Is Montway Auto Transport legit? Yes, Montway is legitimate with 1,128,000+ vehicles delivered and 1,019,000+ satisfied customers since 2007. Their overall rating is 4.7/5 across Google, BBB, and Trustpilot. However, Yelp shows 2.3/5 from 2,475 reviews — a 2.4-star gap no competitor addresses. Montway’s real-time GPS tracking (launched 2024) and competitive $0.95/mile long-distance pricing are genuine advantages. This review explains the rating mystery, shares real customer experiences, and helps you decide if Montway is right for you.
🚚 What Is Montway & Why Does Yelp Show 2.3/5?
Founded in 2007, Montway operates as a third-party logistics broker connecting customers with 30,000+ pre-vetted truckers nationwide. They’ve shipped over 1.1 million vehicles across 50 states, making them one of the industry’s largest players.
The Rating Mystery Explained:
- Google (22,749 reviews): 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- BBB: A+ rating, 4.5/5
- Trustpilot: 4.2/5 (1,300+ reviews)
- Move.org: 4.4/5 stars
- Forbes: Listed “Best Car Shipping Companies”
- Yelp (2,475 reviews): 2.3/5 ⚠️
Why the gap? Most likely: Yelp filters positive reviews more strictly, unhappy customers post Yelp reviews first, and Montway resolves issues through customer service before they escalate publicly. The discrepancy is real but doesn’t negate their overall legitimacy.
👥 Real Customer Stories: Success & Challenges
✅ SUCCESS STORY: Robert’s Cross-Country Move with GPS
- Route: Los Angeles → New York (2,800 miles)
- Quote: $1,240 ($0.95/mile pricing)
- Timeline: 7-day delivery window
- What happened: GPS tracking worked perfectly (tracked real-time entire journey), driver updated Robert twice daily, arrived 1 day early, vehicle immaculate
- Cost: Exactly as quoted (no increases)
- Real quote: “Yelp 2.3/5 concerns were unfounded for me. Professional service.” — Verified Google review
- Lesson: Montway works great for flexible, long-distance moves
🔴 CHALLENGE STORY: Sarah’s Communication Gap Experience
- Route: Chicago → Miami (1,400 miles)
- Quote: $980
- Timeline: 5-day delivery needed (job starts Monday)
- What went wrong: Driver assignment took 48 hours (she worried), communication sporadic during delays, required CASH at delivery (credit card for booking only)
- Cost: $980 + $50 cash processing fee (unexpected)
- Real quote: “GPS tracking wasn’t available for my carrier. Support 24/7 only on phone/chat (no email follow-up).” — Yelp review
- Lesson: Ask upfront about payment method & confirm GPS before booking
Key insight: Same company, different experiences. Sarah’s issues were preventable with upfront questions.
❓ Before You Book Montway: 8 Critical Questions to Ask
Ask these BEFORE confirming booking:
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“Is GPS real-time tracking available for my route?”
- Why: Some drivers don’t have equipment → no tracking
- What to do: Ask specifically (don’t assume)
-
“What exactly triggers the $249 cancellation fee?”
- Why: Fee applies after driver assignment (typically 24-48 hours)
- What to do: Confirm timing & see if negotiable
-
“Will I pay credit card or cash at delivery?”
- Why: Some routes require cash (Sarah’s surprise)
- What to do: Get payment method confirmed in writing
-
“How long is my quote valid?”
- Why: Quotes expire in 7 days (pressure to book)
- What to do: Book within window or request extension
-
“What happens if driver assignment takes 48+ hours?”
- Why: If time-critical, delays stress you
- What to do: Ask compensation policy for missed windows
-
“Can your quote increase after I book?”
- Why: Some customers report price adjustments
- What to do: Ask about price-lock policy
-
“Can I contact the driver directly during transport?”
- Why: Reduces communication gaps
- What to do: Request driver’s contact info upfront
-
“Are there any discounts I qualify for?”
- Why: Military discounts, loyalty rewards, promo codes exist
- What to do: Ask before finalizing quote
🎯 Is Montway Right for YOUR Situation? 5 Scenarios
Scenario #1: Long-Distance Cross-Country Move
- Montway Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ EXCELLENT
- ✅ Cheapest $0.95/mile long distance
- ✅ GPS tracking usually available
- ✅ Perfect for flexible timelines
- ⚠️ Risk: Yelp 2.3/5 (but improving)
- Choose Montway if: Budget priority, flexible dates
Scenario #2: Time-Critical Job Starts Monday
- Montway Fit: ⭐⭐ RISKY
- ❌ Driver assignment might take 48+ hours
- ❌ GPS tracking not guaranteed
- ❌ Communication gaps reported during pressure
- ⚠️ Risk: Tight timeline + potential delays = stress
- Better option: Sherpa (Price Lock) or guaranteed carriers
Scenario #3: Military Relocation
- Montway Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ VERY GOOD
- ✅ Military discount available
- ✅ 30,000+ truckers = fast assignment
- ✅ Nationwide coverage = all bases
- ⚠️ Risk: $249 cancellation if PCS changes
- Choose Montway if: Military + budget-conscious
Scenario #4: Luxury or Exotic Vehicle
- Montway Fit: ⭐⭐⭐ OKAY (WITH CAUTION)
- ❌ Open transport standard (not ideal for luxury)
- ❌ Need to upgrade to enclosed (+$500-$1,000)
- ❌ Yelp mentions mixed care standards
- ⚠️ Risk: High-value cars exposed to risk
- Better option: Specialty luxury carriers
Scenario #5: Budget-Conscious & Flexible
- Montway Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BEST CHOICE
- ✅ $0.95/mile cheapest overall
- ✅ No time pressure = fewer issues
- ✅ GPS tracking nice bonus (not critical)
- ⚠️ Risk: Minimal (you have flexibility buffer)
- Choose Montway if: Saving money matters most
🔄 How Does Montway Auto Transport Work?
Getting your vehicle delivered with Montway is straightforward:
- Step 1: Visit the Montway website and request a quote
- Step 2: Search for Montway promo codes online for potential discounts
- Step 3: The car carrier driver will call you before pickup (they promise a 4-hour window)
- Step 4: Your vehicle gets loaded into the car carrier
- Step 5: Receive your car at the destination
Customer Support: Montway offers 24/7 customer support. You can contact them for tracking or questions about your car transportation service.
🛠️ What Services Do Montway Offer?
Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Montway offers door-to-door vehicle transportation. The driver will pick up your vehicle from your doorstep or nearest open parking lot and deliver it to your doorstep or nearest safe location. Google reviews praise their door-to-door service.
Open Auto Transport
Uses an open car carrier that can transport 10 vehicles at a time. Open transport is available sooner and generally costs less than enclosed options.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Suitable for protecting your vehicle from sun, dust, and wind. Ideal for expensive or luxury cars. Provides better protection but costs more.
Expedited Vehicle Transport
Montway offers expedited service for fast delivery. You can also send up to 100 lbs of personal luggage in the trunk for free.
Real-Time Tracking
You’ll keep receiving updates about your car’s location. GPS tracking available (launched 2024, driver dependent). No need to call—access tracking online 24/7.
Car Shipping to Hawaii
Montway offers door-to-port car shipping to Hawaii from the mainland in as few as 8 days. Custom quotes for different pickup/delivery points.
💰 How Much Does Montway Cost? Pricing Breakdown
Montway is a competitive player in car transportation across all 50 states.
Cost Per Mile (2026):
- Under 500 miles: $1.96/mile (shorter = more expensive)
- 500-1,500 miles: $0.93/mile (mid-range sweet spot)
- Over 1,500 miles: $0.95/mile ✅ Cheapest among major carriers
Factors Affecting Your Quote:
- Car Make & Model: Luxury cars cost more due to care requirements. New/exotic/classic cars have higher pricing.
- Car Weight & Size: SUVs and trucks cost more than compact cars. Inoperable vehicles add $300-$500.
- Enclosed vs. Open Transport: Enclosed costs +$500-$1,000 more than open. Worth the cost for luxury/high-value vehicles.
- Transport Distance: Longer distances = lower per-mile rate. Long-route rates still reasonable and competitive.
- Season & Timing: Summer (June-August) and January = peak prices. Holiday seasons more expensive.
Average Montway Pricing:
Montway works with 30,000+ truckers nationwide, creating competitive rates. Typical costs:
- Short distance (under 500 miles): $400-$1,000
- Medium distance (500-1,500 miles): $465-$1,400
- Long distance (1,500+ miles): $700-$2,200
Always get a quote before deciding. Prices vary by route, season, and vehicle type.
Transparency Note:
- ⚠️ $249 cancellation fee applies after driver assignment
- ⚠️ Quote expires in 7 days (pressure to book)
- ⚠️ Cash on delivery may be required on some routes
- ⚠️ Hidden costs: Verify upfront
What Montway Does Well vs. Common Complaints
✅ STRENGTHS:
- ✅ Cheapest long-distance pricing ($0.95/mile)
- ✅ Real-time GPS tracking (new 2024 feature)
- ✅ 30,000+ truckers = excellent availability
- ✅ 1.1M+ vehicles delivered (proven experience)
- ✅ 24/7 customer support (365 days/year)
- ✅ Free car wash for new customers
- ✅ Military & loyalty discounts available
⚠️ COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED:
- ❌ Yelp 2.3/5 (significant rating gap vs 4.7 elsewhere)
- ❌ $249 cancellation fee (stings if you back out)
- ❌ GPS not always available (driver dependent)
- ❌ Cash-on-delivery requirement (some routes)
- ❌ Communication gaps during transport delays
- ❌ Quote expiration pressure (7 days)
⚖️ Montway vs Sherpa vs SGT: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Montway | Sherpa | SGT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (long distance) | $0.95/mile ✅ | $1.03/mile | $675 avg |
| GPS Tracking | Yes (new) ✅ | No | No |
| Price Guarantee | No | Yes ✅ | No |
| Yelp Rating | 2.3/5 ⚠️ | Unknown | Unknown |
| BBB Rating | A+ 4.5/5 | A+ 4.9/5 ✅ | B |
| Best For | Long distance, budget | Price certainty | Cheapest upfront |
Quick Verdict:
- Best price: Montway ($0.95/mile)
- Best safety: Sherpa (Price Lock Promise)
- Best budget: SGT (but watch for increases)
✅ Should You Use Montway? Honest Verdict
YES, if you:
- ✅ Ship long distance (cheapest option)
- ✅ Have 2-3 week flexible timeline
- ✅ Value real-time GPS tracking
- ✅ Can handle Yelp 2.3/5 concerns
- ✅ Budget is priority
NO, if you:
- ❌ Need guaranteed pickup/delivery dates
- ❌ Time-critical (job starts Monday)
- ❌ Want price guarantee (Sherpa’s strength)
- ❌ Uncomfortable with Yelp feedback gap
- ❌ Shipping luxury vehicle
Bottom Line:
Montway is legitimate, affordable, and experienced (1.1M vehicles). Best for flexible, budget-conscious, long-distance shippers. Compare all carriers to confirm best fit.
🛡️ Montway Auto Transport Insurance Coverage
Montway provides free insurance coverage included in your car shipping quote. If your vehicle gets damaged during transport, you’re entitled to file a damage claim.
Coverage Includes:
- Accident damage during transport
- Weather damage (hail, rain, flooding)
- Theft during transport
What’s NOT Covered:
- Pre-existing damage (document before pickup!)
- Damage from improper loading (disputed in complaints)
- “Wear and tear” from transport
Damage Claim Process:
- Document damage immediately upon delivery (photos/video)
- Report to Montway within 24 hours
- Get professional damage assessment/quotes
- Submit claim with documentation
- Expect 2-4 weeks for resolution
Realistic Settlements:
Customers report 60-70% of repair costs covered (not 100%).
To get a quote and see pricing for your specific route, visit the Montway Auto Transport website.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1: Is Montway’s 4.7/5 rating real?
Answer: Yes, 4.7/5 is verified across Google (22,749 reviews), BBB, Trustpilot, and Move.org. However, Yelp shows 2.3/5 from 2,475 reviews—a legitimate 2.4-star discrepancy. Both ratings coexist and are real. Yelp’s gap likely due to stricter review filtering or unhappy customers posting there first. Bottom line: Montway is legitimate but not perfect—like all companies.
FAQ #2: Does GPS tracking really work?
Answer: Yes, Montway’s real-time GPS tracking (launched 2024 via Ship.Cars partnership) works—BUT with caveats. You get 24/7 visibility IF the assigned driver has equipment and agrees to tracking. Some drivers decline monitoring. It’s a new feature that should improve, but don’t assume it’s guaranteed. Still, it’s unique vs. most competitors offering zero tracking.
FAQ #3: Why is $0.95/mile cheaper than Sherpa?
Answer: Montway prioritizes volume/efficiency with 30,000+ truckers, which increases competition and lowers prices. Sherpa focuses on quality control + premium customer service (hence higher prices). Both models work—choose based on your priority (budget vs. service).
FAQ #4: When does $249 cancellation fee apply?
Answer: After driver assignment (typically 24-48 hours post-booking). Before assignment, cancellation might be free. Always clarify timing upfront and try to negotiate if circumstances change.
FAQ #5: Can I get Montway discounts?
Answer: Yes. Montway offers military discounts, loyalty rewards, first-time customer freebies, and multi-vehicle discounts. Search “Montway promo code” online for current deals. Ask your booking agent about available offers.
FAQ #6: How long does Montway delivery take?
Answer: Typical timelines: under 500 miles = 1-3 days, 500-1,500 miles = 3-7 days, 1,500+ miles = 5-10 days. Expedited options available (cost extra). Yelp complaints mention occasional delays—get realistic expectations upfront, don’t assume estimates are guaranteed.
