Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
- Each car shipping company charges different rates for different distances, and most offer more than one type of discount.
- The best car shipping companies offer bonus services – such as cleaning – and insure your vehicle in the event of any damages.
- Choosing a car shipping company involves looking at the distance you need a vehicle shipped and the type of vehicle transport available.
When you need to ship a car, you have plenty of options to choose from. But how do you separate the best car shipping companies from the rest?
This article will explore four of the top options for vehicle shipping, delve into the costs associated with auto transport companies, and offer tips on choosing car carriers. Our experts have done extensive research to identify the best car shipping companies so consumers can make the best decisions for themselves and have peace of mind about their shipments.
What Are the Best Car Shipping Companies?
Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight are the best car shipping companies on the market based on our research and secret shopper analysis. Our team of experts rated these auto transporters for price, services, reputation, and customer experience.
| Car Shipping Company | Our Award | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Montway Auto Transport | Best Service | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars |
| #2 Easy Auto Ship | Best Benefits | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars |
| #3 Sherpa Auto Transport | Best for Locked-In Pricing | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| #4 AmeriFreight | Best Deals | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
What Is the Average Car Shipping Cost?
The average car shipping cost can range between $600 to over $2,500. Each company sets different shipping rates, and those costs can vary depending on mileage and a number of other factors:
- Cost of fuel: Shipping prices usually go up if the price of gas rises.
- Driving hazards: Poor road conditions and inclement weather can raise shipping costs.
- Type of vehicle: Larger or specialty vehicles, such as trucks and RVs, usually cost more to ship.
- Time of year: Summer and January are the busy seasons for vehicle transportation, so expect higher prices around those times.
- Destination: Shipping long distance typically costs less per mile but more overall. Shipping overseas incurs even higher fees.
- Transport type: Open transport is more cost-effective than enclosed shipping, while terminal-to-terminal delivery comes at a lower cost than door-to-door.
The market often dictates prices, so the shipping rates of vehicle transport companies fluctuate. Some of the auto shippers mentioned above offer discounts for members of the military, bulk shipments, and people who pay in cash. While some car shipping companies offer no-hassle, free quotes, you may be quoted a different price than you ultimately pay. Few car transporters claim the price of their car shipping quote is set in stone.
#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Service
Availability: 50 states
Montway Auto Transport offers affordable car shipping services across the entire U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. Enclosed and open transport, door-to-door shipping, and expedited shipping options are available, and the car shipper guarantees pickup dates for an extra cost.
Montway has a network of over 15,000 carriers, and the vehicle shipping company says it moved over 140,000 vehicles in 2020 alone. Each of Montway’s land shipments is backed by a cargo insurance policy of up to $100,000. Montway transports the following types of vehicles: ATVs, SUVs, sedans, minivans, motorcycles, classic cars, pickup trucks, and regular cargo and passenger vans.
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Montway Auto Transport:
Open transport, 524 miles: $629
Open transport, 1,032 miles: $849
Open transport, 2,078 miles: $1,559
Closed transport, 1,032 miles: $1,249
Closed transport, 2,078 miles: $2,249
What Customers Say
The majority of Montway Auto Transport reviews are positive, with customers mentioning timely delivery and an easy sales process. Montway is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited vehicle shipping company and has an A+ rating from the organization. Customers on the BBB website also rate Montway an average of 4.49 out of 5 stars after more than 1,750 customer reviews.
#2 Easy Auto Ship: Best Benefits
Availability: 50 states
Another one of the industry’s best car shipping companies, Easy Auto Ship guarantees the instant quote you receive is the price you pay. The car shipping company offers lower rates per mile than most moving companies and honors car shipping quotes up to 30 days after you’ve requested them.
Easy Auto Ship requires no money up front to schedule shipping services, and if a car shipment is delayed more than 14 days, the vehicle shipping company will pay your rental car costs.
Easy Auto Ship’s car transport services include open shipping, enclosed shipping, international shipping, and more. The provider can ship RVs, motorcycles, boats, and golf carts in addition to standard vehicles.
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Easy Auto Ship:
Open transport, 524 miles: $731
Open transport, 1,032 miles: $974
Open transport, 2,078 miles: $1,486
Closed transport, 1,032 miles: $1,344
Closed transport, 2,078 miles: $2,264
What Customers Say
Like the other auto shipping companies we’ve profiled, Easy Auto Ship is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating. Customers give the vehicle shipping company an average of 4.63 out of 5 stars based on about 700 reviews.
On Trustpilot, where Easy Auto Ship has a 4.2 rating out of 5.0 stars, the few reviews highlight great experiences and helpful customer service.
#3 Sherpa Auto Transport: Best for Locked-In Pricing
Availability: 48 states
Consumers who want to know the cost of vehicle transportation from quote to delivery should consider Sherpa Auto Transport. That’s because Sherpa offers one of the easiest online quote tools we’ve seen in the car shipping industry.
In addition, the car shipping company says its Price Lock Promise ensures customers don’t have to worry about hidden fees because it covers costs up to $300 if a carrier charges a higher rate than you’re initially quoted.
Since Sherpa Auto Transport opened its doors in 2017, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based vehicle shipping company has offered transport services for only family cars, classic cars, and vans. If you’re looking to ship specialty vehicles such as RVs, golf carts, or motorcycles, another car shipping company is likely a better choice. Sherpa reimburses customers $20 on a car wash with every delivery as part of its Clean Car Guarantee.
Shipping services include open transport, enclosed carrier transport, expedited delivery, and door-to-door delivery.
Here are a few sample quotes we received from Sherpa Auto Transport:
Open transport, 524 miles: $650
Open transport, 1,032 miles: $925
Open transport, 2,078 miles: $1,825
Closed transport, 1,032 miles: $1,375
Closed transport, 2,078 miles: $2,850
What Customers Say
Customer reviews of Sherpa Auto Transport aren’t as numerous as those of other providers, but they are mostly positive. The vehicle shipping company has a near-perfect 4.90 out of 5-star average customer rating from about 200 reviews on the BBB website, and the BBB-accredited business is rated at A+.
#4 AmeriFreight: Best Deals
Availability: 50 states
AmeriFreight offers comparable options to Montway Auto Transport. In addition to offering auto transport services nationwide, AmeriFreight has add-on insurance coverage to help cover gaps in the carrier’s policy. Under the AFta Total Assurance Plan, AmeriFreight will cover deductibles up to $2,000.
Besides enclosed and open transport, door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping, and expedited services, AmeriFreight will guarantee your car shipment quote if you choose the First Class Rate. The vehicle shipping company also ships specialty vehicles such as ATVs, RVs, boats, and golf carts.
Here are a few sample quotes we received from AmeriFreight:
Open transport, 524 miles: $718
Open transport, 1,032 miles: $828
Open transport, 2,078 miles: $1,049
Closed transport, 1,032 miles: $1,401
Closed transport, 2,078 miles: $1,888
AmeriFreight Discounts
AmeriFreight made our list of the market’s top car shipping companies in part because of its extensive list of discounts. Here’s an overview of the discounts you might qualify for:
- Military: $35 off
- Student: $25 off
- Early bird: $25 off
- Senior citizens: $25 off
- First responders: $35 off
- Return customers: $50 off
- Medical personnel: $35 off
- Multiple vehicles: $50 off (every additional vehicle)
What Customers Say
Customer service is one of AmeriFreight’s strengths. Our research team awarded the BBB-accredited business our Best Deals award for the many discounts it offers, and customer reviews often highlight AmeriFreight’s fair prices and professional services.
The BBB rated AmeriFreight an A+, and customers give the car shipping company an average of 4.86 out of 5 stars across more than 1,100 reviews on the BBB’s website. Google Reviews yield a similar average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.0 after nearly 3,000 reviews.
How to Ship a Car With a Car Shipping Company
Finding the right car shipping company to ship your car is only part of the equation. Once you’ve compared quotes from different auto movers, it’s time to actually ship your car.
Here’s how it’s done, in a few simple steps:
- Book your service: After comparing quotes and deciding on the right provider for you, sign up with your chosen car shipping company. Book a time for your car to be picked up and dropped off. If you need car shipping soon, you may need to pay a fee to expedite your service. At this step, most providers require you to pay an upfront deposit.
- Prepare your car for shipping: Make sure your car is free of personal items unless your car shipping company allows you to pack some. In any case, however, make sure to secure any loose items that might bounce around during transit to prevent damage to your vehicle.
- Get your vehicle to the drop-off point: Depending on your shipping options, you may need to take your car to a shipping terminal. Other options allow the driver to come to you.
- Wait. Depending on the distance, weather conditions, and the auto transporter’s schedule, you may need to wait a few days or more for your car to arrive at its destination. During this time, some providers give you the chance to track your shipment via GPS.
- Pick your car up. Your car shipping company will typically notify you once your vehicle has been dropped off. After you pay the remainder of your fee and sign a few documents, you’ll be back behind the wheel of your car.
What To Look for in a Car Shipping Company
An auto transport provider that’s suitable for one person may not meet your needs. Here are some things our shipping experts say you should look for in an auto transporter:
- Shipping options: While simplicity is nice, most legitimate cross-country transporters offer a variety of shipping methods, such as open and enclosed transport.
- A reputation for service: Look for more auto transport reviews than the ones you find on the provider’s website. Read customer reviews from sources such as the BBB website for a more complete picture of each car shipping company.
- Cargo insurance: It’s important for your vehicle to be protected in the event of damage during the shipping process. Even if you have an insurance policy to cover potential damage, transporting the car securely is the role of the auto carrier. Make sure they can replace your car if needed.
Keep in mind that most car transport companies do not have a fleet of car carriers at their disposal. Instead, many are transport brokers that contract work out to independent auto carriers who choose whether to take a job.
The Best Car Shipping Companies: Wrap Up
Our team found that Montway Auto Transport offers the best combination of prices, services, and customer support among providers we reviewed. But that shouldn’t stop you from checking out any of the other providers on our list.
Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight all performed well enough in our study to earn a place on this list. And the company that provides the best rates to your neighbor may not provide the best rates to you—especially after applying discounts.
Always be sure to get quotes from multiple providers so that you can compare and make an educated decision. All car shipping companies will gladly accept your money to ship your car, but only the best car shipping companies offer you the rates and service you deserve.
FAQ: Car Shipping Companies
What is the best company to ship a car?
Choosing the best company for vehicle transport depends on the destination, the type of transport, and the customer’s budget. Our research team found Montway Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, Sherpa Auto Transport, and AmeriFreight can be good choices because of their affordable prices and solid reputations.
Does AAA offer car shipping?
The roadside assistance provider does not offer vehicle transport, although there is a car shipping company with a similar name.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
For cheaper car shipping, choose a company with open carrier transport, terminal-to-terminal shipping, and flexible pickup dates and delivery times. If you live on the East Coast, Amtrak also offers limited low-cost vehicle shipping by train.
How much does shipping a car usually cost?
Transport costs vary depending on the delivery location, time of year, and method of transport. We’ve found the average cost of shipping is around $1,200, but choosing options such as enclosed transport and door-to-door delivery comes with higher prices.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is an official document that contains all of the relevant information needed to ship your vehicle. It is effectively a contract between you and the auto transporter and serves as a receipt after your transaction is complete. You or a representative may need to sign the Bill of Lading before and after shipment.
Original article: The Top 4 Car Shipping Companies of 2021
from Automoblog https://ift.tt/2YiCOEQ
No comments:
Post a Comment