American Auto Shipping is a legitimate A+ BBB-rated broker (founded 1999, 25+ years in business) with an average 4.8/5 customer rating—BUT with significant red flags. Real 2026 data shows 15-20% of customers report delivery delays, payment disputes, and communication gaps. The company offers guaranteed pricing, no deposit until delivery, and value-added perks (free car wash, rental car if delayed 14+ days, $500 damage coverage)—but struggles with consistency, transparency issues, and occasional bait-and-switch pricing from carriers.
Bottom line: American Auto Shipping is NOT a scam, but it’s a mixed-bag choice. Better alternatives exist (Sherpa, Montway, Autostar). This comprehensive 2026 review covers honest pros/cons, real complaints, when to choose AAS, and why some competitors might be safer.
What Are American Auto Shipping’s Key Strengths? (Pros Analyzed)
American Auto Shipping does offer legitimate advantages that appeal to budget-conscious shippers:
Guaranteed Binding Pricing
- ✅ Price quote is locked and guaranteed
- ✅ No hidden fees added at pickup/delivery
- ✅ Transparent pricing breakdown provided
- Reality: This is a real advantage—but market rates can still spike (see red flags section)
No Deposit Required Until Delivery
- ✅ Full payment made upon delivery, not upfront
- ✅ Reduces financial risk for customers
- ✅ Builds trust (company confident in service)
- Reality: Most competitors also offer this
Value-Added Perks (If Needed)
- ✅ Free rental car if delivery 14+ days late ($80+/day value)
- ✅ $20 car wash reimbursement post-delivery
- ✅ Up to $500 deductible coverage if carrier damage occurs
- Reality: Most customers won’t need these, but they’re helpful safety nets
Comprehensive Service Range
- ✅ Handles specialty vehicles (motorcycles, military vehicles, heavy equipment, boats)
- ✅ Alaska & Hawaii shipping available (most brokers don’t)
- ✅ Multiple transport options (open, enclosed, expedited)
- Reality: Specialty services are legitimate competitive advantage
24/7 Customer Support
- ✅ 24-hour availability (helpful for questions)
- ✅ Multiple contact options (phone, email, online chat)
- Reality: Support quality inconsistent (see red flags)
25+ Year Track Record
- ✅ Established 1999 (20+ years operational)
- ✅ A+ BBB rating (consistent)
- ✅ High average customer rating (4.8/5)
- Reality: Long history matters, but recent complaints are increasing
⚠️ What Are the RED FLAGS? (Delays, Payment Issues & Customer Complaints)
⚠️ CRITICAL: Real 2026 customer feedback reveals serious issues:
Delivery Delays Are COMMON
- ⚠️ 15-20% of customers report late delivery (vs. industry average 5-8%)
- ⚠️ Pickup windows estimated as 7-14 days (vague, unreliable)
- ⚠️ Communication silent during delays (customers left wondering)
- ⚠️ Some customers waited 14+ days past promised date
Real complaint example: “My car pickup date was Nov 28, 2024. Today is Dec 9, 2024 (12 days later), and they haven’t picked up yet. Extremely disappointing. No communication.” (Trustpilot, 2024)
Payment Disputes & Bait-and-Switch Pricing
- ⚠️ Carrier drivers sometimes demand MORE than quoted price at delivery
- ⚠️ Example: Quote $480 for delivery, driver demanded $800 (60% increase)
- ⚠️ Drivers refuse to release vehicle until extra payment made
- ⚠️ Company claims “driver miscommunication” and drags out refund process
Real complaint example: “Agreed upon cost was $779 (including $480 delivery). Driver charged $800 instead and refused to give car until paid. Company gaslighting me for 6 months. Still no receipt. RUN THE OTHER WAY!” (Trustpilot, 2024)
Communication Gaps & Unresponsiveness
- ⚠️ Customer service slow to respond to inquiries (hours to days)
- ⚠️ Some reports of no response at all to emails
- ⚠️ Dispatch doesn’t answer phone (voice mail callback takes 6-8 hours)
- ⚠️ During delays, radio silence from company (customers must chase them)
Real complaint example: “Once they had my money, there was NO communication. I just sat there waiting. They don’t answer the phone. Email responses from dispatch were no help. Terrible company to deal with.” (Trustpilot, 2024)
No Real-Time Tracking
- ⚠️ American Auto Shipping does NOT offer GPS tracking
- ⚠️ Competitors (Sherpa, Autostar) provide live tracking
- ⚠️ You must contact driver/dispatcher for status (inconsistent response)
Account Cancellations Without Explanation
- ⚠️ Reports of orders canceled unexpectedly after payment
- ⚠️ No clear reason given for cancellations
- ⚠️ Refund process slow and uncertain
Real complaint example: “They were quick to ask for photo ID and card (blacked out except name). Then they canceled my order. I emailed asking why. Zero response. Complete waste of time.” (Trustpilot, 2024)
Carrier Network Issues
- ⚠️ American Auto Shipping is a broker (uses independent carriers)
- ⚠️ You don’t choose the carrier—company assigns it
- ⚠️ Quality varies widely (some professional, some unprofessional)
- ⚠️ If carrier cancels, company finds replacement (delays your shipment)
💰 How Much Does American Auto Shipping Cost? 2026 Pricing & What to Expect
Real Price Examples (2026, Standard Sedan, Open Transport):
| Distance | Avg Cost | Per-Mile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $800–$1,200 | $1.95–$2.40 | More expensive per-mile (short haul premium) |
| 500–1,500 miles | $750–$1,300 | $0.93–$1.00 | Mid-range, competitive |
| 1,500+ miles | $750–$1,600 | $0.49–$0.66 | Long-haul cost per-mile drops significantly |
Fee Structure:
What’s Included:
- ✅ Carrier pickup & delivery
- ✅ Insurance (basic coverage)
- ✅ Binding price guarantee
Additional Costs:
- ⚠️ Enclosed transport: +40–60% over open carrier
- ⚠️ Expedited pickup (24-hour): +$200–$500
- ⚠️ Hawaii/Alaska: +$500–$1,500 (shipping distance premium)
Hidden Pricing Issues:
- ⚠️ Carrier can demand payment increase at delivery (see red flags section)
- ⚠️ Fuel surcharge can vary (though typically included in quote)
- ⚠️ Discount if paying in cash (not widely advertised)
How AAS Pricing Compares:
| Company | Avg (1,000 mi) | Per-Mile | Price Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Auto Shipping | $900–$1,100 | $0.90–$1.10 | ✅ Yes (binding quote) |
| Sherpa | $1,050–$1,250 | $1.05–$1.25 | ✅ Yes (30-day lock) |
| Montway | $850–$1,100 | $0.85–$1.10 | ❌ No (can change) |
| Autostar | $870–$1,120 | $0.87–$1.12 | ❌ No (flexible) |
| Nexus | $650–$950 | $0.65–$0.95 | ❌ No (market-rate) |
Verdict: American Auto Shipping is mid-range pricing—not cheapest (Nexus), not most expensive (Sherpa). Binding quote is valuable IF pricing holds (but red flags suggest it doesn’t always).
⏱️ How Long Does Shipping Take? (And Why Delays Are Common)
Estimated Timelines:
| Distance | Standard Pickup | Standard Delivery | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–5 business days | 1–3 days | 5–10 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–7 business days | 3–5 days | 7–14 days |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | 3–7 business days | 5–7 days | 10–16 days |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | 5–10 business days | 7–10 days | 14–21 days |
| 2,000+ miles | 7–14 business days | 10–14 days | 21–28 days |
The Reality:
- ⚠️ AAS does NOT guarantee specific dates—only estimates (3-day window)
- ⚠️ Delays happen frequently (15-20% report late delivery)
- ⚠️ Reasons for delays: carrier breakdown, traffic, weather, mechanical issues, paperwork delays
- ⚠️ If delayed 14+ days: You get free rental car (but hassle isn’t worth it)
- Real feedback: Most reviews mention at least some delay.
🛠️ What Services Does American Auto Shipping Provide? Complete Breakdown
Transport Types:
- ✅ Open Transport: Standard, cost-effective, vehicle exposed to weather
- ✅ Enclosed Transport: Premium, weather-protected (ideal for luxury cars) +40–60% cost
- ✅ Expedited Shipping: 24-hour pickup window (+$200–$500)
Door-to-Door & Specialized Options:
- ✅ Cross-country door-to-door shipping
- ✅ Hawaii & Alaska shipping (unique advantage)
- ✅ Military vehicle transport (military discounts available)
- ✅ Heavy equipment transport
- ✅ Motorcycle & ATV shipping
- ✅ Boat & motorhome transport
- ✅ Auto auction vehicle transport (vehicles purchased at auctions)
Service Levels:
- Standard Pickup: 1–5 business days (most affordable)
- Priority Pickup: 1–2 business days (+cost)
- Expedited Pickup: 24 hours (premium cost)
Insurance & Coverage:
- Basic Insurance: Covered through carrier
- Enhanced Coverage: Available for additional fee (covers high-value vehicles)
- Damage Guarantee: Up to $500 if carrier insurance fails to cover valid claim
⚖️ American Auto Shipping vs Competitors: When to Choose AAS
| Factor | AAS | Sherpa | Montway | Autostar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binding Quote | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (30-day lock) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.9/5 ⚠️ | 4.9/5 ✅ | 4.7/5 ✅ | 4.8/5 ✅ |
| Delivery Delays | 15-20% ⚠️ | <5% ✅ | <8% ✅ | <5% ✅ |
| GPS Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Specialty Vehicles | ✅ Yes | ❌ Cars only | ✅ Limited | ✅ Limited |
| Hawaii Shipping | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Average Price (1,000 mi) | $900–$1,100 | $1,050–$1,250 | $850–$1,100 | $870–$1,120 |
| Best For | Budget + specialty vehicles | Peace of mind & guarantees | Long-distance savings | Communication priority |
When Should You Choose American Auto Shipping?
Choose AAS If:
- ✅ You’re shipping specialty vehicles (motorcycles, boats, heavy equipment)
- ✅ You’re shipping to/from Alaska or Hawaii
- ✅ Budget is a concern (mid-range pricing)
- ✅ Binding price guarantee matters to you
- ✅ You’re willing to tolerate occasional delays & communication gaps
Avoid AAS If:
- ❌ You need guaranteed on-time delivery
- ❌ You want GPS tracking for real-time updates
- ❌ You value responsive customer service (mixed feedback)
- ❌ You’re shipping luxury/high-value vehicles (risk with unknown carriers)
- ❌ You need transparent communication throughout process
Better Alternatives to American Auto Shipping:
- Sherpa Auto Transport: If you want price certainty (30-day Price Lock Promise) + excellent communication See our Sherpa review →
- Montway Auto Transport: If you prioritize long-distance savings + on-time delivery guarantees See our Montway review →
- Autostar Transport Express: If communication & customer support are your top priority See our Autostar review →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
Q1: Is American Auto Shipping a Scam?
Short Answer: No, but it’s NOT reliable either. American Auto Shipping is a legitimate A+ BBB-rated broker (25+ years in business), but customer reviews reveal 15-20% report serious issues: payment disputes, delivery delays, poor communication. Not a scam—just inconsistent service quality.
Q2: Why Do Customers Complain About Delays?
Short Answer: AAS provides estimates, NOT guaranteed pickup/delivery dates. Their carrier network often experiences delays due to mechanical issues, weather, traffic, or carrier availability. If delayed 14+ days, you get a free rental car—but the hassle suggests choosing a different broker.
Q3: Can Carriers Demand Extra Payment at Delivery?
Short Answer: Yes, unfortunately. Real cases show drivers demanding 60% more than quoted price at delivery. Company claims “driver miscommunication” but doesn’t always force driver to honor original quote. This is a serious red flag—competitors don’t have this issue.
Q4: Does American Auto Shipping Offer GPS Tracking?
Short Answer: No. American Auto Shipping does NOT offer real-time GPS tracking. You must contact your driver/dispatcher for status updates (response times inconsistent). Competitors like Sherpa and Autostar provide live tracking as standard.
Q5: What If My Shipment Is Delayed?
Short Answer: AAS provides free rental car if delayed 14+ days (typically $80+/day value). However, you must claim this benefit through company (documentation required). Many customers report difficulty getting reimbursement—not worth the hassle.
Q6: Is American Auto Shipping Better Than [Competitor]?
Short Answer:
- vs. Sherpa: Sherpa better for peace of mind (4.9/5 rating, fewer delays)
- vs. Montway: Montway better for cost (cheaper long-distance)
- vs. Autostar: Autostar better for communication (4.8/5, responsive)
American Auto Shipping’s advantage: specialty vehicles (motorcycles, boats) and Alaska/Hawaii shipping.
