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An epic road trip across the country sounds awesome! But let’s face it—you’re an adult and you don’t have time for that. You have a job, family, and responsibilities. Instead of spending your few precious vacation days driving across the country, you need a car shipping company. Don’t make the rookie mistake of hiring the first guy with a truck that you come across or your friend’s sketchy uncle.
Throughout my years working for a national third party logistics company, I saw more damaged cars than I’d care to admit. We would tell people that the cheapest bid isn’t always the best, but that didn’t stop them. The money you save on the shipment is nothing compared to the frustration and money you’ll spend on repairs should your car get lost, stolen, or damaged. The right car shipping company for you will offer the services you need for the type of vehicle you own and have a strong, safe performance track record.
I’ve saved you hours of research by curating a list of car shipping companies that have consistently delivered.
Our Methodology
I take my commitment to you, the reader, seriously and adhere to a strict methodology set out by The Drive. So when it came to choosing car shippers, it was important to find the best companies providing high quality and reliable services. After all, as car people, it’s our pride and joy going on that truck, and it needs to arrive safe and sound. The shipping industry is complicated, and it’s hard to determine the reputable shippers from the questionable ones. On a basic level, every car shipping company I considered needed to be licensed, insured, and meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Never trust your vehicle with someone who isn’t licensed or insured.
When comparing car shipping services, the first step was to consider the services offered. This included the regions serviced, insurance offerings, type of trucks, number of trucks, and customer service hours. Then I looked at the actual shipping experience. Do they offer instant online quotes, or must you call and speak to someone? Then, what kind of shipping times, rates for common routes, and delivery guarantees do they offer? Any unique features, such as damage-free delivery, quote guarantee, extra insurance, and clean car guarantee, were accounted for. Finally, I considered actual customer reviews, satisfaction ratings, and my personal experience with these companies to determine the final choices.
Best Car Shipping Companies Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Montway Auto Transport
Best Value
Ship a Car Direct
Honorable Mention
AmeriFreight
Best International
AutoShippers
Best Rated
Easy Auto Ship
Best Enclosed
Sherpa Auto Transport
Our Verdict
For the best car shipping service, Montway Auto Transport won’t let you down with its extensive network of carriers and competitive rates.
If you’re working with a limited budget, Ship a Car Direct has safety and customer service ratings and doesn’t require an upfront deposit.
FAQs on Car Shipping Companies
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
Q: What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
A: The cheapest way to ship a car is by open transport. These are open trailers that are pulled by semi-cabs. Some can hold as many as 10 vehicles. These larger trailers reduce the cost of shipping by spreading it among each of the vehicles on the trailer.
Q. Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?
A: It depends. Some carriers do not allow any personal items in your vehicle. Some carriers will let you put personal items secured in boxes in the trunk with a weight limit of 50 pounds. There are a small number of carriers that will let you put personal items in the trunk and passenger area of the vehicle but only up to the bottom of the windows. You may have to pay extra for this option.
Q. How do I prepare my car for shipping?
A: Start by gathering all of the necessary documents for shipment. Then wash and clean your car inside and out. This lets you clearly document the condition of your car pre-shipment. Remove your personal items and empty the fuel tank to the carrier’s required level. Take pictures of your vehicle. Remove any exterior accessories that could get damaged during transport.