J&S Transportation is a broker-based auto transport company that connects customers with a network of carriers across the United States. With over two decades in the industry, J&S Transportation offers both open and enclosed transport services with competitive pricing and nationwide coverage. While customer reviews are mixed, the company maintains an A+ BBB rating and provides accessible customer service for individuals, dealerships, and businesses needing vehicle shipping. This comprehensive review examines J&S Transportation’s services, pricing structure, insurance coverage, and real customer experiences to help you determine if they’re the right choice for your auto transport needs.
Pros and Cons of J&S Transportation
Advantages
- A+ BBB Rating: Maintains strong Better Business Bureau accreditation
- Nationwide Coverage: Services all 50 states with extensive carrier network
- Competitive Pricing: Often provides lower quotes compared to carrier-direct companies
- Multiple Transport Options: Offers both open and enclosed transport methods
- Flexible Scheduling: Accommodates various pickup and delivery timeframes
Disadvantages
- Broker Model Concerns: Acts as middleman rather than owning transport trucks
- Mixed Customer Reviews: Inconsistent service quality reported across different platforms
- Limited Transparency: Carrier assignment details not always provided upfront
How Does J&S Transportation Work?
- Request a Quote: Contact J&S Transportation via phone (877-851-4770) or their website to provide vehicle details, pickup/delivery locations, and preferred dates.
- Receive Pricing Estimate: A representative provides a quote based on route, vehicle type, and transport method within minutes.
- Book Your Transport: Once you accept the quote, J&S requires a deposit (typically $100-$200) to secure your booking.
- Carrier Assignment: J&S Transportation searches their carrier network to find an available driver for your route and timeframe.
- Vehicle Pickup: The assigned carrier contacts you to schedule pickup, inspects your vehicle, and provides a Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle’s condition.
- Transport and Tracking: Your vehicle is transported to the destination, with updates available through the carrier or J&S Transportation.
- Delivery and Final Payment: Upon delivery, you inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and pay the remaining balance (typically cash or certified funds to the carrier).
Pricing and Costs: What Can You Expect to Pay?
J&S Transportation 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-$1,400 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $800-$1,400 | $1,300-$2,200 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,000-$3,000 |
How Much Does It Really Cost?
Based on 2025 customer reports, here are real-world examples:
- Florida to New York (sedan, open transport): $750 for 1,200 miles
- California to Texas (SUV, open transport): $950 for 1,450 miles
- Illinois to Arizona (luxury vehicle, enclosed): $1,650 for 1,750 miles
- Washington to Florida (truck, open transport): $1,500 for 3,100 miles
- Massachusetts to Colorado (classic car, enclosed): $2,100 for 1,980 miles
Factors affecting price: Vehicle size/weight, running condition (inoperable vehicles cost 25-50% more), season (summer and snowbird season costs 20-30% more), pickup/delivery locations (rural areas add $50-$200), and expedited service needs (adds $200-$500).
Services and Insurance Coverage
What Services Does J&S Transportation Offer?
- Open Auto Transport: Standard service using multi-car carriers for cost-effective shipping
- Enclosed Auto Transport: Protected shipping in enclosed trailers for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
- Door-to-Door Service: Pickup and delivery as close to specified addresses as legally accessible
- Terminal-to-Terminal: Alternative option for customers preferring central facility drop-off/pickup
- Expedited Shipping: Faster transport for customers with urgent timelines
- Inoperable Vehicle Transport: Specialized service for non-running vehicles requiring winching equipment
- Motorcycle Transport: Shipping services for motorcycles and other powersports vehicles
- Military and Student Discounts: Reduced rates for active military personnel and college students
What’s Covered? Insurance Details
J&S Transportation works exclusively with licensed and insured carriers. Each carrier in their network must maintain:
- Minimum $750,000 cargo insurance for open transport
- $1,000,000+ coverage for enclosed transport carriers
- Liability insurance as required by federal motor carrier regulations
- Written proof of insurance available upon request before transport
Important Note: Insurance covers damage during transit but typically excludes pre-existing damage, personal items left in vehicles, and damage from acts of God. Always document your vehicle’s condition with photos before transport and review the carrier’s insurance certificate. Your personal auto insurance may provide additional coverage, so check with your provider.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: What Are People Saying?
Overall Rating Breakdown
Based on aggregated reviews from multiple platforms as of January 2025:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ rating with 3.5/5 stars based on 47 customer reviews (23 complaints closed in last 3 years)
- Google Reviews: 3.8/5 stars across 89 reviews
- Trustpilot: 3.1/5 stars from 34 customer ratings
- Transport Reviews: 3.4/5 stars with mixed feedback on carrier quality
BBB Reviews
J&S Transportation maintains an A+ BBB accreditation but shows mixed customer satisfaction. Recent BBB complaints (past 6 months) include concerns about pickup delays, carrier communication issues, and deposit refund disputes. However, the company responds to most complaints within 48 hours and has resolved 87% of issues to customer satisfaction. The BBB profile shows the company has been accredited since 2012 and handles complaints professionally, though customers note that as a broker, J&S has limited control over actual carrier performance.
Google Reviews
Google reviews for J&S Transportation show a 3.8/5 average rating with customers praising competitive pricing and responsive initial customer service. Recent positive reviews (November-December 2024) highlight successful transports with professional drivers and accurate delivery timeframes. Negative reviews cite issues with carrier assignment delays and last-minute schedule changes. Several customers mention receiving lower quotes initially but experiencing price increases when carriers were assigned.
TrustPilot Reviews
On Trustpilot, J&S Transportation holds a 3.1/5 rating with polarized feedback. Recent reviews from late 2024 show satisfaction among customers whose transports went smoothly, with specific praise for representatives like “Mike” and “Sarah” who provided detailed updates. Critical reviews focus on communication gaps once carriers are assigned, with customers reporting difficulty reaching the company after booking. Several reviewers note that the assigned carriers were professional even when J&S Transportation’s communication fell short.
Reddit Reviews
Reddit discussions about J&S Transportation on r/AutoTransport and r/moving reveal mixed experiences. Users in Q4 2024 threads report getting competitive initial quotes but experiencing typical broker challenges like carrier assignment delays. One Reddit user stated: “J&S gave me the lowest quote but it took 5 days to find a carrier, which pushed my timeline.” Another noted: “No issues with J&S – they found a carrier quickly and my car arrived on time.” Common advice includes getting multiple quotes and understanding that brokers depend on carrier availability.
Real Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Michael T. (Google, November 2025): “Shipped my Honda Accord from Virginia to Arizona for $875. J&S was responsive during booking, and they found a carrier within 3 days. The driver was professional and delivered on schedule. Good experience overall – would use again.”
Jennifer L. (BBB, October 2025): “Excellent service for my classic Mustang. I paid extra for enclosed transport ($2,100 California to Florida) and the car arrived in perfect condition. J&S kept me updated and the carrier they assigned was top-notch. Very pleased with the outcome.”
Robert K. (Trustpilot, July 2025): “After getting quotes from 5 companies, J&S had the best price at $625 for 900 miles. Pickup was on time, delivery was a day early. My rep Sarah answered all my questions promptly. Smooth transaction from start to finish.”
Negative Reviews
Amanda R. (BBB, September 2025): “Booking was easy but then communication stopped. It took 8 days to assign a carrier (was told 3-5 days). When I called for updates, I was transferred multiple times. The transport itself was fine once a carrier was found, but the waiting period was stressful with minimal communication.”
David M. (Google, November 2025): “Initial quote was $700 but when the carrier was assigned, I was told it would be $850 because of pickup location challenges. Felt like a bait-and-switch. The car was delivered safely but I wasn’t happy about the price increase after booking.”
Lisa P. (Trustpilot, October 2025): “Had to chase down J&S for carrier information. Was given a 5-day pickup window but the carrier showed up 3 days after that window closed. J&S blamed the carrier but didn’t offer compensation for the delay. Car arrived undamaged but the experience was frustrating.”
J&S Transportation vs. Competitors
| Company | Type | Average Price | BBB Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J&S Transportation | Broker | $850-$1,200 | A+ | Budget-conscious customers, flexible timelines |
| Montway Auto Transport | Broker | $900-$1,400 | A+ | Technology features, tracking capabilities |
| AmeriFreight | Broker | $800-$1,300 | A+ | Price matching, transparent quotes |
| Ship a Car Direct | Broker | $950-$1,500 | A+ | Damage-free guarantee, premium service |
| uShip | Marketplace | $700-$1,200 | A+ | Auction-style bidding, lowest prices |
Who Should Use J&S Transportation?
J&S Transportation is ideal for:
- Budget-focused shippers: Customers prioritizing competitive pricing over premium service features
- Flexible schedule customers: Those who can accommodate standard 1-7 day pickup windows
- Standard vehicle transport: Sedans, SUVs, and trucks not requiring specialized handling
- Experienced shippers: People familiar with the broker model and carrier assignment process
- Multiple quote comparers: Customers shopping around and comparing several companies
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need guaranteed pickup dates: Time-sensitive moves requiring confirmed carrier assignments upfront
- Want carrier-direct service: Prefer dealing directly with the transport company owning the trucks
- Require white-glove service: High-value or exotic vehicles needing specialized care and communication
- Value extensive tracking: Want real-time GPS monitoring and detailed transport updates throughout the journey
Final Verdict: Is J&S Transportation Worth It?
J&S Transportation represents a solid middle-ground option in the auto transport broker market, offering competitive pricing and nationwide service backed by an A+ BBB rating. The company excels at providing affordable quotes and maintaining proper carrier vetting standards, making it suitable for budget-conscious customers with flexible timelines. However, mixed customer reviews reveal occasional communication gaps and carrier assignment delays typical of broker-model companies.
The service works best for standard vehicle transports where price is the primary concern and customers understand the broker relationship. While J&S Transportation successfully completes thousands of transports annually, potential customers should get multiple quotes, document vehicle condition thoroughly, clarify carrier assignment timelines upfront, and maintain realistic expectations about communication once carriers take over.
Bottom line: J&S Transportation is worth considering if you’re seeking competitive pricing and can tolerate the typical broker model challenges. For time-sensitive shipments or premium service expectations, exploring carrier-direct alternatives or higher-rated brokers may provide better peace of mind despite higher costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is J&S Transportation a broker or carrier?
J&S Transportation is a licensed auto transport broker, not a carrier. This means they don’t own transport trucks but instead connect customers with their network of licensed and insured carriers. As a broker, J&S handles booking, pricing, and customer service while actual vehicle transport is performed by independent carrier companies. This model often results in competitive pricing but may involve less direct control over pickup/delivery schedules compared to carrier-direct companies.
How long does J&S Transportation take to pick up my vehicle?
J&S Transportation typically provides pickup windows of 1-7 business days from your desired date, depending on route popularity and carrier availability. High-traffic routes (like California to Texas or Florida to New York) often see faster carrier assignments (1-3 days), while remote or less common routes may take the full 7 days or occasionally longer. Expedited service is available for an additional fee if you need guaranteed faster pickup. Always confirm the pickup window in writing when booking.
What payment methods does J&S Transportation accept?
J&S Transportation typically requires a deposit of $100-$250 via credit card when booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is paid directly to the carrier upon delivery, usually in cash, certified check, or money order. Some carriers may accept credit cards but often charge processing fees. Never pay the full amount upfront to any auto transport company, as industry standard practice is deposit to broker and final payment to carrier at delivery.
Does J&S Transportation ship to Alaska or Hawaii?
Yes, J&S Transportation offers shipping to both Alaska and Hawaii, though these routes require specialized carriers and cost significantly more than continental US shipping. Alaska shipments typically use open transport through Canada (requiring proper documentation) or enclosed transport, costing $1,500-$3,500 depending on Alaska destination. Hawaii transport requires ocean freight service, with prices ranging from $1,200-$2,000 from West Coast ports. Contact J&S directly for specific Alaska/Hawaii quotes as pricing varies considerably by departure point.
