Personal vehicle shipping differs from commercial transport by focusing on single-car shipments with flexible pickup times, comprehensive insurance options, and dedicated customer support for individual owners moving for relocation, seasonal travel, online purchases, or college transportation needs.
This buyer’s guide compares top-rated car shipping companies for personal vehicles, covering pricing transparency, service quality, insurance protection, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best company for safely transporting your personal vehicle across the country.
What Makes Auto Transport Companies Good for Personal Vehicles?
Auto transport companies excel at personal vehicle shipping when they offer flexible scheduling for individual timelines, transparent pricing without hidden fees, comprehensive insurance coverage protecting your investment, and dedicated support addressing personal car owner concerns throughout the shipping process.
Key features distinguishing personal vehicle shipping services:
Flexible pickup and delivery: Personal vehicle owners need scheduling that fits relocation dates, seasonal moves, or car purchase timelines. Top companies provide 1-7 day pickup windows with direct communication between drivers and customers, unlike rigid commercial schedules requiring specific dates.
Door-to-door service: Individual car owners benefit from pickup at home and delivery to the destination address, eliminating the need to drop off vehicles at terminals. This convenience saves time and reduces stress for people managing personal relocations or buying cars online from distant sellers.
Transparent pricing quotes: Personal vehicle shippers provide instant online quotes or phone estimates detailing all costs upfront. The best companies guarantee price quotes without adding fees later, protecting individual budgets from unexpected charges that commercial contracts might absorb.
Comprehensive insurance options: While commercial fleet insurance covers standard liability, personal vehicle shipping services offer supplemental coverage protecting high-value cars, classic vehicles, or luxury automobiles. Owners can purchase additional insurance beyond the standard $100,000-$250,000 carrier coverage.
Customer support for individuals: Personal car owners need educational support explaining the shipping process, answering first-time shipper questions, and providing updates throughout transit. Top companies assign dedicated representatives rather than routing individual customers through impersonal call centers.
Auto Transport Comparison for Personal Vehicle Owners
| Company | Best For | Price Range | Rating | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montway | Overall reliability | $600-$1,800 | 4.8/5 | Largest carrier network |
| AmeriFreight | Budget pricing | $550-$1,700 | 4.7/5 | Price match guarantee |
| Autostar Transport Express | Luxury vehicles | $750-$2,500 | 4.9/5 | White-glove concierge service |
| Ship A Car Direct | Damage protection | $700-$2,100 | 4.9/5 | Damage-free guarantee |
| Sherpa | Price certainty | $650-$1,900 | 4.6/5 | Price lock guarantee |
| uShip | Lowest cost | $400-$1,600 | 4.3/5 | Auction marketplace |
Which Auto Transport Companies for Personal Vehicles Should You Trust?
After analyzing customer reviews, pricing transparency, insurance coverage, and service quality, these five auto transport companies for personal vehicles consistently rank highest for individual car owner satisfaction and reliability.
1. Montway Auto Transport – Best Overall
Price Range: $600-$1,800 (varies by distance)
Rating: 4.8/5 from 12,000+ reviews
Montway Auto Transport leads personal vehicle shipping with the largest carrier network (15,000+ verified carriers), BBB A+ rating, and streamlined booking process designed for individual car owners. Their online dashboard provides real-time tracking and direct carrier communication.
Montway Advantages:
- Largest carrier network ensures fast pickup (1-5 days typically)
- Instant online quotes with transparent pricing
- $100 damage claim guarantee if carrier causes damage
- Real-time tracking dashboard for peace of mind
- Flexible cancellation policy (free until carrier assigned)
- Open and enclosed transport options
- Dedicated support for first-time shippers
Considerations:
- Deposit required at booking ($100-$200)
- Price varies significantly by season and route
- As broker, can’t control every carrier detail
- Additional fees for expedited service
Best for: First-time personal vehicle shippers wanting reliable service, transparent pricing, and comprehensive support throughout the shipping process.
2. AmeriFreight – Best Price Guarantee
Price Range: $550-$1,700
Rating: 4.7/5 from 8,000+ reviews
AmeriFreight specializes in price-conscious personal vehicle shipping with their price match guarantee, ensuring individual car owners get competitive rates. They offer flexible payment plans and no upfront deposit requirements for qualified customers.
AmeriFreight Advantages:
- Price match guarantee (will beat competitor quotes)
- No deposit required for established customers
- Payment plans available for expensive shipments
- BBB A+ rating with 95% customer satisfaction
- Free vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery
- Covers Alaska and Hawaii shipments
- Student discounts for college car shipping
Limitations:
- Longer carrier assignment time on some routes
- Price match requires written competitor quote
- Limited weekend customer service hours
- Broker model means carrier quality varies
Best for: Budget-conscious personal vehicle owners, students shipping cars to college, or anyone wanting guaranteed lowest pricing with flexible payment options.
3. Autostar Transport Express – Best White-Glove Luxury Service
Price Range: $750-$2,500
Rating: 4.9/5 from 7,500+ reviews
Autostar Transport Express specializes in white-glove concierge service for personal luxury vehicles, exotic cars, and high-value automobiles requiring premium care. Their dedicated transport coordinators handle every detail from pickup scheduling to delivery confirmation with personalized attention.
Autostar Transport Express Advantages:
- White-glove concierge service with dedicated coordinators
- Specializes in luxury, exotic, and classic vehicle transport
- Premium enclosed carriers with extra protection
- Comprehensive insurance up to $500,000 coverage available
- Door-to-door service with precise scheduling
- Real-time GPS tracking and status updates
- BBB A+ rating with exceptional customer satisfaction
- Nationwide coverage including Alaska and Hawaii
Considerations:
- Premium pricing 20-40% higher than standard brokers
- Focuses on luxury market (may not serve budget vehicles)
- Longer booking times for specialty enclosed carriers
- Requires higher deposits ($200-$400)
Best for: Luxury vehicle owners, exotic car collectors, classic automobile enthusiasts, or anyone wanting personalized concierge-level service with premium protection for high-value personal vehicles.
4. Ship A Car Direct – Best Damage-Free Guarantee
Price Range: $700-$2,100
Rating: 4.9/5 from 5,000+ reviews
Ship A Car Direct offers the industry’s strongest damage-free guarantee, refunding your shipping cost if any carrier-caused damage occurs during personal vehicle transport. This premium protection attracts luxury and classic car owners.
Ship A Car Direct Advantages:
- Damage-free guarantee with full refund promise
- Carefully vetted carrier network (only top 10% qualify)
- Assigned personal coordinator throughout shipping
- Specializes in high-value vehicle protection
- Both open and enclosed transport options
- Clear communication and status updates
- BBB A+ rating with minimal complaints
Trade-offs:
- Higher pricing than budget competitors
- Strict carrier qualification means less availability
- Longer wait times on uncommon routes
- Premium service costs more for peace of mind
Best for: Luxury vehicle owners, classic car enthusiasts, or anyone prioritizing damage-free transport over lowest cost for valuable personal vehicles.
5. Sherpa Auto Transport – Best Price Lock
Price Range: $650-$1,900
Rating: 4.6/5 from 6,500+ reviews
Sherpa Auto Transport guarantees price locks protecting personal vehicle owners from market fluctuations after booking. Their transparent approach and guaranteed pickup dates appeal to planners needing scheduling certainty.
Sherpa Advantages:
- Price lock guarantee (no price increases after booking)
- Guaranteed pickup dates with penalties for delays
- Real-time GPS tracking included
- Lower deposit requirements ($50-$100)
- User-friendly online booking platform
- Excellent customer service ratings
- Military and student discounts available
Considerations:
- Smaller carrier network than Montway
- Limited availability in rural areas
- Price lock means potentially higher initial quotes
- Fewer carrier options on difficult routes
Best for: Personal vehicle owners with fixed relocation dates, military families moving on tight schedules, or anyone wanting guaranteed pricing without surprises.
6. uShip – Best for Auction-Style Pricing
Price Range: $400-$1,600 (auction determines final price)
Rating: 4.3/5 from 10,000+ reviews
uShip operates an auction marketplace where carriers bid on personal vehicle shipping jobs, often resulting in lower costs for flexible individual car owners willing to review multiple carrier offers.
uShip Advantages:
- Auction format often yields lowest prices
- Multiple carrier bids to compare
- Carrier reviews visible before selection
- Flexibility to negotiate with carriers directly
- No broker fees (pay carrier directly)
- Good for budget-conscious shippers
- Platform protects payment until delivery
Limitations:
- Requires time to review bids and vet carriers
- Quality varies widely between carriers
- No guaranteed pickup dates
- Less hand-holding for first-time shippers
- Customer must verify carrier credentials
Best for: Experienced personal vehicle shippers with flexible timelines, bargain hunters willing to research carriers, or anyone comfortable with auction-style purchasing.
How Much Does Personal Vehicle Shipping Cost?
Personal vehicle shipping costs $400-$2,100 depending on distance, transport method, vehicle size, and season. Short distances under 500 miles typically cost $400-$700, while cross-country shipments range from $1,000-$2,000 for standard sedans using open transport.
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $400-$700 | $600-$1,000 | 1-3 days |
| 500-1,000 miles | $600-$1,000 | $900-$1,400 | 2-5 days |
| 1,000-1,500 miles | $800-$1,300 | $1,200-$1,900 | 4-7 days |
| 1,500-2,500 miles | $1,000-$1,600 | $1,500-$2,400 | 5-10 days |
| 2,500+ miles | $1,200-$2,000 | $1,800-$3,000 | 7-14 days |
Factors affecting personal vehicle shipping costs: SUVs and trucks cost 10-20% more than sedans due to size and weight. Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more than open transport but protects vehicles from weather and road debris. Summer months see 15-30% price increases due to seasonal demand from relocations, while winter offers discounts on certain routes.
Money-saving tips: Book 2-3 weeks in advance for better carrier availability and lower prices. Choose open transport unless shipping luxury or classic vehicles. Be flexible with pickup dates to qualify for discounted rates when carriers have empty return trips. Compare quotes from multiple auto transport for individual car owners to find the most competitive pricing in the market.
How to Choose the Right Company for Your Personal Vehicle
Choose the right personal vehicle shipping services by verifying licensing credentials, comparing multiple quotes, reviewing customer feedback, understanding insurance coverage, and confirming the company’s experience with your specific vehicle type and destination route.
Verify licensing and credentials: All legitimate car shipping companies for personal vehicles must have USDOT and MC numbers verifiable through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. Check BBB ratings, looking for A or A+ grades with positive complaint resolution histories. Avoid companies without visible licensing information.
Compare at least 3-5 quotes: Request detailed quotes from multiple auto transport for individual car owners to understand market pricing and identify competitive offers. Ensure quotes include all fees with no hidden charges. Be suspicious of quotes significantly lower than competitors, as this may indicate unlicensed carriers or bait-and-switch tactics.
Read recent customer reviews: Focus on reviews from the past 6-12 months on independent platforms like BBB, Transport Reviews, and Google. Look for consistent themes in complaints or praise. Pay attention to how companies respond to negative reviews, as this indicates customer service quality.
Understand insurance coverage: Verify carriers maintain minimum $750,000 cargo insurance as required by federal law. Ask about coverage limits, deductibles, and claims processes. Consider purchasing supplemental insurance for high-value vehicles worth over $50,000.
Confirm experience with your route: Companies with established presence on your specific route offer faster pickup and more reliable service. Ask about average pickup times and typical transit duration for your origin-destination pair. Rural areas may require longer lead times.
What Questions Should You Ask Auto Transport Companies?
Ask auto transport companies about their licensing credentials, insurance coverage limits, deposit and payment structure, cancellation policies, average pickup times for your route, communication process during transit, and what happens if damage occurs during shipping.
Critical questions for personal vehicle shippers:
What are your USDOT and MC numbers? Verify these numbers through the FMCSA database before booking. Any hesitation or refusal to provide licensing information indicates an unlicensed operation you should avoid.
What insurance covers my vehicle during transport? Understand the carrier’s cargo insurance limits, what’s excluded from coverage, and the claims process. Ask for a certificate of insurance showing current coverage before your vehicle is loaded.
What’s your deposit and payment structure? Legitimate companies require deposits only to secure booking ($100-$300 typically), with the balance paid to the carrier at delivery. Never pay full amounts upfront, as this creates risk if companies fail to deliver services.
What’s your cancellation policy? Understand refund terms if you need to cancel. The best companies offer free cancellation before carrier assignment, with partial or full refunds after assignment depending on timing.
How quickly can you assign a carrier? Realistic timelines are 1-7 days for popular routes, longer for rural areas or difficult routes. Be suspicious of guaranteed same-day pickup promises, as this is rarely achievable without premium rush fees.
How will you communicate during shipping? Clarify whether you’ll receive carrier contact information, tracking updates, and estimated delivery times. The best personal vehicle shipping services provide multiple touchpoints throughout the process.
Conclusion: Which Auto Transport Company Should You Choose?
After comparing the best auto transport companies for personal vehicles, the right choice depends on your priorities—reliability, budget, luxury service, damage protection, or scheduling certainty.
Choose Montway if you want the most reliable overall service with the largest carrier network ensuring fast pickup, transparent pricing, and comprehensive support for first-time personal vehicle shippers.
Choose AmeriFreight if budget is your primary concern and you want the price match guarantee ensuring lowest cost, plus flexible payment options for expensive shipments.
Choose Autostar Transport Express if you’re shipping luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles requiring white-glove concierge service, premium enclosed carriers, and personalized attention with up to $500,000 insurance coverage.
Choose Ship A Car Direct if you want the damage-free guarantee with carefully vetted premium carriers for high-value personal vehicles.
Choose Sherpa if you need guaranteed pickup dates and price lock protection against market fluctuations for tight relocation schedules or fixed moving dates.
Choose uShip if you’re comfortable researching carriers yourself, have flexible timing, and want the absolute lowest prices through auction-style bidding.
All six companies provide legitimate, licensed personal vehicle shipping services with positive customer satisfaction records. Compare quotes from multiple providers, verify licensing credentials, and choose based on your specific needs for safely transporting your personal vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best auto transport companies for personal vehicles?
The best auto transport companies for personal vehicles are Montway (4.8/5 rating, largest network), AmeriFreight (price match guarantee), Autostar Transport Express (white-glove luxury service), Ship A Car Direct (damage-free guarantee), Sherpa (price lock protection), and uShip (auction pricing).
How much does it cost to ship a personal vehicle?
Personal vehicle shipping costs $400-$700 for routes under 500 miles and $1,000-$2,000 for cross-country transport using open carriers. Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more, while SUVs cost 10-20% more than sedans.
Is open or enclosed transport better for personal vehicles?
Open transport is better for standard personal vehicles due to 40-60% lower costs and faster availability, with 99.5% damage-free delivery rates. Enclosed transport suits luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles needing weather and debris protection.
How long does personal vehicle shipping take?
Personal vehicle shipping takes 1-3 days for routes under 500 miles, 4-7 days for 1,000-1,500 mile routes, and 7-14 days for cross-country shipments. Carrier assignment typically occurs within 1-7 days after booking.
Do I need insurance when shipping my personal vehicle?
All carriers must maintain $750,000 minimum cargo insurance covering your personal vehicle during transport. Consider purchasing supplemental insurance for vehicles worth over $50,000 or classic cars needing additional protection beyond standard coverage.
Should I use a broker or carrier for personal vehicle shipping?
Brokers like Montway and AmeriFreight offer better pricing and availability for personal vehicles by connecting you with their carrier networks, while direct carriers provide more control but limited route availability and higher costs.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a personal vehicle?
The cheapest way to ship a personal vehicle is using open transport on flexible schedules, booking 2-3 weeks advance, avoiding summer peak season, and comparing quotes from multiple companies like AmeriFreight and uShip for competitive pricing.
Can I ship personal items in my car during transport?
Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk during vehicle transport, but items aren’t covered by cargo insurance. Avoid placing valuables, and ensure items don’t exceed weight limits or obstruct driver visibility.
