What do real customers say about SGT Auto Transport? Based on verified reviews from Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and BBB, most customers (95% satisfaction on punctuality) praise SGT’s reliability and competitive pricing. However, BBB complaints document price increases after booking and cancellation fee issues. This honest review breaks down real customer experiences, compares verified ratings across platforms, and helps you decide if SGT Auto Transport is right for your vehicle shipping needs.
🚗 What Is SGT Auto Transport and How Does It Work?
SGT Auto Transport, founded in 2014 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, operates as a broker connecting customers with independent carriers for vehicle transport. You submit your shipment details online, get a quote, and SGT pairs you with a carrier. All pickup, delivery, and communication happen through SGT—they don’t directly transport vehicles.
Real Business Model:
- You get quoted a price
- SGT assigns a carrier (this is when price changes sometimes occur)
- Carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle
- You pay SGT (not the driver directly)
💰 How Much Does SGT Auto Transport Cost? Real Pricing Breakdown
SGT’s pricing is competitive and mid-range for the industry. Here’s what customers report:
| Distance Category | Mileage | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Short Distance | Under 500 miles | $400-$800 |
| Medium Distance | 500-1,500 miles | $800-$1,500 |
| Long Distance | Over 1,500 miles | $1,500-$2,800+ |
Our Sample Quote: From New York to Sacramento, CA (3,000 miles) for a standard SUV: $2,629
Getting a Quote: Email, vehicle details, and desired pickup date. Phone optional. Process takes 5-10 minutes.
Pricing Note: While SGT advertises “no hidden fees,” BBB complaints document price increases after booking in 8+ cases (ranging $150-$600). This typically happens when SGT finds a carrier and adjusts pricing. Always confirm final price in writing before committing.
🗺️ What States Does SGT Serve & What Benefits Does SGT Offer?
Coverage: 49 U.S. states (excludes Alaska). Limited international shipping available.
Key Benefits:
- Door-to-door delivery — Home pickup and drop-off included
- Guaranteed pickup dates — Select your date, SGT guarantees pickup
- Price matching — Submit competing quotes for potential match
- Automatic insurance — Included in price (no extra charge)
- Military discounts — Available for active duty and veterans
- 95% on-time delivery — ConsumerAffairs data (153 recent reviews)
- Open & enclosed options — Choose based on vehicle value
⭐ What Do Real Customers Say? Verified Trustpilot & BBB Reviews
✅ Positive Experiences (Most Common)
- “Great experience from sales to delivery. I paid what they quoted me. No extra charges. I would highly recommend SGT Auto Transport.” — Verified Trustpilot
- “I shipped 8 vehicles from all over the country and it was a flawless experience. From the quote all the way through drop-off, SGT was in communication the whole time.” — Trustpilot, August 2025
- “My car was picked up and dropped off when agreed. Their customer service has been professional and I’ve had no issues.” — Trustpilot Review
- “Very professional staff. Great communication throughout the entire process. Vehicle delivered ahead of schedule.” — Verified Review
🔴 Negative Experiences (Documented)
- “Original contract was for $928. 72 hours later they found a driver but wanted $1,250. They charged me $149 cancellation fee when I refused.” — BBB Complaint, 2025
- “I was quoted $600 with 10% loyalty discount. Then told ‘best we can do is $800.’ When vehicle model had typo, they wanted additional $150.” — BBB Complaint, September 2025
- “Pickup was supposed to be Monday but failed and rescheduled. They increased the price to $700 from the agreed $600.” — BBB Complaint, 2025
- “No communication after pickup. Found out delivery schedule changes from the driver texting my neighbor—delivered after 10pm.” — Trustpilot, April 2025
📊 What Are SGT’s Verified Ratings? Trustpilot, BBB & ConsumerAffairs
| Platform | Rating | Reviews | What Customers Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 | 60+ verified | Professional staff, fair pricing, on-time delivery |
| ConsumerAffairs | 91% satisfied | 206 reviews | Punctuality (95% satisfied), customer service quality |
| BBB | B rating | 17+ complaints | Issues: Price increases, cancellation fees, communication |
| Google Reviews | Varies | Location-dependent | Mixed (3.5-4.8 range) |
The Reality: Most customers are satisfied, but 17+ BBB complaints show real issues with price consistency and pickup delays. This gap is important to understand before booking.
✅ When Should You Use SGT? Honest Assessment
✅ SGT Works Best For:
- Military personnel (dedicated support, discounts available)
- Flexible timelines (can absorb pickup date changes)
- Standard vehicles (cars, SUVs, trucks)
- Budget-conscious shippers (competitive initial quotes)
- Customers comfortable with 1-2 week timelines
⚠️ SGT May Not Be Best For:
- Time-sensitive shipments (guaranteed dates have issues documented)
- Luxury/exotic vehicles (consider enclosed specialists)
- Customers needing price guarantees (dynamic pricing documented)
- Those with zero tolerance for communication gaps (some reports of poor updates)
- International moves (limited availability)
🚩 Red Flags: What to Watch Before Using SGT
- Price increase 24-48 hours after booking — Get final quote in writing
- Wide pickup windows — Ask for specific dates, not “next week”
- Vague about hidden costs — Confirm no dealer prep/documentation fees
- Cancellation fees — $149 charges documented even for SGT errors
- Communication during transport — Some report delayed/missing updates
How to Protect Yourself:
- Get quote in writing with price guarantee terms
- Request specific pickup date (not window)
- Ask: “Will price change after carrier assignment?”
- Confirm cancellation policy before booking
- Document all communications
- Take photos of vehicle before pickup
⚖️ How Does SGT Compare to Other Auto Transport Companies?
| Company | Rating | Pricing | Pickup Guarantee | Price Match | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGT | 4.6/5 Trustpilot, B BBB | Competitive | Yes (some issues) | Yes | Budget + flexibility |
| Nexus | Mixed (2.4-4.7) | Varies | Sometimes | No | Quick quotes |
| Sherpa | A+ BBB | Higher | Yes | No | Reliability |
| Montway | A+ BBB | Competitive | Yes | No | Balance of service/price |
Compare our expert reviews: Autolist, Nexus Auto Transport, and CarsDirect—get unbiased insights before you decide.
✅ Should You Use SGT Auto Transport? Final Verdict
The Answer: SGT can work well IF you’re flexible on timing and comfortable with their business model. However, BBB complaints about price increases and cancellation fees show real risks.
✅ SGT Strengths:
- 95% satisfaction with on-time delivery
- Competitive initial pricing
- Professional drivers and communication (most reports)
- Military and multi-vehicle discounts
⚠️ SGT Risks:
- Price increases ($150-$600+) after carrier assignment documented
- $149 cancellation fees (even for SGT errors, per complaints)
- B BBB rating (not A+ as claimed in some promotions)
- Communication gaps during transport (some customers report)
Bottom Line: For reliable, mid-priced auto transport with 95% on-time delivery, SGT is solid. However, get price guarantees in writing and understand their cancellation policy before booking. If guaranteed pricing is critical, consider Sherpa or Montway instead.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is SGT Auto Transport legitimate and reliable?
Yes, SGT is legitimate (operating since 2014) with 4.6/5 on Trustpilot and 95% satisfaction on punctuality. However, their B BBB rating and 17+ complaints show real service inconsistencies. They’re reliable for most shipments but have documented issues with price changes and communication gaps.
Why do some customers report price increases after booking with SGT?
SGT uses dynamic pricing. When they assign a carrier, costs adjust based on actual driver availability and fuel prices. If a carrier declines, they find alternatives—sometimes at higher rates. While they claim “no hidden fees,” they don’t guarantee initial quote prices. Get final price in writing before confirming.
What is SGT’s cancellation policy and what do reviews say about it?
SGT charges $149 for cancellations (documented on BBB). Multiple complaints show customers were charged cancellation fees even when SGT failed to meet pickup dates. Always confirm cancellation terms in writing before booking, and understand under what circumstances fees apply.
Does SGT Auto Transport guarantee pickup dates?
SGT offers guaranteed pickup dates, but BBB complaints show some failures. About 95% of customers report on-time pickup (ConsumerAffairs), but 5% report delays. For time-sensitive shipments, confirm what compensation SGT offers if they miss guaranteed dates—most don’t provide it, per BBB complaints.
How does SGT’s insurance coverage work?
SGT includes automatic insurance in their shipping fee. Coverage protects against accidents, weather damage, and theft during transport. However, some BBB complaints show disputes over damage claim settlements. Always photograph your vehicle before pickup and document its condition to support any claims.
What’s the difference between SGT’s open and enclosed transport options?
Open transport (cheaper, $800-$2,000 range) exposes vehicles to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport (more expensive, +$500-$1,000) protects vehicles in a covered trailer. For luxury/exotic vehicles or long distances, enclosed is worth the cost. Standard vehicles typically use open transport. Ask for both quotes when booking.
