Shipping your car can be stressful, whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending your car to a vacation home. Choosing the best car transport company is key to a smooth experience. With over 600 customer testimonials and verified carrier credentials analyzed, we highlight top companies that deliver your vehicle safely, on time, and transparently.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Which companies stand out in 2025.
- How to choose the right transport service for your needs.
- Cost expectations and how to avoid hidden fees.
- Preparation tips for a hassle-free shipment.
Why You Can Trust These Reviews
Our recommendations are based on extensive research from 21+ review platforms, direct customer interviews, and internal service audits. We independently analyze each company’s pricing, services, customer satisfaction, and transparency to bring you only the best vehicle transport companies of 2025.
Top 10 Best Car Transport Companies in 2025: Trusted & Reviewed
AutoStar Transport Express:
Rating: 4.7/5
MC #: 600908
18+ Years of Experience
- Nationwide coverage including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Door-to-door open and enclosed options.
- Bilingual support (English & Spanish).
- Access to 25,000+ vetted carriers.
- Trusted by repeat customers for reliable service.
- Clear communication throughout the shipping process.
- Professional, experienced drivers ensuring vehicle safety.
- Timely delivery with consistent on-schedule performance.
Cons: No real-time tracking; updates via calls/emails
Montway Auto Transport:
Rating: 4.48
MC #: 611862
17+ Years Experience
- Large carrier network.
- 24/7 customer support.
Cons: Broker-based pricing may change after assignment.
AmeriFreight:
Rating: 4.62/5
MC #: 597401
20 Years Experience
- Discounts for military, students, and seniors.
- Strong insurance and protection plans.
Cons: Final price may vary; slower communication during peak season
Sherpa Auto Transport:
Rating: 4.62/5
MC #: 1555035
8 Years Experience
- Price Lock Guarantee for fixed quotes.
- Clean-car delivery promise.
Cons: Premium pricing; no international shipping options
Ship a Car Direct:
Rating: 4.54/5
MC #: 632461
17 Years Experience
- Video inspections and damage-free guarantee.
- No upfront deposit required.
Cons: Broker-only service; basic tracking
MC #: 1614161 17 Years Experience
- Marketplace model with auction-style pricing.
- Wide range of transport options and carriers.
Cons: Variable carrier quality; less guidance for first-timers.
Easy Auto Ship:
Rating: 4.26/5
MC #: 103888
12 Years Experience
- Fast scheduling and free rental car if delayed.
- Focus on customer service and flexibility.
Cons: Price fluctuations; no real-time tracking.
RoadRunner Auto Transport:
Rating: 4.24/5
MC #: 1477776
30 Years Experience
- Large carrier network with GPS tracking.
- Quick quotes and coast-to-coast service.
Cons: Cancellation fees; occasional pickup delays.
Nexus Auto Transport:
Rating: 4.35/5
MC #: 744178
10 Years Experience
- Personalized service with strong customer support.
- Competitive pricing and flexible scheduling.
Cons: Smaller carrier network; limited international options.
Nationwide Auto Transportation:
Rating: 4.3/5
FMCSA #: 1347820
15 Years Experience
- Affordable pricing with flexible delivery options.
- Focus on customer satisfaction and communication.
Cons: Limited enclosed transport availability.
What to Consider When Choosing a Car Transport Company
- 1. Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping:
Open shipping is cheaper but exposes your car to the elements. Enclosed shipping is ideal for luxury or classic cars that need extra protection. - 2. Pricing Transparency:
Compare multiple quotes and avoid ultra-low prices, which may hide additional fees. - 3. Insurance Coverage:
Ensure the carrier offers sufficient cargo insurance and clear documentation. - 4. Customer Reviews:
Check platforms like BBB, Google, and Transport Reviews for verified customer feedback. - 5. Delivery Flexibility:
Look for companies offering door-to-door delivery or terminal options to suit your schedule and budget.
Best Auto Transport Company by Need
| Category | Best For | Recommended Company | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Shipping | Reliable service across all routes and vehicle types | AutoStar Transport Express | Offers an extensive nationwide and international carrier network with transparent pricing and consistent on-time delivery. |
| First-Time Shippers | Simple, safe, and hassle-free process | Ship a Car Direct | No upfront payments and a damage-free guarantee provide peace of mind for beginners navigating auto transport. |
| Budget-Conscious | Dependable service with broad coverage | Montway Auto Transport | Large carrier network and 24/7 customer support ensure reliable and accessible shipping options nationwide. |
| Peace of Mind | Stable pricing and trustworthy service | Sherpa Auto Transport | Price Lock Guarantee and Clean Car Delivery Promise reduce surprises and protect your investment. |
| Urgent Moves | Fast, last-minute shipping solutions | Easy Auto Ship | Quick dispatch and rental car backup minimize delays and keep your schedule on track. |
| High-End Vehicles | Secure, enclosed transport for luxury and classic cars | AutoStar Transport Express | Experienced with valuable vehicles, offering enclosed trailers and premium handling to ensure maximum protection. |
How We Evaluated These Companies
- Verified FMCSA registration and licensing.
- Customer review aggregation from Google, Trustpilot, BBB, Transport Reviews.
- Transparency in pricing and policies.
- Range of shipping options (open vs enclosed).
- Years in business and service coverage.
- Customer support quality and accessibility.
Car Shipping Cost Breakdown in 2025
| Distance | Price per Mile | Example Route Price Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (under 500 mi) | $1.00 - $1.50 | Boston → New York | $500 - $750 |
| Medium (500-1,500 mi) | $0.75 - $1.00 | Florida → Texas | $825 - $1,100 |
| Long (1,500+ mi) | $0.60 - $0.85 | New York → Los Angeles | $1,680-$2,800 |
Price Factors:
- Distance & route popularity.
- Vehicle size (SUVs, trucks cost more).
- Transport type (enclosed adds 30-50%).
- Seasonal demand (peak summer prices).
- Additional services (expedited shipping, top-load placement).
How We Calculated Our Ratings: Comprehensive Review Scores Across Platforms
To provide an accurate and trustworthy comparison, we analyzed customer feedback and ratings from multiple reputable review platforms, including Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Facebook, TransportReviews, and Birdeye. These scores were averaged to create an aggregate rating reflecting overall customer satisfaction and service quality.
| Company | Google (out of 5) | Trustpilot (out of 5) | Facebook (out of 5) | TransportReviews (out of 5) | Birdeye (out of 5) | Aggregate Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AutoStar Transport Express | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.7 |
Montway Auto Transport | 4.58 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.48 |
AmeriFreight | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.62 |
Sherpa Auto Transport | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.62 |
Ship a Car Direct | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.54 |
uShip | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
Easy Auto Ship | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.26 |
RoadRunner Auto Transport | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.24 |
Nexus Auto Transport | 2.45 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
Nationwide Auto Transportation | 2.45 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
How to Avoid Auto Transport Scams and Hidden Fees
Red Flags:
- Quotes too low to be true.
- No FMCSA registration or unclear MC#.
- Pressure for upfront cash payments.
- Unprofessional communication or no physical address.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify FMCSA registration at fmcsa.dot.gov.
- Request written quotes and contract terms.
- Read multiple customer reviews on Google, BBB, Trustpilot.
- Use brokers with vetted carrier networks and transparent policies.
Tips for a Smooth Car Shipping Experience
Follow these practical tips to avoid common pitfalls and make your transport hassle-free:
- Book early, ideally 2-3 weeks in advance to secure better rates and availability.
- Keep communication lines open—stay reachable by phone or email during pickup and delivery windows.
- Confirm pickup and delivery times the day before with your carrier to avoid surprises.
- Prepare for weather delays especially in winter or storm seasons; plan accordingly.
- Review the Bill of Lading carefully at pickup and delivery, noting any pre-existing damage.
- Purchase additional insurance if needed, especially for high-value vehicles or classic cars.
- Be patient with delivery timeframes—typical coast-to-coast shipping can take 7-14 days depending on the route and carrier availability.
Understanding Broker vs. Carrier: What You Should Know
Many auto transport companies act as brokers rather than actual carriers. Here’s what that means for you:
- Broker: A broker connects you with third-party carriers from a large network. They usually provide competitive pricing and more flexible scheduling but carrier quality can vary.
- Carrier: A carrier owns and operates the trucks transporting your vehicle, giving them direct control over the shipping process. These are often smaller or specialized transporters.
Benefits of Brokers:
- Access to a wide network of carriers.
- Often better pricing options.
- More scheduling flexibility.
Risks:
- Less direct control over the driver handling your vehicle.
- Communication may sometimes be inconsistent.
Tips for Choosing:
- Ensure the broker thoroughly vets their carriers.
- Verify proper licensing and registration.
- Look for clear, responsive customer support to assist you throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best car shipping company is about more than just price. It’s about trust, reliability, and quality of service. AutoStar Transport Express stands out with 18+ years of experience, strong customer satisfaction, and the ability to ship nationwide and internationally.
Smaller companies like AutoStar Transport Express often provide more personalized attention than larger brands, ensuring your questions are answered and your shipment is handled carefully. This level of service can make a real difference in your overall experience.
Before booking, remember to:
- Compare quotes from multiple companies.
- Understand the total cost and what’s included.
- Confirm the type of transport that fits your vehicle’s needs (open vs. enclosed).
- Check delivery timelines and insurance coverage.
Taking these steps helps you find the best option tailored to your situation. Get started today by requesting a free quote from AutoStar Transport Express, and explore your other choices to ensure peace of mind throughout your vehicle’s journey.
