shipping a car, it’s important to understand the services that are available to you. Three crucial components to consider within the auto transport industry are:

1. Shipping methods
2. Whether or not your vehicle is protected by a sufficient level of insurance coverage 
3. Potential issues with damage, insurance payouts, and final pricing

We’ll cover each of these components in the sections below.

Open Vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Services

There are two main kinds of auto shipping: open and enclosed. With open shipping, the carrier loads your car onto an open-air trailer that can accommodate 10 or more vehicles depending on the cars’ sizes. Since more cars fit on an open trailer, transportation costs are lower with this shipping method.

However, open shipping leaves your car vulnerable to debris from the road and damage from the elements. Not to mention, cars on the upper deck can leak oil and other fluids onto the cars below.

If these potential risks set off alarm bells for you, you’ll want to use enclosed shipping. SGT Auto Transport CEO Tsvetelin (Jack) Savov shared some expert tips for those who are deciding between the two shipping methods.

“Enclosed shipping is worth the extra cost in certain situations. If the vehicle is expensive, classic, or a sports car, enclosed shipping is highly recommended to ensure that it is protected from any climate impacts during transport.”

Depending on the distance and company, enclosed shipping can cost anywhere from an additional $100 to $1,000 more than open shipping. But the cost may be worth it to keep a new or valuable car safe from the elements.

“Customers should weigh the benefits of enclosed transport against their budget and shipping needs to determine if it is the best option for their specific situation,” said Savov. “Overall, while enclosed shipping is not always necessary, it can provide added peace of mind and security for certain types of vehicles during transport.”

Car Transport Insurance

The car shipping companies on our list all require the carriers in their networks to have minimum levels of cargo insurance, which usually start at $100,000. This insurance covers both theft and damage to your vehicle while it’s in transit. However, some situations may be excluded. AmeriFreight can cover damages from flying objects from the road or sky through its Allied Fidelity Total Assurance Plan (AFta), for a price.

“Most companies provide bumper-to-bumper insurance, which covers external damage to the vehicle, but it’s always advisable to check the coverage of the insurance to make sure it includes the cost of the vehicle,” explained Savov. 

Damage to your vehicle during the loading and unloading process may be excluded from cargo insurance. If something happens to your car and the carrier denies the claim, you can file a claim with your insurance company—but only if you have comprehensive coverage.

“If the insurance coverage provided by the shipping company meets the customer’s needs, it may not be necessary to purchase additional insurance,” said Savov. “Customers should take time to review the terms and conditions of any additional insurance policy, including any exclusions, limitations, and deductibles.”

Some companies provide extra insurance coverage for a fee, and others offer compensation if certain claims are denied by the carrier’s insurance. This is why it’s important to read the fine print as you shop around for car shipping quotes.

Customer Satisfaction

Our team surveyed 1,000 people in 2023 who had shipped a car. A total of 59 percent of respondents said they were “very satisfied,” and 34 percent were “somewhat satisfied.” This means that 93 percent of those who took our survey had some measure of satisfaction with their shipping experience. 

Two percent were very dissatisfied with their experience with the auto moving company they chose. The remaining five percent of respondents were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their shipping experience. 

Some common problems included:

• The vehicle being damaged upon delivery
• The truck driver’s insurance not covering the damage
• The final price being more than the auto transport quote

We found that open car transport is the most popular way to ship a car, which makes sense since it’s usually the most economical shipping option. In our 2023 survey, 65 percent of respondents selected open transport and 29 percent of people chose enclosed carrier transport. Some customers also used single-car transport services such as a flatbed truck.

Our Team’s Shipping Experience

To test out the auto transport industry for ourselves, three members of our product review team shipped their own vehicles with some of the industry’s leading providers. Product Analyst Sonia Chrostowski selected a cross-country route from Carlsbad, CA to Raleigh, NC with Sonic Auto Transportation.

Overall, she was very satisfied with her experience and found that there was some flexibility among what is permitted with shipping carriers. She was able to pack her entire vehicle with belongings for an additional fee, which is not common in the shipping industry. The carrier assigned to her by her shipping broker was Skyline Auto Relocation Inc.

“I was given the phone number of the dispatcher and the actual driver himself, so I could call the driver whenever I wanted an update on the status of my car shipment,” said Chrostowski. “Being able to speak with the driver was a great plus since I was very anxious about shipping my car. My car arrived with no damage and all of my things still packed in my car.”

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?

Shipping a car can cost up to $1.39 per mile for short trips of about 500 miles but as low as $0.52 per mile for distances over 2,000 miles, according to our secret shopper analysis.

Our team received quotes from over 15 companies in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. We saw an increase in costs across the board in 2022. Notably, we received our 2022 quotes while inflation and gas prices were on the rise.

The average 1,500-mile open-car shipment cost was $1,056 in 2021 but rose to $1,425 in 2022. It fell to $1,077 in 2023 but rose slightly to $1,160 in 2024.

What Affects Car Shipping Prices?

In general, car shipping costs are most affected by the following factors:

• Shipping distance: The farther your move, the more vehicle shipping will cost overall but will be less per mile. Shorter trips will typically cost less overall, but do tend to cost more per mile.
• Type of vehicle: Your car’s length, height, clearance, and weight can all impact shipping costs. Inoperable vehicles cost more to ship as well.
• Transport type: Enclosed car transport costs more than open auto transport.
• Pickup location: Door-to-door delivery is more expensive than terminal-to-terminal delivery. Shipping to and from rural areas is also more expensive than shipping to and from urban areas.
• Delivery and pickup dates: You’ll save more money by ordering shipments that are at least two or more weeks away. Expedited shipping is more expensive.
• Time of year: Prices peak in the summer and in January, when auto shippers are at their busiest.
• Cost of fuel: When fuel prices rise for carriers, expect them to factor that into their own prices for shipping your car.

Car Shipping Quotes

It’s important to note that the price that you’re quoted may not be the same as the price you’ll pay. Unless you work with a company that explicitly offers a locked-in rate or price guarantee, assume that quoted rates can change. Car carriers are independent businesses, and they can choose whether a particular job offers enough compensation or not.

However, once a carrier is dispatched or assigned to pick up your car, your price should not change. If the driver asks for more money when they drop off the vehicle, that’s not okay. You should report them to the shipping company.

In our 2023 shipping survey, 14 percent of respondents did say the driver asked for more money or a larger tip upon delivery. It’s a good idea to print out your original shipping agreement and have it with you when you meet the driver.

Auto Transport Payments

After you get a quote, there are four main steps in the car shipping process:

1. Quote acceptance (booking)
2. Dispatch
3. Pickup
4. Delivery

When a company assigns your car shipment to a specific carrier, the car has been dispatched. Depending on the broker, you will get charged for the shipping service either at the time of booking or dispatch. In both cases, you pay online by credit card and the broker then pays the carrier its share later on.

Many brokers also give the option for a cash-on-delivery (COD) payment, which can be cheaper than prepaying in full online. Car shipping companies like COD payments because it saves them an administrative task, while drivers like them because they get their money faster. The upside for you is that you can pay a small deposit at the time of booking or dispatch and then pay the rest when you receive the car.

Be aware that cash-on-delivery means no debit cards, credit cards, or checks. Drivers will accept cash-equivalent payments like money orders or cashier’s checks, though. Some may accept payments through Venmo or Cash App, but don’t count on this being the case.

Car Shipping Tips

When shipping a car, there are a few things you should know in order to avoid unnecessary headaches and hassle during your move. Below are a few helpful tips for those who are considering or are in the process of transporting a vehicle.

1. Do Your Research

It’s important to do your research. Savov recommends the following for first-time shippers:

“For a first-time car shipper, I recommend investing sufficient time into the research phase to determine the type of service needed. Whether it’s for relocating or for a guaranteed pickup service, comparing prices and evaluating the pros and cons of at least two to three companies is highly recommended.”

2. Be Flexible

It’s important to be flexible when shipping a car, especially for long-distance moving. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll pay more upfront for expedited car delivery. Shipping timelines can change depending on weather and traffic, too. Keep in mind that delivery dates are very rarely guaranteed.

Auto movers may not be able to meet you at your exact delivery location. Remember, an open or enclosed trailer needs to make it to the dropoff spot. This isn’t always possible on smaller neighborhood streets.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle Correctly

Here’s how to prepare your car for shipping:

• Make sure your vehicle has no more than a quarter tank of gas.
• Remove all your personal items.
• Make sure your car isn’t leaking any fluids.
• Clean your car inside and out.
• Note your car’s exact condition and take photos before signing the bill of lading.
• Take very clear photos of the car.

4. Keep A Copy Of The Bill Of Lading

The bill of lading has many purposes. Carriers use the bill of lading to record any pre-existing marks, dents, or mechanical issues on the vehicle before loading it up. The bill of lading also acts as an official report and receipt for the shipping transaction. You and the carrier will both sign it before the car gets lifted onto the trailer and after the car arrives at its destination.

If you notice any new damages or mechanical issues with your vehicle after arrival, you can use your bill of lading copy to file a claim with the auto transport broker. The broker may ensure that repairs are covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, if the claim is found to be valid. This is also why it’s important to take clear photos of the vehicle before and after delivery.

Best Car Shipping Companies: Bottom Line

We rated Mercury Auto Transport as the best overall car shipping company, but each of the other providers on this list is worthy of your attention. AmeriFreight, Montway Auto Transport, SGT Auto Transport, and National Express Auto Transport all scored almost as high in our study and offer reliable service and competitive pricing.

You can and should get free quotes from several providers to compare before making a decision. The car shipper that offers the best rates for your neighbor may not be the one with the cheapest rates for you.

Car Shipping Companies: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about car shipping companies:

Car Shipping Company Ratings: Our Process

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of car shipping companies to formulate rankings of the best transporters. Providers receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

• Industry Standing: Shippers with a history of strong business practices and endorsements from experts receive the highest scores in this category.
• Cost: Our research team reviews sample quotes for a variety of shipping routes, distances, and vehicles. Companies with lower prices and many discount opportunities receive the best scores.
• Services: This rating is based on types of auto transport services available, insurance coverage, and the ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates.
• Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and perform our own shopper analysis to get a sense of the responsiveness and helpfulness of each car transporter.

*Data accurate at time of publication

Brogan is a Motor1.com Senior Writer based in Central Oregon. He produces in-depth auto product guides on topics spanning from auto warranties and insurance to tips on how to sell a car.