An in-depth, data-driven comparison of the top-rated US car shipping companies, with a built-in instant comparison calculator.
Our Top Picks for 2025
Instant Shipping Cost Estimator
We use ZIP codes only to estimate distance. No personal info is stored.
How to Choose the Right Shipper
Understanding Broker vs. Carrier
The most important concept to grasp is that most companies you find are **brokers**. They don't own trucks; they connect you to a vast network of independent **carriers** (the truck owners). This model gives you better access and pricing, but your experience depends on the quality of the carrier chosen. A top-tier broker rigorously vets their carriers and acts as your advocate if problems arise.
Why Price Guarantees Matter
The #1 complaint in car shipping is the "bait-and-switch," where a low quote increases later. This happens because quotes are market estimates. If no carrier accepts the job at that price, the broker must offer more. Companies with a **Price Lock Guarantee** (like Sherpa) absorb this potential increase themselves, ensuring your price doesn't change. This feature is a powerful defense against unexpected costs.
The Truth About Insurance
The carrier's insurance is your primary coverage, but it often has gaps (like deductibles or damage from road debris). The best companies offer their own **supplemental or "gap" insurance** (like AmeriFreight or Ship a Car Direct). This provides an extra layer of financial protection and peace of mind, covering out-of-pocket costs if the carrier's policy falls short.
How We Evaluated These Companies
Our Analysis Framework
Our recommendations are not based on marketing claims. We conducted a deep analysis of each company's business model, focusing on what matters most to you:
- Customer Review Analysis: We analyzed thousands of reviews from sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Reddit to identify patterns in customer experiences, both positive and negative.
- Risk Mitigation Features: We prioritized companies offering tangible solutions to common problems, such as guaranteed pricing to prevent "bait-and-switch" tactics and supplemental insurance to cover gaps in carrier policies.
- Transparency and Vetting: We assessed how upfront each company is about its process and evaluated the rigor of its carrier vetting procedures. All listed brokers are verified with the Department of Transportation.
- Value and Unique Options: We looked beyond the base price to identify unique features, valuable discounts, and customer-friendly policies that provide real value and peace of mind.
This site may be compensated through affiliate relationships. We maintain strict editorial independence. Our recommendations are based on our independent research and analysis. For more details, see our Editorial Policy.
Companies to Compare
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*Disclaimer: Prices and data are estimates based on public information and standard sedan transport. Actual quotes may vary based on route, vehicle condition, and seasonality. Review scores collected October 2025. Last Updated: .
Best Car Shipping Companies Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A **carrier** owns the trucks and employs the drivers who physically transport your vehicle. A **broker** is a logistics company that connects you with a large network of pre-vetted carriers. Most companies in this list are brokers, which gives you more flexibility and access to more routes and faster pickup times.
How long does car shipping take?
Delivery time depends on distance. As a general rule: 1-5 days for shipments under 500 miles, 5-8 days for cross-country routes (approx. 2,500 miles). Expedited shipping can shorten this, while factors like weather or traffic can cause delays.
What does "Open" vs. "Enclosed" transport mean?
**Open transport** is the most common and affordable method, where your vehicle is transported on a large, open-air trailer that holds multiple cars. **Enclosed transport** uses a fully covered trailer, protecting your vehicle from weather and road debris. It's recommended for classic, luxury, or high-value cars and typically costs 40-60% more.
How should I prepare my car for shipping?
You should wash your car to make inspection easier, remove all personal items, leave only about 1/4 tank of gas, and ensure your car is in good working order (unless shipping as 'inoperable'). Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup for your records.
How We Choose the Best Car Shipping Companies (2025/2026)
When we say “best car shipping companies,” we mean auto transport providers that combine transparent pricing, reliable service, and strong protections for your vehicle and your wallet. Our evaluation looks at pricing transparency and protections, customer outcomes, reliability and coverage, insurance and risk controls, speed and flexibility, plus the quality of support and education. In plain terms, we favor auto shippers that disclose deposits and price-lock or guaranteed pricing rules up front, resolve damage claims fairly, hit their pickup window consistently, and offer clear guidance before you book. We also consider whether a company operates as a broker or a motor carrier, the depth of its coast-to-coast network, and whether its quotes align with real-world lane demand. This rubric maps to how shoppers actually search: car shipping quotes, auto transport quotes, door-to-door car transport, open vs enclosed car shipping, and cross-country car transport.
Who Each Auto Transport Company Is Best For
Different vehicle shipping services excel in different situations, so the “top auto transport companies” for you depend on your job to be done. If you want price certainty, look for providers that offer a true price-lock guarantee so the quote you accept doesn’t jump after dispatch. Classic, luxury, and collector car owners typically benefit from enclosed car shipping, top-load placement, and higher cargo insurance caps. EV transport requires low-clearance loading knowledge and, in some cases, winch or lift-gate support. Military PCS moves and college drop-offs value flexible door-to-door car transport and dependable transit times. Snowbird car shipping between high-volume winter/spring lanes is all about scheduling early to avoid seasonal spikes. If your car is inoperable or non-running, prioritize carriers that can accommodate winch service and that spell out fees before pickup. These use-cases reflect real buyer intent and help you match with the best auto transport company for your specific route, timeline, and vehicle.
Price Factors and Seasonality: What Drives Car Shipping Quotes
Car shipping quotes are dynamic because national lane demand changes week to week. Distance, route popularity, time of year, the type of trailer (open carrier vs enclosed transport), operability, vehicle size and ride height, and fuel all influence your per-mile rate. In peak summer and winter, when snowbird routes and relocations surge, rates can climb; shoulder months often present better value. You can usually save by choosing open transport for standard vehicles, being flexible with pickup windows, meeting near major interstates, and comparing multiple auto transport quotes with identical specs. If you’re shipping cross-country, expect a broader pickup window and more variation in price; short-haul, state-to-state moves may see tighter timing but fewer enclosed options. Our car shipping calculator reflects these variables to estimate a realistic range, and live carrier quotes can further refine your final price.
Broker vs. Carrier: How the Industry Works
Most “best car shippers” you see online are licensed auto transport brokers. They don’t own the trucks; they coordinate with vetted motor carriers that do the hauling. This isn’t a bad thing—brokers can unlock better coverage on busy and niche lanes—but it makes transparency essential. Reputable brokers disclose deposits, explain dispatch timelines, and connect you with carriers that match your needs, whether that’s enclosed car shipping for a classic or budget-friendly open transport for a daily driver. When comparing the top vehicle transport companies, focus less on the label and more on whether they provide accurate ETAs, fair contracts, and clear next steps from quote to delivery.
How to Verify a Legit Car Shipping Company (FMCSA, USDOT, MC)
Before you book, take two minutes to verify credentials. Every broker and carrier should provide a USDOT and MC number you can check in the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance system and the SAFER Company Snapshot. You’re looking for active authority, adequate cargo insurance, and complaint history that matches what you see in public reviews. Ask how claims work, what the carrier’s insurance covers, and whether supplemental gap coverage is available. At pickup, review and photograph the Bill of Lading (BOL) carefully; it documents your vehicle’s condition and governs the delivery inspection. These simple steps separate the best auto transport companies from the rest and give you confidence whether you choose door-to-door car transport or a terminal-to-terminal handoff.
Red Flags and How to Avoid Scams
If a teaser quote looks too good to be true, it probably is. Watch for sudden price hikes after you pay a non-refundable deposit, vague insurance language, refusal to share USDOT/MC numbers, hard pressure to pay off-platform, or websites that spoof well-known brands. The safest path is to compare like-for-like vehicle shipping services, verify FMCSA data, confirm the deposit and cancellation policy in writing, and insist on a written dispatch rate that matches your approved quote. Choosing a company with guaranteed pricing, clear terms, and responsive support is the simplest way to avoid bait-and-switch headaches.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Pickup (Quick Read)
Good prep helps every carrier deliver on time. Remove personal items unless your company explicitly allows limited cargo, photograph the vehicle from all angles, note existing blemishes, fold mirrors and disable toll tags, and ensure the car can be safely loaded. If your vehicle is non-running, disclose it early so the dispatcher can assign a truck with a winch and set accurate expectations for timing and fees. Proper preparation streamlines the BOL process and reduces delivery disputes.
Methodology & Data: How Our Rankings and Calculator Work
Our rankings weigh real-world outcomes and transparent policies because that’s what creates a predictable experience for customers. We analyze pricing rules (including deposits, price-lock and guaranteed pricing), insurance details, carrier network depth, pickup window accuracy, dispute resolution, and verified customer feedback. Our car shipping calculator combines distance, lane demand, seasonality, trailer type, operability, and fuel trends to produce an instant estimate range. Think of it as a data-driven starting point; live quotes from top auto transport companies convert that range into a final dispatch price. We update our pages regularly so you can compare best-in-market options with current information.
Glossary of Auto Transport Terms (For Fast Decisions)
Understanding the common terms makes comparing nationwide car shipping faster. “Open carrier” is the standard multi-vehicle trailer most people use; “enclosed car shipping” offers covered transport, often chosen for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles. “Door-to-door” means the driver meets you as close as possible to your address, while “terminal-to-terminal” uses regional depots when residential access is tight. “Top-load” places your vehicle on the upper deck to reduce roadside debris risk. The “Bill of Lading (BOL)” is the inspection and contract document you’ll sign at pickup and delivery. “Pickup window” and “transit time” set expectations for scheduling and routing. “Cargo insurance” and optional “gap coverage” define how damage claims are handled. These definitions align with how shoppers—and search engines—evaluate the best car shipping companies and related services.
The Bottom Line
The best car shipping company for you is the one that balances cost, speed, and protection for your specific situation. Use our comparison to shortlist providers, verify FMCSA credentials with a quick USDOT/MC check, choose open vs enclosed transport based on your vehicle and risk tolerance, and book early if you’re shipping during peak seasons or on popular snowbird routes. With clear terms, accurate car shipping quotes, and a realistic pickup window, nationwide vehicle transport can be straightforward—whether you’re moving cross-country, relocating for school or military PCS, sending a non-running project car for repairs, or shipping an EV to a new home.