Moving across the country? Don’t worry about putting miles on your car – consider using a cross country car shipping service! This guide will help you navigate the process, from understanding your options to picking the perfect auto transport company.
What is Cross Country Car Shipping?
Cross country car shipping, also known as auto transport, involves using a specialized carrier to transport your vehicle long distances – often on trailers that carry multiple cars. This service is ideal for those who are:
- Relocating to a new state
- Avoiding the long drive
- Shipping a car that’s not drivable
The Two Main Shipping Methods:
This is the most affordable option. Your car is secured on an open trailer, exposed to the elements during transport.
This method offers superior protection from weather and road debris. Your car is placed inside a fully enclosed trailer, but typically comes at a higher cost.
Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company:
With so many companies offering cross country car shipping, it’s important to do your research. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Company Reputation: Check online reviews and ratings from previous customers. Look for companies accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Services Offered: Does the company offer open and enclosed transport options? Do they provide door-to-door service or terminal pick-up/drop-off?
- Insurance: Ensure the company offers adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle during transport.
- Price: Get quotes from several companies before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to negotiate!
Tips for a Smooth Car Shipping Experience:
Recommended Companies Offering Car Shipping Across the Country
A shipment refers to goods or cargo that are being transported from one location to another. This can involve various modes of transportation, such as trucks, airplanes, ships, or trains. Shipments can be domestic (within a country) or international (between countries).
Overall Rating
4.5
Experience
17+ Years
Overall Rating
4.5
Experience
18+ Years
Overall Rating
4.5
Experience
20+ Years
Overall Rating
4.5
Experience
6+ Years
Road Trip Without the Miles: How Long Does Cross-Country Car Shipping Take?
Thinking of skipping the long drive and shipping your car across the country instead? Smart move! Here’s the scoop on timing:
- Distance Drives the Delivery: Generally, the farther your car travels, the longer it takes. Most cross-country shipments land between 7-10 days.
- Route Roulette: The chosen route and pick-up/drop-off locations can play a role. Shipping between major cities might be quicker than more remote areas.
- Life’s Little Detours: Weather, traffic, and the carrier’s schedule can sometimes cause delays. Be prepared for these unexpected pit stops!
By keeping these factors in mind, you can anticipate your car’s arrival and plan for a smooth car-shipping experience. Now, buckle up for a stress-free journey (even if you’re not behind the wheel)!
AutoStar Transport Express
Top-Rated Service Provider
Head Office: MIAMI, FL
With over a decade of experience, AutoStar Transport Express has become a trusted leader in car shipping. They offer nationwide and even international transport for all your vehicle relocation needs, from classic cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Customer-Centric: Positive reviews and BBB accreditation highlight their commitment to excellent service.
- Flexible Options: Choose from open or enclosed carriers, depending on your budget and desired level of protection.
- Peace of Mind: They prioritize vehicle safety with proper insurance coverage for all vehicle types.
- Added Benefits: Enjoy potential discounts, flexible payment options, and even rental car reimbursement for unexpected delays.
Whether you’re relocating across the country or shipping your prized classic car overseas, AutoStar Transport Express offers a reliable and comprehensive solution.
Though AutoStar Transport Express is the Highest rated car shipping company in the US, it still has some disadvantages. Below are some pros and cons of using AutoStar Transport Express to ship your car:
Pros:
- Operate a fleet of 20,000 specialized car transporters.
- 16+ years of car shipping expertise and knowledge.
- Offers special discounts for military, students, and repeat customers.
- Multilingual assistance is provided in English and Spanish.
- Competitive pricing is offered.
- Collaborates with a network of licensed and insured carriers.
Cons: - Limited availability, not offering 24/7 service.
- Currently lacks a mobile app for convenience.
AutoStar Transport Express provides a variety of car shipping services to meet specific customer needs:
- Open Transport: Most common and cost-effective, but offers less protection.
- Enclosed Transport: Ensures extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles, but comes at a higher cost in enclosed car shipping.
- Expedited Shipping: Swift delivery options are available for urgent shipments.
- Classic Car Transport: Specialized expertise in transporting classic and vintage cars safely.
- Other Services: No upfront payment required, flexible pickup and delivery options, and 24/7 customer support.
The company is known to have an average cost of $1,150 per transport, which is $230 more than other companies on average. However, it’s important to note that the price can fluctuate depending on several factors, including vehicle size, transport type, and the time of year. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for open transport and $1,000 to $2,500 for enclosed transport.
- Open Auto Transport: $600 – $1,600
- Enclosed Auto Transport: $900 – $2,200
- Military Auto Transport: $450 – $1,265
- Classic Car Transport: $600 – $2,500
- Motorcycle Shipping: $350 – $700
Montway Auto Transport
Best In International Shipping
Head Office: Schaumburg, IL
Montway Auto Transport has established itself as a leader in the industry with over a decade of experience. They boast a network of 15,000 carriers, ensuring they can handle car shipping across all 50 states and even internationally.
They prioritize customer satisfaction with readily available customer service and consistently receive positive reviews. Competitive rates and various discounts make Montway an attractive option. Their focus on safety includes licensed carriers and substantial cargo insurance for peace of mind.
Keep in mind: Montway doesn’t currently ship RVs, campers, or boats. Initial cost estimates may vary, and a cancellation fee applies after order assignment.
Though Montway is the highest-rated car shipping company in the industry, it still has some downsides. Below are some pros and cons of Montway Auto Transport:
Pros:
- Montway provides a comprehensive selection of shipping services, encompassing both open and enclosed transport options.
- Special discounts are available for military personnel and repeat customers, adding extra value to their services.
- The company offers competitive pricing, ensuring customers get cost-effective solutions for their shipping needs.
- Montway enjoys an excellent reputation among its customers, reflecting their commitment to quality service.
Cons:
- Pricing is not guaranteed, and customers should be aware of potential fluctuations.
- Montway has a strict cancellation policy, imposing a minimum fee of $199 for cancellations.
- The company does not offer transportation services for RVs, campers, or boats, limiting its scope of services.
Montway Auto Transport provides a variety of car shipping services to meet specific customer needs:
- Montway specializes in transporting automobiles and does not handle ATVs, recreational vehicles, boats, or campers.
- They offer a wide range of shipping services, including open and enclosed transport, shipment tracking, multi-car transport, and nationwide auto shipping.
- Montway is an auto transport broker that ensures a seamless and reliable car shipping experience.
- Their services also include convenient door-to-door shipping for added convenience.
The cost of shipping your vehicle with Montway Auto Transport varies depending on various factors, such as the distance, type of transport, and the condition of your vehicle. Here are some estimated costs:
- Open Auto Transport: $900 – $1,200
- Enclosed Auto Transport: $1,200 – $1,500
- Expedited Auto Transport: $1,500 – $2,000
- Military Auto Transport: $700 – $1,000
- Classic Car Transport: $1,500 – $2,000
- Motorcycle Shipping: $600 – $800
It’s worth noting that these are only estimates, and the actual cost may vary.
AmeriFreight
Price-Lock Promise
Head Office: Peachtree City, GA
AmeriFreight Auto Transport is dedicated to offering reliable and budget-friendly vehicle shipping services throughout the United States. Over time, the company has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the auto shipping industry.
Customers benefit from multiple discounts and a high satisfaction rating. Additionally, AmeriFreight provides a unique AFta PLAN, ensuring extra protection for customers’ vehicles.
With AmeriFreight, you have options for your shipping needs. The “Guarantee Pricing” option, though slightly more expensive, ensures fixed pricing without any post-quote increases, saving you money compared to other transporters. For those seeking lower rates, the “Priority” choice allows carriers to bid against each other, leading to the selection of the most economical offer within a set timeframe.
Choose AmeriFreight for a reliable, cost-effective, and flexible car shipping experience tailored to your preferences.
Pros:
- AmeriFreight is highly regarded for its excellent customer service and support.
- Customers can benefit from AFta insurance plans for added vehicle protection.
- The company offers attractive discounts to military members, first responders, and students.
- Quick shipping is possible, with cars being shipped within 24 hours.
Cons:
- International shipping options are limited.
- Cancellations are subject to a minimum fee of $199.
- Guaranteed quotes are exclusively available.
AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Both open and enclosed shipping options for your vehicle.
- Expedited shipping for quicker delivery.
- Nationwide auto transport, covering all 50 states.
- Limited international shipping, primarily to Canada.
- Shipping services for various vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and ATVs.
- Terminal shipping is available upon request.
- Insurance coverage for added peace of mind during transportation.
The cost of transporting your vehicle with AmeriFreight will depend on several factors such as the distance, type of transport, and time of year. Here is a breakdown of their pricing:
- Open transport: This is the most popular and affordable option. The average cost for this service is around $1 per mile.
- Enclosed transport: This is a more expensive option but offers additional protection for your vehicle. The average cost for this service is around $1.50 per mile.
- Expedited transport: If you need your vehicle transported quickly, AmeriFreight offers expedited services for an additional fee of around $200-$500.
- Guaranteed pick-up: For an additional fee of around $100, AmeriFreight can guarantee a pick-up time within a specified window.
Sherpa Auto Transport
Multiple Discounts
Head Office: Charlotte, NC.
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a stress-free car shipping experience across the US. They stand out with features like a price lock guarantee, complimentary car wash on arrival, and robust insurance coverage for both liability and cargo. This focus on customer satisfaction and vehicle security makes Sherpa a strong choice for your car shipping needs.
Pros:
- Enjoy price assurance with a guarantee of up to $300 over the estimated quote.
- Benefit from transparent pricing without any hidden fees.
- Experience excellent customer service that puts your needs first.
Cons:
- Motorcycle and ATV shipping services are not available.
- Shipping services do not cover Alaska or Hawaii.
- For estimated prices, customers are required to make a phone call.
Unlike Montway, Sherpa Auto Transport specializes exclusively in automobile transportation and does not deal with various types of vehicles like ATVs, recreational vehicles, boats, or campers.
As an auto transport broker, Sherpa offers a diverse range of shipping options, including open and enclosed transport, shipment tracking, multi-car transport, shipping to the 48 contiguous states, door-to-door service, and three-day pickup windows. This focused specialization ensures that customers receive top-notch and reliable car shipping solutions tailored to their specific needs.
As per our research and comparison to other companies, Sherpa Auto Transport initially quoted us a higher rate of $1,300 for a 1,500-mile open transport shipment, whereas the average rate in the industry is around $1,200.
