American Auto Shipping Review 2026: Honest Insights on Pricing, Reliability, and Customer Experience
When it comes to shipping your vehicle across the country, choosing the right auto transport company can feel overwhelming. American Auto Shipping is a well-established car shipping broker that has been connecting customers with vetted carriers since 2007. This comprehensive review examines their pricing, reliability, and actual customer experiences to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your vehicle transport needs in 2026.
Pros and Cons of American Auto Shipping
Advantages
- Competitive Pricing: As a broker, they can shop your shipment to multiple carriers for better rates
- Price Match Guarantee: They’ll match or beat competitor quotes
- Nationwide Coverage: Available in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii
- Multiple Transport Options: Open, enclosed, expedited, and door-to-door services
- Military Discounts: Special pricing for active duty and veteran service members
Disadvantages
- Broker Model Limitations: They don’t own trucks, which can lead to communication gaps
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Some complaints about carrier quality and delivery delays
- Deposit Required: Upfront payment needed to secure booking
How Does American Auto Shipping Work?
- Get a Quote: Visit their website or call for an instant estimate based on your route, vehicle type, and preferred shipping method
- Book Your Shipment: Pay a deposit (typically $100-$300) to reserve your spot and lock in pricing
- Carrier Assignment: American Auto Shipping matches your vehicle with an available, vetted carrier from their network
- Vehicle Pickup: The carrier contacts you to schedule pickup within your requested timeframe (usually 1-7 days)
- Transport & Delivery: Track your shipment and receive your vehicle at the destination; final payment is due to the carrier upon delivery
Pricing and Costs: What Can You Expect to Pay?
American Auto Shipping’s pricing varies based on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $400-$700 | $600-$1,000 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $600-$900 | $900-$1,300 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $800-$1,300 | $1,200-$1,800 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,100-$1,800 | $1,600-$2,500+ |
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Based on 2025 customer reports, here are real-world examples:
- California to Texas (1,400 miles): $950 open transport
- Florida to New York (1,100 miles): $825 open transport
- Illinois to Arizona (1,700 miles): $1,450 enclosed transport
- Washington to Georgia (2,800 miles): $1,650 open transport
Factors affecting price: Vehicle size/weight, running condition, season (summer costs more), pickup/delivery locations (rural areas cost extra), and expedited service needs.
Services and Insurance Coverage
What Services Does American Auto Shipping Offer?
- Open Auto Transport: Most economical option; vehicles transported on open-air trailers
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Weather-protected shipping for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles
- Door-to-Door Delivery: Pickup and delivery at your specified addresses
- Terminal-to-Terminal: Cost-saving option using carrier terminals
- Expedited Shipping: Faster pickup and delivery (1-3 days)
- Motorcycle Transport: Specialized shipping for bikes
- Inoperable Vehicle Transport: For non-running vehicles (additional fee applies)
What’s Covered? Insurance Details
All carriers in American Auto Shipping’s network are required to carry:
- Minimum $750,000 cargo insurance for standard vehicles
- Up to $1 million coverage for enclosed transport
- Liability insurance as mandated by federal regulations
Important Note: Insurance is provided by the carrier, not American Auto Shipping directly. Always request a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before transport and document your vehicle’s condition with photos.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: What Are People Saying?
Overall Rating Breakdown
Based on aggregated reviews from multiple platforms as of March 2025:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ Rating, 3.9/5 stars (287 customer reviews)
- Google Reviews: 3.7/5 stars (456 reviews)
- Trustpilot: 3.8/5 stars (1,243 reviews)
- Transport Reviews: 4.1/5 stars (892 reviews)
BBB Reviews
American Auto Shipping maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, though they are not BBB accredited. They have 287 customer reviews with an average of 3.9/5 stars. The company responds to most complaints within 48 hours, showing solid customer service engagement. Common complaints involve carrier delays and communication issues, while positive reviews highlight competitive pricing and helpful customer service representatives.
Google Reviews
With 456 reviews averaging 3.7/5 stars on Google, customers appreciate the quick quote process and competitive rates. However, some negative reviews mention difficulties reaching the assigned carrier and unexpected delivery timeline extensions.
TrustPilot Reviews
American Auto Shipping has 3.8/5 stars from 1,243 reviews on Trustpilot. Approximately 62% of reviewers rate them as “Excellent” or “Great,” with 18% giving poor ratings. The platform shows mixed experiences, with pricing and professionalism praised, while carrier reliability and communication receive criticism.
Reddit Reviews
Discussions on r/autotrafficking and r/moving show mixed opinions. Users on Reddit appreciate their competitive quotes but warn to “get everything in writing” and “inspect your vehicle thoroughly before and after.” Several Redditors recommend American Auto Shipping for standard vehicles but suggest using carrier-owned companies for high-value vehicles.
Real Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Sarah M. (Texas to Florida, January 2025):
“Shipped my Honda Accord from Dallas to Tampa for $780. The quote was accurate, pickup was on time, and my car arrived in perfect condition within 5 days. The customer service rep kept me updated throughout. Would definitely use them again!”
Michael R. (California to New York, February 2025):
“As a military member, I got a great discount. They picked up my truck from San Diego and delivered to Syracuse in 8 days. The driver was professional and the price was $300 cheaper than other companies I quoted. Very satisfied.”
Jennifer L. (Illinois to Arizona, March 2025):
“Used enclosed transport for my classic Mustang. Yes, it was pricey at $1,480, but worth every penny. The carrier was experienced with classic cars and took great care. American Auto Shipping was responsive and professional throughout.”
Negative Reviews
David K. (Georgia to Oregon, December 2024):
“Initial quote was $1,100, but after I paid the deposit, they said no carriers were available at that price. Had to pay an extra $250 to get my car shipped. Felt like a bait-and-switch. The transport itself was fine, but the pricing games were frustrating.”
Amanda P. (Florida to Colorado, January 2025):
“Pickup was supposed to be in 1-3 days but took 9 days. The carrier never answered his phone, and American Auto Shipping kept saying they’d follow up but communication was poor. Car arrived fine but the stress wasn’t worth it.”
Robert T. (New York to Texas, February 2025):
“My car was damaged during transport – a small dent on the door. The carrier’s insurance process was a nightmare. American Auto Shipping said it wasn’t their responsibility since they’re just a broker. Took 6 weeks to get $400 compensation. Expected better support.”
American Auto Shipping vs. Competitors
| Company | Type | Average Price | BBB Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Auto Shipping | Broker | $$ | A+ | Budget-conscious shippers |
| Montway Auto Transport | Broker | $$ | A+ | Customer service |
| uShip | Marketplace | $ | F | Lowest prices (higher risk) |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Broker | $$$ | A+ | Guaranteed pricing |
| AmeriFreight | Broker | $$ | A- | Transparent pricing |
Who Should Use American Auto Shipping?
American Auto Shipping is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Shippers: Their price match guarantee and competitive broker model helps save money
- Military Personnel: Special discounts for active duty and veterans (up to 15% off)
- Students: Affordable options for college students moving cross-country
- Standard Vehicle Owners: Great for shipping sedans, SUVs, and trucks in good condition
- Flexible Timeline Customers: If you have 1-2 weeks for delivery, you’ll get better rates
Consider alternatives if you:
- Own a high-value exotic or classic car worth over $100,000 (consider carrier-owned companies)
- Need guaranteed pickup within 24-48 hours
- Want direct communication with the actual carrier from the start
- Prefer working with companies that own their own trucks
Final Verdict: Is American Auto Shipping Worth It?
American Auto Shipping is a solid mid-tier broker offering competitive pricing and nationwide coverage, making them a good choice for budget-conscious customers shipping standard vehicles, though their broker model means you’ll need to be flexible with timelines and proactive about communication with assigned carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Auto Shipping a legitimate company?
Yes, American Auto Shipping is a legitimate broker registered with the FMCSA (DOT #2032238, MC #730390) and has been in business since 2007. They maintain an A+ BBB rating and have transported thousands of vehicles. However, as a broker, they don’t own trucks and rely on third-party carriers.
How much does American Auto Shipping typically cost?
Prices range from $400 for short distances (under 500 miles) to $2,500+ for cross-country enclosed transport. Average costs are $800-$1,200 for typical cross-country shipments using open transport. Final pricing depends on distance, vehicle type, transport method, season, and route popularity.
Does American Auto Shipping provide insurance?
American Auto Shipping doesn’t provide insurance directly, but all carriers in their network are required to carry minimum $750,000 cargo insurance. You should always request the carrier’s insurance certificate before transport and thoroughly document your vehicle’s condition with photos and notes.
How long does shipping take with American Auto Shipping?
Pickup typically occurs within 1-7 days of booking, and transit times range from 1-2 days for short distances to 7-10 days for cross-country shipments. Expedited service can reduce these timelines but costs 30-50% more. Actual times vary based on route, weather, and carrier availability.
Can I ship an inoperable vehicle with American Auto Shipping?
Yes, they can arrange transport for non-running vehicles, but expect to pay an additional $150-$300 fee. The vehicle must roll, steer, and brake for loading/unloading. Be sure to specify that your vehicle is inoperable when requesting a quote, as this affects carrier availability and pricing.
What payment methods does American Auto Shipping accept?
They accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for the deposit (paid to American Auto Shipping). The remaining balance is typically paid to the carrier directly upon delivery, usually in cash or certified funds. Some carriers may accept credit cards, but confirm this in advance.
What should I do if my vehicle is damaged during transport?
Immediately document any damage with photos and note it on the Bill of Lading before the driver leaves. Contact both the carrier and American Auto Shipping within 24 hours. File a claim with the carrier’s insurance company. While American Auto Shipping can assist with the process, the claim is ultimately with the carrier’s insurer.
