Moving a vehicle across states—or cross-country—can feel intimidating the first time. Whether relocating, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to family, choosing a trustworthy auto transport partner is essential. The right provider delivers your car safely, on schedule, and without surprise fees. For more on the broader landscape, check our comprehensive guide to the best car shipping companies.
Based on service quality, transparency, customer feedback, and industry track record, these are the top auto shippers to rely on in 2026.
1. AutoStar Transport Express — Best for Customer Support and Communication
AutoStar Transport Express excels at proactive communication and hands-on coordination from quote to delivery. Operating nationwide, AutoStar books only licensed, insured carriers and emphasizes consistent updates so customers always know what’s happening. Dive deeper into their track record with our detailed AutoStar Transport Express review.
What makes AutoStar different is its people-first process: clear touchpoints, real status updates, and zero guesswork.
Key Strengths:
- Dedicated transport coordinators for direct communication
- Competitive pricing with transparent terms
- Vetted, fully insured carrier network
- Coverage across all 50 states
- Real-time transit updates
- No deposit until a carrier is assigned
- Rigorous carrier performance monitoring
- Strong customer satisfaction metrics
- Visible profiles and reviews
- Clear, responsive support
- Upfront, transparent pricing
If reliability, transparency, and responsive human support matter, AutoStar is a consistent, dependable pick.
2. Montway Auto Transport — Best for Nationwide Reach
Montway is one of the most recognized names in auto shipping, supported by a large national carrier network. Its online quotes are straightforward, and both open and enclosed options are available. Explore their services further in our Montway Auto Transport review.
Highlights:
- Serves all 50 states
- 24/7 customer support
- Expedited delivery available
4. Sherpa Auto Transport — Best for Price Transparency
Sherpa focuses on price certainty so your initial quote stays consistent—ideal for customers who want zero surprises. Read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review for insights on their guarantees.
Highlights:
- No hidden fees
- Free post-delivery car wash
- Strong satisfaction ratings
5. Ship A Car Inc — Best for Zero Upfront Deposit
Ship A Car Inc offers a simple booking process without requiring a deposit to schedule.
Highlights:
- No deposit until a carrier is confirmed
- Standard, enclosed, and luxury options
- Insurance and optional GPS tracking
6. uShip — Best Marketplace for Flexible Pricing
uShip is a marketplace, not a traditional carrier—multiple providers bid for your shipment so you can compare offers. Learn more about their auction-style model in our uShip review.
Highlights:
- Side-by-side rate comparisons
- Transparent carrier profiles and reviews
7. Ship a Car Direct — Best for Damage Protection
Ship a Car Direct is known for strict carrier vetting and added protection beyond typical carrier insurance. Check out customer experiences in our Ship a Car Direct review.
Highlights:
- Extra damage protection
- Mobile tracking app
- Trusted, screened carrier partners
8. Nationwide United Auto Transport — Best for Classic and Luxury Vehicles
Nationwide United specializes in high-value vehicles and enclosed, white-glove handling for collectors and exotic cars. For specialized, they shine—see our related guide.
Highlights:
- White-glove enclosed transport
- Experience with classic and exotic vehicles
- Specialized coast-to-coast service
📊 How We Selected These Top Car Shipping Companies
To ensure our recommendations are trustworthy and up-to-date for 2026, we evaluated over a dozen leading auto transport providers using a rigorous, multi-factor methodology. This draws from thousands of verified customer reviews across platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), ConsumerAffairs, and Transport Reviews, as well as industry reports and our own analysis of service data as of late 2025.
Key Criteria Included:
- Customer Satisfaction (30% weight): Aggregated ratings from at least 5,000 reviews per company, focusing on reliability, communication, and on-time delivery. Companies scoring below 4.5/5 stars were excluded.
- Pricing Transparency and Value (25% weight): Upfront quotes without hidden fees, competitive rates (e.g., $0.60–$1.20 per mile for open transport), and perks like discounts for military or seniors. Compare these to how much it costs to ship a car.
- Carrier Vetting and Safety (20% weight): Use of licensed, insured carriers with clean FMCSA records; preference for networks with 95%+ on-time performance.
- Service Range and Flexibility (15% weight): Nationwide coverage (including AK/HI), options for open/enclosed transport, expedited service, and specialty handling for classics or inoperable vehicles. For open vs. enclosed car shipping, these picks offer both.
- Customer Support and Tech Features (10% weight): 24/7 availability, real-time tracking apps, and responsive coordinators.
Standouts like AutoStar Transport Express topped the list for seamless support, while others excelled in niches like Sherpa’s price-lock guarantees. Only companies with A+ BBB ratings and fewer than 1% complaint resolution issues made the cut, ensuring these picks deliver hassle-free vehicle shipping.
💡 Final Tips
The right auto shipper should offer:
- Clear, responsive communication
- Transparent, predictable pricing
- Licensed, insured carriers
- Real support from knowledgeable staff
For many customers, that mix points to AutoStar Transport Express, where communication and customer care are central to every shipment.
If you’re scheduling a transport soon, compare quotes, verify insurance, confirm service level (open vs enclosed), and choose the option that best protects your vehicle and peace of mind. For cross-country moves, see our guide to shipping your car cross-country.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top car shipping companies in 2026?
The best are AutoStar Transport Express, Montway Auto Transport, Navi Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, Ship A Car Inc, uShip, Ship a Car Direct, and Nationwide United Auto Transport.
2. How much does it cost to ship a car across the country in 2026?
Open transport costs $0.60–$1.20 per mile. A 2,000-mile trip averages $1,200–$2,400. Enclosed is $1.00–$2.00 per mile.
3. Which car shipping company has the best customer support?
AutoStar Transport Express. It offers dedicated coordinators, real-time updates, and no deposit until a carrier is booked.
4. Do I need to pay a deposit to book car shipping?
No with AutoStar, Navi, or Ship A Car Inc. Others like Montway and Sherpa require $100–$200 upfront.
5. Can I track my car while it’s being shipped?
Yes. Navi Auto Transport and AutoStar provide live GPS tracking. Ship a Car Direct has a mobile app.
